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SISI RONDINA and Bernadeth Pons and four other Alas Pilipinas pairs have their hands full as the main draw of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour at the Nuvali Sands Court by the Ayala Land get going on Thursday in the City Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Rondina and Pons take on a duo from Brazil and Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez face rivals from New Zealand hoping to make up for Alas Pilipinas’s bad hair day in Wednesday’s qualification round.

Rondina and Pons square off with Mylene Thainarra and Talita Simonetti in the 3 p.m. match of the tournament hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, with Villapando and Rodriguez tackling Shaunna Polley and Olivia McDonald at 1:20 p.m. both on center court.

Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor will compete against Anniina Parkkinin and Vilhelmiina Prihti in the 2:10 p.m. duel also both at center court.

Cambodia 2023 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalists James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla begin their campaign in the men’s main draw against world No. 47 D’ Artagnan Potts and Jack Pearse of Australia also on Thursday at 10:10 a.m.

It wasn’t the way three Alas Pilipinas pairs wanted in the qualification round on Wednesday when the matches in all five courts of the Nuvali facility were played in a drizzle in the morning and under overcast skies the whole day.

Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario had a good chance of pulling off an upset but squandered the opportunity against Canada’s Amanda Harnett and Devin Corah, 15-21, 16-21.

‘This is our first time to play together in an international competition, but we gave it our best although we failed to snatch the opportunity,’ the 26-year-old Gaviola, playing out of the Philippine Coast Guard and Muntinlupa City said. ‘We learned a lot of things in this match as we saw how our opponents adjusted when they trailed.’

The 27-year-old Polidario, of the Philippine Army, also said they would learn from the experience to get better ahead of the Thailand 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December.

‘It was bad moment. We lost our focus in this mental game,’ Alas Pilipinas’s Brazilian beach volleyball coach Joao ‘Kioday’ Luciano Simao Barbosa said. ‘It’s the same result with our men’s game earlier.’

In the men’s qualifiers, Larry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino suffered a 15-21, 10-21 loss to Freddie Bialokoz and Issa Batrane of England while Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Varga fell to Canada’s Luke Se Greeff and Martin Litch, 17-21, 15-21.

‘We expect a strong oppositions because we are competing in the Challenge level-far more competitive than the Futures,’ Rondina said. ‘But we will be ready for tomorrow against anybody. We trained for this.’

Clark Freeport Zone has been named Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination at the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA) for Asia and Oceania, marking a historic first for the Philippines in this category.

CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes VST Devanadera welcomed the recognition, calling it a ‘defining moment’ for Clark and the country’s growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector.

‘This award affirms Clark’s emergence as a world-class destination for business events and reflects the strength of our partnerships and shared vision,’ Atty. Devanadera said.

The WTA, held on October 13 at the InterContinental Grand Stanford here and regarded as the ‘Oscars of the Travel Industry,’ announced the results following a four-month global voting campaign. The CDC Tourism Promotions Division, led by Manager Elenita Lorenzo, mounted a dedicated push from April to August, enlisting support from locators, stakeholders, and the general public.

The Department of Tourism Region 3, headed by Regional Director Richard Daenos, nominated Clark for the award and formally confirmed the win on September 18. Clark bested regional heavyweights including Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Beijing.

The victory adds to the Philippines’ growing list of WTA accolades, which include Asia’s Leading Beach Destination (Boracay), Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, and Asia’s Leading Tourist Board. The award was made possible through the joint efforts of Clark Development Corporation, DOT Region 3, and tourism stakeholders in positioning Clark as a competitive MICE hub.

Also present at the awarding ceremony were Noelle Mina Meneses, vice president in charge of the Business Development and Business Enhancement Group; Astrud Aguinaldo, Communications Division manager; and Ian Paulo Mejia, Tourism Officer III.

Hamilo Coast’s leisure residential properties Pico Terraces and M Village at Marina Estates recently scored major wins at the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, the region’s biggest and most respected real estate awards program.

In the milestone event held on August 15, 2025 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, Pico Terraces was named the Best Condominium Development in Luzon while M Village at Marina Estates garnered commendation in the Best Subdivision Development category.

