Nature Meets Wellness: PH to Showcase Healthy Products at Indusfood 2026

The Philippines will aim to deliver a strong performance in Indusfood 2026, presenting four capable enterprises with healthy, premium-quality products to the Indian market.

With support from the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), the Philippine exhibitors for this edition will showcase dried vegetable leaves, tropical snacks, crackers, and processed fruits. These offerings are produced through responsible farming and processing systems, with global certifications affirming their manufacturers’ compliance with food safety and quality standards. The producers draw from the country’s natural strengths—fertile soil, favorable climate, and established agricultural practices—to supply the global market with distinctly Filipino food products.

This participation is part of DTI-CITEM's efforts to create pathways for Philippine products in India, where demand for healthy and natural food continues to rise. 

This year’s exhibitors will be presented at the India Exposition Mart’s International Hall (Hall 1) under the FOODPhilippines banner, a CITEM-led industry branding initiative that promotes the Philippines as a dependable sourcing destination for food and ingredients. 

Innovative enterprises ready for global market

The lineup of Filipino exhibitors includes Dry Tech Manufacturing Corp., which will highlight ready-to-cook dried taro, moringa, lemongrass, and pandan leaves under its Sheentaro brand. The company uses eco-friendly drying technologies and responsible agricultural practices to produce natural, hygienic, pesticide-free ingredients suited to India’s plant-based market.

Also in the group is Monde M.Y. San Corporation, an accomplished Filipino biscuit and cracker manufacturer known for brands such as Skyflakes, Fita, and M.Y. San Grahams. The company uses advanced baking technology to maintain the quality of its goods and to ensure their production processes are sustainable. With over 90 years of experience, Monde M.Y. San will present its Skyflakes Snack Pack, Garlic Snack Pack, and Onion and Chives Snack Pack.

One Vizcaya Export Corporation will highlight sustainably sourced ube powder, calamansi, saba bananas, and fruit bars. Established in 2020, the company aims to supply high-value products that meet India’s growing interest in healthy fruit-based goods.

See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp., maker of Gold Chips banana chips, will feature snacks produced from freshly harvested Philippine bananas. The company highlights its products for India’s growing demand for premium tropical snacks.

Launched in 2017, Indusfood is one of Asia’s prominent food and beverage trade shows, providing a platform for exporters to connect with global buyers and widen their reach. Indusfood 2026 will run from January 8 to 10, 2026 at the India Exposition Mart in Greater Noida.

In addition to supporting enterprises in overseas trade fairs, DTI-CITEM organizes the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, the Philippines’ largest business-to-business and export-oriented trade show for food, beverage, and ingredients. As the longest-running food sourcing event in the Philippines, IFEX Philippines spotlights premium products from across the regions and positions the country as a dependable supplier in the global market. Co-located within IFEX Philippines is the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition and Conference, a platform that showcases innovations, facilitates knowledge exchange, and fosters collaborative solutions that support the country’s development of a circular economy. 

The 19th edition of IFEX Philippines will run from May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

Register as an IFEXConnect exhibitor: https://citem.ph/p/6d5e50

Register as an IFEXConnect trade buyer: https://citem.ph/p/b426fb

 

Catch FOODPhilippines in the following trade fairs: 

 

· Anuga

· China-ASEAN Expo under PARTNERPhilippines

· China International Import Expo

· FOODEX JAPAN

· Gulfood

· Private Label Middle East

· SEOUL FOOD

· SIAL Paris

 

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM advances the country’s image as a premier sourcing destination for quality export products and services.  

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export promotion in partnership with other government and private entities

Innovative Filipino Minds Drive Digital Progress During the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo

Manila, Philippines — The Byte Forward Hackathon 2025 concluded with an inspiring showcase of innovation and collaboration as young Filipino students competed in the Grand Finals held during the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the SMX Convention Center.

Organized by Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and Rev21 Labs, under the auspices of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the nationwide hackathon brought together  Filipino tech talent from across the country to develop digital solutions that address real-world business challenges. From 200 participants across 5 regional rounds, 15 finalists advanced to the national stage to showcase how Filipino creativity and technology can shape a smarter, more connected future.

