philippine's entry to the 2015 aprce bidding

MAKE IT MANILA, PHILIPPINES 2015!17TH ASIA-PACIFIC RETAILERS CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION [APRCE]

MAKE IT M

ANILA, PHILIPPINES 2015

01

MESSAGE OF PRA PRESIDENT & PRA CHAIRMAN

In behalf of the Philippine Retailers Association, we are honored to invite you to the Philippines as we bid to host the 2015 Asia- Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (APRCE)!

It has been almost two (2) decades since we last hosted the ARCE in 1993. Since then, our country has undergone major developments and achieved milestones in the economy, tourism, and business. At the same time, the Philippine retail environment is at its brightest with the opening of 44 new malls in the next three years by the country’s top developers, SM Prime Holdings, Robinsons Land Corporation, Ayala Land Inc. and Megaworld Corporation and the construction of three large hotels and casinos at the Pagcor City, including Resorts World. These developments made the Philippines known for all the right reasons.

Recently, the Philippine Department of Tourism (Phil DOT) launched its signature campaign “More Fun in the Philippines” to highlight the unique fun experiences the county can offer to the visitors from around the world. As retailers, we are taking part in this campaign by creating a shopping experience – both in merchandise and shopping centers as well as in customer service that will stand out as truly a memorable Philippine experience.

We always have something MORE to give and to share --- from our breath taking tourist destinations like the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan province --- recently named one of the 7 natural wonders of the world --- to our pristine white sand beaches, historical landmarks, eco-adventure sports and world class entertainment facilities to our world renowned Filipino hospitality. Truly, the Philippines is the place not only to see, but the place to be in 2015!

Make it Manila in 2015 and let us show you why truly it’s “MORE FUN in the Philippines”!

Mabuhay!

FREDERICK D. GOPresident

BERNIE H. LIUChairman

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

02

MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III

The Philippine retail industry continues to thrive in this era of global competitiveness and

innovation, and I welcome the significant contributions of the Philippine Retailers Association

(PRA) in achieving this robust state.

The international business community regards the Philippines as one of the most promising

markets in the region – our retail industry being among our key drivers for economic

development. Indeed, we have the distinction of being home to three of the ten biggest malls

in the world. And I am proud to note that this sector remains dynamic, able to adapt new

technologies and address the changing needs of the Filipino and international markets.

The 17th Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition is a timely opportunity to

demonstrate the development and progress of our local retail sector, and we share the

enthusiasm of PRA in hosting this conference. This prestigious industry event also gives us the

opportunity to showcase the best that the Philippines has to offer: the beauty of our natural

environment, the vitality of our culture, and the warmth and hospitality of our people. We are

confident that, during the course of your stay, you will be with us in saying that it is, indeed,

more fun in the Philippines.

Rest assured that we in the government are committed to fulfilling our economy’s great

potential. We pledge our support to the sources of this event and look forward to welcoming

you all in 2015.

BENIGNO S. AQUINO IIIPresident Republic of the Philippinest

MAKE IT M


03The Department of Tourism supports the Philippine Retailers Association’s (PRA) bid to host the 2015 Asia-Pacific Retail Conference and Exhibit (APRCE).

Recently, the Philippines welcomed another milestone with inclusion of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The achievement has attracted international interest and encouraged more people to explore other world-famous tourist destinations in the country.

Our new tourism campaign, It’s more fun in the Philippines, is a message inviting the world to see what makes our country different. The Philippines is not a place to see, but a place to be.

Enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the MICE market segment is one of the key priorities of the department as it has the potential to stimulate economic activities and generate international goodwill for the country. The extensive choices for meeting venues, along with the Filipinos’ excellent service and world-renowned hospitality, certainly make the Philippines a premiere destination for meetings, exhibits, and conventions in Asia.

We invite the Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Association (FAPRA) to choose the Philippines as its conference venue in 2015.

We look forward to sharing the FUN to both organizers and participants!

Thank you, and Mabuhay!

