PICC: World-class host to the world
Published Apr 3, 2018 12:00 am
By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
BSP Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla Jr.
Chairman
Philippine International Convention Center, Inc. The most important person running the country’s banking system is the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), but little did we know that the central bank owns the country’s premier convention complex – the grand Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) – of which the BSP governor holds the chairmanship of what might be one of his lighter tasks, but one of significant value to the country’s overall proposition in the international community. PICC Chairman BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. sees the greater role of the country’s premier convention center as a viable business proposition, run by a professional management team and most importantly in promoting the image of the Philippines as an excellent host to the world. Host to the world As the new chairman of PICC, Espenilla did not mince words when he said PICC should raise its profile as “Host to the World” to complement the growing Philippine economy. Designed by National Artist in Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, the PICC made history as Asia’s first international convention center, setting a trend that led other countries to build their own. PICC Complex formally opened on September 5, 1976 to host the World Bank’s International Monetary Fund Annual Meeting. After this, the PICC established itself as one of the most versatile event arenas in the Asia-Pacific region by being the venue of political summits, medical conventions, and concerts of international artists as varied as Luciano Pavarotti, the Bolshoi Ballet, Burt Bacharach, Janet Jackson, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. Philippines’ very own Lea Salonga prefers PICC because it has the perfect acoustics. Bo Sanchez also holds religious events there. Built on reclaimed land along scenic Manila Bay in the Philippine capital, the PICC has more than 70,000 square meters of floor area and a range of facilities that can accommodate almost any gathering of any size. It is purpose-built for the convention market. As an architectural landmark on its own housing the works of various Filipino master artists in painting and sculpture, it stands as a constant edifice in an ever-changing environment. It is rich in terms of cultural heritage and significance in Philippine history, having hosted countless prestigious and notable events such as the World Bank-IMF Annual Meeting, the ADB Governors’ Meeting Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summits, the ASEAN Summits, and a roster of other events. The same can be said of every major political, social and cultural affair such as the Papal visit, Ms. Universe Pageant, the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and a host of other national and international events. Via Mare Corporation, the exclusive professional food caterer/concessionaire, provides the banqueting requirements of PICC and its clients. Backed by over 40 solid years of experience, Via Mare provides impeccable cuisine and unparalleled service to PICC guests. “There is no facility in the Philippines that comes close to scale and capacity of PICC and it has a classic elegance,” declares Espenilla. As world-class host to the world, PICC is embarking on major marketing effort to broaden and maximize its potential as a good and viable business proposition. It is targeting the non-traditional market from all kinds of conventions, the young and the millennials as it goes into digital marketing, too. “People might think PICC is only for the serious events and for old people. If we do not reach out to the millennials, then we are missing out,” says Espenilla. Already, PICC is also a dream venue for graduations and weddings. It is averaging 130 graduation ceremonies in a period of three months. But it is not that imposing that it cannot serve smaller functions as part of its social commitment. It has function areas that can hold small group parties for 50 and 200. They have increased their bookings for weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries. BPO firms hold their 24-hour Christmas parties there, too. This is to correct the perception that PICC is only for big events. “PICC is not just one big facility, but it can accommodate large and small events at the same time,” says Espenilla. In fact, PICC is also open for tenants. The Securities and Exchange Commission holds office at the PICC, as well as the National Privacy Commission. The Professional Regulations Commission also holds licensure exams at PICC as well as the issuances of licenses to professionals. It has an average traffic of a thousand-people visiting the center on a daily basis. Besides, PICC is very accessible even a walking distance from Roxas Boulevard. Security, parking areas and the general area of the complex are all secure and suited for both serious and relaxed gatherings. Expansion Under Espenilla’s helm, the new PICC Board is expected to provide valuable perspectives as PICC management continues to drive profitability and sustainability for the government-owned and -controlled corporation. Already, PICC is constructing a new building that will house the collection of valuable paintings of the BSP, which is a huge collection of the works of arts that are yet to be exposed. Construction has already started and is expected to be finished next year. In fact, PICC is distinguished from its being a house of arts. It is decorated with