The 2019 National Trade Fair, themed “A Green Show,” closed on a high note as it ended its four-day run from August 22 to 25 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Post-event reports indicate that the Department of Trade and Industry exceeded previous year figures on all fronts, through the efforts of the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, under the leadership of Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of the Trade Promotions Group, in cooperation with the Regional Operations Group under Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona.

In terms of revenues, retail and booked sales amounted to almost PHP 60-million, representing a 7% increase over previous year figures of PHP 56-million. Moreover, orders amounting to PHP 26-million are still under negotiation and are expected to be converted to booked orders.

With 88 food and 197 non-food exhibitors, the 2019 National Trade Fair provided market exposure to 285 MSMEs from all over the country, 14% better than the 250 participants last year. Trade fair visitors also increased by almost 10%, attracting 41,418 fairgoers as compared to last year’s 37,364.

The National Trade Fair has always been well-received by buyers and the general public, with customer satisfaction remaining a high 98% saying they were definitely satisfied. 

The theme, “A Green Show,” was adopted in line with the DTI’s Green Economic Development Program that aims to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, and the 285 exhibitors were carefully chosen because their products and processes are organic, environment-friendly, and sustainable. They signified their commitment to become green advocates by displaying a pledge panel in their respective booths, with the following promises: (a) create sustainable products; (b) use eco-friendly packaging; (c) conserve energy and resources; (d) explore green solutions to reduce carbon footprint; and (e) support and promote environmental awareness.

Likewise, as part of the formal opening ceremony, the DTI being led by Secretary Ramon Lopez together with other officials and distinguished guests also signified their pledge to incorporate green practices in their programs and policies by writing down their signatures on the pledge wall with the following commitments:

a) produce green-trepreneurs from Trabaho, Negosyo, Konsumer (TNK) sessions; 

b) nurture 10 green-trepreneurs to become global; 

c) implement green practices in all operational Shared Service Facilities by end of 2019;

d) advocate green consumerism through information, education, and communication campaigns; and 

e) reduce paper consumption through the implementation of ONE-DTI or the Digital Transformation Initiative.

The DTI conducts national domestic trade fairs primarily to assist MSMEs from the regions in order for them to expand their market presence; and over the years, the number of visitors, as well as sales volume have steadily increased, as Metro Manila consumers look forward to these events.

Don’t miss the upcoming National Arts and Crafts Fair which will be held on October 24-27, 2019 at Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at telephone numbers (02) 751-3223 and (02) 791 3102, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. You may also follow DTI-BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Savvy shoppers regard the National Trade Fair as a haven for the best and the latest. Here are 10 reasons why it continues to be a much-awaited event:

1. The Best Products from the Regions. There will be 250 exhibitors from all over the country offering products such as furniture and furnishings, houseware and decor, wearables and fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs, as well as heirloom food, and health and wellness products.

         

2. Holiday Decor Pavilion. Jumpstart your Christmas design ideas by checking out the special setting of the Philippine Homestyle and Holiday Decor Association (PhilHHDA) for a sneak peek at the upcoming holiday trends, including holiday decor made of recycled or upcycled materials.

3. Living Green Pavilion. Discover green crafts developed by eco-conscious MSMEs in collaboration with the Design Center of the Philippines. The showcase features a one-of-a-kind design collaboration that champions materials indigenous to the country and pushes for efforts that are kinder to the planet.

4. The Green Pavilion. In search of organic, sustainable, eco-friendly, and yummy food? Indulge your taste buds at the display of the Association of Laguna Food Processors (ALAFOP) in partnership with DTI-Laguna.

5. Marawi Showcase. Help our internally displaced persons (IDPs) or ‘bakwits’ in their economic recovery by supporting their wares at this special section organized in cooperation with DTI Region 10.

6. Furniture and Furnishings Showcase. Looking to upgrade your home with a new statement piece crafted by Filipino artisans? Need a distinctive item to brighten up your space? Don’t miss out a stop at this special setting for the best in Filipino craftsmanship.

7. One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hub. Each region has its own specialty products. You don’t have to go home to the province to stock up on all the delicacies you miss from home.

8. Leather Crafting Workshop. Make your own belt, coin purse, wallet or bag. Or just support this

social enterprise involving persons with disabilities by buying some of their handcrafted leather goods.

9. Kapetirya. Another mainstay at the national trade fairs, the Coffee Pavilion brings the best of Philippine coffee blends to the metro.

10. Green Station. Contribute to the green initiative by bringing waste materials for recycling by our partner-beneficiaries. For your good deed, you get a free eco-bag courtesy of Monteverde Sewing Inc.

Here’s a list of what you can bring: (a) Five 1.5L soda bottles or one paper bag of assorted PET bottles for Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc.; (b) One paper bag of soft plastics for the Villar SIPAG Foundation; (c) Magazines, newspapers, or telephone directory for Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation; or (d) One Light Water Brand, 600ml PET bottle for Liter of Light Foundation. Don’t miss out on the 2019 National Trade Fair – A Green Fair, which will be open from 10AM to 9PM on August 22 to 25, 2019. Admission is free.

