Get Ready for WOFEX!

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Hong Kong Food Expo '09

Amidst the Swine Flu scare that caused the closure of the entire Metropole Hotel, the show went on for HOFEX or Hong Kong Food Expo. One of Asia's largest food shows, HOFEX very visibly suffered from a smaller exhibition and fewer visitors which are probably the offshoot of the looming global economic slump and the fear of an epidemic. However, for the stakeholders of the Food and Beverage industry, business must not wait for anything or anyone.

There were more country-led pavilions but fewer corporate bookings

but as a whole, the event was still a sight to behold. The Philippines was ably represented in both the exhibiton and in the

competition where the Pasty Alliance brought home the gold. Some awsome creations of the competing chefs and bakers.

On the left is a chocolate creation and on the right - too pretty to eat!

New products, new concepts, new techonologies, these were all

carefully laid out on the floor of the Hong Kong Convention Center.

Generous food tasting treats from breads, wines to even caviar and

truffles (the mushroom) had us going back for seconds.

Hong Kong is still a nice vacation place. But on the dates we were

there, face masks were unfortunately the fashion trend ...

CWC Watersports Boost Local Tourism

Camarines Sur hit a goldmine when they decided to transform some of its idle land into the country's best water sports park. CWC boasts of some of the best facilities for wakeboarding anywhere in the world which accounts for the huge influx of foreign tourists to the province.

Long lines are a common site as wakeboard enthusiasts wait for their

turn on this extreme sport. Celebrity sighting is also quite common.

The newest attraction is this water park that caters for the entire

family and not only to those brave at heart. Lots of fun in the water!

"Fun and relaxation" is the only order of the day once billeted inside

the compound of CWC. Its like being in a different world.

A few meters away, the EcoVillage offers a view of plant and wildlife.

Of course, a side trip to the famous Mayon Volcano is a must!

DairyConEx in Camsur

Once again, milk took center stage during the recent Dairy Congress and Expo at Camarines Sur. The event continues to build up on the need to boost dairy production in the country to counter the effects of its being the largest agricultural import of the country.

Milk farmers, processors and other stake holders once again

gathered in this annual event to discuss strategies on dairy farming.

Suppliers of this growing industry was also seen in full force during the

3-day exhbition that went concurrent with the congress proceedings.

Attracting full support to the industry were Senate President Juan Ponce

Enrile and Sen. Richard Gordon who are both staunch allies of dairy. The young Senator Chiz Escudero was also on hand along with

Congressman Edsel Lagman who both pledged more help.

Exhibitors happy, delegates happy .... mission accomplished.

Finally, the turn-over of hosting ... see you in Cebu in 2010!

The Edge Coaster

Had to try Cebu's newest attraction, the Edge Coaster, part of the Sky Experience Adventure at the Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu. Not bad but not great, good thing it was reasonably priced so it was worth a try.

Supposed to be the world's first of its kind, its at the 38th floor of the

hotel and sits on a rail at the edge of the building.

Lasting just 4 minutes, it encircles the building giving the rider a 360

degree view of Cebu. Heard its better to take this ride at night time.

A lever tilts the ride a maximum 55 degrees ... somehow wishing it

would go 90 degrees. The rain gave the ride additional excitement!

WOFEX Visayas in Cebu

Last April, WOFEX Visayas had its 3rd year run and, while we were hit with a province wide brownout on our last day, the results of the exhibit was still really positive and remains the most attended food show in the region.

Many of the speakers and exhibitors were from Manila and even

overseas, guaranteeing the quality of the products and seminars.

Some exhibitors had in-booth activities like this flairtending exhibition

from the distributors of Monin. Of course, plenty of food all around!

The Ms. Nancy Reyes-Lumen had hands on food styling and, as the

photo shows, had its attendees fully satisfied with what they learned!

What good is a food show if there is no food? WOFEX Visayas did

not fail in bringing in a focused trade show for the F&B industry.

An Awesome First Year for Cosmétologie 2009

A Beauty Show unlike any other in the Philippines, Cosmetologie 09 : Beauty, Wellness & Trends opened its inaugural year to tremendous success, quickly establishing itself as the biggest and most important trade show for the beauty and wellness industry.

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The Opening Ceremonies

Special guests during the opening were Sen. Kiko Pangilinan Ms. Charlene Gonzales, TESDA Usec. Peyuan and Mega's Sari Yap

Cosmetologie 09 successfully opened to a jam-packed crowd

Hair Now magazine was also launched with its cover girl, Dawn Zulueta

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The Exhibit

Major industry players in the beauty and wellness industries were

represented led by L'Oreal and Matrix, major sponsors of the event

Products that was anything and everything that had to do with

beauty were on display, making the event a sourcing haven

The booths were mostly well set-up and well-stocked with both

the latest in local and imported products and services.

Special "event only" discounts and packages were offered to the

visitors of the show, encouraging some to go on a buying spree!

Ture enough, at the end of the exhibit, most of the participating

exhibitors reported robust sales and booked orders.

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The Services

Free treatments, free consultations and discounted services

were all over the exhibit floor as visitors took advantage of the offers.

Some of the services offered were eye lash extensions, tatooing,

facials, nail art, hair extensions, manicures, pedicures, etc.

Hair rebonding and hair styling were also available. Visitors also

got to learn from the Beauty Ambassadors of L'Oreal and Matrix.

Of course, the wellness sector of the event was, likewise, well

represented, offering massage, foot spa and accupuncture services.

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The Education

The most important component of the trade show is the series of

seminars & workshops such as those of the one & only Fanny Serrano.

Pulling all stops to give a first rate seminar is Essensuals by Toni

and Guy which brought in 14 models and foreign stylists.

In-booth seminars were also a treat for the other visitors.

For L'Oreal, they even had a graduation for their color experts.

Not afraid to share their expertise to fellow beauty professionals, some

members of PICA like Fred Penales & Framesi shared trade secrets.

Among others, Danilo Franco taught fashion and Abigail Arenas taught

Air-Brush Make-Up to enthusiastic audiences.

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The Show & Stars

Runway shows by Rene Salud, the La Salle College International &

the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines wowed the crowd

Big stars willingly shared their talents during the event's awarding

ceremonies such as Mr. Ogie Alcasid and Judy Ann Santos.

Ms. Pops Fernandez rocked the house with her 80s hits medley while

Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano sang 2 songs to an appreciatve crowd

Others stars include Ms. Cherie Gil and Ms. Lorna Tolentino.

Finally, after a month of waiting, the winners of the Touch of Excellence

Awards were announced! Congratulations! (Winners on the next blog)

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Celebrating the Success!

After months of hard work and determination, members of PICA

take a few moments to celebrate the success of the show and invites

everyone to watch out for a BIGGER and BETTER Cosmetologie 2010!