Wazzup Pilipinas!
Now on its 23rd year, the
Philippine World Building and Construction Expo (WORLDBEX) sustains its outstanding
streak as it opens its doors to a record-breaking number of local and
international exhibitors. Plus, an increase in its total exhibition space with
the addition of the 2,500sqm wide Northwing hall of the World Trade Center
which will house over 120 booths.
Happening on March 14 – 18 from 10am to 8pm,
this year’s WORLDBEX is expected to be the show’s biggest installment yet as it
is set to be held at the three mega venues of the World Trade Center Metro
Manila, the Philippine Trade Training Center, and the SMX Convention Center
Manila. With all three venues combined, this year’s WORLDBEX will encompass a total
of 37,100sqm of show area as it showcases 1,500 booths by both domestic and
foreign players of the construction sector.
In turn, WORLDBEX 2018 has noted a 25%
increase in international exhibitors, a 12% increase in local exhibitors, and a
20% increase in total number of booths. Signifying something far beyond mere
showmanship, the expansion being undergone by WORLDBEX is a brimming testament
of the show’s thriving ascendancy as a global force. And the same could be said
about its decision to adopt the theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability”
for its 2018 installment.
As revealed by Worldbex Services
International’s Founding Chairman Joseph Ang, “Deliberately conceived to
parallel the growing concern of the international community with regard to the
need to develop ingenious yet mindful solutions, our theme for this year’s show
deeply echoes WORLDBEX’s commitment to connect with the global pulse.”
It comes as no surprise that the reception of
both the local and international community towards the upcoming show has been
widely optimistic. Laying proof to this was the successful turnout of the
WORLDBEX 2018 Exhibitors’ Orientation Program held last January 31 at the Hall
B of the Philippine Trade Training Center; where over 700 attendees from 300
companies took part in the pre-show event.
As affirmed by Richmond Sy, President and
General Manager of GRM Biowood, a first-time platinum sponsor for WORLDBEX,
“Worldbex is the gold standard for construction expos and is well-known for
showcasing the newest and most innovative products of the industry under one
roof.” Moreover, Sy found this year’s theme highly relevant as it reflects what
his company is all about.
On the other hand, 20 years later and Puyat
Flooring Products Inc. remains to be one of the longest standing sponsors of
WORLDBEX. Recalling their journey as one of the pioneer exhibitors of WORLDBEX,
Missy Castro, Communications Manager for Puyat Flooring Products Inc. states, “Our participation has helped us a lot
to reach out to our target customers and showcase the beauty and effectiveness of
our products. Indeed, it is the most ideal venue to let our clients know about
our company and our products!”
However, there seems to be no better exemplification
of the burgeoning role of WORLDBEX as a key driver of economic growth on a
global scale than the impressive number of international participants that will
be taking part at this year’s show. Assuming the role of being the global
construction industry’s gateway to Southeast Asia, among the new countries to participate at the
much-anticipated event include Indonesia, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Iran, and
Japan. These countries now join the roster of longtime
international partners that support WORLDBEX, such as Korea, Malaysia, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, China,
New Zealand, UAE, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.
Particularly impressive is the enthusiasm
expressed by Malaysian companies who are expected to occupy the most number of
booths at this year’s International Pavilion. Leading the pack is Malaysian
powerhouse MATRADE which has been allocated 30 booths. As remarked by MaTrade’s
Trade Commissioner, Ms. Nyaee Ayup, “WORLDBEX has continuously
showcased the emerging and innovative products in the industry. Indeed, it serves
as an excellent platform for trade exchange and to learn best practises from
other participating countries.”
Without a
doubt, this year’s WORLDBEX marks an incredible milestone not just for the show
but for the country’s economic position as a whole. As remarked by Florian
Gottein, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the
Philippines, “With the fast-changing Philippine business landscape and many
developments across all industries, it is through events such as the WORLDBEX
that the best in the Philippine building and construction industry can come
together and showcase the many opportunities within the sector.”
Furthermore,
Noel Toti Cariňo, National President of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. cites WORLDBEX’s vast global
network as an “affirmation of their bright prospects for the Philippine
property and construction industry.”
Once again, WORLDBEX leads at the forefront
of pushing forth the expansion of the Philippine construction industry to
unprecedented heights. WORLDBEX 2018 will run from March 14 to 18 from 10am to
8pm at the three mega venues of World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippine
Trade Training Center, and the SMX Convention Center, Pasay. The show is
organized by the Worldbex Services International, the country’s leading events and
expo organizer. To pre-register, visit www.worldbex.com. To know more, like the
Worldbex Services International Facebook page and follow @worldbex on
Instagram.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