paintings and sculptures of national artists, like the works of national artist Jose T. Joya. The APEC sculpture was done another national artist for sculpture Napoleon Abueva can be viewed at the PICC lawn while his wooden nativity scene is prominently displayed inside the center. “PICC is an artist’s showcase, there is art throughout the halls, a complete experience for guests that adds to the overall classiness and prestige. In addition, the place is photogenic,” says Espenilla, who started his job at BSP as debt analyst after graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1981. PICC will also dismantle its tent exhibition hall and build a permanent structure in its stead to cater to more trade exhibits. “This is consistent to the idea that the Philippines is opening to the world of trade and investments. So, it makes sense to have that facility for exhibits,” he adds. In the past 42 years, PICC has been continuously refreshed and added new rooms. With constant upgrading, they have been able to maximize the use of the facility. Professionals Espenilla has been proud of the professional management that PICC has, citing their dedication to service and in ensuring that all functions go smoothly. An officer is designated to see through an event that goes past midnight. They also provide quarters for technical people to stay for the night. The top-notch professional management of PICC is led by Atty. Renato B. Padilla, who serves as general manager. Padilla takes pains to look at all angles and that PICC has the proper upkeep of its amenities, including the overall security, and the equipment. PICC regularly conducts structural, mechanical and electrical audits to ensure the facility is safe and secure for all delegates. “We rely on Rene and his superb team to run PICC because BSP does not know convention business, but as owners we make sure that the facility is operated properly,” says the governor. As chairman together with the Board members from the private sector, they create the framework to guide the management and define the strategy for PICC so it will fulfill its role as world-class hosts to the world. “It is a conscious effort that we make sure it is run very professionally. We have a very strong team and they know the business, not just excellent facility but also good people to provide excellent service, that is really core to the success of PICC,” says Espenilla. Given the core competence of PICC, this has drawn high-profile international and local conferences. PICC has become a showcase of what is good in the Philippine economy. “When people outside see the Philippines can mount top-notch events, that will create a very positive perception of the country. That messaging, that imagery is very important. The fact that they have pleasant experience and we are able to stage the event professionally, how organized we are. These are important symbols and as I’ve pointed out PICC today stands as most important symbol of convention-capability of the Philippines,” he adds. Sustainability Of course, PICC earns from these events. But a big part of the revenues from participants go to the private hotels. The multiplier effect to tourism is huge in terms of foreign exchange and incomes. PICC partners with hotels because they don’t have accommodation facilities. There will be exchange of visits, sharing of expertise. As such, PICC also becomes a venue where ideas are exchanged, crystallized, and implemented. With all these efforts, Espenilla said that the test of quality is the financial stability of the company. Financial sustainability follows a good product. The ultimate goal is to make PICC financially sustainable. “The test of quality is financial stability because if you have no good product, no one will come and the financials will deteriorate. So, it is an acid test that if we can generate more business and make the whole institution sustainable, then we are achieving our mission,” says Espenilla, who also earned his Master of Business Administration honors degree from the University of the Philippines in 1982 and obtained his Master of Science degree in Policy Science from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan in 1988. PICC though has been reporting operating profit. It does not get any budget from the government, but BSP is there to help, not subsidy, but value for money. Ultimately, Espenilla expects BSP to get its return on investments in the future. Ultimately, BSP gets its return on investments as the business generates more income as they focused on delivering top-notch service as host to the world. “There is no other thing but deliver on that so that focus is key,” stresses Espenilla, who is known to his co-workers as “Nesting.”. In doing so, he said, financial stability follows. “BSP is of the view that we have to be business-like. We have to look at this as a business proposition, we want to have a very proactive approach, investment, market, follow through and oversight, that is part of the work of the board,” he stresses. So far, government functions are still low accounting for 30 percent of overall events held at PICC and 70 percent are private, but Espenilla sees this an opportunity and would like to reverse the ratio in favor of government. PICC was able to convince President Duterte to issue an order last year for all government agencies to hold their events there. Aside from competitive rates, government agencies are already exempted from bidding processes if they chose PICC as their event’s venue. Not only that it offers reasonable rates, but it is a prestigious venue with world-class service. “The product is really good