One Championship Kicks Off One: Kingdom of Heroes with Blockbuster Press Conference in Bangkok

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One Championship Kicks Off One: Kingdom of Heroes with Blockbuster Press CoiThe largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), held a kick-off press conference on Monday, 9 July at the W Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand to formally announce ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, which is set to take place at the Impact Arena on 6 October.

In addition to the announcement of the organization’s much-awaited return to Bangkok for another star-studded live event, ONE Championship also took time to announce its partnership with Nakornloung Promotion to co-promote the bout of boxing superstar Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in the main event of ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES.

In attendance was Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong, WBC and The Ring Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai sat at the head table alongside promoter of Nakornloung Promotion and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Thainchai Pisitwuttinan and Managing Director of Petchyindee Academy and Promoter of Rajadamnern Stadium, Nuttadaj Vachirarattanawong, as well as ONE Championship’s celebrated Thai martial arts superstars such as Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai, Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex and Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai.

Ticket information for ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “It is my honor and my pleasure to see some of the greatest martial artists on the planet compete in ONE Championship. The thing that makes ONE Championship different from any other organization in the world, is that we want to build and unleash martial arts superheroes to ignite the world with inspiration, hope, dreams, strength, and courage. This coming October, Thailand will host the biggest event in martial arts history as talented athletes from boxing, mixed martial arts and Muay Thai will join together under one roof in celebrating Asia’s greatest cultural treasure. ONE Championship will create an indelible legacy on 6 October.”

Police Gen. Kovid Pakdeepoom, Vice President of WBC, stated: “We are thrilled to work with ONE Championship for the upcoming event in October. Our association with a world-class organization like ONE Championship satisfies our goal in nurturing the legacy of boxing across the globe. ONE Championship has made groundbreaking initiatives in the development of mixed martial arts and other forms of martial arts in Asia and around the globe. Certainly, there’s so much that everyone should be excited about this event in Bangkok.”

Thainchai Pisitwuttinan, Promoter of Nakornloung Promotion and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, stated: “Our work in boxing has always been driven by our passion and love. The best part of it is that we get to give life-turning opportunities to boxers and their families. Each of them has their own stories, but they are all driven by the same dream - to be the world champion. I am glad that our promotion and ONE Championship have coalesced in having a common mission and vision for combat sports athletes around the globe. I just cannot begin to say how massive of an event this will be. History will be made on 6 October.”

Nuttadaj Vachirarattanawong, Managing Director of Petchyindee Academy and Promoter of Rajadamnern Stadium, stated: “I appreciate ONE Championship’s efforts in exposing and elevating Muay Thai on a global scale. It is an honor and a privilege to be in partnership with this great martial arts promotion that has been followed by billions of fans around the world. It is with expectancy that I look forward to the event on October 6th.”

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, WBC and The Ring Super Flyweight World Champion, stated: “I am happy and honored to take part in this historical ONE Championship's event. I was at ONE Championship's event in Bangkok earlier this year, and it blew my mind with its world class production, entertainment, and fights. I would also like to thank everyone who made this possible. With ONE Championship opening its doors for athletes like me to showcase our talent on the global stage, it means a lot. This is a new challenge, and I love challenges. I am looking forward to defend my WBC World title belt in ONE Championship.”

Shannon Wiratchai, ONE Athlete, stated: “Competing in front of my hometown fans is always a great pleasure. It is an honor for me to represent my country. I will do my best to make my people proud. Since I joined ONE Championship, I have learned so much that it has helped me throughout my career. I feel that I am ready to take the next step.”

Rika Ishige, ONE Athlete, stated: “Martial arts in Thailand has really taken off, and I am proud to be a part of its growth. I have progressed a lot so far in my young career. The possibilities are endless for me, and I will continue to work hard to make my family and my fans proud. This is an awesome opportunity to showcase my skills at a big event this coming October.”

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, ONE Athlete, stated: “It was such a surreal experience for me the first time I stepped into the ONE Championship ring. This time, I will be given the chance to compete on the world’s most premier martial arts stage in front of my countrymen. Thank you, ONE Championship, for the opportunity to have this grand homecoming in October. I am truly honored and will make everyone proud. I can’t wait for October.”

Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex, ONE Athlete, stated: “I am still grinding everyday. You can say that I’ve done it all in the sport, but it’s not yet over for me. ONE Super Series is the right path for me and my professional career. The desire to compete, it’s still in me. I am glad that I was able to make a ONE Super Series debut earlier this year because it has already given me the feel of what the future holds. It’s a great opportunity for every practitioner of Muay Thai and kickboxing.”

Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai, ONE Athlete, stated: “This is going to be a big event on 6 October. For the first time in history, the best of the best from different combat sports will join together. I am excited for this, especially for Muay Thai. I am ready to take this next step into my career. This is a chance for me to showcase my skills to the world and to show fans the beauty of Muay Thai.”

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is one of Thailand’s most celebrated pugilists in history, winning the prestigious WBC Super Flyweight World Championship on two occasions. Holding a professional record of 45-4-1 with 40 knockouts, Sor Rungvisai is ranked No. 6 on the pound-for-pound best boxers list of The Ring Magazine. After regaining the WBC Super Flyweight World Championship in March 2017 and then successfully defending it twice in the USA, Sor Rungvisai will defend his WBC World title in ONE Championship's historical event in Thailand.

Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai of Thailand is one of the most thrilling offensive innovators in ONE Championship. The creator of the OneShin Striking System, Wiratchai developed his own style which incorporates various elements from Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Training out of Tiger Muay Thai and Bangkok Fight Lab, Wiratchai emerges as Thailand’s biggest and most exciting martial arts star.

Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige is a 29-year-old female atomweight from Thailand who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and Bangkok Fight Lab. She is of mixed Japanese and Thai heritage, beginning her martial arts training at age 9 with aikido and taekwondo. Heavily influenced by her late father who trained in judo, Ishige went on to hone her skills as a martial artist, and turned professional in 2017. All of Ishige’s victories have ended via impressive finish, showcasing her high-level grappling skills.

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao is considered by Thai boxing purists as one of the top pound-for-pound Muay Thai practitioners in the world. He is a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, a Rajadamnern Stadium champion, two-time Thailand national champion, and two-time Fighter of the Year. He is also a five-division world champion in the sport. Nong-O is known for the incredible speed, power and precision behind all his strikes. He made a successful ONE Super Series debut last April, defeating Fabio Pinca via unanimous decision.

32-year-old Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex is one of the most recognizable names in the world of Muay Thai. Known by the moniker “The Boxing Computer” as a testament to his impeccable in-ring techniques, he has won numerous championships in his stellar kickboxing career, including the WBC Super Welterweight Muay Thai World Championship and the coveted Lumpinee Stadium World Championship.

Hailing from Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand’s northern Isan region, Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai has already defeated some of the biggest names in Muay Thai, earning multiple accolades in the process. Spurred by his success and proven talent, Petchmorrakot went on to claim the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium World Championship in two divisions, as well as the WMC Muay Thai title, in a career spanning almost 200 professional bouts.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Etihad Airways Adds More Benefits to the Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass

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Etihad Airways has added more options to its Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass including restaurants, leisure attractions and a five-star hotel, to provide visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi with more exclusive discounts and special offers.

On dining experiences, visitors can now also look forward to a 20 per cent discount off various dining outlets in Yas Mall, including Fish & Co, Mr Greek, Al Fanar and more.

Tim Burnell, Etihad Airways Vice President Marketing, said: “Etihad is delighted to increase the number of exclusive discounts available with The Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass. Guests now have even more offers and opportunities to explore Abu Dhabi for less this summer, and discover for themselves the wealth of exciting opportunities our dynamic capital, and wider emirate, has to offer.”

Adventure seekers will benefit from a 20 per cent discount on Leisure Train Tourism tours in Al Ain and a generous 50 per cent off Hala Abu Dhabi tours, including the Story of Abu Dhabi City Tour, Morning Desert Drive and Desert Sunset Drive & BBQ experiences.

For an award-winning beach resort experience, guests at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi will enjoy a 20 per cent discount on accommodation (inclusive of breakfast), across all food and beverage outlets, and at its signature Atarmia Spa.

To qualify for discounts or special offers, visitors simply have to keep their Etihad Airways issued boarding pass (branded or non-branded) and present it at participating retailers to receive their discount.

