CARA Movie Screening: Wonder Woman

Be pro-active! CARA Welfare Philippines needs your help to raise funds for the rescued cats and dogs by inspiring the community to respect and be compassionate towards street animals.

Watch the special screening of a much awaited movie for the benefit CARA Welfare Philippines rescued cats and dogs.

What: Wonder Woman Movie Screening 
When: June 3, 2017 (Saturday) at 4:30pm 
Where: Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2 

Ticket price: P800 

Reserve your tickets now by paying thru the following methods:

1. Via the CARA clinic: 175 Lopez-Rizal corner Samat street, Mandaluyong
2. Via BPI Bank deposit: Acct. name: CARA Welfare Philippines Acct. number: 3191-0467-05
3. Via Paypal: http://www.caraphil.org/mainsite/get-involved/donate/

Please send proof of payment (receipt, screenshot or deposit slip) to events@caraphil.org and you will be informed of seat availability. First pay, first serve so get your tickets now! :)

CARA was formed in the year 2000 by a dedicated group of animal lovers determined to help the plight of animals in the Philippines. CARA are a non-profit, non-government organization (managed entirely by volunteers) advocating animal welfare.

For more information, visit the CARA Welfare Philippines Facebook page. 

MaxiTrim by Glorious Blend

A Sweet Cup of Weight Loss 

MaxiTrim is a good cup of coffee made for weight loss. It is mild, lightly creamy, yet has the aroma of a rich brew in a complete mixture.

The powder is easily dissolved when hot water is poured on it. Stirring is hardly required, there is little foam, and the brown color is lighter than most brews as it does contain creamer.

When choosing a weight loss product, it is important to know what you are consuming. 

Made with Stevia, the all-natural sweetner from the plant, MaxiTrim has the sweetness that makes it more enjoyable to consume. The Stevia has a lingering taste and it will satisfy the sweet craving without the diabetic intake. The specific brand used in this weight loss coffee is Sweet & Fit Stevia. 

MaxiTrim by Glorious Blend combines the weight properties of caffeine with the Stevia, among other ingredients, to include the fat burning powers of L-carnatine. 

Caffeine also aids in weight loss as well as giving us the extra perk. MaxiTrim also has the addition of moringa (malunggay) making it more of a supplement intake.

Available at many of the popular groceries and drugstores, learn more about MaxiTrim by liking the Glorious Blend Facebook page.
 

Coconut Oil: All-Natural Healing Medicine

Coconut oil is a treatment for Alzheimer's, skin ailments, and more.

Going back to basics, an organic lifestyle is best during these times when synthetic products reign. It could be a matter of supply and demand such as the requirement for medicine and the lack of certifications of natural cures and remedies. It is good to keep in mind though that most medicine that we can buy do have ingredients made from plants. The medical profession has been deriving their medicine from plants since time immemorial. Up to today, there are cultures that do stick to their traditional medicine as it has proven effective.

The difficulty encountered by many companies that do make herbal medicine is that it is labeled as a supplement, with the addition of the statement that there are no proven effects. The lack of research studies and rigorous lab testing brings about this problem.

The medicinal benefits of coconut oil discovered by a Filipino, Dr. Conrado Dayrit, who brought it to the US for research to be done. The RX picture above belongs to this esteemed doctor who paved the way for this natural healing product to be acclaimed worldwide. Research studies to include that of Dr. Bruce Fife, who had authored books about the medical science of coconut oil, show that it is a natural cure for certain skin condition such as Psoriasis, and that it is an oil that is the best choice for cooking to reduce the risk of heart ailments and inflammation that cause joint pain.



These healing nature of coconut oil can reverse the awful signs of Alzheimer's such as lack of recognition of objects like a clock. To prove their research findings, during the Medical Science of Coconut Oil forum, lead by the son of Dr. Dayrit along with Dr. Bruce Fife, the clock test results of an Alzheimer's patient were shown. The clock was not recognized as seen in the 2nd picture as the patient just drew squiggles but after taking coconut oil for a certain period of time, the patient was able to draw the clock as seen in the third picture. It was an amazing revelation of a natural cure for a condition like Alzheimer's that is said to have no cure.