so we need more marketing efforts and we have marketing people walking the pavement,” Espenilla added. The growth in MICE also goes with the improvement in domestic economy. “Our economy is growing much faster so we are seeing the opportunity in the MICE industry,” he adds. That is the main reason for the raising of the profile of its market reach and to effectively communicate that strategy. PICC is not really gunning for huge profit, but just to be self-sustaining. That’s why there is no such thing as freeloaders for government entities, they have to pay for the services provided. Government agencies are billed the actual charges. BSP, which maintains an arms-length relationship with PICC, is not an exception. It also pays whenever they use PICC. That is part of its transparency process. PICC keeps it clean, there is no commission, but government agencies are given the right rates and that also saves them from corruption issues. This year, BSP provides a budget of R350 million to PICC mainly to take care of a total of 112 employees although they have total of 121 items. PICC reported a net revenue last year of R300 million. It has been on the positive since 2010 with regular R90-million annual income from the rents of their three tenants. These government offices like PICC because of its ample parking spaces and a very good security plus a well-maintained facility. Unique PICC is a unique and a lone subsidiary of BSP. Unique in the sense that it is part of its social commitment and it is their contribution to the world. It was created by a decree for BSP to build the convention center, which is in proximity to the BSP headquarters along Roxas Boulevard. There are only a few central banks that have the same facility as PICC’s. The bank of Negara of Malaysia operates a facility that houses international organization. With its god reputation overseas, PICC has become a training ground for some foreign organizations for on-the-job training of their people. PICC also accepts practicumers as far as Zamboanga and retain those performing well to be part of the organization. PICC has only 25 people in the marketing and events department that handles the day to day affairs and run the sales. Some have been serving the institution for 35 years already. “Our goal is to contribute to the total value proposition of the Philippines that we are a progressive country, capable, and if talking about convention services we are not behind given our global top-notch in PICC. We are proud to proclaim that we can be host to the world,” stresses Espenilla. Recently PICC announced the appointments of Atty. Carlos M. Flores, Dr. Jocelyn J. Yambao-Franco, Atty. Renato B. Padilla, and Mr. Octavio B. Peralta to its Board of Directors. Ms. Susan S. Villar, who has sat on the PICC Board since 2011, retains her directorship. Other members of the board include PICC Vice Chairman, BSP Deputy Governor for its Resource Management Sector Maria Almasara Cyd N. Tuaño-Amador. Greatness Espenilla, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on 8 May 2017 and assumed office on 3 July 2017 to become the fourth BSP governor, succeeding Amando Tetangco Jr., marveled at the greatness of the PICC with its timeless architecture, clean and classic lines. From 1976 to now, PICC has remained the most classic. Other convention facilities are made of glass and steel and cold structures, but PICC is made of concrete and wood, welcoming and warm. Having served the BSP for most of his life, Espenilla has attended most of the big events at the PICC. But the most memorable was when they launched the global financial inclusion initiative in 2016. Espenilla also personally advocates for financial inclusion. Queen Maxima of Netherlands, being the Financial Inclusion advocate and a representative of the UN Mission, agreed to come to help them launched the Philippine initiative. “She flew all the way here and became or principal guest and we drew in many prominent figures from various agencies and various sectors globally, who came to promote financial inclusion,” adds the BSP governor, who steadily rose through the ranks at BSP, earning his stripes in economic research and international operations. With all his busy schedules, Espenilla attends to the oversight function of the PICC board. But on days when he could not attend to their meetings, he delegates to his vice chairman Amador. As the financial resource of PICC, BSP makes sure that its subsidiary continues and invests in high-quality facilities. As BSP chief, Espenilla demands prudence among banks, a trait he also expects from PICC. “We value our reputation for prudence in financial management to ensure integrity that PICC is run properly so that the asset does not become white elephant, creating cost without generating value. So, we provide guidance to the management so that as world-class host it can provide value for the Philippine economy,” he adds. All of these efforts come at the most opportune time when the Philippine economy is growing fast and is positioning to be an important player in the global stage, especially in this corner of the world – ASEAN. With that, the face of the Philippines is PICC. It is a magnifier of greatness and as the premier venue for enabling greatness. “PICC is an important face of the Philippines, that we are progressive, capable of handling complicated world-class events and a track record speaks for itself. We contribute to the total proposition of the country that we are topnotch, globally competitive, that we are proud to proclaim that we can be the world-class host to the world because we are world-class,” Espenilla concludes.
