Creative Nation Summit 2024

The Creative Nation Summit 2024, held on September 30 to October 1 at Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, was a collaborative effort by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the British Council. The two-day event gathered over 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and creative professionals to discuss strategies for positioning the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s premier creative hub by 2030. With a focus on creative technology, cultural statistics, and creative placemaking, the summit served as a vital platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Government officials, international experts, and key stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening the creative industries and driving economic growth through culture and technology.

The first day of the summit centered on creative technology, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) in shaping the future of the creative sector. Experts shared insights on how these tools could enhance content creation, expand market reach, and improve productivity for Filipino creatives. Live demonstrations and panel discussions showcased emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the industry. Among the key speakers was Graham Hitchen from Loughborough University, who explored the intersection of creativity and technology. The event also underscored the importance of research and development (R&D) in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the creative economy.

On the second day, discussions shifted toward cultural statistics and creative placemaking, highlighting the role of data in shaping policies and ensuring sustainable growth in the creative sector. Speakers from UNESCO, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Philippine Statistics Authority presented frameworks for measuring the economic impact of creative industries. The concept of creative placemaking was explored in depth, with Tom Kihl, a UK expert, discussing how integrating arts and culture into urban development can revitalize communities and boost economic opportunities. Policymakers and industry leaders emphasized the need for data-driven strategies to foster social unity, economic prosperity, and cultural preservation.

The Creative Nation Summit 2024 concluded with a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ commitment to developing its creative economy. DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba outlined the country’s Creative Industries Development Plan, focusing on building ecosystems, fostering innovation, and expanding market opportunities. Meanwhile, British Council Country Director Lotus Postrado and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, reiterated the UK’s support in enhancing global collaboration and cultural exchange. The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the creative sector, setting the stage for continued partnerships, policy development, and industry growth. As part of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (#WeAreACreativeNation), the summit reinforced the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in creativity and innovation.

Transport and Logistics Philippines 2024

Transport and Logistics Philippines 2024 was a three-day event held from September 18–20 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, bringing together key industry players in transportation, supply chain, and storage solutions. The expo showcased a wide range of commercial vehicles, transportation equipment, security solutions, and inventory management technologies. With over 450 exhibitors and more than 4,000 trade buyers, the event served as a platform for businesses to explore the latest innovations and establish strategic partnerships. The majority of attendees were decision-makers and industry advisors, highlighting the expo’s role in shaping the future of logistics and supply chain management in the country.

In addition to exhibitions, the event featured collaborative seminars led by international experts, focusing on key industry trends such as digitalization, AI integration, and infrastructure development. Supported by organizations like LogiSYM, ICCPI, PSMPE, and PASIA, these discussions provided insights into optimizing transportation, import-export logistics, and workforce management. Exclusive product launches showcased advancements like electric commercial vehicles, smart warehouses, and predictive analytics, further reinforcing the event’s commitment to industry transformation. Business matching activities facilitated meaningful connections among stakeholders, fostering discussions on technological adoption and operational efficiency.

The expo also hosted the "Hatid Trabaho Fair Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas," a job fair in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Pasay City LGU, and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). This initiative provided on-site hiring opportunities for professionals in the transport and logistics sector. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Romando S. Artes emphasized the event’s role in revolutionizing infrastructure and mobility, helping drive nationwide economic growth. Organized by Global-Link MP with Ayala Foundation, Inc. as a beneficiary partner, the expo reinforced the Philippines’ position as a key player in global logistics while offering businesses and professionals the tools to enhance their operations and competitiveness.

Synology Solution Day 2024

The Synology Solution Day 2024, held on September 11 at SMX Aura Convention Center, successfully gathered over 500 IT professionals to explore the latest advancements in data storage, management, protection, and surveillance. The event marked the first public unveiling of Synology’s new enterprise-level solutions in the Philippines, emphasizing scalability, security, and AI-driven technologies. Highlights included high-capacity storage solutions, an advanced backup appliance, and AI-powered productivity tools designed to improve business resilience. Claire Huang, Country Manager of Synology Philippines, underscored the company’s growth over the past three years, noting its success in serving businesses across manufacturing, government, and retail industries.