For more information, please contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at telephone numbers (02) 751-3223 and (02) 791 3102, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. You may also follow BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for regular updates.

Corregidor Island holds historical narratives of war that represents the tight for the country’s freedom. Known as the “Isle of Valor" or "The Rock”, the 358-kilometer island holds more treasures apart from the history carefully preserved in the island. 

The Corregidor Foundation (CFI), the Department of Tourism through its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (T PB), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), unveils the new brand of Corregidor Corregidor Now. Corregidor Now seeks to entice tourists to live and experience Corregidor island in more ways than one! Corregidor Now invites guests to learn the unique story of Corregidor Island and explore spots around the island that are waiting to be experienced, making it a unique and exciting tourism destination. 

With the campaign, they seek to actively promote the island’s various attractions, such as middle-side barracks, battery grubs, Pacific war memorial complex, Cine Corregidor, Spanish lighthouse, Japanese garden of peace, Filipino heroes memorial, Malinta tunnel, and Lorcha dock. Beyond historical relics, the island boasts of a multitude of opportunities for every type of traveler to enjoy biking, bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, island runabout, and kayaking are just some of the fun activities in the island. 

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Corregidor Foundation Inc. Chairpeison and CEO Cynthia Carrion in spearheading the new strategic campaign, dubbed “Corregidor Now," which aims to deliver a stronger and unified voice for the whole island, bringing it to greater heights as a tourism attraction. “For years, Corregidor Island seemed to be perceived solely as a popular historical site, with its idyllic features unknown to many,” Carrion said. “With our campaign, we hope that it will usher in a new era for this eco-historical location, making it known as a place of sanctuary where one can enjoy a relaxing opportunity to revel in the past." 

This initiative, according to TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan. aims to attract more domestic and international tourists to visit Corregidor Island. 

In support of this endeavor. TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas said they greatly recognize the island’s historical value and strong tourism potential, which can make it a flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ). 

TIEZA is developing a comprehensive master plan for the redevelopment of Corregidor and the proposed rehabilitation of the Corregidor South Dock Pier. Under the marketing campaign, they will implement more proactive promotional efforts in various forms of media to inform the public and entice target markets to visit the island. 

With all the tourist destinations in the Philippines, Corregidor Island is the only one where you can truly dive deep into history while enjoying the best of tropical Philippines. it is the picture-perfect showcase of the variety of fun and adventure offered on its land, sea, and air. Carrion invites Filipinos to come together, enjoy, and explore the historical paradise that is an ultimate relaxation and fun adventure sanctuary. 

To book a tour or know more about Corregidor, please email info@corregidorisland.com.ph or visit www.corregidorisland.com.ph or call +632.8233281 .

MAKATI, Philippines - When was the last time we took some time off to create a lasting memory with our mother?

This question and our tendency to be overly connected to technology led to popular Litson Manok chain Andok’s to take a back-to-basics observance of Mother’s Day. This year, Andok’s seeks to inspire families to disconnect from their mobile devices and create lasting memories with their mothers on their special day.

Dubbed as #HourMama, Andok’s campaign seeks to encourage people to dedicate at least an hour for some uninterrupted bonding time with their mother.

“Over the years, we have seen technology successfully bridge various gaps in human experience. However, we tend to be so excited with the advancements and the connections we can make from afar that we forget to give the gift of being present to our loved ones who are right beside us,” shared Maverick Javier, Executive Vice President of Andok’s Litson Corporation.

“This inspired us to encourage everyone to take an hour of their time to take a step back, look around, and create new core memories with the people around them. And we thought it is best to kick-off this campaign by sharing new memories with our mothers on their special day.”

The campaign kicks off at Andok’s branch in Makati Avenue where customers and guests go offline from 12 noon to an hour and connect with the mothers in the restaurant. The branch’s WiFi will go WaFi (walang WiFi) as the restaurant’s wireless Internet connection shuts down during this hour. Fueling these personal and live interactions among families is the signature taste of Andok’s offerings, allowing the families to punctuate their connections with Andok’s iconic dishes.

“Andok’s has always been about doing things with heart and appreciation. With #HourMama, we aim to not just have a heart-to-heart connection with our valued customers, but to build meaningful relationships and memories within families. We are hoping this activity will pave the way to more observances of #HourMama as our fellow Filipinos spend more quality and uninterrupted time with their moms – even beyond Mother’s Day. Of course, this is best done with the offerings of Andok’s that we’ve all come to know and love,” adds Javier.

Everyone is also encouraged to join the campaign on Mother’s Day by taking a photo with their mothers after a dedicated offline hour and posting it using in social media using the hashtag #HourMama.