“In launching the Hackathon, we wanted to partner with the largest economic force in the country — our SMEs. They drive so much of our economy and we believe that once we connect these businesses to strong digital infrastructure, they’ll have the power to ideate, build, and innovate. Over the last six months, through our partnership with PCCI, we’ve seen this play out. We took real business challenges from SMEs across the country and gave them to students — and the ideas that came back were nothing short of inspiring,” shared Rev 21 CEO Ron Puno.

After intensive rounds of pitching and live demos,  Team TECHMEHOW2DOUGIE from De La Salle University Manila emerged as the Grand Winner for their project  Caya, an AI-powered inventory assistant that helps small business owners make smarter restocking decisions. When an item runs out of stock, Caya automatically evaluates its profitability, negotiates with suppliers and initiates restocking, or recommends reducing or discontinuing purchases -- turning complex business data into clear, actionable insights for entrepreneurs.

“I would really encourage aspiring developers to join hackathons because you learn so much from the experience,” said Christina Sijera, one of the members of the winning team. “There’s no major risk if you don’t win, but there’s so much to gain—opportunities, growth, and learning. Byte Forward stood out for its strong support system, access to tools, and valuable mentoring and networking opportunities.”

“Don’t let fear get in the way," added teammate Brendan Castillo. “Anyone can think of a great idea, but it’s easy to doubt if it’s really doable or achievable in a short time. You’ll never know until you try.”

Second place went to Team  K-MAS from the University of the Philippines – Mindanao, while Team CABUYAO from the University of Cabuyao placed third. Each team presented forward-thinking projects that demonstrated the vast potential of Filipino tech talent to create real impact through technology.

Beyond the competition, the hackathon featured workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities designed to sharpen participants’ skills and connect them with industry professionals. It also served as a platform for collaboration between students, tech experts, and business leaders to turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions.

“The Byte Forward Hackathon reflects our belief that Filipino innovators have the creativity and drive to transform communities through technology. By supporting programs like this,  we’re helping bridge digital gaps and empowering the next generation to lead in the country’s digital transformation,” said Converge CEO and 51st PBC&E Chairman, Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy.

The event was supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, further solidifying the collaborative ecosystem driving digital innovation in the Philippines.

Empowering young developers to build real solutions not only strengthens local businesses but also supports our shared goal of inclusive, technology-driven growth. This kind of collaboration is what truly moves the nation forward,” added Consul Enunina V. Mangio, PCCI President.

The Byte Forward Hackathon is part of Converge SME Solutions’ initiatives to strengthen the country’s tech ecosystem by providing platforms that inspire innovation, encourage collaboration, and develop digital solutions aligned with the government’s digitalization goals.

Former Facebook and SpaceX Communications Executive Dex Hunter-Torricke to Unveil Silicon Valley's Blueprint at DMAP’s DigiCon 2025

24 September 2025 Manila, Philippines — The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, will spotlight the power of communication and social innovation with global emerging technologies expert and former communications executive at Facebook and SpaceX Dex Hunter-Torricke as its keynote speaker at the tenth edition of the Digital Congress (DigiCon) on October 16 to 17, 2025, in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

DMAP’s DigiCon 2025 is sponsored by DoubleVerify, Hit Productions, Unilever Philippines, McDonald's, Meltwater, Near Creative, UnionBank of the Philippines, Gigil Metama, Google, and Inquiro Inc.

Esteemed outlets AGC Power Holdings Corp., Cignal TV, GMA 7, MBC Media Group, Rappler, The New Channel, Inquirer, Outcomm, The Pod Network, The RJ Ledesma Podcast, ZOE TV, adobo Magazine, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, CoinGeek, DiscoverMNL, DOOH, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila.com serve as this year’s media partners.

Meanwhile, Certified Digital Marketer, Eastern Communications, Havas Ortega, IDEASXMACHINA Hakuhodo, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Meta, Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, Uniquecorn Strategies, Creative Collective - Lennon Group, Tony &, and Leron Leron Sinta, a11y media, QR Tiger, and Slash by Mineski serve as the DigiCon 2025 event partners.

Currently serving as an independent strategic communications adviser to major technology companies and political leaders in the US and the UK, Hunter-Torricke brings over a decade of experience from the heart of the technology industry, having managed communications for some of Silicon Valley’s most influential leaders and companies. Headlining the first day of the two-day conference, his keynote is expected to provide over 2,000 attendees with a blueprint for navigating personalization in a tech-driven world and unlocking strategies for scalable, impactful connections.