The best kind of Virgin Coconut Oil has pharmaceutical grade which you can find along with various products made from coconut oil such as coconut sugar, lip balm and even Cocotella by visiting the Super Coco Facebook page.

ShopBack: Mother's Day Event

Internet Savvy Shopping 

Earn cash back by doing what you usually do online like booking a Grab ride or shopping at Lazada simply by using ShopBack! 

Anyone who shops online and want to get more value for their money has to download the ShopBack app or access the website. There are advantages to this cash back site, as you get a certain amount for purchases made by accessing other sites from their site. 

It is the way to shop smarter online.

ShopBackMoms 

The Mother's Day event of ShopBack was held on April 26, 2017 at Conti's, a restaurant located at the Greenbelt area of Makati. It was a cozy affair with heaps of great food and beverages. The event started on time and it was fun to learn the details of what benefits one can get from using ShopBack.

There were raffles and games, making the event more fun and gratifying. I was one of the lucky winners, gathering two prizes to include that of the early bird prize. The event was not a mixer but more like a forum as the information shared was vital to all shoppers like me.

The facts about ShopBack include that you can get to save while shopping as each site accessed through their site with purchases made or services used does have a certain percentage that will be placed in your ShopBack account. For example, accessing the Grab app via ShopBack and booking a ride gives you 5 pesos in your ShopBack account. Other details were discusses, like how the cash back can be withdrawn were also discussed.

The event was fun, a learning experience, and can benefit all who shop online.

You can get 100 pesos into your account by signing up for FREE at ShopBack.

SuperMoms Big Day at SM City Sucat

Honoring the Heroism of Mothers

Parañaque City - Touching, bonding, unforgettable moments were created during the Mother's Day celebration at SM City Sucat on May 14, 2017.

SuperMoms Big Day Event 

SM City Sucat shoppers had patiently waited for the 4 pm event as even right after lunch, the chairs in front of the stage were nearly all occupied. The audience had spent their time waiting to make sure they had reserved seats for the show while they relaxed and watched videos on the large screen to include this SM Supermalls video.

Jollibee 

To start of the event, the most popular bee in the world thrilled the audience as he greeted them by shaking hands and thrilled the little ones by patting their heads. The sound of joyful laughter filled the place that was jammed pack with people to include those from the second and third floor view point as Jollibee did a dance number. 

After dancing, Jollibee and the team gave away boxes upon boxes of their most delicious spaghetti to mothers, and the overflowing extra ones to the family members, which are such thoughtful food gifts. 

Zumba Gems 

Taking the stage by storm, the Zumba Gems dance number was high energy in motion. The music was great like the throwback Macarena song that made many in the audience start doing the moves. The Zumba Gems group that has regular dance sessions that anyone can join at this SuperMall, had the energy levels of youth, drawing attention to the senior citizen grandfather who was upbeat and full of life.

SuperMoms 

This celebration was held to honor every mother for being a hero to their family and to share the inspirational stories of the selected mothers that did grace the Atrium A stage of SM City Sucat. 

These mothers were pre-selected from the various communities of this city. They were given special gifts such as enormous chocolate bars and a large pancake pack.

Touching, bonding moments for each participant and their child were created as there was a symbolic gold necklace offering. The audience had a heartfelt experience from this SM City Sucat SuperMoms show that reached out to the entire family.

The musical serenade during this event was provided by the Psalms of David group. It added to the creation of the perfect moments for Mother's Day 2017. The host was kind, jolly, and fluid, ensuring that each mother had her time with the child and highlighted the most positive comments from the event that he had gathered from the participants and the crowd.

Though the event lasted for a long time, the audience stayed up to the last minute, walking slowly away after, as their anticipation was fulfilled indeed as the SM City Sucat Mother's Day celebration provided joyful memories to all.