MESSAGE OF DOT SECRETARY

RAMON R. JIMENEZ, JR.Secretay

MESSAGE OF DTI SECRETARY

On behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), I am pleased to endorse the bid of the Philippines Retailers Association (PRA) to host the 2015 Asia-Pacific Convention and Exhibition (APRCE) in Manila.

Despite challenges in the global financial economy in recent years, the Philippines retail industry continues to grow and prosper as new breeds of Filipino retailers emerge, new shopping centers and malls open up and expand, and more and more international brands companies come to our shores to set up operations and become part of the Philippie business landscape – unmistakeble signs of the dynamism of the Philippine retail sector.

Our optimism in the rapid development and emergence of the Philippines as a premier shopping destination in Asia is strengthened by growing confidence of the business sector, the entry of more foreign investments and robust consumer sector.

Rest assured the DTI will continue to support the PRA’s effort in ensuring that the 2015 APRCE will be a succesful and memorable one for all.

Welcome to the Philippines and Mabuhay!

GREGORY L. DOMINGOSecretay

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

04On behalf of the city government of Makati, I am privileged to endorse the Philippine Retailers Association’s (PRA) bid to host the 17th Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (17th APRCE) in Manila in 2015.

The Philippine Reatilers Association, together with its powerhouse retail giant members, is primed and fully capable of organizing and facilitating the said event. Being the longest-running retail organization in the country reflects this.

For moe than 30 years, the PRA has made inavaluable contributions and achievements in uplifting the retail industry to spur national development and, at the same time, make it globally competitive. Its staunch commitment to fostering continuousprofessional growth and excellence among its members has undoubtedly earned prestige and respect for the PRA to this day.

Makati City will gladly welcome the APRCE delagates with our world-renowned Filipino hospotality, complemented by our five-star hotels, first class commercial and entertainment establisments, and world class shopping centers and leisure facilities.

Indeed, an extraordinary experience awaits all delagtes of the 17th APRCE.

We look forward to welcoming you all in 2015. Mabuhay!

MESSAGE OF MAKATI CITY MAYOR

JEJOMAR ERWIN BINAY, JR.MayorMakati City

MESSAGE OF PASAY CITY MAYOR

On behalf of the people of Pasay City, I am honored to endorse the Philippine Retailers Association’s (PRA) bid to host the 17th Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (17th APRCE) in Manila 2015.

Together with its top-notch players in the local retail industry, the Philippine Retailers Association has been a champion, not only in widening its membership base nationwide, but also in giving solutions to the problems and issues facing retailers all over the country. Furthermore, the PRA has continuously devised programs and events that would equip Filipino retailers to the latest tools and information in order to achieve global competitiveness. I believe that with these competencies, the PA is fully capable in successfully carrying out such a major task.

We take pride in making Pasay City the Travel City in Metro Manila. Pasay City is the home of the country’s major entertainment, gaming and leisure destinations. Resorts World Manila, SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia, are some of the examples of what Pasay City has to offer. Rest assured that the city government and our ever- hospitable people of Pasay will do it’s very best to make this event not only a successful but also memorable one.

I wish the PRA all the best as it embarks on its mission to win the approval of the Federation on Asia- Pacific Retailers Association (FAPRA) for the hosting of the 17th APRCE.

ANTONINO G. CALIXTOMayorPasay City

MAKE IT M


05PHILIPPINES

POPULATION

OVERSEAS REMITTANCES

TOTAL POPULATION

Male: 50.9 Million

Female: 50.8 Million

101 MILLION(est. July 2011)

(Source: Index Mundi- Philippine Demographics)

(Source: www.bsp.gov.ph; philstar.com, “OFW remittances up 5.4% to $4.8 billion in Q1”)

BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING INDUSTRY

Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) climbed by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2012 reaching $4.842 billion from January to March this year or $248 million higher than last year’s $4.594 billion. OFW remittances have fueled domestic consumption, and have helped keep the country’s economy resilient despite economic challenges.

5.4%2011 2012

FIRST QUARTER (JAN-MAR)

$4.594B

$4.842BAccording to Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), the Philippine IT-BPO industry grew in terms of revenues and employment in 2011. The industry ended 2011 with $11 billion in revenues, 24 percent more than in 2010. Futhermore, Contact Center Association of the Philippines said that the sector had 416,000 employees and provided $7.4 billion worth of services by the end of 2011. The BPO sector is also another pillar of the Philippine economy.