Maine Mendoza Signs with Universal Records

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(L-R) Universal Records Operations Manager Peter Chan, Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, Maine Mendoza, Business Manager Rams David

After weeks of anticipation, Maine Mendoza has officially signed a record deal with Universal Records. The contract signing was held at the Universal Records office. Present during the signing were Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Business Manager Rams David, and Maine. 

Hints of Maine’s signing first hit the web after Universal Records posted a teaser photo of a ‘mystery girl’ wearing a leather jacket bearing the word Universal on it. Fans were quick to catch on, as #MaineForUniversalRecords became the #1 Trending Topic on Twitter in the Philippines and Worldwide not long after the teaser was posted.

Watch full #TheBigReveal video on Youtube here

The mystery girl was finally shown to be non-other than Maine herself on June 22, as posted through a Big Reveal video, further exciting her fans.

Signing with Universal Records is just the latest accolade for the 23 year-old star, as she celebrates her third anniversary in show business. Rising to stardom after being introduced as Yaya Dub on the hit noontime show Eat Bulaga, Maine has amassed a number of endorsements, TV shows, box-office hits, and a best-selling book. Now, Maine is more than ready to trade in her dubsmash skills to pursue a recording career, adding to her many talents.

Maine with Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go

Talking about Maine’s signing, Kathleen Dy-Go, General Manager of Universal Records says “We’re very happy to welcome Maine into the Universal Records family, and very excited to be working with her for her upcoming projects.”

Maine now joins Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, The CompanY, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Sponge Cola, Ice Seguerra, Shanti Dope, Christian Bautista, and Elmo Magalona in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

Stay tuned for Maine's debut single under Universal Records this 2018.


For more updates, follow Universal Records on Instagram @universalrecordsph and Twitter @universalrecph, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/universalrecordsph and YouTube.

Cusi Brings Electricity Trading Closer to Autonomy

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THE NEW BOARD: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi with the newly-elected Board Members of the Philippine ElectricityMarket Corporation (PEMC) during its Annual General Membership Meeting on Monday, 25 June 2018. In photo (L-R) are Peter Wallace, Eugenio Roxas, Elenita Go, Rolando Cagampan, Allan Laniba, Felino Herbert Agdigos, Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Noel Aboboto, Nino Juan, Ronald Dylan Concepcion, Gilbert Pagobo, Rauf Tan, Oscar Ala.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Monday welcomed the first election of members of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) board of directors, a step that moves the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) closer to attaining Independent Market Operator (IMO) status.

Fifteen board members, including 11 sectoral representatives, were elected during PEMC's Annual General Membership Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

The elected board members were Emmanuel V. Rubio (SN Aboitiz Power), Victor Emmanuel B. Santos Jr. (First Gen), Elenita Go (SMC Global Power), Juan Eugenio L. Roxas (FDC Utilities, Inc.), Rolando M. Cagampan (Meralco), Allan L. Laniba (LEYECO III), Felino Herbert Palpallatoc Agdigos (Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative), Gilbert A. Pagobo (Mactan Electric Company, Inc.), Noel Villas Aboboto (Team Energy), Atty. Ronald Dylan P. Concepcion (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines), and Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan (Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines).

Four new independent directors were also elected namely, Rauf A. Tan, Atty. Oscar E. Ala, Jesus Lim Arranza, and Peter Leslie Wallace.

“It has been a fruitful two years. Now we look forward to a new era, as PEMC’s elected representatives take over the reins of governing the electricity market,” Cusi said in a speech during the event.

The election of a new PEM Board brings the industry a step closer to the long-delayed transition to the IMO.

Cusi has remained firm in calling for the IMO’s establishment, which is already overdue for more than a decade from what the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 originally required.

While PEMC and the IMO will be independent from the government, the DOE will maintain oversight of the WESM operations.

“The DOE’s involvement with the WESM needs to be close enough for the Department to understand key developments, while keeping enough distance from the market’s daily functions. The Energy Department will remain the ultimate guardian of WESM rules and manuals. Together with the Energy Regulatory Commission, we will protect our consumers against industry breaches and anti-competitive behavior,” Cusi said.

