The splendor that is the PICC

MANILA, Philippines - As Asia’s first-of-its-kind event venue, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) blazed the trail for all the big event venues to follow.

Through the years, this pioneering fully equipped facility has showcased countless local and foreign conventions, meetings, fairs, exhibitions, school affairs, private functions, and concerts.

Located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City, the PICC has spearheaded and set the gold standard for hosting events of a massive scale.

Built on reclaimed land along scenic Manila Bay, 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.

From the 1976 IMF-World Bank Meeting, the 1994 Miss Universe Pageant, the recent 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank, annual conventions of the biggest associations, to graduation ceremonies of various universities, wedding receptions and special events of the most reputable corporations and organizations, the PICC has provided highly advanced equipment and facilities and, most importantly, friendly, efficient and professional service.

The PICC has also undoubtedly 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 such as the late Luciano Pavarotti, the world-class Bolshoi Ballet, Josh Groban, international artist Lea Salonga, and composer extraordinaire Burt Bacharach.

At present, the Leandro Locsin-designed edifice has five building modules: the Delegation building, Secretariat building, Plenary Hall, Reception Hall, and The Forum, each versatile enough to be transformed and decorated into almost any number of settings for any kind of event.

“Our avowed mission is to continue our unwavering commitment to provide the highest quality of service and the best facilities through effective and efficient management of our human and physical resources. We want to maintain our position as one of the world’s best convention and exhibition centers and, of course, to create memories that will last a lifetime,” says PICC general manager Renato Padilla.

Shedding its reputation as a stodgy venue for events while emphasizing its hip and edgy image, the PICC is gearing up for a more exciting latter half of 2012.

Last month, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards took center stage at the PICC, while September will see the oath-taking of the country’s new physicians.

October, on the other hand, will see the “Zombies Live Concert,” a wedding fair, and commencement exercises by some of the country’s top universities.

In November are the annual national convention of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and an international bazaar, and in December, corporate Christmas parties and the famous Noel Bazaar 2012.

With PICC’s round-the-clock closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), baggage X-ray machines and metal detectors, bomb-sniffing canines and roving security guards, everyone is assured of safety and security in and around the premises.

With regard to its international reputation, the PICC has been a member in good standing in international and local associations such as the International Congress and Convention Association, Assosacion Internationale Palais de Congres, Department of Tourism/Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Marketing Association, and the Philippine Association of Congress/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers.

By being a member of these prestigious groups, Manila has earned a global repute as one of the acknowledged “Convention Cities” of the world.

On a greener note, the PICC adopts environmental programs such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and other environmental practices in air quality, building and lawns, food and beverage services, transportation, general office procedures and communication, training and capability building, and purchasing and contract compliance. This is to make every event held at the PICC not only successful in meeting event expectations but also to help the environment as well.

Aside from its green initiatives, Padilla says the PICC continuously evaluates existing practices and looks for new and better alternatives that would support sustainability that benefits stakeholders, lessens negative impact on environment, and makes more business sense.

There is no doubt that the core strength of PICC rests on the talent and expertise of its principals and professionals, whose wide range of skills, dedication and experience can be relied upon by any event organizer, local or foreign.

Through the years, the PICC, under its current administration, vows to continue to get better and become the event venue of choice here and abroad. It is, indeed, the “Host to the World.”

For bookings or other inquiries, call 789-4789 (trunkline), 789-4734 to 38 (Marketing), 789-4727 to 32 (Events Management Division), 789-4725 to 26 (Reservations) or visit www.picc.gov.ph.