BSP Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla Jr.Chairman
Philippine International Convention Center, Inc. The most important person running the country’s banking system is the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), but little did we know that the central bank owns the country’s premier convention complex – the grand Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) – of which the BSP governor holds the chairmanship of what might be one of his lighter tasks, but one of significant value to the country’s overall proposition in the international community. PICC Chairman BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. sees the greater role of the country’s premier convention center as a viable business proposition, run by a professional management team and most importantly in promoting the image of the Philippines as an excellent host to the world. Host to the world As the new chairman of PICC, Espenilla did not mince words when he said PICC should raise its profile as “Host to the World” to complement the growing Philippine economy. Designed by National Artist in Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, the PICC made history as Asia’s first international convention center, setting a trend that led other countries to build their own. PICC Complex formally opened on September 5, 1976 to host the World Bank’s International Monetary Fund Annual Meeting. After this, the PICC established itself as one of the most versatile event arenas in the Asia-Pacific region by being the venue of political summits, medical conventions, and concerts of international artists as varied as Luciano Pavarotti, the Bolshoi Ballet, Burt Bacharach, Janet Jackson, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. Philippines’ very own Lea Salonga prefers PICC because it has the perfect acoustics. Bo Sanchez also holds religious events there. Built on reclaimed land along scenic Manila Bay in the Philippine capital, the PICC has more than 70,000 square meters of floor area and a range of facilities that can accommodate almost any gathering of any size. It is purpose-built for the convention market. As an architectural landmark on its own housing the works of various Filipino master artists in painting and sculpture, it stands as a constant edifice in an ever-changing environment. It is rich in terms of cultural heritage and significance in Philippine history, having hosted countless prestigious and notable events such as the World Bank-IMF Annual Meeting, the ADB Governors’ Meeting Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summits, the ASEAN Summits, and a roster of other events. The same can be said of every major political, social and cultural affair such as the Papal visit, Ms. Universe Pageant, the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and a host of other national and international events. Via Mare Corporation, the exclusive professional food caterer/concessionaire, provides the banqueting requirements of PICC and its clients. Backed by over 40 solid years of experience, Via Mare provides impeccable cuisine and unparalleled service to PICC guests. “There is no facility in the Philippines that comes close to scale and capacity of PICC and it has a classic elegance,” declares Espenilla. As world-class host to the world, PICC is embarking on major marketing effort to broaden and maximize its potential as a good and viable business proposition. It is targeting the non-traditional market from all kinds of conventions, the young and the millennials as it goes into digital marketing, too. “People might think PICC is only for the serious events and for old people. If we do not reach out to the millennials, then we are missing out,” says Espenilla. Already, PICC is also a dream venue for graduations and weddings. It is averaging 130 graduation ceremonies in a period of three months. But it is not that imposing that it cannot serve smaller functions as part of its social commitment. It has function areas that can hold small group parties for 50 and 200. They have increased their bookings for weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries. BPO firms hold their 24-hour Christmas parties there, too. This is to correct the perception that PICC is only for big events. “PICC is not just one big facility, but it can accommodate large and small events at the same time,” says Espenilla. In fact, PICC is also open for tenants. The Securities and Exchange Commission holds office at the PICC, as well as the National Privacy Commission. The Professional Regulations Commission also holds licensure exams at PICC as well as the issuances of licenses to professionals. It has an average traffic of a thousand-people visiting the center on a daily basis. Besides, PICC is very accessible even a walking distance from Roxas Boulevard. Security, parking areas and the general area of the complex are all secure and suited for both serious and relaxed gatherings. Expansion Under Espenilla’s helm, the new PICC Board is expected to provide valuable perspectives as PICC management continues to drive profitability and sustainability for the government-owned and -controlled corporation. Already, PICC is constructing a new building that will house the collection of valuable paintings of the BSP, which is a huge collection of the works of arts that are yet to be exposed. Construction has already started and is expected to be finished next year. In fact, PICC is distinguished from its being a house of arts. It is decorated with paintings and sculptures of national artists, like the works of national artist