Under the transition plan approved earlier this year, the IMO will manage operations of the WESM while PEMC will remain the spot market’s governing body.

DOE Pushes More Safety Measures in the RE Sector

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E-SAFETY FIRST: DOE-REMB Geothermal Energy Management Division Chief Ariel D. Fronda presents the draft Renewable Energy Safety, Health and Environment Rules and Regulations (RESHERR) Code of Practice to the participants during the public consultation Tuesday in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Department of Energy (DOE), today held a public consultation in its bid to enforce operational safety and security in the renewable energy (RE) sector. Led by the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), the public consultation focused on the draft Renewable Energy Safety, Health and Environment Rules and Regulations (RESHERR) Code of Practice.

The event aimed to inform the RE developers on the "E-Safety" tenet of the DOE's E-Power Mo campaign, and to solicit their inputs on the RESHERR draft. About 20 RE developers from Mindanao participated in the public consultation.

Earlier, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that part of the DOE’s push for energy diversification and resiliency is the promotion of additional RE in the country’s energy mix. “We are doing everything we can to empower Filipino consumers by giving them access to renewable energy development,” said Cusi. In pursuing this policy, he stressed that it should take into consideration the factors of safety and cost effectiveness for the consumers.

The RESHERR Code of Practice will set internal and external operational safety guidelines for all RE facilities. In addition, it also contains provisions addressing environmental concerns, such as air, land and water pollution resulting from RE activities.

RE developers would likewise be able to use the code in conforming to the Energy Resiliency Compliance Plan, which would institutionalize national adaptive standards against human-induced and natural disasters.

Among the topics discussed during the consultation include the general safety guidelines, workplace safety monitoring and control, requirements needed for electrical work, demolitions, and the precautionary measures in dealing with hazardous, flammable and explosive materials.

The public consultation was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme - Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability (DREAMS) project.

The project was the product of the partnership between the DOE and the Global Environment Facility-UNDP. Similar public consultations were earlier held in Cebu (6 June) and Manila (18 June).

The DOE continues to accept comments and suggestions on the RESHERR draft to ensure a more comprehensive policy issuance. Interested parties may email their inputs to mikko.realo@yahoo.com on or before Thursday, 5 July 2018.

Interested parties may access the draft policy on DOE's official website (http://bit.ly/DraftRESHERRPolicy).

PH, Partner Countries to Boost Biomass Utilization

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UNITED FOR E-POWER: Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque, Head of the Philippine Delegation, and other participants make the E-Power Mo fist during the Capacity Building on Biomass Workshop on 3 July 2018 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The event is part of the 6th Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster Meeting, which aims to promote the use of renewable energy resources, specifically biomass and biofuels. E-Power Mo‘s E-Diskarte principle encourages the utilization of renewable and alternative energy sources.

The Department of Energy (DOE) hosted on Tuesday (3 July), an international conference and capacity building workshop on biomass, as part of the overall strategy for sustainable energy development in Southeast Asia.

The workshop was conducted under the auspices of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which is part of the 6th Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster (PEIC) Meeting. This activity underscores the importance of biomass and biofuels as abundant indigenous resources in the region for power supply and rural electrification.

“It is fundamental to the country’s sustainable energy agenda to develop and utilize our indigenous renewable energy resources. This is vital to achieving energy self-reliance, strengthening climate change mitigation measures and ushering in socio-economic advancement in rural areas,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in his opening remarks that was delivered by Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque. 

Cusi further emphasized that renewable energy is key to progress. “It empowers more than our cities, more than our machines and more than entire industries. Renewable energy fuels our movement towards the rebuilding of this nation.”

The Philippines, Indonesia and Sarawak, Malaysia presented their respective bioenergy policies, utilization technologies and policy implementation updates to about 80 participants comprised of international delegates, local government units, national government agencies, and electric cooperatives.

The workshop enabled BIMP-EAGA Member States to exchange best practices, initiatives and experiences on the effective implementation of a bioenergy and biofuels program.

The event was also an opportunity for the agency to promote the investment potential of the Philippines, particularly in Palawan and Mindanao, given their vast biomass reserves and suitable plantation areas.