Prior to his career at Silicon Valley, Hunter-Torricke began his career at the United Nations in 2008 as a speechwriter and spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He later served as Mark Zuckerberg's personal speechwriter and led the executive communications team at Facebook from 2012 to 2016. He then joined Elon Musk’s SpaceX as a senior director of communications and, later, served as the head of communications for the Oversight Board for Meta, the independent body responsible for overseeing the most challenging content issues for Facebook and Instagram. He was also Google's first executive speechwriter, supporting CEO Larry Page and Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt.

Weighing on this year's theme, Hunter-Torricke highlights the imperative for organizations to invest in building effective and meaningful end-consumer experiences.

“The entire future of communications and reputation-building depends on personalization. Every organization and industry today is facing a vortex of massive challenges and intensified competition. Investing in meaningful experiences that truly meet the needs of individuals is critical for building long-term connections between consumers and businesses.”

Themed "The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,” the tenth iteration of Southeast Asia’s premier digital convention will gather global and local experts, thought leaders, and pioneers to offer opportunities to learn, interact, and collaborate across five focused tracks: Innovation (AI), Intelligence (Data Science), Immersive (Retail and Activations), Impact (Brand Building), and Integration (Business Transformation). These tracks, along with various practical and immersive activities, aim to enable attendees to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in personalized marketing, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among industry professionals.

In today’s tech and AI world, brands leverage personalization to create more engaging and relevant customer experiences by using AI algorithms to analyze data, predict behaviors, and tailor content, recommendations, and marketing messages. About 71% of consumers expect personalization, and companies with high growth see 40% more revenue from it, underscoring the critical role of personalization in meeting consumer expectations and driving customer satisfaction.

This year's DigiCon is a testament to DMAP’s mission to equip marketers with crucial insights and skills amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

To secure your spot and learn more about DMAP DigiCon The Age of 'i' 2025, you may visit https://www.digicon.com.ph or email conference@dmap.com.ph.

DTI Launches Creative Expo, Targets PH to be Asia's Creative Hub by 2030

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the Philippines' bid 

to become Asia's Premier Creative Hub by 2030 with the official launch of the 

Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx), a five-day national event at SMX Aura, 

Taguig City.

Held in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), the MPEx is the first event to gather all nine creative domains—audiovisual media, visual arts,  digital interactive media, design, performing arts, publishing, traditional cultural expressions, creative services, and cultural sites—and their 73 sectors.

Leading the ceremonial opening, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the 

expo emphasizes the vital role of Filipino creativity in driving economic progress. 

 

“Under the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry is fully committed to harnessing the power of our creative 

industries. The DTI will continue to provide our artists and creators with the necessary infrastructure and support, like this Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo, 

until Filipino talent gains the global recognition it truly deserves,” Secretary Roque  said.

The expo features a dynamic and immersive setup, showcasing the nine domains  through dedicated creative pavilions, where visitors can explore exhibits of  paintings, sculptures, and art toys, as well as original works in comics, animation,  and publications.

Another key component of the event is the series of "Malikhaing Pinoy Chats," 

which bring together professionals, creative workers, aspiring creatives, and 

government policymakers for thought-provoking presentations and conversations.

Meanwhile, "Creative Matchmaking for Filipino Games," pitching session is also 

set to provide indie and student game developers an opportunity to present their 

ideas to industry leaders and potential investors, where Dungeon King of Midnight Equinox stood out and earned the Best Game Pitch award.

The event features a wide array of prominent exhibitors and organizations, 

including the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Game 

Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) for audiovisual and digital 

interactive media, and the Design Center of the Philippines and Philippine Fashion 

Coalition for design. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is a key exhibitor 

for the performing arts, while the Ayala Museum represents the cultural sites 

domain. 

Rediscover the True Nature of Design at Manila FAME 2025

Rediscover the true nature of Filipino design at Manila FAME 2025

 

As the second-longest-running trade show in Asia, Manila FAME has built a legacy as the must-attend international sourcing event for Filipino artistry and craftsmanship. For its 73rd edition, happening on October 16-18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, the country’s premier trade fair for all things home, fashion, and lifestyle is returning to the core and diving into the roots of Filipino design.