Pico Terraces also received the award for Best Resort Condominium Development at the 2025 DOT Property Awards, an event that celebrates developers, projects, and agencies that stand out in the region’s property landscape. Hosted by the Dot Property Group, the 2025 DOT Property Awards was held on September 11, 2025 at Okada Manila Hotel.

Ms. Shirley Ong, EVP and Business Unit Head of SM Leisure Resort Residences accepted the DOT Property Awards at the ceremony. ‘Pico Terraces is where life unfolds-a community that brings the comfort of home together with the ease of a resort leisure lifestyle,’ she said in her acceptance speech. ‘This recognition reinforces Hamilo Coast’s place as the benchmark for premium, sustainable coastal developments in the country.’

Developed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a duly recognized company under SM Prime, the multi-awarded Pico Terraces inspires awe with its play of heights in its condominium buildings that sprawl across 2.1 hectares of sumptuous greenery. Set against a vista of picturesque terrain, Pico Terraces boasts 80 percent open spaces highlighted only by expansive outdoor amenities that include cascading pools, cabanas, a clubhouse, a children’s play area, and an outdoor fitness area. True to Hamilo Coast’s vision, Pico Terraces offers all residents bountiful opportunities for a holistic and well-rounded living experience.

Those looking to savor the serenity and enthralling backdrop that nature provides at Pico Terraces can also look forward to the completion of condominium buildings Ardea Suites and Balea Suites in 2027.

The highly commended M Village at Marina Estates located in Papaya Cove is Hamilo Coast’s newest residential development. M Village spans over 200 hectares of an integrated lifestyle anchored around a world-class marina that offers upscale eco-resort communities, vibrant residential spaces, and a preserved 30-hectare mangrove forest. M Village is strategically located at the gateway of Marina Estates, and just minutes away from the Hamilo Coast main entrance, providing easy access to an exclusive residential community surrounded by lush forests and natural attractions.

The awards and citations for Pico Terraces and M Village at Marina Estates show that Costa del Hamilo, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the finest real estate developers in Southeast Asia. Costa del Hamilo, Inc. remains at the top of its game as a premier leisure resort developer creating world class property destinations.

The country’s palay output likely jumped by double digits in the third quarter due to the expansion of harvest area, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said palay harvest may have grown by 18.1 percent to 3.93 million metric tons (MMT) in July to September from 3.33 MMT last year. The third quarter is usually considered the lean season for rice.

However, the latest production estimate is 1.7 percent lower than the agency’s initial forecast of 4 MMT.

‘Based on the standing crop for the period July to September 2025, the yield per hectare of palay may decrease to 4.17 metric tons or by 0.7 percent from the previous year’s same period yield per hectare of 4.20 metric tons.’

Despite this, PSA said total palay harvest area in the third quarter likely expanded by 19 percent to 943,070 hectares (ha) from the 792,220 ha recorded in the same period last year.

As of September 1, PSA said about 398,320 hectares, or 42.2 percent of the 943,070 hectares of updated area of standing crop, have been harvested. This translates to a palay output of 1.62 MMT.

‘Of the total area of 1.90 million hectares of standing palay as of 01 September 2025, 37.8 percent were at the vegetative stage, 37.5 percent were at the reproductive stage, and 24.6 percent were at the maturing stage.’

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture (DA) scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 MMT due to torrential downpours. This is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT.

The agency also noted that erratic weather patterns could further push down expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, however, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

Despite such adjustment, the DA said it remains hopeful following the all-time high output in the first semester at 9.08 MMT, which was propelled by improved weather conditions and bolstered government support.

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

Corn outlook

Meanwhile, the PSA projects corn output in the third quarter to contract by 3.6 percent to 2.41 MMT from the actual production of 2.5 MMT in the previous year.

The harvest area during the reference period was expected to decrease by 1.2 percent to 796,780 ha from the 806,160 ha recorded last year.

Furthermore, the state statistics agency noted that the yield per hectare of corn may also drop by 2.6 percent to 3.02 MT from 3.10 MT.

‘As of 01 September 2025, about 431,010 hectares or 54.1 percent of the 796,780 hectares updated harvest area of standing corn have been harvested, translating to 1.18 million metric tons of corn output.’

‘Of the total area of 712,690 hectares of standing corn as of 01 September 2025, 49.6 percent were at the maturing stage, 27.9 percent were at the vegetative stage, and 22.6 percent were at the reproductive stage.’

