24 Korean Exhibitors Lead International Food Firms at IFEX Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Twenty-four Korean companies showcased their leading food and products at IFEX, making it the top foreign exhibitor country at the three-day international food trade fair which started on Friday, May 19, and runs until Sunday, May 21.

This year’s Korean delegation had 23 returning companies and 1 new entrant, presenting their native as well as innovative food and beverages.

Among the group are the top two Korean leading firms in food distribution, manufacturing and service: the CJ Group, a conglomerate that holds both CJ Freshway and CJ Cheiljedang; and the Daesang Corporation, which have a combined annual revenue of around $19.8 billion dollars.

“Here in the Philippines, we are looking to create more opportunities for trade and improve our relations with the local companies. We are aware that Filipinos are particularly fond of our product and we are also interested in the tropical products here, especially seafood,” said Shen Shin, Executive Vice President of CJ Freshway.

Targeting the Philippines and Asia’s trade buyers, Korean exports included the iconic seaweed snacks, kimchi, and health beverages. Other products were Gam Moon Yeoun’s soybean paste, Brandacumen’s korean red ginseng, banana milk from Yonsei University Dairy, and Applease Korea Brewery’s Apisode, an apple carbonated hard cider made of fermented Korean apple. There were natural and organic products such as 3B Netrorks’ Smart Bar, made from blueberry, almond, peanut, oat, green tea, and brocolli; and Natural Dream Co.‘s Preto Acai powder, and green tea spreads that seemed to be targeting the younger and trendy market.

Agricultural products from Gyeongbuk Corporation were Apple, Pears, Persimmon, and fruit juices and aloe vera drink from Tulip International.

Food industry experts from ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE Trade Facilitation Workshops in the Philippines also held seminars on Purchasing Trends and Import Procedures of Seafood products, by Mr. YOON Jae-sik; Seafood Merchandiser at CJ Freshway; and Sourcing Trends and Import Procedures of agricultural products by Mr. SONG In-su; Assistant Manager at DAESANG; and Packaging Trend of Food Products and strategy for global market access, by Mr. LEE Young-hwan; Specialist of Strategic Purchasing Team (Packaging team), CJ Cheiljedang.

A total of 85 foreign exhibitors are participating this year, with Korea leading the pack, followed by China with 19 exhibitors, and Taiwan with 11, based on the latest tally.

Residential Towers Set to Change Metro Manila’s Skyline this Year

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Property portal Lamudi Philippines shows how the local real estate scene continues to be robust this year through Metro Manila’s changing skyline

Leading real estate listings website Lamudi Philippines says that the local real estate industry is still riding high as more skyscrapers are set to transform the Philippine capital’s ever-changing skyline.

One of the most awaited buildings that will redefine the shape of the city is Century City’s Trump Tower Manila. Rising 250 meters in one of Makati’s up-and-coming business districts, Trump Tower Manila will beautifully stand as the fifth tallest tower in Metro Manila once it is completed later in 2017. Just like its sister buildings across New York and other parts of the world, Trump Tower Manila will boast luxury apartments and first-rate amenities.

Property giant Megaworld Corporation will likewise add iconic landmarks through its roster of residential towers scheduled for turnover this 2017. Three Central and Paseo Heights both in Salcedo Village, Makati, are scheduled for completion this year. Three Central will stand 51 floors high near Ayala Avenue and will feature a two-story posh mall. Paseo Heights, on the other hand, is a 30-story condominium tower overlooking the trees and greens of Makati. Both residential buildings are designed to cater to professionals living in Makati.

Staying true to their live-work-play concept, Megaworld will also finish two exciting developments in Bonifacio Global City. Uptown Ritz Residence in Uptown Bonifacio and The Florence at McKinley Hill will soon stand out in the high-class cityscape of Taguig. Uptown Bonifacio, one of Megaworld’s mixed-use townships in Taguig, also features commercial areas and corporate hubs. And at the center of it will rise the 45 floors Uptown Ritz, a high-end condominium that offer residential suites ranging from two to four bedrooms and will only have a maximum of 10 units per floor.

​​Improved Geje Eustaquio Ready to Rock Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Even though Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is coming off a disappointing setback and facing a familiar foe as he makes his return to the ONE Championship cage, the celebrated Filipino martial artist remains optimistic that he will have his hand raised in triumph.

Eustaquio faces fierce Thai rival Anatpong “Mak” Bunrad on the undercard of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, which takes place at the 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore on Friday, 26 May.

The 28-year-old Baguio City native first crossed paths with Bunrad in April 2015 at ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS, where the latter took a razor-thin split decision victory.

Although he is fresh from a first-round submission loss to Finnish submission specialist Toni Tauru this past December, Eustaquio has no doubt that he could settle the score following a controversial split decision in favor of Bunrad when they first met two years ago.

“My first fight against him served as a big lesson. It’s my duty to learn from my mistakes and improve to become a better martial artist. I know what I am capable of. I can’t wait to showcase my talent this coming May 26,” he said.

“Singapore, be ready. I am bringing the fireworks to you,” Eustaquio added.