 

With the theme “Objects of Nature,” this year’s iteration is set to be a celebration of everything that makes Filipino artistry sought after all over the world. “The word ‘nature’ refers to our physical world, and it can also mean the qualities that are basic or inherent to a person or an object,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo explains. “Within these contexts, ‘Objects of Nature’ has Manila FAME going right into the heart of what we do best. In the process, we unveil the unique selling propositions of our products that have made the Philippines a must-visit sourcing destination for design.”

 

Reconnecting with community and the environment through design

The trade show’s theme takes into account the current international trends, all of which point to nature as a dominating key element for 2025 and 2026. From the use of recycled and upcycled materials to bolder, more playful aesthetics and nature-connected living spaces, the prevalent direction puts a strong focus on sustainability and biophilic design, with the latter a concept that nurtures the relationship between people and the environment.

 

The intrinsic qualities of Filipino design make it a natural fit for this prevailing movement. Thus, Manila FAME 2025 promises to showcase Philippine-made objects inspired by design’s original muse, nature.

 

Visitors can expect a fresh take on design that provides a counterpoint to the increasing influence and impact of technology and AI on daily life. Find meticulously handcrafted items made from natural and indigenous materials, creatively conceptualized and executed using community-based production processes. Discover their multiple iterations, inspired by our rich cultural diversity and heritage. Fall in love with products that are as adaptable as they are unique, thanks to the Filipino pasadya culture that results in bespoke beauty.

 

Highlighting not just products but also people and processes

Since communal effort and cultural influences are innate aspects of Filipino design, Manila FAME’s signature features rightly put the spotlight on the people and the heritage that shape it.

 

Merging artisanship with innovation and sustainability, Design Commune once again has a selection of local manufacturers and brands working under the expert guidance of a renowned designer—this time, with one of Manila FAME’s frequent collaborators, Tony Gonzales. See how the hard work of 21 exhibitors from the lamps and lighting, furniture, home decor, and holiday and seasonal decor categories pushes the boundaries of product development at a dedicated exhibit. Check out the new items that feature the creative use of raw materials, resulting in clever and functional designs.

To cultivate the export capabilities of Philippine artisan communities and enterprises, the capacity-building program Artisans Village provides marketing and technical assistance to regional MSMEs in the handicraft sector and, in the process, highlights products from featured provinces and regions, including their use of indigenous materials, local crafts, and innovative techniques. For 2025, participating MSMEs are fortunate to have Global Trends Ambassador Patti Carpenter making factory visits to help them conceptualize and develop pieces that match their branding while also sharing her vast knowledge of the design business. The design expert is working with local artisans from the following provinces to explore how they could maximize their signature materials and expand their product lineup: Bohol (natural fibers and materials), Ilocos Sur (inabel), Quirino (woodworks and fossilized flowers), and Tarlac (wood, stone, clay, and rattan).

 

Visitors will also get to learn from design and business experts and thought leaders at FAME Talks. Through forums that tackle timely topics, such as “Innovative, Versatile, and Sustainable Approaches to Designing Products for the Home, Fashion, and Lifestyle Sector” and “Global Design Trends for Fashion Accessories,” attendees can delve deeper into the dynamic world of design, gain creative and actionable insights, and develop innovative strategies for navigating an evolving landscape.

 

Elevating how trade shows are done

Guests can look forward, too, to exclusive features that will further enrich their ManilaFAME experience.

 

From a simple product category, Philippine Components, which made its maiden showcase last year, is now an exhibit that focuses on the fundamental building blocks of design: coverings, parts, and fittings. With Tony Gonzales also at its helm for 2025, guests can expect an immersive presentation of specially developed architectural fittings and components developed exclusively for Manila FAME by 15 companies, in the spirit of the pasadya culture.

 

CITEM also brings two of its innovative programs to Manila FAME to showcase a more integrative approach to exporting design. First is CREATELab, an on-site design clinic where professionals offer branding and marketing guidance to participating exhibitors. It is a joint project by CREATEPhilippines, a content and community platform for the Philippine creative industries, and the Communication Design Association of the Philippines (CDAP). Next, with “sustainability” a key concept this year, it’s only right that Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), the country’s first platform promoting sustainable practices, resources, and technology to the world’s essential industries, makes its return to Manila FAME to showcase MSMEs that incorporate circularity into their business practices.