During the event, Synology addressed ransomware protection and the growing complexities of large-scale IT deployments. Experts shared insights on tackling modern cybersecurity threats and leveraging AI for efficient data management. Real-world case studies from Toyota Vietnam and SLC Group Thailand demonstrated how businesses effectively integrate Synology solutions to enhance security and streamline operations. Synology also introduced its ActiveProtect series, offering multi-server protection with immutability features to combat data breaches, and the GS series, a scale-out storage solution for businesses needing seamless expansion. The launch of C2 Surveillance Station, a cloud-based video surveillance system with edge AI and multi-layer encryption, showcased the company’s commitment to advanced monitoring solutions.

In addition to security and storage solutions, Synology highlighted updates to its Office Suite, integrating Generative AI (GenAI) features to enhance collaboration and workflow efficiency. These innovations aim to simplify document management and improve cross-department productivity. Joanne Weng, Director of Synology’s International Business Department, expressed appreciation for the support from enterprise clients, emphasizing the Philippines as a key emerging market. She reiterated Synology’s commitment to empowering IT teams by providing transparent, efficient, and easy-to-deploy solutions. The Synology Solution Day 2024 reinforced the company’s dedication to advancing enterprise IT infrastructure, ensuring businesses remain resilient in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Twilight Infinity Community Meetup Featuring Bitget ​​

Twilight Infinity Meetup: A Night of Web3, Talent, and Exciting Rewards

The Twilight Infinity Community Meetup, held on August 10, 2024, at Glitch Bar & Bistro in Parañaque, brought together KOLs, influencers, and Web3 enthusiasts for a night of networking and celebration. Sponsored by Bitget, Bitdigest, and Gainers Ground, the event provided a vibrant atmosphere filled with discussions on crypto, NFTs, and Web3 gaming. Attendees engaged in interactive activities, live performances, and insightful conversations, transforming the gathering into an energetic afterparty rather than a traditional meetup. The community-driven event fostered meaningful connections, highlighting the rapid growth and enthusiasm surrounding the Web3 space.

Adding a unique touch to the evening, community members showcased their talents, with Louise Jen Manalo, a TikTok content creator, captivating the audience with her singing performance. The meetup also featured a live podcast, a first for Twilight Infinity, where Alvon, the community's founder, hosted a Q&A session with Mark Cedrix Casto, Marketing Manager at Bitget. Their engaging discussion provided valuable insights into the Web3 industry, while the interactive format encouraged audience participation. The spontaneous energy between the hosts and attendees further strengthened the sense of camaraderie within the community.

The excitement continued with a prize giveaway, courtesy of Bitget, offering attendees the chance to win over 300 $BGB tokens, stylish luggage, and customized keyboards. The highlight of the evening came when Papa Bii, a well-known influencer, won the grand prize: a Nintendo Switch, earning cheers from the crowd. This moment encapsulated the spirit of fun, collaboration, and community that defined the Twilight Infinity Meetup. The event’s overwhelming success not only reinforced the strength of the Web3 community but also set the stage for future gatherings filled with innovation and engagement.

Trenchless Asia 2024

Trenchless Asia 2024 was held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on July 16th and 17th, 2024. This prestigious forum brought together professionals, practitioners, and experts in the field of trenchless technology from the Asia-Pacific region. Attendees had the opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore the latest advancements and best practices in this field.

The event focused on upgrading and repairing aging water and sewer pipelines efficiently, cost-effectively, and with minimal disruption to communities. It was a valuable platform for charting the future of trenchless technology in the region.

9th World Cities Summit (WCS)

The 9th World Cities Summit (WCS) took place in Singapore from June 2nd to 4th, 2024. This three-day event included the main conference, the WCS Mayors Forum, the WCS Young Leaders Symposium, the Lee Kuan Yew World Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet, and an exhibition. The summit provided a platform for government leaders and industry experts to discuss challenges related to liveable and sustainable cities, share solutions, and build partnerships.

Under the theme "Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Rejuvenate, Reinvent, Reimagine," delegates explored five thematic tracks: Cities for People, Resilient & Regenerative Cities, Smart Cities, Sustainable Financing of Cities, and Future Cities. Each track featured plenaries, in-depth discussions, special convenings, and roundtables organized with strategic partners. The Resilient Cities Network partnered on the Resilient and Regenerative Cities track.

The WCS 2024 focused on how cities can achieve smart, resilient, and regenerative growth while ensuring a good quality of life for all. It emphasized the need for cities to continually evolve and adapt to climatic, financial, and societal pressures. The summit served as an exclusive platform for sharing integrated urban solutions and forging new partnerships, with key highlights including the WCS Mayors Forum, the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, and the WCS Young Leaders Symposium.

Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC)

The Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) 2024 took place in Singapore from June 1st to 4th, bringing together Rotaractors from across the Asia Pacific region. Attendees participated in workshops, keynote speeches, and networking events designed to inspire and equip young leaders with the skills to drive positive change. The conference, held at Singapore Management University, provided a platform for the exchange of ideas, cultures, and service initiatives.

Highlights of the conference included impactful keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and cultural presentations showcasing the region's diversity. Participants expressed appreciation for their clubs, leaving their marks at the Ice Cream Museum. The conference broadened attendees' perspectives and reinforced their commitment to service and leadership.

The APRRC 2024 proved to be an enriching experience for all involved. Members returned home inspired and equipped with new ideas to enhance local projects. The event fostered connections, encouraged innovation, and celebrated cultural exchange, leaving attendees more motivated than ever to implement solutions and collaborate globally to make a positive impact.

ICP 3rd Anniversary + ICP HUB PH (ISLA Camp) Business Mixer

The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) celebrated its third anniversary with a Business Mixer hosted by ICP HUB PH (ISLA Camp) on May 23, 2024. The event brought together professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses to network, learn, and celebrate within the ICP ecosystem. The evening featured insightful discussions, interactive games, and presentations on future plans and opportunities, highlighting the growth and potential of Web3 in the Philippines.

Co-founder of ICP Hub PH, Nelson Lumbres, welcomed attendees and emphasized the transformative potential of ICP in driving technological advancements. A panel discussion moderated by Mike Mislos, featuring industry experts like Jiro Reyes, Dom De Leon, David Genesis Pedeglorio, and Steve Jimenez, explored business opportunities for Web3 in the Philippines. Panelists discussed blockchain's role in financial inclusion, the importance of developer communities, the significance of decentralized applications, and the need for community engagement to drive Web3 adoption.

The event also included an icebreaker and trivia games hosted by Juliane Indiongco, with prizes awarded to winners. Lumbres later outlined future plans for ICP, including community grants like the Innovator-in-Residence, Education/Devshop, and Influencer grants, as well as a Web3 Incubation Program. Tech Lead Eli Rabadon presented technical advancements and upcoming projects, further demonstrating ICP Hub PH's commitment to nurturing talent and accelerating Web3 innovation in the Philippines.

About ICP

The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) is a revolutionary decentralized cloud platform that enables developers to create and deploy applications directly on a public blockchain, offering unparalleled scalability. Applications built on ICP are secure and tamper-proof, with the ability to interact seamlessly with both traditional web services and other blockchains in a trustless environment. This high-speed, cost-effective, and energy-efficient protocol is setting a new standard for decentralized networks in the Web3 era.

2024 Indo-Pacific Business Forum

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. headlined the 2024 Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City, on May 21, 2024, underscoring efforts to enhance the Philippines’ economic and business landscape. The event, was organized by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in collaboration with the Philippine Government and the U.S. Department of State, and aimed to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the U.S. and its Indo-Pacific partners.

This year’s IPBF gathered over 500 business leaders, project developers, government officials, and industry experts from across the region, with a virtual platform ensuring broader participation. The forum featured panel discussions, networking opportunities, and business-matching sessions focused on infrastructure investments, particularly in clean energy transition, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, and health and food security. Attendees gained insights into government tools and programs supporting regional economic projects.

The 2024 IPBF was a direct outcome of President Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he invited American business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines during the Philippines-U.S. Business Forum. He emphasized that the IPBF served as a platform to showcase the country’s investment potential, reinforcing its position as an attractive destination for international business ventures.

Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2024

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2024, held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, once again proved itself as the leading automotive event in the Philippines. Taking place from April 4 to 7, 2024, the exhibition welcomed over 120,000 attendees and featured the latest vehicle models and innovations from both local and international manufacturers. With the theme "Driving Tomorrow," the event highlighted significant advancements in automotive technology, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles. Prominent brands such as Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai introduced their newest environmentally friendly models, emphasizing the industry's growing commitment to sustainable transportation.

Aside from car exhibits, MIAS 2024 offered interactive displays and test-driving experiences, enabling visitors to explore the latest automotive technologies up close. The event also hosted the "Innovation in Motion" symposium, where industry leaders shared insights on topics such as autonomous driving, smart car technology, and the future of mobility in urban areas. A special section was dedicated to startups and tech companies, giving emerging businesses the opportunity to showcase their contributions to the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

One of the biggest crowd-pleasers was the classic car competition, where numerous carefully restored vintage vehicles were displayed, celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the automobile industry. The show concluded with the highly anticipated "Car of the Year" award, which was presented to a newly launched electric SUV that stood out for its innovative design and outstanding performance. As MIAS 2024 came to an end, exhibitors and visitors alike left the event with a greater appreciation for the future of transportation in the Philippines and worldwide.

ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024

 #ASEANGamingSummit2024

The ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024, hosted by Asia Gaming Brief, was held from March 19 to 21 at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, Philippines, marking an important event in the gaming industry. The summit drew an unprecedented crowd of approximately 1,600 participants, surpassing previous attendance records. Industry professionals from various countries, including Macau, Armenia, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Cambodia, India, Germany, the UK, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore, were present. This diverse attendance highlighted the summit's significance as a key platform for networking and industry discussions. The event provided a space for gaming leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore emerging trends and developments within the sector.

Over the course of three days, the summit featured a wide range of speakers and panel discussions, offering valuable insights into different aspects of gaming. Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), delivered the opening address, discussing the state of the industry and its evolving landscape. Following this, Bloomberry Resorts Corp.'s President and COO, Thomas Arasi, presented a keynote speech, sharing the success story of Solaire Resort & Casino. These presentations set the stage for various discussions that bridged both land-based and online gaming markets. The summit's agenda covered an extensive array of topics, focusing on market trends, technological innovations, and regulatory developments.

The exhibition area showcased the latest advancements in gaming technology, with exhibitors from around the world presenting their products and services. Leading companies such as Pronet Gaming, BetConstruct, DST Gaming, and Fast Track played a major role as sponsors, underscoring their commitment to innovation. Philippine-based businesses also made a strong impression, reflecting the country's rapidly expanding gaming industry. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations, experiencing firsthand the latest gaming solutions. The exhibition highlighted the industry's dynamic nature and its continuous pursuit of technological progress. Also, one of the event's key highlights was the Asia Gaming Awards, which recognized outstanding contributions to the gaming industry. 

HONOR X9b 5G BAGSAKAN Vol. 2 Concert

 #HONORX9b5GBagsakan

#AllAngleUltraTough ​

#TheToughestPhone

On March 16, 2024, a lively and electrifying event unfolded at McKinley Whisky Park in Taguig City. The HONOR X9b 5G BAGSAKAN Vol. 2 Concert delighted the audience with performances from renowned artists such as Parokya ni Edgar, Kween Yasmin, Jarlo Bâse, and Over October, accompanied by the comedic talents of Alex Calleja & The Comedy Crew. Attendees had the chance to enjoy the music while also participating in various activities to win HONOR gadgets and other exciting prizes. The event provided an unforgettable experience for all who attended, creating lasting memories and moments of joy.

#HONORX9b5GBagsakan

#AllAngleUltraTough ​

#TheToughestPhone

PTTC-GMEA MSME Summit and 37th founding anniversary

#PTTC-GMEA  #Global MSME Academy  #DTI

The Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), the training arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), celebrated its 37th founding anniversary on February 27-28, 2024, at its headquarters in Pasay City. With the theme “Forging Global Futures: 37 Years of Pioneering Excellence and Innovation,” the event highlighted PTTC-GMEA’s long-standing commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines and beyond. The celebration aimed to recognize the institution’s contributions to entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and equip MSMEs with essential tools for success in an evolving business landscape.

The two-day event featured plenary sessions, workshops, business clinics, and trade fairs, offering valuable insights from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and policymakers. The plenary sessions focused on critical themes such as “Pioneering Paths for MSME Futures,” which encouraged young entrepreneurs, and “Fostering Creativity and Collaboration for MSME Growth,” which emphasized innovation in business. Attendees also explored PTTC-GMEA facilities through guided tours and interactive demonstrations, further enhancing their understanding of the latest trends and technologies in entrepreneurship.

DTI officials, including Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual and Usec. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, underscored the role of MSMEs in driving economic growth and competitiveness. Executive Director Nelly Nita N. Dillera set the tone for the event, reinforcing PTTC-GMEA’s mission of global empowerment. A youth entrepreneurship workshop, “Giving Rise to Enterprise,” led by Professor Melchor C. Morandarte, engaged aspiring entrepreneurs in discussions on business development and strategy. The anniversary celebration served as a platform for MSMEs to connect, learn, and position themselves for long-term success in the global market.