24%

$11BREVENUES

INCREASE

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

06

PHILIPPINES:WORLD

,S BEST

COUNTRY IN BUSINESS ENGLISH

The Philippines is the world’s

best country in business

English proficiency, even

beating the United States,

according to a recent study by

GlobalEnglish Corporation.

GlobalEnglish released early

April 2012 the results of its

annual Business English Index

(BEI), the only index that

measures business English

proficiency in the workplace.

Results showed that from

76 represented countries

worldwide, only the Philippines

attained a score above 7.0, “a

BEI level within range of a high

proficiency that indicates an

ability to take an active role

in business discussions and

perform relatively complex

tasks.” followed by Norway

(6.54), Estonia (6.45), Serbia

(6.38) and Slovenia (6.19) in the

top five.

(Source: www.philstar.com)

MAKE IT M


07

Adobo- popularly considered as the Philippine national dish, this Pinoy cuisine involves marinating pieces of pork or chicken or a mixture of both in vinegar, crushed garlic, black peppercorns and soy sauce.

Bayanihan- “bayanihan” is a Filipino term for volunteerism inspired by the Pinoy tradition of helping families relocate with the help of volunteers who carry the entire house to its new location.

Corazon Aquino- Hailed as the “Mother of Philippine Democracy” for being the symbol of EDSA People Power in 1986, this mother of five was also the first female President of the Republic of the Philippines and the first female President in Asia.

THE A-Z OF THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES TOPS AS INVESTMENT SITE(Source: www.retailinasia.com)(Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph)

A recent survey conducted by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) revealed that the Philippines has emerged as the most competitive country among seven Asian economies as an investment destination for manufacturing or services sectors.

JETRO came out with this Philippine Competitiveness survey by comparing the Philippines with six other Asian countries wherein the Philippines bested China, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar in most categories. Competitiveness indicators included in the survey are financial costs, sufficient labour supply and reasonable salary (for manufacturing and non-manufacturing personnel).

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTSTotal foreign direct investments (FDI) approved in the fourth quarter of 2011 amounted to PhP 165.8 billion, 42.2 percent higher than the PhP 116.6 billion approved in the same period of the previous year. The amount is the highest quarterly FDI turn out ever since the government started compiling consolidated approved FDIs. Top investing countries for the year were Japan, USA, and the Netherlands sharing 30.2 percent, 27.5 percent, and 11.1 percent of total approved FDI, respectively. Investment pledges from the three countries totaled PhP 176.1 billion.

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

08

(Source: www.philstar.com)

Dinagyang Festival- Celebrated in Ilo-Ilo City, Philippines every fourth weekend of January to honor the Christianization of the natives and to respect the Holy Child Jesus.

Efren “Bata” Reyes”- named as “The Magician,” for his world-renowned trick shots, this 55 year-old billiard wonder was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame in 2003. He is also the first Filipino to win the World Pool (9-ball) Championship title in 1999 in Cardiff.

According to 24/7 Wall St.com, the Philippines tops the list with 93.9 percent of the nation reportedly signed up to Facebook, the country’s most popular site, more so than Google. The Philippines is also the eighth most popular country for Twitter use on a global scale, with a penetration rate of 16.1%. The popularity of photo sharing has increased by 46% in the country in one year, largely due to Facebook.

Moreover, social network turned e-commerce site Multiply Philippines has 90,000 on-line stores with over 2,000 stores opened every month, making it the Philippines’ biggest digital mall that connects virtual shoppers to shopping success and entrepreneurs to business success.

PHILIPPINES - THE SOCIAL NETWORKING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD(Source: The Ten Nations Where Facebook Rules The Internet - 24/7 Wall St. http://247wallst.com/2011/05/09/the-ten-nations-where-facebook-rules-the-internet/#ixzz1v0XWxoV2)

(Source: http://www.hardwarezone.com.ph/tech-news-multiply-opens-philippine-office-recognizes-rapid-growth-online-stores)

MAKE IT M


09

THE VIBRANT PHILIPPINE RETAIL LANDSCAPE

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

10

The retail sector is an important contributor to the Philippine economy. In 2009, Philippines ranked first among 52 countries with the highest percentage of retail sales as a proportion of GDP amounting to 33.15%.