 

Attendees looking to see more of the intersection between traditional crafts and contemporary creativity can also drop by LIKHA, an artisanal exhibit spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady. Marking its fifth edition by participating in Manila FAME 2025, LIKHA will offer the public the opportunity to witness artisans at work, learn more about their creative process, and support locally made, heritage-rich products.

 

Manila FAME 2025 will be a reminder why the Philippines was regarded as the ‘Milan of Asia’ during the ‘80s and the ‘90s,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Al Valenciano says. “We are optimistic that it will generate international sales for our exhibitors, boosting the Philippine design industry to become an even bigger contributor to the country’s economic growth and a bigger player in the global export market.“

 

With all of the programs and features this year’s trade show has in store, buyers and visitors alike can expect to see the best of the best of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship across a wide range of products: fashion; personal care, beauty, and wellness; furniture; home decor and houseware; lamps and lighting; holiday and seasonal decor; gifts, souvenirs, and corporate giveaways; and components.

 

Marvel at these “Objects of Nature” and more up close at Manila FAME 2025 by registering at the trade show’s official website, fameplus.com.

Olern Launches Groundbreaking Virtual Business Summit

A new breed of training and consulting company with a mission to help Filipino companies become world-class using the latest technologies and training methodologies, Olern is helping an increasing number of entrepreneurs stay competitive in their industry by learning new best practices, improve their people skills and adopt new technologies.

By partnering with the different business consultants and experts to design online and offline practical and in-depth courses and programs for SMEs, Olern is coming up with more convenient and affordable ways to learn everything that it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

In the last two years alone, Olern trained thousands and thousands of entrepreneurs through its online platform and face-to-face trainings.

This summer, Olern is taking its innovative approaches to the next level with its first-ever Olern Virtual Business Summit. Happening on March 3 and 4, 2020 from 9AM to 5PM, the momentous event will be a gathering of more than a dozen business leaders with the goal of sharing best practices to help Filipino companies become world-class.

Focusing on key business areas such as Innovation and Technology, Management Strategy, Strategic HR, and Sales & Marketing, the two-day FREE event features distinguished speakers such as Fortune 100 CEO and Olympic coach Jim Lafferty, Google Philippines market lead Samuel Jeanblanc, BQB CXInstitute Founder Claire Boscq-Scott, Philippine Franchise Guru Armando Bartolome, Association of Filipino Franchises Inc. (AFFI) Chairman Eric Caeg, sought after professional speaker Paulo Tibig, Executive Director of Ideaspace Diane Eustaquio, Cycle House President Jeff Chua, Tarkie Founder Rio Ilao, MPlify Founder Migs dela Rosa, President of DM Kompass Suzan Bigay, Digital Marketing Consultant Rey Baguio, and world-certified Image Strategist, Executive Coach and Transformational Speaker Toni Miranda.

Expecting more than 1,000 attendees in this pioneering event, Olern understands that SMEs need more help in growing their businesses and becoming world-class companies. More often than not, however, the moving forces behind these rising enterprises cannot physically attend trainings or summits for reasons that include venue proximity, conflict in their busy schedules and pricey business summit fees.

The first Online Business Summit in the Philippines using the latest technologies aim to break those barriers. With the Olern Business Summit, interested entrepreneurs can attend the Summit wherever they are in the world, no need to travel or go through painstaking traffic. And best of all, it’s FREE. All one needs is a mobile phone or laptop and an internet connection and he or she is good to go!

To become our brand partner, please contact our co-organizer and marketing partner PMCM Events Management at 0917 8344978 or email pmcm.events@gmail.com

To know more, visit https://www.olern.com/olernsummit

DTI, CACAO PRIME MOVERS TIE UP TO REINFORCE PH CACAO

Trade Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona for Regional Operations Group expressed her full support to the Philippine Cacao Industry Council and Cacao Industry Development Association in bolstering the government’s efforts in the sustainable development of Philippine Cacao Industry during the opening of Kakao Konek 2019, the country’s biggest annual event of the cacao and chocolate industry, last October 17 at SMX Convention Center, Davao City. This year’s Kakao Konek highlighted the various locally-made cocoa and chocolate products across the country. The event also conducted technical sessions and discussions about cacao science and agronomy with local resource persons as well as cacao experts from the other countries.

