Category: SMX Convention Center

Madrid Fusión Manila Trade Exhibit to showcase best food products

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Madrid Fusión, one of the largest culinary events in the world, will make its debut in the Philippines as part of Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 through the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). Madrid Fusión Manila is set to take place on 24 – 26 April 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Madrid Fusion Manila will have three simultaneous events: the International Gastronomy Congress, Trade Exhibit, and Flavors of the Philippines. A notable roster of Michelin-starred Spanish chefs and distinguished Asian and Filipino chefs will demonstrate modern and avant-garde techniques at the Congress.

At the Trade Exhibit, which will happen alongside the Congress, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will be promoting native products listed under the Slow Food Foundation’s Ark of Taste, a collection of rare productions that belong to the cultures, history, and traditions of the world. “These food products were included in the list precisely because they are produced in the Philippines. The manner by which these products are prepared reflects the traditional knowledge of Filipinos, passed down through generations,” said DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Heirloom rice, cacao, vinegars, and wines are only a few among the distinctly Filipino and Spanish products to be showcased market-style at the Madrid Fusión Manila Trade Exhibit. Artisanal products from the Philippines from cheese to calamansi and dalandan liquor, muscovado sugar, vinegar, and artisanal salts will also be available. “The Department is promoting these food products in order to support their producers and encourage sustainable production,” Romulo-Puyat added.

The event’s regional lunches will feature the native Filipino produce as well. Other products to watch out for include adlai, barako coffee, batuan, kamias, siling labuyo, and muscovado sugar.

Some of the best known Spanish brands will also showcase their products including fresh, cured, and processed pork products, brandy and sparkling wines like Freixenet, Vallformosa, Masachs, and Codorniu among others.

“This event is an opportunity to brag not only about our best local food brands, it is also an occasion for our artisans to be discovered, promoted, and elevated to become household names. Our net gain from this exercise should be growing brands and strengthening brand loyalty. At the end of the day, we hope this event will yield more excellent chefs who will ignite passion and further commitment towards seizing the culinary limelight in this region,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

“We would like to express the full commitment and support of the Spanish government with the Madrid Fusion Manila project, which was formalized during the visit of President Aquino to Spain,” said Enrique Feás, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines. The Embassy is also in-charge of the exclusive Tapas Night on April 11th for dignitaries of both Philippines and Spanish governments, members from the Diplomatic Corps, prestigious culinary personalities, media partners and other sponsors.

“These are exciting times for the Food sector in the Philippines. With the aid of a robust economic growth, increasing consumer purchasing power and the growth of domestic and international tourism, the opportunities for new products and outlets are also increasing,” said Feás. “It is also a perfect time for the Filipino consumer to enhance their knowledge on quality products as well as upgrading their taste for new and exclusive delicacies.”

The first two days of the Trade Exhibit are exclusive to trade visitors (e.g. bakers, chefs, cooks, restaurant owners, food industry professionals, students of Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management) who can enter the venue for free. While the third day is open to the public for a registration fee of P500.

SM as the official partner of Madrid Fusion Manila 2015

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The Philippines and Spain share a deep and colorful history and what better way to celebrate these two cultures than through their vibrant and intertwined culinary traditions. This April, the world’s most anticipated epicurean event will celebrate the two countries ’300 years’ worth of shared connection through food in one global event where the world’s top chefs showcase culinary innovations and cutting-edge techniques, ingredients and recipes taking food and dining to the next level. If one wants to see the “future of food,” this is the place to be in.

SM plays host to this historic affair and welcomes Madrid Fusion as it comes to Asia for the first time and puts Manila at the heart of culinary interest worldwide. Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 happening on April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City highlights the Philippines as an haute cuisine destination in Asia. And a Welcome Night at the scenic SM By the Bay for the official delegates are sure to put everyone in a good mood during the first day of the congress on April 24 where this time, it’s all about the best of Philippine food, art, and culture.

“SM is proud to be the venue of the historic Madrid Fusion Manila. We believe that one of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets is our rich culinary heritage,” expressed Steven Tan, SM Supermalls senior vice-president. “We also want to bring the excitement of Madrid Fusion, particularly Spain’s strong influence in our food and culture, to our mall-goers by taking these culinary festivities to our malls.” To help create national awareness for this cultural milestone, the official Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 TV commercial is being aired in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

Set to captivate Manila with their culinary virtuoso are Spain and Asia’s legendary chefs Andoni Luis Aduriz, Elena Arzak, Quique Dacosta, Ramón Freixa, Francis Paniego, Paco Roncero, Mario Sandoval, Paco Torreblanca, André Chiang, and Alvin Leung. Presenting the Philippines’ own diverse and imaginative epicurean traditions are chefs Fernando Aracama, Margarita Forés, J Gamboa, José Luis “Chele” Gonzalez, Pepe Lopez, Rob Pengson, Bruce Ricketts, Myrna Dizon, Claude Tayag, and Juan Carlos de Terry. Taking centerstage at the congress will be this exciting encounter between Spain’s legendary Michelin-starred chefs and the Philippines’ very own culinary stars. A trade exhibition will focus on the finest Spanish and Filipino products from Spanish wines and cheeses, to the Philippines’ world-class exports such as rice, cacao, coffee, mango, coconut, and liquors.