WITH slightly over a month to go, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is stepping up its preparations for arguably an innovative and the biggest international sporting event to be held in the country in terms of its record-breaking number of participating nations and athletes.

Riding on the wave of gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo’s historic golden double in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Philippines will be the global epicenter of the dynamic discipline when the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships officially springs into action from Nov. 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom inside the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

Delegates are expected to arrive as early as November 14 with some expected to stay a few days beyond November 25, presenting a valuable opportunity to generate a welcome boost for local business. Adding star power to the event, GAP Board Member Derek Ramsay will host the opening ceremony.

‘We are going all out in our effort in the hosting of this huge international sporting competition featuring the world’s top junior gymnasts, a showcase for their skills and talent amid a lively, festive and warm atmosphere that only Filipinos are known for,’ said GAP president Cynthia Carrion proudly.

‘The Philippines has a proven track record for staging memorable and impressive international competitions and the GAP, with the help of its partners, has also set the bar high to ensure that our hosting of the 3rd Junior World Championships will not only measure up but also even exceed expectations,’ the lively GAP official stressed.

Using her charm and persuasive powers, Carrion said that this was why that the board of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), led by Japanese president Morinari Watanabe, had no qualms in awarding the hosting rights of the world junior gymnastics showcase during the FIG Congress in Doha, Qatar last November 2024.

FIG Technical Officials Give Thumbs Up

She disclosed that even top technical officials of the world gymnastics body, popularly known by its French acronym FIG, were quite impressed by what they saw of the plans for the third edition of the meet that began in 2019 in Gyor, Hungary during their two-day ocular inspection last August.

‘On behalf of the group (FIG), I can say that we’re extremely impressed about their preparation. The junior gymnasts here will have the best conditions to compete-not only in training but also in the competition, and in the hotels and in the transport,’ noted FIG WAG Senior Events Manager Celine Patricia Cachemaille of Switzerland.

‘Everything is being made for them to have a great experience here in the Philippines.’

Cachemaille’s sentiments were echoed by Donatella Sacchi and Andrew Tombs, presidents of the FIG Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Technical Committees, respectively.

‘We are very impressed, not only because they are very friendly and have new ideas, but because they developed this organization, which is a complex organization, in such a short time. So we can see here a lot of energy, a lot of new ideas, and people that will host our delegation with a big heart.’ Sacchi enthused.

‘Clearly, the organizers (GAP) are well prepared and I know many gymnasts around the world are very excited to be coming. For many of them, this is their first major championship, the start of their journey hopefully towards the Olympic Games, whether it is the Youth Olympic Games next year or in 2028 (in Los Angeles),’ Tombs pointed out.

FIG Men’s Artistic Senior Events Manager Stephane Detraz agreed with his colleague’s, saying: ‘With meticulous planning, the GAP is gearing up to deliver a world-class event that will showcase the grace, strength and passion of the next generation of gymnasts. The Philippines is set to make this championship an unforgettable experience for athletes, coaches, and fans from around the world.’

To ensure a seamless competition, the GAP convened a general coordination meeting recently with key committees covering hotels, transports, accreditation, security, logistics, and other related key areas.

Record-breaking Turnout Poised to Boost Sports Tourism and Local Economy

Carrion revealed that proof that the blue-ribbon competition has generated popular interest in the international gymnastics community were the 77 countries and 846 athletes that have registered so far for the gymnastics world championships, easily surpassing the previous two occasions when the event was held.

The GAP executive said that these numbers exceeded the 64 countries and 234 campaigners who took part in the 2nd junior worlds in Antalya, Turkey.

‘We believe a reason for this record-breaking turnout is our famed Filipino hospitality that other nationalities have heard about from their own compatriots who visited our country, and keep coming back,’ Carrion said. ‘Our goal is to attain a Grade 10 rating for hosting excellence. We aim to deliver not only an outstanding gymnastics showcase but also to give our guests an exceptional experience. Everything that we are doing is about promoting sports tourism and helping fuel the local economy. When delegates have a positive experience, they are encouraged to explore, visit more destinations, and return to the Philippines.’

She thanked the Newport World Resorts, the premier leisure, entertainment, shopping and gaming resort across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, for being the site of the prestigious championships.

