Thursday, March 21, 2024

Bridging the Future of MIAS Through the Years

The automotive industry in the Philippines is brimming with innovation and technology that has benefitted all. As the second fastest-growing vehicle market in the ASEAN region, the Philippines has continued to improve the automotive user experience for everyone, such as implementing road changes and building new roads to traverse. The industry is very adaptive and responsive to the many changes it has introduced and over the years these changes have fully integrated into the industry as the norm for many car owners and manufacturers.

For 19 years, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) has showcased the very best of the automotive industry in the Philippines by featuring the many innovations and changes the industry has developed. MIAS has been at the forefront of showcasing what the Philippine automotive industry has to offer, with many car brands and visitors wanting to be a part of this experience. MIAS has always remained unchanged and has kept the perfect formula for its different events, programs, and exhibits to give visitors the best automotive experience in Asia.

    
As the event nears its 20th-year celebration next year, MIAS is dedicated to making this year a memorable one by giving a peek at what to expect in the coming years. MIAS has always served as the “bridge” for the automotive industry to show its innovations and wow the audience with its latest car models and products. It is with this that for this 19th edition of MIAS, the theme will be “Bridging the Future”. MIAS and its organizers have kept their promise to make every MIAS a worthwhile visit, bridging your hopes and dreams into reality.

Take part in witnessing the future of the Philippine automotive industry here at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2024, happening from April 4 to 7, 2024, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila. You can get your tickets here at  https://manilaautoshow.com/

MIAS 2023 is organized by Worldbex Services International and for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

The 8th ASEAN Gaming Summit

It’s all about that (Premium) mass. This year’s edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit, running in Manila since 2017, is dedicated to the industry’s shift from its targeted VIP legacy to a mass consumer market and what you need to engage that coveted slice of the top: Premium mass.

Join the three-day calendar event that brings the industry together in the Philippines: Bricks and Mortar, Online, PIGOs and POGOs, Regulators, Operators, Suppliers, Affiliates, and Service Providers.

Hear directly from the CEOs about how the pandemic was a catalyst for change and how they’ve adapted and thrived.

Keynote Speaker, Hann Resorts CEO Daesik Han will recount his story and share his plans for expansion in a special fireside chat format that ASEAN is debuting this year.

Panel discussions branch out beyond the home ground of the Philippines to encompass Macau, the Southeast Asia jurisdictions, as well as the much talked about upcoming potential markets: Thailand and the UAE

Focusing on what really matters, insiders discuss localization for the online offering, traffic, affiliate marketing, and the ever-evolving cybersecurity measures.

Experts demystify Cashless Gaming and Crypto, among other in-depth sessions, separating the waters between the technology, its application, and implementation rates.

“The AGB team is thrilled about hosting another edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit in the Philippines, where the whole spectrum of the industry, online and land-based, can come together, to engage, discuss, and showcase their offering,” Asia Gaming Brief Managing Director Luis Pereira said.

“With the industry’s support, ASEAN has become the premier gaming conference in Manila since its inception in 2017,” Luis Pereira noted, adding that “this year, in tandem with the industry’s growth across the region, we are delighted to be providing a larger capacity exhibition, as well as a stellar lineup of speakers, to provide our delegates a memorable experience.

The premier gaming conference in the Philippines is rounded out with a 3,000-sq.m. exhibition area at Newport Resorts World, where you’ll find the relevant established brands and newcomers to the industry and the Asia markets: from manufacturers to suppliers, payments providers, and other online solutions.

From March 18th–21st, at the Shang RI LA  Hotel at the Fort, attendees will find a dynamic and engaging experience featuring expert panel discussions, workshops, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the latest technology and advancements in the gaming industry

PAGCOR Chairman Tengco, Bloomberry COO Thomas Arasi, Keynote Speakers at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024

PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco and Thomas Arasi, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bloomberry Resorts Corp., headline a stellar speaker lineup at the 6th edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit on 19th-21st March 2024. 

Kicking off the summit is Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), who will deliver the State of the Industry Opening Address on the morning of Tuesday, 19th March.

In the following session, also on Tuesday morning, Thomas Arasi, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp., will deliver the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024 Keynote address. This comes as excitement builds for the Solaire Resort Entertainment City operator to open its newest property, Solaire Resort North, in Quezon City in late May.

A particular highlight of the Summit program is the C-Level panel, led by Alex Leese, CEO of Pronet Gaming. The top-level discussion includes experts Michael Charlton – Asia Pacific Director of Entain, and Simon Lidzén – CEO of Fast Track, promising a candid discussion about the industry outlook in Asia, with the Philippines at the epicenter.

And the Philippines will continue in focus, with Hakan Dagtas, Chief Operating Officer of Newport World Resorts, headlining the operators’ panel – discussing the growth outlook of the nation’s market as it plays a leading role in the Asia gaming industry – on the afternoon of Wednesday, 20th March.

Amongst the other notable sessions are a fireside chat with The Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casino CEO Walter Power, and a CEZA presentation by the economic zone’s Administrator and CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile. In addition, Evan Spytma, CEO of Hotel Stotsenberg, will discuss the game-changing opportunities of the Remote Gaming Licensees that replaced PIGOs.