The DOE also presented the Biomass Resource Assessment, a product of the technical assistance program funded by the United States Agency for International Development in 2013. The study revealed that biomass utilization would yield a potential power generation capacity of 4,448 megawatts (MW). It would also reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 17.25 million tons.

In July 2017, BIMP-EAGA PEIC conducted a similar workshop on solar energy utilization for rural electrification in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia.

The BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation initiative was established to help member states address social and economic challenges in remote territories. For the Philippines, the focal areas are Mindanao and Palawan.

Since the passage of the Biofuels Act of 2006 and the Renewables Act of 2008, the country has been implementing a 2% coco-methyl ester blend for diesel and a 10% ethanol blend on gasoline. In addition, total installed capacity for biomass is already at 530 MW. 

BIOMASS FORUM: DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mylene C. Capongcol (C), Assistant Director Marissa P. Cerezo (R) and Biomass Energy Management Division Chief Ruby B. De Guzman (L) led the open forum as panelists during the Capacity Building on Biomass Workshop on 3 July 2018 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.


GO FOR BIOMASS: Energy Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque delivers Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi’s message for the Capacity Building on Biomass Workshop, as part of the 6th Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster meeting held in Palawan.

Picture Paints a Thousand Words

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Visitors both young and old at the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 explore their creativity by coloring pages that illustrate the importance of energy in our lives.

This is one of the many activities awaiting guests at the exhibit being held at the SM City Fairview Activity Center. Opened yesterday (6 July) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency, the two-day expo is part of the Department of Energy's E-Power Mo movement, which continues to encourage consumers to take charge of their energy consumption choices intelligently. 

Up Close and Personal
Guests get to closely examine the e-trike and hybrid vehicle on display at the two-day (6 and 7 July) International Energy Expo 2018 of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Information Agency being held at the SM City Fairview Activity Center.

The DOE donated 200 e-trikes to Marawi to help in the city's rehabilitation, while 900 units have been turned over to select parts of Metro Manila, such as Pateros (400 units), Valenzuela (250 units), Muntinlupa (150), and Las Piñas (100). 

The Japanese government donated the hybrid cars as part of their non-project grant. The DOE is distributing said hybrid cars to government agencies nationwide and to provinces hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables has Landed in the Philippines!

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Turn your kids’ days from ordinary to extraordinary with this New Treat

Is that a spaceship or a UFO? No, it’s just the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables!

Moms often want to turn their kids’ days from ordinary to extraordinary and make every day special. Luckily, the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables is now here to help turn ordinary moments into joyful experiences! Giving joyful everyday little rewards to their kids is one way to spark a sense of wonder!

If you’re looking for everyday little rewards to enjoy with your children, Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables are surely the wonderful treats for you! With Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables, your kids can wonder at the unique space-ship-like packaging. Inside they can enjoy the delicious taste of Cadbury chocolate in a unique spoonable format. For its launch in the Philippines, Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables also comes with a collectible Pokemon toy! Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables will enable you to create more bonding opportunities with your kids. They’ll be excited to unbox their new toy!

You can give your kids Cadbury Daily Milk Lickables as everyday little rewards when they do their homework, complete house chores, or remember to say please and thank you! Or better yet, enjoy them together. You can make even the most ordinary moments more joyful and special with these wonderful treats! 

As a world leader in chocolates, Cadbury Dairy Milk offers this new way to enjoy bonding moments with your kids. It’s an exciting offering for the growing market of parent-to-child treats. In 2017, the well-loved Cadbury Dairy Milk brand launched the yummy Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables in India. Now it’s available in South East Asia including Malaysia and the Philippines! It is one more fun way you can enjoy the Cadbury Dairy Milk taste you know and love. 

So add more sense of wonder and joy into your lives with Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables! These everyday little rewards will turn ordinary moments into joyful experiences. Your kids will have the best of both worlds too! A yummy treat, and a fun toy they can keep and collect! Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables will be available at your leading department stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores for only P46.50*! Grab one to have a fun, extraordinary, and joyful day with your kids!