For updates on sales and events like this one, like the SM City Sucat Facebook page.

The Medical Science of Coconut Oil Forum

Manila, Philippines, - Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D – the Author of over 20 booksincluding the best selling "THE COCONUT OIL MIRACLE", "COCONUT CURES" and "STOP ALZHEIMER'S NOW". Publisher and editor of the Healthy Ways Newsletter and Director of the Coconut Research Center, Certified nutritionist will be the keynote speaker of the upcoming “The Medical Science of Coconut Oil Forum” along with other nationally recognized speakers.

The Forum which will be hosted at the Ateneo Professional Schools Auditorium on Monday, May 22, 2017. This event is the first forum on the Medical Science of Coconut Oil, attracting 200 attendees who come together for the opportunity to gather information from various Medical Health and Wellness individuals.

 With this, Dr. Bruce Fife will be having a book signing at the International Food Exhibition at the World Trade Center Tent on May 21, 2017 at booth numbers 32 and 33. Dr Bruce Fife and other speakers will share their first hand medical experiences and expertise on Coconut Oil. This forum will further elaborate scientifcally the Medical and Nutritional uses of Coconut Oil on mankind. 

Increased utilization will contribute in the improvement of the lives of coconut farmers thru increased income from value-added products. Dr Bruce Fife will be joined by the following panelists: Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell - Adjunct Research Professor at UP-NIh Institute of Herbal Medicine and Head, Skin Study Group, Dr. Gertrude P. Chan - President, Clinical Trial management and Testing Associates, inc, and Honorary Consultant at Department of Dermatology, Research institute for Tropical Medicine, Dr.Jacinto Mantaring - Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at UP College of Medicine Overall chair, Up Ethics Board, Dr. Cecilia Jimeno - Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and Toxicology UP College of Medicine, Dr Fabian M. Dayrit - Full Professor, Chemistry Department at Ateneo De Manila University,Acting president at National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines.

This is forum is co-organized by the Ateneo school of Medicine and PublicHealth, Organic Coconut Association of the Philippines (OCAP), TropicanaFood Products Inc., Team Asia Corporation and the Philippine Council for Health and Research Development.

Bayer Phils. Summer DoggieFest Play & Care on May 20, 2017

A superbly fun dog event with lots of freebies and great activities 

Attention PawParents! Absolutely FREE Admission with heaps of treats, fun games, play time and learning how healthy pets make a better world! Freebies await early guests!

Saturday, May 20, 2017 

Dog Registration starts at 1 pm 

Event starts at 2 pm 

Alabang Town Center 

Activities 

BAYER Philippines - Pet Care will be launching their NEW LOOK for BAYOPET, the dog product line of this brand made especially for happier and healthier pets with this special Summer DoggieFest Play & Care this 2017 for all pet lovers proudly presented by BAYER Philippines - Pet Care! Join in the launch of the New Look of BAYOPET for happier and healthier pets.

The Royal Canin Philippines Care-A-Van will drive in to conduct a special Puppy Class to prepare your furbabies for the healthiest start in life!

Have extreme fun and games with EzyDog Philippines Go & Play!

Catch CARA Welfare Philippines' AmbassaDOGS Ginger & Kimchi of Teacher Eric Suguitan this Saturday for a special talk on therapy dogs.

The sweetest event souvenir to last a lifetime only from the most fun SUMMER DOGGIEFEST event of Bayer Philippines - Pet Care this Saturday! This is Limited to 25-30 registrants only so make sure to be early!

You might still be on time to grab one of the 250 cool giftbags up for grabs.
Go early or click the Going tab of The Bayer Phils. Summer DoggieFest Play & Care 2017 event. 

This dog event is hosted by Paws & Tails Event Concepts and Management

MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2017: May 1 to 31

Albay culminates its yearly month-long celebration of the Magayon Festival. Founded by Governor Al Francis C. Bichara, this month-long celebration aims to not only emphasize the beauty of the province but also the majesty of one declared wonder of the world, the Mayon Volcano.