Retail sales forecasted to grow from PHP1.39trn (US$31.36bn) in 2011 to PHP1.74trn (US$39.14BN) by 2015 due to strong economic growth, expanding population, rise in consumer expending and the continued development of organized retail infrastructure.

With the bulk of remittances going into consumption rather than investments, the retail industry is one of the beneficiaries of the ever growing OFW remittances. In urban areas in particular there are also increasing numbers of dual-income, middle class families and young professionals who are boosting retail sales.

(Source: World Retail Data and Statistics 2009/2010)(Source: Business Monitor International – Philippine Retail Report Q3 2011)

Source: Euromonitor International

NUMBER OF RETAIL OUTLETS

TREN

DS

IN T

OTA

L N

UM

BER

OF

RETA

IL O

UTL

ETS

NUMBER OF RETAIL OUTLETS

900000

850000

800000

750000

700000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Flower Festival- also known as Baguio’s Panagbenga, this cultural celebration is held yearly during the month of February.

Gandang Filipina/Filipina beauties- Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up), Venus Raj (Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner up), and Danica Magpantay (2010 international Ford Supermodel of the World) proved that the Filipina’s beauty is honored globally.

Henry Sy- recognized as the Father of Philippine Retail, Mr. Sy owns the SM Prime Holdings Inc, the company behind some of the world’s most largest malls- SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall and SM Cebu.

MAKE IT M


11

LOCAL BRANDS IN FOREIGN SHORES

Intramuros- Known as the “Walled City”, this is the oldest district in Manila. This is what remains of the fortified city, which was the seat of power during Spanish Colonial times (1521-1898).

Jollibee- the Philippines’ most popular fastfood chain was featured in Travel + Leisure’s as one of the best fast food chains in the world in May 2012. Jollibee has more than 700 branches in the Philippines and has stores in the United States, Brunei, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, among others.

Over the last few years, Philippine retail brands have penetrated the global scene. The country’s top fastfood chain Jollibee owns more than 700 branches in the Philippines, and also operates 79 stores in US, Vietnam, Brunei, Hongkong, Qatar and Kuwait and Goldilocks - the Philippines’ leading bakeshop has more than 200 stores in the Philippines, US, Canada and Thailand.

Top local apparel brands Bench has 543 stores in the Philippines and operates 67 branches in China, US and six other countries, and Penshoppe has more than 300 stores in the Philippines and with 4 outlets in China and Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, food brands Chowking, Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Potato Corner, Red Ribbon, and Waffle Time; retail brand HBC Home of Beauty Exclusives; and service franchises such as Crystal Clear Water, Reyes Haircutters, and Systems Technology Institute also joined the list of Pinoy brands that went global.

(Source: www.philstar.com- RP brands go global via franchising)

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

12

FOUR OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST MALLS ARE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Kalesa- is a horse drawn calash (carriage) used in the Philippines as mode of transportation during the 18th century.

Lea Salonga- A recipient of the Tony Award for her role as Kim in the Miss Saigon, she also lent her voice to Jasmine on Disney’s Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004).

MAKE IT M


13

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao- The first boxer with eight-division world championships, he is also named as the “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000s (decade) by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

Natori- New York-based fashion brand “Natori” is owned by Filipina Josie Natori. Recently, the Natori brand opened its first store outside US in the Philippines at Rustan’s.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)- Dubbed as Modern Day heroes, OFWs remitted $4.842 billion from January to March of 2012.

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

14

Pearls- The Philippines is known for its south sea pearls. The world’s largest pearl was found in the Palawan Sea in 1934. The giant treasure known as “Pearl of Allah”, weighed 14 pounds and 9 1/2 inches long and 5 1/2 inches in diameter and is now valued at US$42million.