Shopping and Learning in One: First-Ever So Shop! Bazaar Brings Over a Hundred of Online Sellers Together

More and more Filipinos are starting to venture into micro, small and medium enterprises nowadays. With technology, anyone can be an entrepreneur and it has served as one of the personal goals for a lot of us – from fresh grads to millennials to retirees. However, starting your own online business may be a daunting task but with the right support, succeeding in it is not a farfetched dream.

In its effort to empower online business owners, leading logistics company LBC Express Inc. held the first-ever So Shop! social sellers bazaar last October 5 at Function Room 4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The bazaar brought together over 100 online business owners, thousands of shoppers, industry speakers, and influencers in one venue, making it both a shopping and learning experience in one. It also gave social sellers the opportunity to meet and connect with their customers in person, showcase their products, and transact using LBC’s Cash on Pick-up (COP) and Cash on Delivery (COD) services.



Photo 2: Oliver L. Valentin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Philippine Branch Operations of LBC Express Inc., reinforces LBC’s commitment to uplifting the Philippine e-commerce industry through LBC’s COP and COD services.

“With more and more Filipinos setting up their businesses online, we at LBC, believe that it’s high time to bring online businesses together, in one venue, and get to interact with their buyers live. So Shop! is our commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country,” said Oliver L. Valentin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Philippine Branch Operations of LBC Express Inc. LBC’s COP and COD services are designed to make online purchasing easier and more convenient for shoppers. With COP, LBC’s over 1,400 branches can serve as pick-up points for buyers to get the products they bought online while COD allows them to get it right at their doorstep.

So! Shop for all your lifestyle must-haves
Featuring diverse products from over a hundred booths, So Shop! became a haven for a weekend to shopping enthusiasts and people with various interests.
For techies and gadget lovers, online gadget stores such as Kimstore, Juan Gadget, Droid Hero, and JBL Store PH provided exclusive deals and discounts. Beauty and makeup fans went gaga over the various shops: from Korean and Japanese beauty brands to sustainable beauty products. Those who love customized lifestyle pieces were also able to see their favorite online shops, making it a perfect venue to shop for personalized gifts including travel sets, accessories, and even kitchen wares. Moms who were on the lookout for early Christmas gifts brought home items that are perfect for the whole family.

So Shop! also treated the shoppers to a host of surprises including Mystery Box gifts from participating social sellers and gadgets raffled off by LBC.

Growing one’s online business
Aside from the shopping experience, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs also learned from a lineup of industry speakers, business owners, and influencers who gave talks on topics relevant to growing their business.

Facebook Philippines Head of Agency Liam Capati showcased the power of Facebook ads and how it can help businesses reach their customers especially at a time when cutting through the clutter in the online space is crucial. Canva Community Team Lead Gladys Lacorte emphasized the importance of having visually appealing social media pages through designs that represent a business’ personality. Creative Boss Founder Rachell Araja-De Luna knows very well why a website is a must-have for an online business, with it being a repository of one’s products online. Through her talk “DIY Your Dream Website,” Araja-De Luna discussed the simple ways a budding entrepreneur can create a website without breaking the bank. The power of online communities cannot be dismissed too — this is what PLDT Vice-President for Digital Strategy and Consumer Disruptive Business Carlo Ople highlighted in his talk. Ople shared why businesses should be present on the digital space and how to effectively tap online communities to reach a specific target market.



Photo 3: “Don’t be afraid to share your business story on it [Facebook] because people love a great story,” shares Facebook Philippines Head of Agency Liam Capati.



Photo 4: Carlo Ople

Not only was So Shop! a learning-filled experience, it was inspiring too with panel discussions and success stories that moved the audience. Celebrity mom, wife, and entrepreneur Neri Miranda talked about her businesses and her role as a homemaker. Miranda, owning multiple businesses including Neri’s Gourmet Tuyo, online bedding and accessories store Very Neri, and an events place in Tagaytay called Neri’s Not So Secret Garden, gave mompreneurs tips on how to juggle it all.



Photo 5: Neri Naig Photo shares his story as a content creator to excited fans.

A panel discussion on the social impact of online businesses featured Jamico Jamlang, founder of sustainable businesses The Bamboo Company and Chesca De Mesa, co-founder and managing director of Refuse PH. Joining them was Havas Media Ortega Head of Data and Analytics Phil Tiongson who gave the audience a glimpse of Havas’ global study centering around consumers’ mindful consumption.