The Magayon Festival started in 1999 from its original festivity, Karangahan Festival founded in 1997. This was a move by the governor not only to highlight the majestic volcano but also the legend behind it, the Legend of Daragang Magayon—a story that is so beautiful to read and heart-touching to all romantics. “Daragang” or “Daraga” means young girl or maiden and “Magayon” means beautiful.

It is the story of a young maiden, child of a datu, whose beauty is beyond compare. She had a lot of suitors, but none was able to catch her eye or fancy until a young man named Ulap from a far land came into her life. They fell in love and her father gave his blessing. A wedding was prepared but was thwarted when another suitor, Pagtuga of Iraga, kidnapped Magayon’s father. To save her father’s life, she agreed to wed him instead of Ulap. Ulap went home to his land and prepared an army to defend his love. On the wedding day of Magayon, a battle took place as the armies of Ulap and Pagtuga met. Pagtuga was killed, but it was not a happy ending because an arrow hit Magayon. In the arms of her love, she died and Ulap was stabbed by a guardsman of Pagtuga. They were then laid together, Magayon and Ulap, and on the ground where they were buried, a volcano slowly rose to great heights showing the love between the maiden and the warrior.

It is said that whenever the volcano is hidden by clouds, the lovers are kissing one another. This year, the culmination will happen on May 29-31, with various activities covering beauty, sports, talent, and thanksgiving. On the 29th, the 57th Sikaran National Tournament will take place at 9 a.m. in the Ayala Mall. On the same day, the grand finals of a singing contest will be held at 6 p.m. in Peñaranda Park.

The search for Mutyang Magayon will happen the next day at 7 p.m. in the Albay Astrodome. May 31 will be a day for the Summer Dance Camp from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a street competition at 2 p.m. The closing event will be a fireworks display and a street party at the Peñaranda Park. Simultaneously, a musical treat is set in the Astrodome at 7 p.m. True to his vision, Governor Bichara aims to make Albay which is in Region V, a top tourist destination in Southern Luzon.

This month-long celebration is but a taste of what Albay has to offer in terms of sights, sounds, and hospitality. Let Albay enchant you with its beauty, story, and culture.

Monde Nissin to make favorite dishes healthier at Summit of Flavors @ IFEX KITCHEN

Philippine food industry giant Monde Nissin Corporation is bringing a healthier and tastier twist to international delicacies in its participation at the Summit of Flavors @ IFEX KITCHEN, a special event featuring cooking demonstrations by local and international celebrity chefs at the IFEX Philippines event slated on May 19-21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Mushroom Stroganoff

On May 21, Monde Nissin will feature Quorn™, a range of meat-free protein products that makes just about any type of food healthier without compromising its taste. Quorn™’s main ingredient is Mycroprotein™, a naturally healthy protein from nutritious fungus that is meat-free and non-GMO. It is low in saturated fat and calories, high in protein and fiber, and has zero cholesterol.
Quorn™ made healthier Monde Nissin’s array of delicacies like the Mushroom Stroganoff, a rich and creamy vegetarian version of the Russian specialty made with mushrooms and Quorn™ Chunks. It is great for either rice or pasta, and is perfect for the whole family.

Quorn™ Greek Style Salad

The company will also prepare Quorn™ Greek Style Salad, a healthy and low fat salad recipe with fresh herbs, olives, and avocado served with a vinaigrette dressing, and Chili con Quorn™, a delicious Mexican meat sauce that combines Quorn™ Grounds, beans, and a rich, spicy tomato sauce.

Chili con Quorn™

Monde Nissin will also revamp the classic Filipino curry dish with Quorn™ Chunks simmered in an aromatic curry sauce and thickened with coconut cream.

Preparing this mouthwatering dishes at the Monde Nissin booth will be Chef Heart Alikpala, Research and Development Chef at the company.