Quiapo Church- One of the Manila’s oldest and most famous churches, it is also known as the “Church of the Black Nazarene” and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

MAKE IT M


15

Rizal- Jose Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines. He is also the author of the book Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which sparked nationalism among the Filipinos with an emphasis on the need for reforms.

Shopwise- one of the pioneer hypermarket chains in the Philippines, it is owned by Rustan Group of Companies, one of the biggest reatilers in the Philippines.

The leading retailers in the Philippines are domestic players. They were the pioneer in their respective niches, establishing multiple chains across the country. Mercury Drug Store leads the pharmacy niche with over 700 company-owned and franchise store nationwide, while Shoemart, Inc., the biggest retailer in the country; Robinsons Land Corp. and Robinsons Retail Group and Rustans and their affiliates have cornered a large percent of the various retail formats like department store, supermarket/hypermarket, appliance store, and the like.

Shoemart, Inc., Robinsons Land Corp. and Ayala Land Inc. are the leading mall chains in the Philippines with malls both in Metro Manila and in key cities nationwide. SM has 42 malls in the Philippines (as of February 2012), Robinsons has 32 malls (as of May 2012) and Ayala Malls with 14 malls.

Four of the world’s biggest malls can be found in the Philippines: SM North Edsa (424,691 square meters, Philippines‘ largest mall and the third largest in the world); SM Mall Of Asia (407,000 square meters); SM Megamall (364,789 sqm) and SM City Cebu (265,832 sqm).

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

16

Filipinos are most enthusiastic consumers when it comes to foreign brands. No wonder a lot of foreign brands have opened stores in the Philippines to tap the Filipino market. From Louis Vuitton, which opened a two-storey flagship store in Greenbelt 4 in 2011, Lacoste, Zara, Gucci, Hermes, Ferragamo to UK retail franchisees Debenhams, Marks& Spencers, Speedo, Topshop. Dorothy Perkins, Burberry and Paul Smith, to Korea’s The Face Shop and to Singapore’s Charles & Keith, truly, the world is all eyes on the Philippines.

Other popular brands such as Forever 21, Juicy Couture, Cache Cache, Tory Burch, Repetto, Paris Hilton Shop, Muji, Payless, Natori, Jamba Juice, Delsey, P. F. Chang and Tommy Hilfiger have also opened their stores and received warm and profitable welcome from Filipino shoppers.

Furthermore, the much awaited international brand Uniqlo will open its doors for Filipino consumers this June 2012.

GLOBAL BRANDS IN LOCAL SHORES

Tarsier- Found particularly in the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao, Philippine tarsier is also considered as one of the smallest primates at 10-15 cms.

University of Santo Tomas- Founded in 1611, this 401-year old university is also considered as the oldest existing university in Asia to date.

Paris Hilton Shop (4th Quarter of 2010)

Natori (November 2011) Payless (July 2010)

Uniqlo (soon to open on

June 2012)

Tommy Hilfiger (May 2012)

Muji (September 2010)

Delsey (April 2012) Forever 21 (July 2010) P.F. Chang (January 2012)

Jamba Juice- only in Southeast Asia

(November 2011)

MAKE IT M


17

Volcanoes- The Philippines has a total of 37 volcanoes, of which 18 are still active volcanoes. Mayon Volcano found in Albay is known for its almost perfect cone shape.

Whale sharks- Philippines whale sharks or Butanding, considered as the largest fish in the sea measuring 40 feet or more can be found in the Philippines particularly in the Donsol, Sorsogon.

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

18RETAIL TRADE LIBERALIZATION

The Philippine Retail Sector was opened to foreign investors in 2000. Republic Act 8762, or “An Act Liberalizing the Retail Trade Business.”

Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the RA 8762, foreign equity and capitalization are subject to the following categories:

Category A - Enterprises with paid-up capital of the equivalent in Philippine Pesos of less than Two Million Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars (US$2,500,000.00) shall be reserved exclusively for Filipino citizens and corporations wholly-owned by Filipino citizens. Category B - Enterprises with a minimum paid-up capital of the equivalent in Philippine Pesos of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars (US$2,500,000.00) but less than Seven million five hundred thousand US dollars (US$7,500,000.00) may be wholly owned by foreigners except for the first two (2) years after the effectivity of this Act wherein foreign

participation shall be limited to not more than (60%) of total equity. (Note: this category was already deleted after 2002) Category C - Enterprises with a paid-up capital of the equivalent in Philippine Pesos of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars (US$7,500,000.00) or more maybe wholly owned by foreigners: Provided, however, that in no case shall the investments for establishing a store in Categories B and C be less than the equivalent in Philippine Pesos of Eight Hundred Thirty Thousand US Dollars (US$830,000.00). Category D - Enterprises specializing in high-end or luxury products with a paid up capital of the equivalent in Philippine Pesos of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand US Dollars (US$250,000.00) per store may be wholly-owned by foreigners.

(Source: IRR of RA 8762) *on process for amendment

eXotic food- Your Philippine experience won’t be complete without tasting our “strange” but truly delectable exotic foods—balut (fertilized duck embryo), frog adobo and adobo/fried farm rats.

Yoyo- The yo-yo was a Philippine weapon for over 400 years before a Filipino immigrant, Pedro Flores, introduced it to Americas in 1920.

Zamora, Jacinto- One of the Three Martyr priests of GomBurZa which consists of Mariano Gómez, and José Apolonio Burgos, executed by the Spanish colonial authorities on charges of subversion in 1872. Their death inspired the Filipinos to organize the Propaganda Movement, which calls for reforms and equality.

MAKE IT M


19STRENGTHENING THE ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING INDUSTRY

The first facilities of the now dubbed Entertainment City Manila (initially called Pagcor Entertainment City) project are scheduled to open in 2013, according to Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation). Entertainment It will feature gaming facilities, luxury hotels, malls, museum, cultural centers, sports arenas, residential villages and theme park. Travellers International Hotel Group (which owns Resorts World Manila), an SM consortium, Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. and Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc are the four companies granted licenses to build, own, and operate integrated resorts in this 120-hectare entertainment city.

Pagcor said Entertainment City Manila “is projected to capture at least a 10-percent share in the total global gaming market, which is estimated at $115 billion annually.”

It is also expected to generate “1 million jobs and 1 million tourists in the next few years,” Pagcor said.

Bloomberry’s planned Solaire Manila Project, an integrated resort complex, includes a five-star, 500-room hotel covering some 165,000 sq m of floor area, while Tiger Resorts’ $2-billion Manila Bay Resorts is expected to “contribute significantly to the 400,000 jobs” to Pagcor’s 1-million target.

Resorts World Bayshore City, on the other hand, is expected to feature the Grand Opera House, a performing arts venue which is expected to seat 2,500.

Artist impression of the upcoming Entertainment City Manila

(Source http://business.inquirer.net/45537/in-the-know-%E2%80%98pagcor-entertainment-city%E2%80%99)(Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/252696/news/nation/govt-looks-to-gambling-for-major-boost-to-tourism)

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

20

PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER: ONE OF THE NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE

PHILIPPINE TOURISM

Palawan’s 8.2 kilometer Underground River has been recently declared as one of the New 7 wonders of Nature. Prior to this recognition, PPUR has been also declared as World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

MAKE IT M


21

Visitor arrivals for the first three months of 2012 reached a total of 1,148,072 registering a 16.03% increase over last year’s arrivals of 989,501. The month of January provided the highest growth rate and the biggest visitor volume (411,064) while setting a new record for the tourism industry as the first time with more than 400,000 visitors registered in a single month.

(Sources: http://www.tourism.gov.ph)

Visitor Arrivals for the First Quarter of 2012 Reached More than 1 Million

TOP TEN VISITOR COUNTRIES TO THE PHILIPPINESJANUARY TO MARCH 2012/2011

VISITOR MARKET

30000020122011

150000

250000

100000

200000

50000

0

KoreaUSA

Japan

China

Taiw

an

Australia

Canada

Singapore UK

Hong Kong

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

22

BORACAY BEACHES

INTRAMUROS

MAKE IT M


23SMX CONVENTION CENTERConveniently located beside SM Mall of Asia, the world’s fourth largest shopping mall, and within close proximity to prestigious hotels and key public transportation systems, the SMX Convention Center has made itself one of the best flagship establishments of the Philippine meetings, incentives, conventions and exibitions (MICE) industry. Complementing the facility’s functionality and flexibilty is its highly-trained and dedicated service professionals — always ready to assist clients with their needs to ensure the success of all events held in SMX.