For the first time in gymnastic world championships history, the field of play will move from the traditional sports arena to the elegance and comfort of a hotel setting. This bold and innovative move impressed FIG, proving how creativity and vision can redefine not only where athletes compete, but also how the sport is experienced. More than a change of venue, it marks a new way of thinking in event hosting.

‘We would like to express our gratitude to Newport World Resorts’ Kevin Tan, who is also our Local Organizing Committee Chairman, for accommodating us in staging this grand junior world championships,’ Carrion said.

With the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom as the major hub of activity, she said, ‘our participants are assured of a confined, comfortable and secure environment, living in hotels that are virtually a stroll away from the competition arena.’

The Manila Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila, Hilton Manila, Belmont Manila, Hotel Okura, Savoy Hotel and Hilton Express within the Newport World Resorts will serve as the official accommodations of the delegates, according to Carrion.

She also recognized the support of the Office of the President, Philippine Sports Commission, and Newport World Resorts in making the upcoming event possible.

World Juniors Slogan, Logo Unveiled

Giving the event its own distinct character are the slogan and logo of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.

After several brainstorming sessions, ‘Leap High, Flip Strong!’ was chosen by the local gymnastics body as the slogan or motto for the event.

‘Leap High, Flip Strong!’ is more than just a campaign slogan. It’s a rallying cry of our 24-million Filipino youth to mount a leap of faith especially in these challenging times, and to explore and soar high in search for growth and development,’ Carrion elaborated.

On the other hand, the Philippine-inspired logo was taken from the country’s renowned title as ‘The Pearl of the Orient Seas,’ a lustrous, lush and hospitable nation of over 100 million people.

‘At the heart of the design is the FIG logo, representing the unifying spirit of international gymnastics,’ noted a description on the GAP official Facebook account.

‘The pearl metaphor reflects the young athletes (as depicted inside the shell). They are rare, talented, full of potential and ready to shine one world stage,’ it said. ‘Just like pearls formed through time and pressure, these gymnasts represent the result of years of dedication, discipline and dreams.’

The stylized open shell ‘serves as a direct tribute to the Philippines and our role as proud host of this global event.’ It ‘represents a welcoming nation offering a safe and supportive space where future champions are discovered, celebrated, and inspired.’

‘After all, we are staging this event so that a new generation of gymnastics stars from all over the globe will be nurtured and discovered, representing their countries in international play in the future with pride and excellence,’ Carrion said.

A HIGH-LEVEL delegation from Switzerland Tourism led by CEO Martin Nydegger was in Manila for a series of events aimed at strengthening ties with the Philippine travel industry and promoting the European nation as a sustainable, year-round destination for Filipino travelers.

The visit marks a key milestone for Switzerland Tourism, as it officially establishes its permanent presence in the Philippines led by Market Representative Sofia Santelices. This move underscores the organization’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market-one of its most promising and fastest-growing in Southeast Asia.

At the exclusive event for members of the local media, the delegation’s CEOs shared insights in a panel discussion on Switzerland Tourism’s global ‘Travel Better’ strategy-an initiative that encourages year-round travel; sustainable or ‘Swisstainable’ tourism encouraging ‘social and economic responsibility;’ and longer, more meaningful stays in the Alpine nation.

Nydegger highlighted the Philippines’ importance to Switzerland’s tourism landscape: ‘We see tremendous potential in the [local] market. Filipinos have a deep curiosity and a love for travel. Switzerland offers a place where families can slow down, connect, and experience unforgettable moments together.’

Swiss Travel System CEO Sara Roloff emphasized the ease and joy of exploring Switzerland through its world-class public transport network. ‘[The trains which promote sustainable and renewable energy], buses, and boats make traveling across the country both seamless and sustainable. With the Swiss Travel Pass, visitors can enjoy the freedom of discovering Switzerland at their own pace-comfortably and responsibly.’

Meanwhile, Geneva Tourism CEO Adrien Genier spotlighted Geneva’s rich cultural and historical offerings. He invited more Filipinos to experience the city’s unique attractions: ‘[It] represents the very essence of Swiss excellence: from fine watchmaking and gourmet chocolates, to its beautiful lakeside setting and international flair.’