Quorn™ Curry

Also showcasing their products at the event are Magic Melt Foods Inc., Nutri-Asia Inc., and GEMS Inc. CCI France-Philippines will also be presenting some products and its own chef from the Society Lounge and Tauro Pintxos Wine Bar & Grill.

The IFEX KITCHEN is located at The MarketPlace at the main hall of the Philippine Trade Training Center.

PHL's Biggest Food Show Opens May 19-21 at WTCMM, PTTC

IFEX Philippines rounds up over 700 int’l, local firms in a grand showcase of Asian flavors

CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon gives a thumbs-up on ground and roasted coffee ATOKAPE - 100% Benguet Arabica Coffee, one of the export products featured in IFEX Philippines. ATOKAPE is made from beans harvested by local farmers from the highlands of Benguet and Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, Asia’s ethnic food and ingredient show, welcomes every food buyers and enthusiast as it opens for its 11^th edition on Friday, May 19, untilMay 21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

IFEX Philippines is the country’s biggest export-oriented food show and one of the official trade events of the 30^th ASEAN Summit. It organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions of (DTI-CITEM).

Under the theme “Taste ASEAN,” IFEX Philippines will gather over 700 international and local food companies to demonstrate new bonanza of Asian flavors, product offerings, and food innovations.

The three-day trade event will also host live cooking demonstrations and seminars of food experts, artisans, chefs, culinary historians, and gourmet enthusiasts from across the globe, each bringing along distinctive product offerings, knowledge, and skills at the much-awaited gustatory fete. 

“For this coming May 19-21, buyers and visitors will saunter through a deeper experience and understanding of Philippine food through its multi-faceted origins in history, geography, and culture. It’s going to be one unique and exciting journey for all our visitors,” DTI-CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon.

Gastronomic Adventure Across the World

IFEX Philippines will house four major exhibition halls, namely the Food Philippines Hall, International Hall, Food Artisans Village, and The MarketPlace—making up a spectrum of flavors from all over the world.

The Food Philippines Hall features the top and emerging Philippine exporters and business support organizations (BSOs) in the food industry. Here, buyers will be able to sift through the mainstream, as well as the latest product offerings, from the Philippines’ leading and promising brands.

Meanwhile, the International Hall presents the top food products and ingredients from top companies and manufacturers across the world. It will feature renowned firms from ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Viet Nam. Also featured are leading companies from EU and other countries, such as China, Japan, India, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Enlisted in the year-long events roster of the 30^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, IFEX Philippines will have dynamic presentations of Southeast Asian food under its two ASEAN-themed special settings: TASTEASEAN Pavilion and ASEAN Top Brands Showcase.

“IFEX Philippines will take global trade buyers and visitors in a gastronomic overdrive that will not only satisfy their cravings for various Asian flavors, but also their thirst for a dynamic experience of the Philippine food culture, which had evolved from centuries of cross-cultural fusions and regional influences,” said Tugonon.

CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon welcomes everyone to taste San MiguelMagnolia ice cream’s new line of products formulated from homegrown, beloved tropical flavors, such as mango, avocado and ube.

IFEX Philippines also features the EU Pavilion which celebrates the economic relationship between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) since the 1980s. It features the top brands and products from EU states, including Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, and Poland. 

Globally Competitive Agri-products

Buyers and visitors can also relish the various local flavors and visual treats from different provinces in the Food Artisans Village, presented by the Department of Agriculture, through the Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Service (DA-AMAS).

Among the special settings under Food Artisans Village are the Negros Occidental Pavilion and the Mindanao Pavilion, featuring the native and iconic delicacies of Negrenses and Mindanaoans as part of efforts to protect, preserve and promote the heirloom flavors and culinary tradition in the Philippines.

Found in the Food Artisans Village are the Commodity Pavilion and Seafood Pavilion, highlighting the country’s high-demand export commodities such as tuna, rice and cereals, coffee, cacao, coconut, pineapple, banana, and mango—in many varieties and cultivars. IFEX Philippines also put up the Bread Alley exhibit to showcase the country’s rich bread-making culture.

