A Historic First for Asia: AICI Global Conference 2025 Opens in the Philippines with a Dazzling Display of Culture, Style, and Global Unity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A landmark event in the world of image consultancy has officially arrived in Asia, and it’s making its grand entrance at the heart of the Philippines.

The prestigious Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) has chosen Manila—for the first time in its history—as the host city for its 2025 Global Conference, kicking off April 24 at the elegant Makati Shangri-La Manila. Themed “Weaving the Future: Global Collaborations for Breakthrough Innovations,” this four-day event is more than a professional gathering—it is a vibrant confluence of culture, fashion, innovation, and international fellowship.

With over 240 delegates from 38 countries, this conference is an extraordinary convergence of the world's most respected image professionals. Attendees hail from the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Brazil, India, and beyond—each bringing their unique expertise and cultural perspective to an already dynamic profession that blends fashion, communication, business, and personal empowerment.

A First for Asia, A Moment for the Philippines

Leading the charge is Olen Juarez Lim, the first-ever Asian and Filipina President of AICI, who proudly brings the global spotlight to her home country. Under her leadership, the Philippines is not just a venue—it is a showcase of color, diversity, and creativity. “We are proud and happy to welcome everyone to Manila and let everyone experience our rich culture,” she shares. “This conference is the most diverse in AICI history.”

The choice of Manila is a nod to the Philippines’ growing influence in the fields of fashion, personal branding, and creative consultancy, offering a stage for local talents to engage in high-level dialogue with the world's best.

A Fusion of Style and Substance

The opening ceremonies set a dramatic tone for the conference, but the following days promise even more depth and inspiration. More than 40 expert-led sessions will tackle the evolving landscape of image consulting—from color theory and style trends to verbal and non-verbal communication, body language, and digital branding strategies.

These sessions aren’t just about looking good—they’re about equipping professionals with the tools to help others express their identities, project authority, and succeed in a fast-paced global environment.

Cultural Elegance Meets Runway Brilliance

Among the most anticipated highlights is a fashion show by iconic Filipino designer Rajo Laurel, who will present a stunning collection that incorporates traditional Philippine weaves with contemporary design. Vogue Philippines’ editor Bea Valdes will provide a cultural lens on the evolution of Filipino fashion, setting the stage for a celebration of heritage through haute couture.

Complementing the creative brilliance is business sage and Go Negosyo mentor Paolo Tibig, who will deliver a powerful keynote on entrepreneurship, equipping attendees with strategies to thrive in the modern marketplace.

From Workshops to Wonders: A Celebration Beyond the Ballroom

The conference is not limited to hotel halls and lecture rooms. Attendees will also indulge in Philippine cuisine, experience cultural showcases, and explore select tourist destinations, turning the conference into a full cultural immersion.

This unique blend of education, exploration, and elegance allows the Philippines to shine not just as a host, but as a leader in global creativity and collaboration.

A Global Profession with Local Heart

Image consultancy has rapidly grown into one of the world’s most vital professions. From corporate boardrooms to political arenas, the demand for experts who can refine personal presence and brand communication is at an all-time high. AICI, with its members across 60 countries, continues to lead this global evolution.

But in this moment—on this stage—it’s the Philippines, led by proud professionals like Olen Juarez Lim, that is setting the tone for the future of the industry.

As the doors of the Makati Shangri-La open wide to the world, the message is clear: the future of image consultancy is here—and it is inclusive, innovative, and undeniably Filipino.

Wazzup Pilipinas proudly covers this milestone event, where global excellence meets Filipino flair.

For more updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and exclusive interviews from the AICI Global Conference 2025, stay tuned to Wazzup Pilipinas—the pulse of the nation, the voice of global influence.

Possible power alerts puts 2025 Midterm election at risk

 

April 23, 2025 – Consumer advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) has expressed concerns over the possibility of a red or yellow alert in the coming months as it poses a threat to the upcoming 2025 Midterm elections.

Nic Satur, Jr., PARE chief advocate officer, said while they are aware of the more than 10,000 megawatt (MW) available capacity to supply the grid in the coming months, the current power situation in the Philippines does not give them the confidence that there will be no power outages or power alerts as the election draws closer. 