Also imparting their messages in the event were Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn Head of Markets Nadine Rieder; Zrich Tourism’s Southeast Asia Market Manager Anita Berardi; Lufthansa Group-Swiss International Air Lines General Manager for the Philippine, Vietnamese, Thai and Mekong Regions Anlee Do; and Switzerland Tourism Director for Southeast Asia Batiste Pilet. The delegation’s visit saw engagements with the local travel trade, business leaders, and media partners, as it fostered new linkages and deeper connections between the Swiss and Philippine tourism sectors.

The delegation noted that the initiatives cover what is called the ‘green fare’ meant to offset or achieve zero emissions, as well as participating hotels receiving sustainability certificates.

It also observed travellers engaging in more relevant experiences, coupled with the fact that they have more money to spend on traveling. While members are actively promoting Switzerland’s top tourism draws, they likewise noted the deliberate effort of ‘steering’ them to places where they should go, or encouraging them to fly in during off peak seasons-especially during autumn.

With its permanent presence in Manila, Switzerland Tourism aims to inspire more Filipinos to experience the European country’s breathtaking landscapes, world-class hospitality, and authentic encounters-encouraging travelers to not just visit, but to truly ‘Travel Better.’

A SENATOR on Wednesday urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to permanently ban shareholders, incorporators, and executives of companies involved in ghost and substandard government infrastructure projects.

The DTI oversees the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (Pcab), which is responsible for regulating contractors.

‘Napakadaling gumawa ng korporasyon dito, at pare-pareho lang ang mga shareholders. I suggest to ban them. Pati mga incorporators, mag-i-incorporate na naman sila at papalitan lang ang pangalan ng kumpanya. Dapat hindi na sila makasali sa mga government projects,’ Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said during the hearing on the DTI’s proposed 2026 budget.

He said Pcab should adopt a similar policy implemented by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), which extends the blacklisting of companies participating in government bidding to their shareholders and relatives. GPPB serves as the central body for public procurement policy in the country.

‘We have to penalize these suppliers and contractors. Even if Pcab penalizes them, they still manage to join other government contracts, including supply projects. So, coordinate with GPBB as well. Kapag banned na sa Pcab, dapat ban na agad sa GPBB and vice versa,’ he told the DTI.

AI-powered human capital management platform Darwinbox has deepened its partnership with JG Summit Holdings Inc., which is moving to unify its people management strategy across its diverse business portfolio.

Under the expanded partnership, JG Summit will leverage the AI-driven HR technology solution of Darwinbox, allowing the Gokongwei-led conglomerate to streamline its data, transactions, and systems.

This will ‘enhance employee experience and improve organizational decision-making.’

‘Our expanded partnership with Darwinbox empowers us to harness AI-driven automation and insights, enabling greater efficiency and effectiveness as we accelerate our business objectives and transform the way we support and grow our talent,’ JG Summit President Lance Gokongwei said.

The expanded agreement builds on a successful four-year collaboration that began in 2021.

‘JG Summit has been one of our first champions in the Philippines and a cornerstone of our expansion in this vibrant market,’ said Rohit Chennamaneni, co-founder of Darwinbox.

‘While our product is built for the world, we’ve made significant investments to localize it for the Philippines-solving for unique policies and processes here. Continuing our partnership with the group, one of the most agile and forward-thinking conglomerates globally, is truly exciting for us.’

Chennamaneni noted that the partnership addresses a critical challenge for large conglomerates operating across multiple sectors: creating workforce cohesion while maintaining centralized talent visibility.

‘This also supports our talent agenda by empowering our HR teams with AI-powered insights that provide customized approaches to develop and retain talent. It will significantly reduce the administrative workload of our HR teams through automation and smart workflows,’ Gulliver Go, chief human resources officer of JG Summit, said.

Darwinbox has recently rolled out a suite of new capabilities, including a multi-country payroll solution specifically designed for the Philippines, over 45 embedded generative AI features, and the launch of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server-making it the first HR technology platform globally to support agentic AI capabilities.

Gokongwei added that the partnership with Darwinbox ‘goes beyond digitalization.’

‘We are glad to step into the next chapter of our journey with Darwinbox and excited to harness AI-powered capabilities to elevate people management to new heights. This transformation will help us support our workforce better, empower leaders with sharper decisions, and prepare our organization for the future.’