Inspiring Food Innovations and Seminars

Another exciting special setting is the Food Innovation Gallery, which is a highly curated exhibit of products developed through the modern machinery of local Food Innovation Centers (FICs), under the Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).

The exhibit spotlights the products developed under FIC’s food processing equipment, namely freeze dryer, vacuum fryer, spray dryer and water retort for thermal processing. Products developed include fruits, fruit mix, vegetables, broth, condiments, legumes, nuts, tuber and other rice-based products.

For those in want of more inspiration and adventure, the three-day export event will also conduct cooking demonstrations of celebrated international and local chefs under Summit of Flavors @ IFEXKitchen. It will also conduct free food and beverage tasting activities.

Buyers and visitors can also take part in a series of exciting and engaging discussions on the latest trends and innovations in the food industry with renowned experts, researchers and lecturers, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), Department of Agriculture (DA), Management Association of the Philippines - AgriBusiness and Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (MAP-ABCDF), the Organic Coconut Association of the Philippines (OCAP), and the Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM).

…

IFEX Philippines is organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), and the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP), which is chaired by DTI.

Register at ifexphilippines.com

IFEX PHL Banners Country's Top Agri-Export on May 19-21 Show

Coconut remains as country’s biggest export product with $487.3 million in sales in the fourth quarter of 2016

The Philippines top agricultural export products will be among the highlights of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines to be held on May 19–21, 2017 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade and Training Center, Pasay City.

In line with its efforts to promote the country’s food commodities to the international market, IFEX Philippines will have special highlights on coffee, cacao, coconut, and fruit and nut products as part of the Food Industry Cluster under the Food Artisans Village. Each pavilion site will showcase the Philippines’ high-demand export commodities in numerous varieties and cultivars.

“Through IFEX Philippines, we hope to close new deals and partnerships with our extensive list of international buyers, a majority of which are new comers to the event,” said CITEM Executive Director, Clayton Tugonon. “We are showcasing only the best in IFEX Philippines and buyers can expect to see the finest agricultural products the Philippines has to offer.”

Agro-based products contributed to 6.1% of the share of the Philippine’s export in the first half of 2016, amounting to a $291.5 million in sales. Coconut products lead the country’s agricultural exports with 34% share to total agricultural exports, closing off the last quarter of 2016 with a total of $487.3 million.

The Philippines is a major producer of tropical fruits, exporting more than 744,000 metric tons of homegrown products in the fourth quarter of 2016. Bananas ranked second in the total agricultural exports with a share of 12% and sales of $172.6 in 2016. Pineapples follow right after at 10.7% with $153.7 million in sales.

Tuna, fourth in the overall export shares with 5.5%, recorded an increase in exports by 39.2% during the fourth quarter of 2016 from $56.58 million in 2015 to $78.76 million. Other seafood products, such as seaweeds, carrageenan, shrimps, and prawns, produced $67.54 million during the same period.

Coffee exports rose by 24.7% from $91.50 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $114.14 million in 2016, while cacao closed off the year with $72.16 million, an increase by almost 30%.

“There is a constant increase in the exports of our commodities and with new partnerships, such as our outstanding one with Japan, this trend will only continue within the next years,” said Tugonon. “IFEX Philippines will be our one-stop trade platform in promoting our local products and building relationship with global buyers.”

The 11^th edition of IFEX Philippines will feature four major exhibition halls that will present a spectrum of flavors from across the globe.

Top and emerging Philippine exporters and business support organizations (BSOs) in the food industry will be stationed at the “Food Philippines Hall”, while the “International Hall” presents top food products and ingredients from top international companies and manufacturers.

The distinct flavors of the country’s provinces take center stage in the “Food Artisans Village”, presented by the Department of Agriculture, through the Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Service (DA-AMAS). The Food Artisans Village includes the Commodity, Seafood, Mindanao, and Negros Occidental Pavilions.