Jose T. Joya. The APEC sculpture was done another national artist for sculpture Napoleon Abueva can be viewed at the PICC lawn while his wooden nativity scene is prominently displayed inside the center. “PICC is an artist’s showcase, there is art throughout the halls, a complete experience for guests that adds to the overall classiness and prestige. In addition, the place is photogenic,” says Espenilla, who started his job at BSP as debt analyst after graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1981. PICC will also dismantle its tent exhibition hall and build a permanent structure in its stead to cater to more trade exhibits. “This is consistent to the idea that the Philippines is opening to the world of trade and investments. So, it makes sense to have that facility for exhibits,” he adds. In the past 42 years, PICC has been continuously refreshed and added new rooms. With constant upgrading, they have been able to maximize the use of the facility. Professionals Espenilla has been proud of the professional management that PICC has, citing their dedication to service and in ensuring that all functions go smoothly. An officer is designated to see through an event that goes past midnight. They also provide quarters for technical people to stay for the night. The top-notch professional management of PICC is led by Atty. Renato B. Padilla, who serves as general manager. Padilla takes pains to look at all angles and that PICC has the proper upkeep of its amenities, including the overall security, and the equipment. PICC regularly conducts structural, mechanical and electrical audits to ensure the facility is safe and secure for all delegates. “We rely on Rene and his superb team to run PICC because BSP does not know convention business, but as owners we make sure that the facility is operated properly,” says the governor. As chairman together with the Board members from the private sector, they create the framework to guide the management and define the strategy for PICC so it will fulfill its role as world-class hosts to the world. “It is a conscious effort that we make sure it is run very professionally. We have a very strong team and they know the business, not just excellent facility but also good people to provide excellent service, that is really core to the success of PICC,” says Espenilla. Given the core competence of PICC, this has drawn high-profile international and local conferences. PICC has become a showcase of what is good in the Philippine economy. “When people outside see the Philippines can mount top-notch events, that will create a very positive perception of the country. That messaging, that imagery is very important. The fact that they have pleasant experience and we are able to stage the event professionally, how organized we are. These are important symbols and as I’ve pointed out PICC today stands as most important symbol of convention-capability of the Philippines,” he adds. Sustainability Of course, PICC earns from these events. But a big part of the revenues from participants go to the private hotels. The multiplier effect to tourism is huge in terms of foreign exchange and incomes. PICC partners with hotels because they don’t have accommodation facilities. There will be exchange of visits, sharing of expertise. As such, PICC also becomes a venue where ideas are exchanged, crystallized, and implemented. With all these efforts, Espenilla said that the test of quality is the financial stability of the company. Financial sustainability follows a good product. The ultimate goal is to make PICC financially sustainable. “The test of quality is financial stability because if you have no good product, no one will come and the financials will deteriorate. So, it is an acid test that if we can generate more business and make the whole institution sustainable, then we are achieving our mission,” says Espenilla, who also earned his Master of Business Administration honors degree from the University of the Philippines in 1982 and obtained his Master of Science degree in Policy Science from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan in 1988. PICC though has been reporting operating profit. It does not get any budget from the government, but BSP is there to help, not subsidy, but value for money. Ultimately, Espenilla expects BSP to get its return on investments in the future. Ultimately, BSP gets its return on investments as the business generates more income as they focused on delivering top-notch service as host to the world. “There is no other thing but deliver on that so that focus is key,” stresses Espenilla, who is known to his co-workers as “Nesting.”. In doing so, he said, financial stability follows. “BSP is of the view that we have to be business-like. We have to look at this as a business proposition, we want to have a very proactive approach, investment, market, follow through and oversight, that is part of the work of the board,” he stresses. So far, government functions are still low accounting for 30 percent of overall events held at PICC and 70 percent are private, but Espenilla sees this an opportunity and would like to reverse the ratio in favor of government. PICC was able to convince President Duterte to issue an order last year for all government agencies to hold their events there. Aside from competitive rates, government agencies are already exempted from bidding processes if they chose PICC as their event’s venue. Not only that it offers reasonable rates, but it is a prestigious venue with world-class service. “The product is really good so we need more marketing efforts and we