Asiabest Group International Inc. (ABG) has called for a 10-day voluntary trading halt of its shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on ‘persistent calls’ from its shareholders and market participants.

The company’s shares were suspended for trading starting on Tuesday through October 28.

Asiabest, which is transforming itself into an infrastructure company, is offering shares worth up to P24.66 billion.

The company is also acquiring the infrastructure and real estate companies of its chairman, Francis Lloyd Chua, for P15 billion.

‘ABG has received calls from shareholders asking why a trading halt was not implemented, stressing that a short, orderly pause would allow full, transparent disclosure and proper price discovery,’ the company said.

‘Since our disclosures on the contemplated fold-in of Concrete Stone Corp., Industry Movers Corp. and Kabalayan (Housing Corp) via Premium Lands Corp., we have received persistent calls from shareholders and market participants for a short pause to ensure full transparency and proper price discovery.’

The specific concerns repeatedly raised include the basis of the company’s P150-million subscription into Concrete Stone, of 10 million primary shares at a discounted price of P15 per share.

‘How the price level relates to independent valuations, how it aligns with the integration plan, and how it impacts ABG’s post-transaction value. These concerns are echoed in public commentary that has amplified the risk of information asymmetry during this transition phase. In particular, recent market columns and commentary have characterized the situation as investors ‘flying blind’ on value until fuller materials are available, reinforcing investor calls for a short, orderly pause,’ the company said.

‘In the absence of the finalized valuations/appraisals and related supporting materials, continued trading risks mispricing of the trading of ABG shares and unequal access to material information. A temporary suspension will curb speculation until the Exchange can disseminate ABG’s complete submissions.’

It said while independent appraisals and valuation reports are being finalized, continued trading risks mispricing and unequal access to material information.

In exchange for the three companies that will be folded into Asiabest, Chua’s Industry Holdings and Development Corp. and Premium Lands will subscribe to up to 600 million new Asiabest common shares at an issue price of P25 per share.

The capital increase will also allow Asiabest to undertake its planned follow-on offering of 300 million up to 620 million primary common shares. The capital hike is still subject to approval by stockholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Asiabest shares were last traded on Monday and closed at P26.95 apiece.

Books have the power to cross borders, carrying the voices, experiences, and cultures of those who create them. This capacity to bring people together takes center stage at the Asia Stage of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. From October 15 to 19, illustrators, writers, publishers, and thought leaders from across Asia will gather to share their stories, celebrate their craft, and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian literature to the world.

The Asia Stage is the vision of Rex Education, brought to life in partnership with Frankfurt Buchmesse and supported by the National Book Development Board. Its journey began in 2018 as the ASEAN Forum, evolved into the ASEAN Stage in 2019, and in 2024, it embraced its current identity: the Asia Stage. What began as a noble idea to highlight regional publishing has grown into a recognized platform, a stage where the depth of Asia’s literary voices can shine on the global scene.

At the heart of this initiative is Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Chairman and President of Rex Education. His lifelong passion for literature and publishing has guided this vision from the start. As a co-founder of the Asia Pacific Publishers Association and the ASEAN Book Publishers Association, he has long believed that the stories of Asia deserve a wider audience. Through this initiative, he has sought to open doors for publishers to share works that mirror their nations’ creativity, hopes, struggles, and resilience.

For REX, the Asia Stage has grown beyond a program. It has become a brand, a symbol of years of dedication to supporting Asian publishers and content creators at one of the world’s most important book fairs.

This year, with the Philippines as Guest of Honor, the Asia Stage brings a deeper dimension to the country’s participation. It reminds us that Filipino literature is part of a much larger story-one that connects with the voices and visions of Asia. For 5 days, the Asia Stage will host conversations, panels, and presentations that explore the education landscape, the evolving world of publishing, and the many ways culture continues to shape and inspire the region’s literature. Through this collaboration, REX and Frankfurt Buchmesse renew their shared commitment to uplifting Asian stories and ensuring that these voices continue to be heard, seen, championed, and remembered.

As the Frankfurt Book Fair opens its doors, the Asia Stage will stand with much gratitude and pride, inviting the world to witness and listen. It is a reminder that stories carry power. They connect us, inspire us, and transform us. For 5 days, Asia will speak, and the world will listen.