Photo 6: Alyssa Gibbs

Neon Island Founders Alyssa Gibbs share what it is like to become women founders of their own company.

Women entrepreneurs also took center stage with Kimstore Founder Kim Lato and Neon Island Founders Alyssa Gibbs and Aira Medina. They shared what it’s like starting and growing a business, as women, and how they overcame the challenges that came with it.

Hosted by 101.1 Yes FM DJ Rico Panyero and Love Radio DJ Raqi Terra, So Shop! was not just a star-studded bazaar but one that has taught online business owners new techniques to move their businesses forward.



Photo 12: Chief Marketing Officer of LBC Express-Global Marketing Javier Mantecon closes the first-ever So Shop! event by thanking all the participating sellers and customers who showed up to support, making the event a true success.

Javier Mantecon, Chief Marketing Officer of LBC Express-Global Marketing, reiterated the company’s commitment to move lives, including those of the social sellers. “As the e-commerce community continues to grow, LBC remains your partner. We hope that this is just the beginning of our long partnership. We want to help you take that move, wherever that may be.”


ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years.  Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 
(Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

Philippine Cuisine & Ingredients Show

Manila, Philippines – March 14, 2019 - TRADITION continues in this year’s National Food Fair 2019 to be held at the Megatrade Halls 1-3, Building B, 5th Floor of SM Megamall on March 14 to 17. After the success of its previous editions since 2013, a new iteration is back to celebrate the best of Philippine food products with exciting new additions as well as old time favorites. Following are the event highlights to watch out for:

Top Chefs at the Island Kitchens (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao)

Promoting the joy and innovation in their cooking during the 4-day event are some of the country’s most respected chefs, namely: Cherry Tan, Gabby Prats, Anton Abad, Vince Garcia, Boy Logro, Raymund Yabut, and Don Edward Quito. Attendees will be treated to live and simultaneous cooking demonstrations of Kapampangan cuisine and other regional specialties as well as ingenious recipes using special ingredients like bamboo, sugarcane, cacao and other local ingredients.

The hands-on cooking demos will include mouth-watering recipes on Beef Tapa Muscovado, Chocolate Scotch Eggs, Humba with Chocolate Sauce, Chicken + Mango Sugarcane Chutney, French Toast + Sugarcane Cinnamon Glaze and Sour Cream Pancakes with Muscovado Syrup plus fresh fruit coulis, among others.

Design Solutions

Branding and Packaging

The Design Center of the Philippines explore playful and innovative packaging ideas in retail and gifts that counter a consumer culture inundated with upfront product information. Targeted to capture consumers who value authenticity, the initiative puts prime on narrative and storytelling as a mechanism in presenting a business’ value proposition and creating a strong brand identity. Featuring specialty rice, banana chips, atsara (pickled vegetables), and cane vinegar, the packaging concepts weave together the brand story with cultural and social cues reflective of its context while empowering consumers through choice and variety.

OTOP Hub

An integral part of the National Food Fair is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub. This will feature OTOP’s next generation products in a retail store environment. These offerings can be found in pasalubong centers, airport terminals and tourist spots, supermarkets, weekend bazaars, public markets, Go Lokal! outlets, Negosyo Centers, and other consumer-frequented locations, including shopping malls. Catering to the general mainstream market, these stores offer quality, transformed, and standards-compliant OTOP products.

KAPEtirya/Coffee Pavilion

KAPEtirya, a coffee pavilion will showcase quality Philippine coffee blends and coffee brands together with suppliers of native delicacies and bakery products that pair well with coffee.

Participation of Farm Tourism Destinations /Tour Operators

Farm tourism destinations and tour operators accredited with the Department of Tourism join the NFF for the first time.

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The National Food Fair is a project of the Department of Trade and Industry –Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion in cooperation with the Regional and Provincial Offices and with the support of the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture and La Germania.

For more information about the NFF, please call the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at tel. no. (2) 7513223 or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. For regular updates, please “Like“ the Facebook page www.facebook.com/DTI.BDTP and follow us on www.twitter.com/DTI_BDTP and www.instagram.com/dti. bdtp. Please use our official hashtag: #NFF2019, #KainTayoPilipinas, and #iamdtiph in all your social media posts related to the National Food Fair – Philippine Cuisine & Ingredients Show.