A feast of everything delectably Filipino-Spanish shall delight foodies at the Gourmet Weekend Market from April 24 to 26 at SM Mall of Asia. A premium selection of cheese, tapas, wine, ingredients, local finds and special bundles shall be made available in partnership with SM Markets (SM Supermarket and Hypermarket).

New food concepts that reflect culinary innovation and technique will be available only this April at select SM Mall of Asia restaurants where special dishes with Spanish influence or cooked with the finest local produce, ingredients and flavors are sure to bring out your inner foodie. Savory goodness awaits mall-goers of SM Aura Premier which shall host its own Spanish-themed fiesta with music, dancing, food and drinks on April 26 at the Sky Park lawn. While on April 24 to 26, irresistible dining deals await all food lovers at SM Megamall’s flagship and first-in-the-country dining destinations and the newly-opened Mega Food Hall.

Isuzu Philippines presents diversity of product range in Trucks for Life festival

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IPC President Nobuo Izumina (center) leads the ceremonial toast during the launch of 2014 Isuzu Truck Fest Manila last June 11 at SMX in Pasay City. Executives also present, from left: IPC SVP for Sales Arthur Balmadrid; IML’s VP for Global CV Engineering Center Masahisa Kitamura; IPC EVP Takashi Tomita; and, Mitsubishi Corporation’s General Manager for Isuzu Division, ASEAN Department Ken Takashima.

ALREADY having a firm hold on the country’s commercial vehicle segment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in its 2014 Truck Fest Manila showcases the diversity of Isuzu’s product range, which ensures the brand’s continued leadership in the local market.

IPC’s Trucks for Life lineup takes to the spotlight at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia on June 11 to 14, 2014. Starring at the spectacle are products that represent the core value of what Isuzu is all about—the ever dependable, durable and reliable Isuzu trucks. The 2014 Truck Fest Manila follows a similar edition held in Clark, Pampanga on May 8 and 9, 2014.

“The past few years have shown a tremendous increase in the sales of trucks and buses, with growth rates going past 30% not only for Isuzu, but for the entire auto industry,” says IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “It is no coincidence that during this period, we also saw the growth of the economy, placing the Philippines among the strongest growing economies in Asia. This is proof that the truck and bus segment plays a key role in nation-building. Isuzu rises to this challenge by providing world-class trucks and buses that are suited to the needs of all Filipino businesses.”

Being the Philippines’ most trusted brand when it comes to trucks, clearly seen in the N-Series being the country’s bestselling light-duty truck for 15 consecutive years, Isuzu remains steadfast in bringing out new products to the market. At the 2014 Truck Fest, IPC presents the new Isuzu CYZ and EXR heavy-duty trucks, which can be configured depending on the requirement of a particular company.

Presenting new trucks

At the event, Izumina leads in turning over the new CYZ and EXR trucks to the companies that have already placed reservations for the units. Three companies ordered EXR trucks and one purchased a CYZ.

Receiving the EXR trucks are Alexander Yu, President and CEO of Pan Pacific Petrofuels; Barnett So, President of Rephil Station Inc.; and Gumersindo Ilagan III, Vice President of GITC Supply Solutions. Getting a CYZ is Ismaelito Altamiro, Vice President at 1st Balfour, Inc.

The EXR, which boasts a gross combination mass of 45,000 kilograms, is powered by Isuzu’s proven 6WF1-TCC engine that has an intercooled turbocharger and a high-pressure multi-injection, common-rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system. This allows a power output of 390 PS and Euro II emission compliance.

The EXR also has an aerodynamic cab design and an optimal ground clearance, which makes it capable of tackling rough terrain. Its driver’s seat conforms to the latest Euro safety regulations, adding to an auto adjust wedge-type brake with ABS.

Equally as capable is the CYZ, which is rated with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 30,700 kilograms to 33,000 kilograms. It runs on the same engine as the EXR, so it has high torque ratings even in low rpm ranges, helping it achieve excellent fuel efficiency.

Like the EXR, the CYZ’s cab is also aerodynamic and can be tilted for easy maintenance access. A strong chassis frame and heavy-duty multi-leaf Trunnion suspension, and a no-spin-type differential are among its key features.

