Thursday, August 23, 2007 RP chosen as venue of 1st Asean Arts, Crafts expo
TOURISM Secretary Joseph H. "Ace" Durano has announced that the Philippines has been chosen by the 10 member-countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as the venue of the first international expo to showcase the masterpieces and works of art and crafts created by designers, artists and craftsmen from Asean nations and other partner-countries.
The event is the First International Arts and Crafts Expo of the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) on November 22 to 25, 2007 at the SMX Convention and Exhibition center at the SM Central Business Park.
Durano declared the full support of the government and the private sector for the four-day expo at new SMX Convention and Exhibition Center of the SM Mall of Asia.
"The Asean expo provides a platform to raise the level of awareness about the importance of arts and crafts marketing tourism," said Secretary Durano. "The event has three major components: an exhibition, business forum, and cultural events," he added.
Durano is chairman of the national organizing committee. Co-chairmen are Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. General Manager Robert Barbers of the Philippine Tourism Authority is vice-chairman. SMX Convention Center is co-presentor.
Durano created a task force led by Dr. Mina T. Gabor, the current president of the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) and former tourism secretary, to organize country pavilions, arts and crafts markets, crafts demonstrations and workshops, cultural shows, national days, and forum.
Philippine tourism attaches have also pledged to coordinate the participation of countries under their jurisdiction during the marketing meeting called in Manila by Secretary Durano.
The pavilions will display the Unesco-AHPADA seal of excellence awardees and award-winning works in arts and crafts including decorative items, jewelry, fashion and accessories, home textiles and fabrics, household products, artistic creations and gift items.
The PCVC expo secretariat is located at the fourth floor of Legaspi Towers 300 in Roxas Boulevard, Tel. 525-9318 t 27. More information regarding the Expo can be accessed at www.ahpadaexpo.com. Email: ahpadaexpo2007@yahoo.com, pcvcnet@dotpcvc.gov.ph
The exhibition will feature country and regional pavilions. This showcases the unique arts and crafts reflective of participating countries' cultural heritage with a strong potential in the international market.
The business forum will provide an opportunity for participating countries to share knowledge and best practices. Arts and craft experts, noted designers, artists and artisans and foreign buyers from around the world will join as speakers and panelists.
In the cultural events, crafts demonstrations will be held at the country and regional pavilions at the exhibit area. Countries will conduct craft demonstrations their respective pavilions to highlight their skills in arts and crafts, and stage cultural performances at a designated area. (Press release)