Speciality & Fine Food Asia and Restaurant, Pub & Bar Asia Return With a Focus on Innovation – Propelled by Exciting Industry Partnerships

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Expect smart solutions, cutting-edge products and revolutionary concepts during the upcoming edition of Speciality & Fine Food Asia (SFFA) and Restaurant, Pub & Bar Asia (RPB Asia). Both trade shows return for their second year from 17 – 19 July 2018 at Suntec Singapore and are bringing together major F&B, foodservice, hospitality and retail players to discuss the issues facing the industry, how innovation plays a part in ensuring sustainability, and future trends that will impact the way we eat, dine, and live.  

Investor Pitching Series

SFFA has launched a brand-new Investor Pitching Series to provide a practical springboard for companies with exciting, innovative ideas to pitch their concepts and products to a panel of judges comprising F&B owners, retailers, hoteliers and investors, for real-time feedback. The Series is split into two tracks – Innovative F&B Products and Productive Business Solutions for the F&B Industry, the latter designed in collaboration with RAS in order to solicit business and product proposals that will address real-life challenges faced by the F&B industry and enable them to harness new technologies, processes or products to elevate their businesses above the global competition, differentiate their offerings and thrive in the long term. Over 10 finalists will be invited for a boot camp where they can exchange ideas and gain tips from industry experts before delivering their pitches to the judges on 17 & 18 July at SFFA.

e2i’s new ULeap F&B mobile modules

SFFA 2018 will also see the launch of e2i’s new F&B mobile modules on ULeap, a mobile learning app, for quick, bite-sized learning on the F&B industry. “To ensure the growth of Singapore’s F&B industry, e2i is pleased to work closely with SFFA and RPB Asia to provide a dedicated platform for industry players to learn from each other, identify new ways of doing things and create opportunities for working partnerships,” said Mr Gilbert Tan, CEO of e2i.

“In addition, e2i will be launching bite-sized learning modules on our ULeap mobile app dedicated to the F&B sector to facilitate greater learning. We also look forward to forming partnerships with the industry players here today as well to raise their training capabilities via skills upgrading access and opportunities for their workers.”

Fine Food Live

A core component of SFFA, Fine Food Live is the mainstage where chef demos, panel discussions, and more will take place. Chef Isaac Mchale of Michelin-starred The Clove Club – also the highest ranked UK restaurant on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants – will be headlining the show for his first official visit to Singapore. Underscoring the show’s focus on sustainability, Mchale champions the very best of British produce, crafting elegant dishes incorporating inspiration from across the globe. Mchale will present two cooking demos and take part in a panel discussion ‘The Fine Art of (Conscious) Dining’.

Joining Mchale on the panel are local and regional experts such as Chef Julien Royer of two Michelin-starred Odette, also Singapore’s highest ranked restaurant on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants; Ken Loon, Chef-Owner of sustainable seafood restaurant, The Naked Finn; international food journalist Cheryl Tiu and Lennard Yeong – both of whom are World’s 50 Best TasteHunters (digital ambassadors for the 50 Best brand). They will explore the definition of conscious dining and how that fits into the fine dining space.

There will be a total of four panel discussions, thoughtfully designed for solutions-driven discourse among prominent industry thought leaders. Other topics are ‘Global F&B Outlook’, ‘Going Digital’ and ‘From Farm to Kitchen’, that will see representatives from Chope, DHL, Edelman, Ernst & Young, GrabFood, KPMG, Zenith Global and more take the stage.

Always a star attraction are the chef demonstrations that will happen throughout the day. This year, presenting chefs include renowned cookbook author, Christopher Tan, Javad Ahamad from Punjab Grill, and Alexander McKinstry from Viceroy Bali. Chef Neo Jun Hao, the newly-minted winner for Singapore’s Disciples Escoffier Young Talent – the culinary competition for young chefs under the age of 25 – will be conducting his live practice run at the Show before representing the country at the Asia Finals in Hong Kong this September.

Centre Stage

At RPB Asia, Centre Stage will be a flurry of activity as the Show hosts two prestigious industry awards – the inaugural Asia Food Innovation Awards organised by FoodBev Media and theBartender Invitational 2018 organised by The Bar Awards. Both celebrate and recognise excellence and creativity across all aspects of the global food and beverage industry and are testament to the shows’ position and standing as one of the industry’s premier, must-visit events for trade buyers from retail, foodservice, travel, import, wholesale and distribution across Southeast Asia.