The “MarketPlace” is a free-for-all where buyers and visitors can purchase on retail throughout the event.

IFEX will also present highly curated exhibit of product prototypes developed through the locally fabricated food machinery operated by Food Innovation Centers (FICs), under the Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) at the “Food Innovation Gallery”.

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IFEX Philippines, Asia’s ethnic food & ingredients show, is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippines’ and Asia's specialty food, with around 700 exhibitor companies, attracting wholesale buyers, importers and food distributors from all over the world.

IFEX Philippines is a fast-rising Asian marketplace where sellers of unique tropical flavors, products, innovations, and services are linked with international buyers, importers, and retailers, propelling for bigger international presence, wider variety of products, and world-class features. Categories include tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, beverages, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic, and healthy food products. It is organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), and the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP), which is chaired by DTI.

IFEX Philippines draws more Southeast Asian buyers as PH leads 30th ASEAN Summit

Bright prospects ahead with over 60% first-time int’l buyers in PH’s largest food show

Efficient business-to-business matching program and exclusive perks await international trade buyers at IFEX Philippines.

More Southeast Asian trade buyers are expected to source the best of Philippine and Asian food products in the 11^thedition of IFEX Philippines on May 19-21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

“As one of the official trade events in the 30^th ASEAN Summit, IFEX Philippines will further our aspirations toward a more inclusive, innovation-led growth in ASEAN bloc by matching global food buyers and food suppliers within the region,” said DTI-CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon.

Based on DTI-CITEM’s latest tally on May 8, 23% of the confirmed trade buyers in IFEX Philippines are coming from ASEAN and South Asia; while 25% from the Middle East and Africa, 18% from Americas, 14% from East Asia, 11% from Europe, 4% from China and its special administrative regions (SARS), and 5% from Oceania.

This is a significant increase compared to the previous 2015 edition, wherein only 18% of the total international buyers came from ASEAN countries and South Asia.

“We are also proud to announce that more than half of our confirmed Very Important Buyers (VIBs) are first timers. Their presence is significant in streamlining new trade deals and partnerships,” said Tugonon. “We were able to convince them through our aggressive buyer campaign, complemented with the renewed global interest towards Filipino food fusions, as well as the diplomatic efforts of President Rodrigo Duterte to deepen the economic ties of the Philippines with other states.”

Based on the same tally, 64% of the confirmed VIBs are visiting IFEX Philippines for the first time. VIBs are representatives of established and reputable retail giants and supermarkets across the world.

Among retail giants participating from Southeast Asia is “The Mall Group,” which is one of the largest supermarket operators in Thailand, recording about 6 billion US dollar revenue in 2016.

Retail chains and supermarkets hailing from different regions also include the Hurxley Corporation from East Asia; Integral Foodservices from the Middle East and Africa; Bianca International Organic, Inc. from Americas; Migros, Albert Heijn B.V., Veld Co. and Decare from Europe; and Nanjing Grand Group from China.

Through DTI-CITEM’s partnership with the different embassies, the three-day event is also expected to host delegations of international buyers from Syria, Japan, Korea and Turkey.

To maximize sourcing opportunities, buyers in IFEX Philippines can join the IFEX Philippines Connect, an integrated business platform that matches buyers with potential food suppliers and other business partners.

Those engaged in the private label industry will also have the privilege to participate in the Grocers Exchange (GMART Program) to connect with private label suppliers.

To get a more comprehensive outlook on the Philippine market, international buyers have the option to join the guided tours on local big retail chains and supermarkets under the Store Visit Program, coordinated with the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc. (PAGASA).

They will also have a chance to win premier vacation in Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a five-star beach resort in Davao del Norte under the Luxe Escape Dream Destination Raffle Promo.

…

IFEX Philippines, Asia’s ethnic food & ingredients show, is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippines’ and Asia's specialty food, with around 700 exhibitor companies, attracting wholesale buyers, importers and food distributors from all over the world.

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, through its Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), and the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP), which is chaired by DTI.