“Power regulators have given us the impression that there is still the possibility of power alerts despite the power grid having 10,260-megawatts of available capacity to supply the demands of consumers. As what National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza said earlier, there is still a need to prepare for the worst case scenario,” Satur said. 

He said the possibility of a red or yellow alert on the grid, which can cause power outages, puts the upcoming elections at risk.

“With midterm elections being done electronically and digitally, there should be stable and reliable power service from the start of the election day until all data has been transmitted. A sudden power outage creates opportunities for undesirable individuals to possibly cheat the elections,” Satur said.

Thus, Satur said there is a need for our power regulators – Depart of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration, and NGCP – power generators, and electric power distributors to ensure that there is stable electricity on election day. 

###

Raising Earth Warriors: BAN Toxics Urges Parents to Embrace Eco-Friendly Adventures for Kids This Summer

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In celebration of Earth Day’s 55th anniversary and the call for bold climate action under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” environmental group BAN Toxics is sending a passionate appeal to parents across the nation: turn summer into a season of sustainability and plant the seeds of environmental consciousness in the hearts of your children.

As the school year winds down and families look forward to a well-deserved break, BAN Toxics envisions a different kind of vacation—one filled with meaningful experiences that nurture both the soul and the soil.

“We should teach our children the importance of protecting and preserving the environment they will one day inherit,” emphasized Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics. “Summer vacation offers the perfect opportunity to introduce them to meaningful, toxics-free and waste-free activities, and it’s a great way to reduce screen time, too.”

A Summer Beyond the Screen: Turning Time Off into Time Well Spent

In an era where digital distractions often dominate childhood, BAN Toxics offers a refreshing alternative: a lineup of fun, simple, yet profoundly impactful eco-friendly activities that promise to shape a generation of Earth warriors. Here’s how families can make every day of summer count:

1. Grow Green: Gardening with a Purpose

Let children get their hands dirty—in the best way. Gardening helps them discover where food comes from and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they watch plants grow from seed to bloom. Teaching organic practices avoids exposure to harmful pesticides, creating a safe, productive environment where learning is rooted in nature.

2. Step Outside: Eco Walks That Clean as They Go

Transform a regular stroll into a micro-mission for the planet. Whether it's a walk through the neighborhood or a nearby park, kids can bring gloves and bags to pick up litter along the way. It’s exercise, environmentalism, and education all in one.

3. Into the Wild: Nature Treks for Young Explorers

Take children on eye-opening excursions to nature reserves, eco-parks, or forest trails. Immersing in ecosystems firsthand builds empathy and awe, teaching them to recognize the delicate balance of life on Earth—and their role in protecting it.

4. Eyes to the Skies: Bird Watching with Wonder

Patience, curiosity, and stillness—bird watching cultivates all three. Kids can learn to identify different species, understand migration patterns, and develop a love for our feathered cohabitants, deepening their appreciation for biodiversity.

5. Beyond the Beach: Clean Shores, Clear Minds

Family beach days can double as conservation missions. With gloves, bags, and a sense of purpose, children can help clean up plastics and other debris, witnessing firsthand how human habits affect marine life. As a reward, consider giving them eco-friendly gifts to keep the sustainable spark alive.

6. Crafting Change: DIY Upcycled Projects

Old T-shirts, plastic bottles, cardboard tubes—these aren't trash, they’re treasure. Let kids unleash their creativity with upcycling projects that teach the value of repurposing, reducing waste, and finding beauty in the forgotten.

7. Share to Care: Community Toy & Book Exchanges

Encourage a culture of reuse and sharing by organizing a neighborhood toy and book exchange. It’s a zero-waste, budget-friendly, and socially enriching activity that teaches children the joys of giving and receiving without buying new.

One Summer, a Lifetime of Lessons

“These are just a few examples of how families can make summer both enjoyable and environmentally meaningful,” said Dizon. “By choosing eco-friendly activities, parents not only create lasting memories with their children but also help instill values of responsibility, creativity, and care for the planet—one small action at a time.”

A Generation of Guardians

BAN Toxics reminds us that every child has the potential to become a steward of the Earth. And every parent, guardian, or community leader has the power to inspire that journey.

This summer, let’s raise our children not just to enjoy the world, but to protect it. Because the future of our planet doesn’t rest in the hands of tomorrow—it starts with the hearts we shape today.

For more information and tips on eco-friendly parenting, visit BAN Toxics official channels.