Trucks for further growth

The new purchases indicate that IPC is on track to surpass, or match at the very least, the company’s truck sales total in 2013. Last year IPC’s tally in the segment reached 2,682 units. In the first five months of 2014, IPC sold 1,130 trucks to various companies.

“As business people, we would like to worry less about logistics and focus more on growth,” Tomita says. “Developments are happening fast and all at the same time, and we often miss opportunities when we encounter operational problems that slow us down. Isuzu offers the solution to business needs, with each model thoughtfully designed to cater to every requirement.”

So lining up the event’s hall are 24 Isuzu truck models that are each designed for a specific business purpose. These are an NHR55 school bus & aluminum van, NKR71 composite/aluminum van, NPR71 fire truck, aerial platform and aluminum van, NQR71 telescopic and articulated crane, drop side and aluminum van, FRR90 drop side and aluminum van with side door, FVR34 dump truck and garbage compactor, FVM34 drop side and 28-footer wing van, 12.5 cu. m. CYZ51 dump truck, EXR51 tractor with 30 kl fuel tanker, a D-max Flexiqube and two I-Van in 16 and 18-seat UV Express shuttles.

“With this Truck Fest, we showcase the very best of Isuzu products, which have special features and rear body configurations,” says Izumina.

Spicing things further at the 2014 Truck Fest Manila are special promos offering free items that are included on fleet and retail purchases made between June 11 to August 31, 2014. The freebies are P10,000-worth of Periodic Maintenance Service coupon, three-year LTO registration and Apple iPad Mini 3G (16GB). Customers who purchase or place reservations during the show qualify for a raffle draw that gives away truck-scale models. The first 200 guests on June 11 receive giveaways like Isuzu truck miniatures, eco bags, and pens.

The Truck Fest, which IPC started mounting in 2013, takes over from the Isuzu Truck Attack events that were held in 1999, 2004 and 2010. All bolster IPC’s leading position in the country’s commercial vehicle segment.

SM Cites Property Merger Benefits

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SM Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson

SM Investments Corporation (SM) highlighted the opportunities in real estate in the Philippines following its recent merger of property assets under mall developer now property conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime).

In a recent forum by the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines held at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig, SM officials cited the benefits of the landmark merger which was announced in 2013 that transformed SM Prime as one of the Southeast Asia’s largest property companies. SM Prime today has shopping malls, residences, offices, hotel and convention centers and leisure facilities.

 SM Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson said that the SM Group has been “particularly active” with developments across all its core businesses in banking, retail and property which is indicative of the Philippine economy’s growth story.

“The reason why we merged the residences, malls, hotel, commercial, leisure and other landbank under SM Prime was to create a property company that is strong and well positioned for the future,” Mrs. Coson said.

She added that SM continues to have faith in the growth of the Philippine property sector which is just emerging. “The strength of SM has always been to create and leverage synergies across all businesses and this merger does that for our property units. As a result, we can do larger and more long-term integrated master planned developments and more lifestyle cities,” Mrs. Coson added.

SM Prime Vice President for Finance Teresa Reyes-Agsalud meantime said that as a result of the merger, SM Prime is in a position to pursue its next phase of growth. SM Prime now has access to a significantly larger land bank of over 900 hectares and real estate assets of US$13.8 billion as of the end of December 2013.

“The bigger scale and enhanced capabilities will allow SM Prime to unlock revenue synergies within the group as well as pursue larger and more attractive opportunities in the market,” Agsalud said.

She said that part of the strategy of SM Prime is to develop more “lifestyle cities” similar to the 60-hectare Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City which will optimize land where premiere malls currently stand.

SM Prime is eyeing to replicate such lifestyle cities in SM Clark in Pampanga where the company already has an existing mall; SM North EDSA; its rising development SM Seaside City in Cebu; and in SM Lanang Premier in Davao.

SM Prime is eyeing building a Park Inn hotel in Clark. SM North EDSA hosts call center operations in its Annex Building and is adjacent to Grass Residences while just across the road, SM Cyber West , which is already 100% pre-leased since last year, is scheduled for completion in 2014. SM Seaside City Cebu, which will open in 2015, sits on a 30-hectare lot and will house a 400,000 square meter mall to be followed by another SM Arena. SM Lanang Premier, which was opened in 2012 is next to Park Inn Hotel and includes an SMX Convention Center.

“We are convinced that by working together as one SM Prime significant value and synergies can be unlocked for all our stakeholders,” she said.

SM SVP for Investor Relations Corazon Guidote also cited the Mall of Asia Complex as a classic example of how commitment, taking a long-term position, proper planning and execution on a development can unlock significant value not just for shareholders but for the whole city of Pasay.