This year’s ASEAN Gaming Summit continues to magnify the industry presence in the region, bringing together top gaming executives, distributors, manufacturers, and regulators for honest, open, and informative talks to sustainably benefit all parties.

Signing of Agreement between KWF, PNU-LSC, UP-Lingg, and DLSU-Filipino for the International Conference on Endangered Languages

Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was held by the Filipino Language Commission (KWF), Language Study Center of Philippine Normal University (LSC-PNU), Department of Linguistics of University of the Philippines Diliman (UP-Lingg), and Department of Filipino of De La Salle University (DLSU-Filipino) for the forthcoming Second World Conference on Endangered Languages The International Conference on Language Endangerment (ICLE). This was held on 15 March 2024 at KWF office in Malacanang Complex, San Miguel, Manila.

It was attended by KWF officials and employees headed by President Arthur P. Casanova, and PNU Reps Dr. Denmark L. Yonson, Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholder Services at Dr. Joel C. Malabanan, PNU-LSC; DLSU representative Dr. Rhoderick V. Nuncio, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Rowell Madula, President of DLSU-Filipino, and professors Dr. Deborrah Sadile Anastacio and Dr. David Michael San Juan; and UP-Lingg representative Dr. Maria Kristina S. Gallego, Chairman, UP-Week and Ms. Jurekah Chene Abrigo.

ICLE is a three-day in person conference that will serve as a venue for experts, language scholars, researchers, members of indigenous cultural heritage to share studies, experiences, and exchange ideas on addressing issues related to language risk.
It aims to empower indigenous citizens or indigenous peoples (IPs) through their involvement in the development of policies, programs, and research for the protection of their language. ICLE 2024 recognises IPs' increased capability and involvement in safeguarding their own language and culture. In the International Decade of Indigenous Language (IDIL) 2022-2032 Global Action Plan (GAP), IPs are identified as one of the key target groups that are crucial to be involved in language work. As IPs, they are the forefront of change, they have the right and duty to translate or transmit their language to the next generation. But they can't do it alone without help from government agencies, institutions, organizations, experts, researchers, and other entities.
So, ICLE 2024, will feature studies focused on developed/developed language policies, language documentation, language stimulation, IP education, community-based programs, and other topics relevant to native language care.

It is scheduled to be held on 9–11 October 2024 at the PNU Main Building Auditorium. Stay tuned for hints for the call for research paper and acceptance of participants.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Summit to Celebrate 5th BARMM Foundation Day and 10th Anniversary of Peace Day

On March 14, 2024, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a global peace non-government organization, reiterated the need to institutionalize peace as it held the 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The event's theme resonated deeply: "Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding."


This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person. Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.
I am sending the press release and photos of the said event. Please feel free to use the materials on your media outlet or social media pages. We would appreciate it if you could share the link or photos of your post so that we can cross-share on our page.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

WORLDBEX 2024 Officially Opens!


The anticipation peaks as the grand opening of WORLDBEX 2024 commences with a flourish of excitement and anticipation. Distinguished guests and industry leaders from around the world gather to witness the unveiling of the premier event in the building and design industries.

Amidst the buzzing atmosphere, esteemed VIPs grace the occasion with their presence, adding to the prestige and allure of the event. Among the notable guests in attendance are: Hon.Senator Bong Revilla Jr. Represented by Congresswoman Lani Mercado, Hon. Senator Mark A. Villar, Hon Assistant Secretary Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero, Hon. Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Hon. Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, Mr. Slater Young, Ms. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Delegates from the Diplomatic Corps, PIID Officers, Fellows and Members, Members of Diplomatic Corps, President of Association Partners, and the Representative from Architecture Firms and The World of Architecture.

As the ribbon is ceremoniously cut, signaling the official commencement of Worldbex 2024, the air is filled with excitement for the remarkable exhibition displays and world-class innovations that await within. From immersive booths to interactive showcases, attendees are treated to glimpse our sustainable future.

Throughout Worldbex 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to explore myriad exhibits, engage in thought-provoking seminars, and network with industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a focus on the theme "Drawn to Ascendancy," this year's event promises to inspire and elevate the industry to new heights. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries, Worldbex continues to be a catalyst for growth and development in the industry.

WORLDBEX 2024 is organized by Worldbex Services International.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

House Bill No. 9939 of 19th Congress, Must Be Opposed

House Bill No. 9939 of the 19th Congress (Prohibiting Filipino Dubbing of English-Language Motion Pictures and Television Programs, Requiring Audiovisual Production, Broadcasting, Film Distribution or Streaming Services to Provide Filipino Subtitles therein, and for Other Purposes) by Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez should be opposed.

United the majority of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Language Commission (KWF) Com. Benjamin M. Mendillo Jr., Com. Carmelita C. Abdurahman and Director General Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran that this should be followed because it will never be based on considering our ability to use foreign language to sacrifice our own language just for our score to rise in a global standard while the hunger and hunger of many Filipinos and our language foundation will melt of our identity and wisdom! Banning Filipino in movies is a tyranny to what Filipinos should understand while watching. This should be opposed.

KWF has a mandate to promote the continuous development and use of Filipino bílang Wangang Pambansa while protecting the indigenous languages of the Philippines towards understanding, unity, and development of the Filipino community.