9,130 SQUARE METERS OF FLEXIBLE EVENT SPACE

The SMX Convention Center has four Halls on the Ground Floor, five Function Rooms and eleven Meeting Rooms on the Second Floor, and three Meeting Rooms on the Mezzanine.

The purpose-built Halls can accomodate a wide range of events — from trade shows to heavy machinery and equipment exhibits, from corporate celebrations to major international concerts. The flexible layout allows the Halls to easily adapt to fit the individual requirement of each event.

All Halls are equipped with services as air conditioning, overhead lighting, telephone lines, Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, water supply and drainage systems, floor utility boxes, back-up emergency power and general public address and audio system. Other feature such as an automated fire alarm system and CCTV security cameras are also installed in key areas to ensure safety and security within the premises.

Halls

Function RoomsThe fully-carpeted Function Rooms on the Second Floor offer a more plush and luxurious environment for events. They can seat anywhere from 200 to 8,200 guests at any given time, which makes it deal for corporate affairs, graduation ceremonies, product launches and even large-scale social events. With its colorful LED lights, the venues definitely add touch of class and prestige to any function.

Each Function Room has a dedicated kitchen and storage for the food and beverage requirement of events. The Function Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, overhead lighting, VIP restrooms, telephone lines, floor utility boxes, back-up emergency power, automated fire alarm system, and CCTV security cameras. In addition, banquet equipment such as chairs, tables, lectern, and platform stage are provided.

200 TO 8,200 DELEGATES SEATED AT ANY GIVEN TIME

MAK

E IT

MAN

ILA,

PHI

LIPP

INES

201

5

24

Meeting RoomsThe Meeting Rooms are perfect for small-scale corporate events such as company board meetings and training seminars, as well as for intimate social functions. The rooms can be set up according to an event specific needs and when combines, they can accomodate up to 200 attendies. The Meeting Room can also serve as break-out rooms to complement plenary sessions in the Function Rooms.

Meeting Room 1 has fixed theater-style seating for gatherings of 53 persons. The Coral Room offers a boardroom setup for smaller meetings of up to 24 individuals. Meeting Room 1 to 11 are on the Second Level while Meeting Rooms 12 and 13 and the Coral Room are on the Mezzanines North and South side respectively.

Green InitiativesThe SMX Convention Center is another milestone of the Green Architecture Movement in the Philippines. As part of the SM Group of Companies thrust to significantly contribute to sustainable development, SMX was designed to ensure that it not only serves as a functional convention and exhibition venue, but as a prime example of caring for the environment.

Our Green Initiatives include:SMX’s class-paneled walls allow natural light into the facility lobbies and office thus reducing dependency on artificial light.

Our air conditioning sytem uses a refrigirant that has no ozone depletion potential, and features an individual air distribution system for each event area to conserve energy.

The twelve (12) escalators within facility as well as the lights in all of the guest comfort rooms, are operated by motion sensors that allow them to turn on and off automatically depending on the actual floor traffic, thereby reducing energy consumption.

All guest comfort rooms have automatic sensors for the faucets and toilet flushers to reduce water wastage. In addition, the urinals in the male comfort rooms employ waterfree chemical system that conserves as much as 150,000 liters of fresh water per urinal each year.

Wastewater undergoes sewage treatment to remove contaminants, making suitable to re-use or discharge back to the environment.

MAKE IT M


25

Philippine Retailers AssociationUnit 2610/Unit 2607 Jollibee Plaza, F Ortigas Jr. Road

Ortigas Center, Pasig City, 1605 PhilippinesTel: (632) 687-4180/ 4181/ 4985

Fax: (632) 636-0825Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]

Website: www.philretailers.com

philippine's entry to the 2015 aprce bidding

Documents