“When I joined SM, there was just the mall in MOA. Now you have the mall, SMX, the MOA Arena, and the offices and residences which are interrelated in terms of operations. These developments enhanced the value of the land in MOA by over 23 times since the late nineties even prior to the property merger,” Guidote said.

She also said that SM sees opportunities for growth in offices and hotels.

“For the offices, we will be increasing momentum through our E-com buildings. Initially the plan was to put up four but now the plan is to come up with five. For the hotels, we will be putting up more Park Inns. Davao is doing very well and it really suits the needs of the market at this time,” Guidote said.

“By holding on long-term and trying to optimize synergies within the group, that’s how we create value for shareholders,” Guidote added.

SM Reaches Out to Investors in First Retail Roadshow

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SM Investments Corporation (SM) reached out to retail investors in maiden non-deal domestic roadshow held recently in Cebu, Davao and Manila.

The roadshow is an initiative of the company’s investor relations which runs in line with the company’s good governance practices by keeping investors and the markets informed and updated on developments within the SM Group. This is part and parcel of SM’s responsibility as a publicly-listed company.

road show1

The roadshow also aims to encourage investors to share in the company’s growth through investments in the stock market by providing investors wealth-building advice and strategies.

SM partnered with local broker COL Financial for its maiden retail roadshow entitled “Wealth Building Summit for the Filipino Investor, SMart Money through the Stock Market”. Over 1,700 investors attended the event during its three-day run from March 25 to 27 held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu, SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Davao and SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig.

Speakers during the roadshow were also optimistic about the prospects of the Philippine economy which is a major factor in the growth of Philippine companies.

SM Chief Finance Officer Jose T. Sio told investors to study the company’s financial health. “In all these, look at the balance sheet and find a company that is healthy, liquid and that has a low gearing ratio. These are the companies that will grow regardless of the country’s economic cycles,” Sio said.

SM Senior Vice President for Investor Relations, Corazon P. Guidote told investors that the Philippine economy is at an “inflection point that offers much more growth opportunities across all sectors which will result in continued growth for the stock market. “We are excited as you are with all that the Philippines is experiencing. As such, we encourage you to invest in your country, and invest in your home-grown companies. Share in the dividends that you yourselves generate as a collective engine of growth for the companies that are listed on the Philippine stock market,” Guidote said.

roadshow3

For his part, Joel Litman, Chief Investment Strategist at Valens Securities, Inc. also said he is bullish on the long-term prospects of the Philippine economy. “I am extremely bullish on the Philippine economy, in terms of employment or growth of jobs, the banking sector, growth of middle market, and the growth of consumers,” he said.

To take advantage of this growth, Guidote urged investors to participate in the upside of companies through stock investments. “Don’t just be our shopper or our customer. Be the owner of some of the worlds’ largest malls, or the leading bank in the country, or Southeast Asia’s largest property company, or the largest copper producer in the Philippines, or the country’s most progressive holding company,” she said.

Timothy Daniels, Consultant for Investor Relations at SM also reiterated that the Philippines is a fast growing market. “We have three core investments in retailing, banking and property and these are being positioned for where the Philippines is going. We may be a leading player today but the Philippines is a fast growing market and it is still developing, it has so much more potential in all of the areas, especially in the core businesses that we are in,” Daniels said.

“Within the last couple of years, BDO raised 1 billion dollars making it a tremendously strong bank. In retailing, with moves like our investments in CityMalls, we are going to retain our lead, and in property, the merger last year is to position all property entities of the group to really become be the leading players as the property industry continues to grow,” Daniels said.

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Guidote added that many foreign investors have profited from the stock market due to their long-term investment views saying that at the beginning of her career in the late 80′s there were just a handful of quality stocks listed in the market, while there were more speculative stocks. “But of the few quality stocks, foreign investors have already profited tremendously from the market because not only have they taken a long-term view of the market, they also had access to information that help them make good investment decisions. That’s because they deal with large institutional banks and stockbrokers which provide in-depth research and advice,” Guidote said.

Guidote added that SM’s share price for one, when it listed in 2005 was only the equivalent of less than P190. “Now it trades steadily at close to P700 per share, which over the 8 years (since I joined SM), yielded an average growth of about 35 percent per annum,” she said.

She said that more Filipinos should benefit from the growth of Philippine companies through their stock market investments. “Sadly, very few Filipinos benefited from that growth with volumes still dominated by large foreign funds. Our market capitalization is now US$12.5 billion. Of our free float of 42 percent, 36 percent is held by foreign funds. The same is true for SM Prime and BDO whose minority investors are mostly large foreign funds. This is why we are here today. It really is our fervent wish to have more Filipinos benefit from the growth of our companies,” Guidote said.