  

The Asia Food Innovation Awards is the Asian edition of the UK-based Innovation Awards, which have been running for more than 10 years and are recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For the first time, the inaugural Asia Food Innovation Awards was launched in March 2018, with the winners to be unveiled at Centre Stage on 18 July.

The Bartender Invitational is an intense 3-day competition that will see four Bartender of the Year award winners from four cities battle it out with a series of tough challenges for the ultimate title ofBartender of the Year 2018. Country representatives are Jay Khan (COA, Hong Kong), Kho Chee Kheong “CK” (Coley, Kuala Lumpur), Nikita Matveev (Vida Rica, Mandarin Oriental Macau) andVijay Mudaliar (Native, Singapore). The winner will be announced on 19 July.

A series of bar talks, curated together with The Bar Awards team, will take place alongside masterclasses by experts across speciality spirits, sake, tea and wine, including leading gourmet brands like Kangaroo Island Spirits, Monsoon Tea, and Niigata Prefecture Sake.

SFFA and RPB Asia 2018 will see over 145 exhibitors from Asia, Australia, Europe and North America showcasing thousands of products across categories such as health & functional foods(including organic, free-from products, etc), meat, bar food & snacks, seafood & fish, sauces & condiments, jams & preserves and many more.* A new technology category will also showcase the latest in innovative solutions for the industry.

For the latest updates, please visit the official show websites – Speciality-Asia.com and RPB-Asia.com, and follow the shows on social media. Trade visitors can register here for their free entrance badges.

Philippines Hosts Exhibition of Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia

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As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concludes the commemoration of its 50^th anniversary, the Philippines marks the historic occasion by hosting a contemporary art exhibition featuring ten artists who will represent each ASEAN member state.

The exhibit titled Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia is curated by noted art historian, scholar, and curator Patrick D. Flores.

It will be held simultaneously in three major art institutions in the Philippines: the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET Manila), the University of the Philippines Vargas Museum, and the Yuchengco Museum.

The exhibition’s artists from the region will gather in Manila to open the exhibition on August 8 (MET Manila), 9 (Yuchengco Museum), and 10 (Vargas Museum) with a series of programs for each venue. The opening reception of each venue starts at 5pm. The exhibition will be on view from August 10 to October 6, 2018.

The project is presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the Dalubhasaan Para sa Edukasyon sa Sining at Kultura (DESK) with the support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.

“Ties of history” is a phrase taken from a document signed by ASEAN’s founding members on August 8, 1967. The document describes “a region already bound together by ties of history and culture.” A region that is “conscious that in an increasingly interdependent world, the cherished ideals of peace, freedom, social justice, and economic well-being are best attained by fostering good understanding, good neighbourliness and meaningful cooperation among the countries of the region.” The document gave birth to the regional organization, which taken as a collective is the world’s 5^th largest economy. 

Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia is a survey of contemporary art, on the one hand. On the other, it is a diligent study of a particular practice. The project selects three works of each artist from the ASEAN countries to be exhibited in three institutions. This enables the exhibition to present a more in-depth look into the interests of the artist and allows the audience from different parts of the city to view the exhibition.

As Flores, who was recently appointed as Artistic Director of Singapore Biennale 2019, explains, “this undertaking…draws attention to the thoughtful and sensitive process of artistic transformation and maturity and tries to avoid the tendency of survey exhibitions to merely select the most popular or the most accessible.”

“It also reminds us that artistic practice is not fully formed but rather gleaned in the condition of constant forming. It is this constant forming that the project endeavors to curate,” he adds.

NCCA Chairman Virgilio S. Almario agrees that “[t]here is much to gain in gathering the talents of the region in order to view not only their works but to also reflect on the realities each of them respond to.” He further emphasizes that “it is a proud moment that the Philippines initiates this celebration of ASEAN artists.”

Almario also remarks on the importance of the ASEAN in the current climate. For him, “[the] ASEAN is a unique regional organization because it aims to be known to the world as one community despite its diversity in religion, race and culture. In a world troubled by differences in belief, finding peace may be meditated through art that lets us see the threads that string us together.”