have marketing people walking the pavement,” Espenilla added. The growth in MICE also goes with the improvement in domestic economy. “Our economy is growing much faster so we are seeing the opportunity in the MICE industry,” he adds. That is the main reason for the raising of the profile of its market reach and to effectively communicate that strategy. PICC is not really gunning for huge profit, but just to be self-sustaining. That’s why there is no such thing as freeloaders for government entities, they have to pay for the services provided. Government agencies are billed the actual charges. BSP, which maintains an arms-length relationship with PICC, is not an exception. It also pays whenever they use PICC. That is part of its transparency process. PICC keeps it clean, there is no commission, but government agencies are given the right rates and that also saves them from corruption issues. This year, BSP provides a budget of R350 million to PICC mainly to take care of a total of 112 employees although they have total of 121 items. PICC reported a net revenue last year of R300 million. It has been on the positive since 2010 with regular R90-million annual income from the rents of their three tenants. These government offices like PICC because of its ample parking spaces and a very good security plus a well-maintained facility. Unique PICC is a unique and a lone subsidiary of BSP. Unique in the sense that it is part of its social commitment and it is their contribution to the world. It was created by a decree for BSP to build the convention center, which is in proximity to the BSP headquarters along Roxas Boulevard. There are only a few central banks that have the same facility as PICC’s. The bank of Negara of Malaysia operates a facility that houses international organization. With its god reputation overseas, PICC has become a training ground for some foreign organizations for on-the-job training of their people. PICC also accepts practicumers as far as Zamboanga and retain those performing well to be part of the organization. PICC has only 25 people in the marketing and events department that handles the day to day affairs and run the sales. Some have been serving the institution for 35 years already. “Our goal is to contribute to the total value proposition of the Philippines that we are a progressive country, capable, and if talking about convention services we are not behind given our global top-notch in PICC. We are proud to proclaim that we can be host to the world,” stresses Espenilla. Recently PICC announced the appointments of Atty. Carlos M. Flores, Dr. Jocelyn J. Yambao-Franco, Atty. Renato B. Padilla, and Mr. Octavio B. Peralta to its Board of Directors. Ms. Susan S. Villar, who has sat on the PICC Board since 2011, retains her directorship. Other members of the board include PICC Vice Chairman, BSP Deputy Governor for its Resource Management Sector Maria Almasara Cyd N. Tuaño-Amador. Greatness Espenilla, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on 8 May 2017 and assumed office on 3 July 2017 to become the fourth BSP governor, succeeding Amando Tetangco Jr., marveled at the greatness of the PICC with its timeless architecture, clean and classic lines. From 1976 to now, PICC has remained the most classic. Other convention facilities are made of glass and steel and cold structures, but PICC is made of concrete and wood, welcoming and warm. Having served the BSP for most of his life, Espenilla has attended most of the big events at the PICC. But the most memorable was when they launched the global financial inclusion initiative in 2016. Espenilla also personally advocates for financial inclusion. Queen Maxima of Netherlands, being the Financial Inclusion advocate and a representative of the UN Mission, agreed to come to help them launched the Philippine initiative. “She flew all the way here and became or principal guest and we drew in many prominent figures from various agencies and various sectors globally, who came to promote financial inclusion,” adds the BSP governor, who steadily rose through the ranks at BSP, earning his stripes in economic research and international operations. With all his busy schedules, Espenilla attends to the oversight function of the PICC board. But on days when he could not attend to their meetings, he delegates to his vice chairman Amador. As the financial resource of PICC, BSP makes sure that its subsidiary continues and invests in high-quality facilities. As BSP chief, Espenilla demands prudence among banks, a trait he also expects from PICC. “We value our reputation for prudence in financial management to ensure integrity that PICC is run properly so that the asset does not become white elephant, creating cost without generating value. So, we provide guidance to the management so that as world-class host it can provide value for the Philippine economy,” he adds. All of these efforts come at the most opportune time when the Philippine economy is growing fast and is positioning to be an important player in the global stage, especially in this corner of the world – ASEAN. With that, the face of the Philippines is PICC. It is a magnifier of greatness and as the premier venue for enabling greatness. “PICC is an important face of the Philippines, that we are progressive, capable of handling complicated world-class events and a track record speaks for itself. We contribute to the total proposition of the country that we are topnotch, globally competitive, that we are proud to proclaim that we can be the world-class host to the world because we are world-class,” Espenilla concludes.