Senator Loren Legarda, one of the Philippines leading cultural advocates, expresses her pride with the recent developments in Philippine contemporary art: “Support for Philippine contemporary art is at its peak with our participation at the Venice Biennale for four consecutive years after a 51-year absence, with Dr. Flores as the first curator since our re-entry. This collaborative endeavor further puts the country at the center of contemporary art globally, not just in Asia. I invite our ASEAN neighbors to continue this art project annually or in the form of a biennial in the same manner by which we host political and economic affairs in ASEAN.”

Featured Artists

Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia aims to identify artists from across generations who have demonstrated both responsiveness and range in relation to the concerns of aesthetic material and socio-historical contexts.

A contemporary artist based in Singapore known for her collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to art, Amanda Heng (b. 1951) explores social issues in the context of Singapore’s inter-cultural social milieu.

Roberto Feleo (b. 1954) is a seminal Philippine artist whose works are sharp sociohistorical commentaries on Philippine myth and history and creative investigations into local materials and techniques.

Known for his practice that includes the use of natural materials and traditional tools used in Indonesian craft, Anusapati (b. 1957) has inspired a younger generation of artists disposed to respond to craft, modernism, and the environment.

Do Hoang Tuong (b. 1960) of Vietnam belongs to an influential generation of abstract painters in the South of Vietnam in the 1990s. From an academic perspective and within the narrative space of his paintings, he expresses the desire of a founding condition of a new subjectivity.

Savanhdary Vongpoothorn (b. 1971) was born in Laos and came to Australia in 1979. Her practice implicates Lao cultural references interwoven with Australian and other cultural mediations in a productive space of resettlement.

Working with photography and the moving image, Chris Chong Chan Fui (b. 1972) from Malaysia questions and redirects how humans work within such intersecting fields as economics and ecology.

Jedsada Tangtrakulwong (b. 1972) lives and works in Thailand. His practice is informed by Thai cultural sign systems and reflects on the delicacy of daily existence.

Min Thein Sung (b. 1978), born and based in Myanmar, works with and on motifs, media, and processes inspired by the everyday and his childhood.

Artist and curator Vuth Lyno (b. 1982) from Cambodia is the Co-founding Artistic Director of Sa Sa Art Projects, an artist-run space initiated by the Stiev Selapak collective in Phnom Penh. His artistic and curatorial practice is primarily participatory in nature, exploring collective learning and experimentation.

Working with organic materials, Yasmin Jaidin (b. 1987), a contemporary artist from Brunei, interrogates how these elements are often overlooked in the context of contemporary life.

Selection Process

A network of practitioners in contemporary art in the region was consulted in the selection of artists for the exhibition. These advisors include Ahmad Mashadi, Head of the National University of Singapore Museum; Khim Ong, Deputy Director, Curatorial Programmes at Nanyang Technological University Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore (NTU CCA Singapore); Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani, independent curator, writer, and lecturer of Southeast Asian contemporary art; and independent curator and scholar Grace Samboh.

Public Program

The public is invited to join an artist talk and roundtable discussion with the advisors from the region as they discuss contemporary art in Southeast Asia on August 11 at the MET Museum of Manila. There will also be a public and education program to feature talks and lectures by scholars of and practitioners in the region in the duration of the exhibition’s run.

For details relating to the exhibition’s education programs, please check our social media pages @tiesofhistory or email us at info@tiesofhistory.org to be added to our mailing list.

L-R, clockwise- Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia featured artists— Amanda Heng (Singapore), Roberto Feleo (Philippines), Anusapati (Indonesia), Do Hoang Tuong (Vietnam), Chris Chong Chan Fui (Malaysia), Yasmin Jaidin (Brunei), Min Thein Sung (Myanmar), Vuth Lyno (Cambodia), Jedsada Tangtrakulwong (Thailand), Savanhdary Vongpoothorn (Laos)

Philippines Hosts Exhibition of Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia

Exhibition:                            Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia

Venue:                                    Metropolitan Museum of Manila

University of the Philippines Vargas Museum

Yuchengco Museum

Dates:                                     August 8 to October 6, 2018

Social Media:                        @tiesofhistory

Opening Reception:             5pm – 9pm

August 8 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila

                                                August 9 at the Yuchengco Museum

            August 10 at the Vargas Museum