Ajinomoto Philippines Supports Healthier Coastal Communities Through Dampalit Cleanup Drive

 

Joining the International Coastal Clean Up Day celebration, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) took action at the Dampalit Mega Dike in Malabon, through a coastal cleanup drive in partnership with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR).

Located along the coast of Barangay Dampalit, the 8.6-kilometer Dampalit Mega Dike serves as an important flood-control structure and habitat for coastal and marine biodiversity in the CAMANAVA area. This underscores the importance of keeping its coastal spaces clean and protected.

APC President Daizaburo Koga said, “Addressing plastic pollution in beaches, rivers and waterways is a huge challenge, but small actions can collectively create a wave of change. Every piece of waste we collect helps create a cleaner coast, protect marine life, and preserve our oceans for future generations.” With 40 volunteers on the ground, more than 500 kilograms of solid waste were collected during the activity.

ASSIST highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in translating environmental goals into meaningful action. “We are happy to see the continued growth of Ajinomoto's partnership with ASSIST for marine conservation and waste reduction. ASSIST is proud to work alongside partners like Ajinomoto who remain consistently committed to driving real, lasting environmental change—and we hope to see even more organizations follow suit,” said Francis Macatulad - ASSIST Director for Business Development.

The coastal cleanup is part of APC’s dedicated efforts to translate its sustainability commitments into concrete initiatives.The company always finds ways to contribute to Ajinomoto Group’s global goal of extending the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reducing its environmental impact by 50% by 2030.

About Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: www.assistasia.org

New GASA Research: 71% of Adults Surveyed Across 13 Asian Markets Encountered Scams, with Estimated Losses of US$136.5 Billion

New research from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall, reveals the scale and impact of scams across Asia. Among adults surveyed in 13 Asian markets, 71% encountered a scam in the past year. The study estimates that consumers across those markets lost a combined US$136.5 billion to scams over the same period.

The State of Scams in Asia 2026 report, based on a survey of 17,460 adults, also identifies a gap between confidence and outcomes. While 66% of respondents said they were confident in their ability to recognize scams, 62% of those who encountered one interacted with it. Among respondents who interacted with a scam, 26% lost money. 

The findings are being released ahead of the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, taking place in Bangkok on 10–11 November. Following previous editions in Taiwan and Singapore, the summit will be held in Thailand for the first time, bringing together leaders from across sectors to strengthen the region’s response to evolving scams. 

Phone calls and messages remain major points of exposure 

Phone calls were the most common channel through which respondents encountered scams (56%), followed by text messages (50%) and instant messaging apps (40%). Shopping, investment and employment scams were the scam types respondents most commonly interacted with. 

“Phone and text message scams remain a major challenge across Asia. In Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, more than six in ten respondents encountered scam calls. As scammers use AI-generated voices and increasingly convincing scripts, identifying suspicious numbers and warning users before they engage becomes even more important,” said Jeff Kuo, CEO of Gogolook. “Whoscall’s observations also suggest that scammers are adapting to tighter SIM registration and identity checks by using international and satellite numbers. That makes continued information sharing across markets essential.” 

The harm extends beyond financial losses 

The research estimates that consumers across the 13 markets lost US$136.5 billion to scams over the past 12 months. Among respondents who lost money, 51% said they had been scammed more than once. 

The effects reached beyond the immediate financial loss. Among those who lost money, 72% reported an impact on their mental wellbeing, 77% experienced at least one emotional impact, and 58% experienced at least one financial impact affecting their everyday lives. 

“One of the most striking findings is the gap between confidence and behavior. While 66% of respondents feel confident they can recognize scams, 62% of those who encountered one went on to interact with it. This shows why education is important but cannot be our only line of defense. We also need stronger safeguards that protect people throughout the scam journey.” said Brian D. Hanley, Director, Asia-Pacific Chapter, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA). 

Turning regional evidence into action 

The findings will inform discussions at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, where representatives from government, law enforcement, financial services, technology, telecommunications, consumer protection and other sectors will explore ways to prevent and disrupt scams. 

The research also points to public support for more proactive intervention. Across the markets surveyed, 71% supported allowing banks to block high-value transactions without a customer’s prior permission when they suspect a scam. Another 69% supported allowing telecom operators or messaging apps to block calls and messages they believe are malicious. 

Reporting, however, does not always lead to recovery. While 85% of victims reported their scam experience, outcomes varied depending on where they reported it, and recovery and reimbursement remained limited. 

Download the full State of Scams in Asia 2026 report here: https://gasa.org/knowledge-base/reports/state-of-scams-in-asia-2026 

Registration for the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026 is open. For the programme and registration details, visit the summit website: https://gasa.org/global-anti-scam-summit-asia-2026 

About the research  

The State of Scams in Asia 2026 surveyed 17,460 adults across 13 Asian markets: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Fieldwork was conducted between March 16 and April 13, 2026. The research was conducted by Opinium for the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall.  

About Global Anti-Scam Alliance

The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is a nonprofit organization bringing together policymakers, law enforcement, consumer authorities, NGOs, the financial sector, telecommunications operators, internet platforms, cybersecurity organizations and other stakeholders to share knowledge and develop solutions to protect consumers from scams. GASA Website: https://gasa.org/

About Gogolook

Gogolook is a leading TrustTech company established in 2012. With “Build for Trust” as its core value, Gogolook has expanded its business from Asia to Europe and the Americas. As a foundation member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Gogolook collaborates with law enforcement agencies and public-sector organizations, including the Taiwan National Police Agency, the Royal Thai Police, the Philippines Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police. These partnerships support its commitment to building a scam-free environment. Gogolook Website: https://www.gogolook.com/

About Whoscall

Whoscall, developed by Gogolook, is a caller ID and digital anti-scam app designed to protect users from scams across various channels, including phone calls, text messages, social media, and links. With over 100 million downloads globally, it features the most comprehensive database in East and Southeast Asia, covering more than 2.6 billion phone numbers. Whoscall Website: https://web.whoscall.com/en

Cebuana Lhuillier Aralan: Expanding Access to Education Through Community-Based Learning

  

Education does not begin and end in the classroom. To develop strong literacy skills, children also need books, places to read, and resources that encourage them to keep learning. Yet for many Filipino families, particularly those in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, these basic tools remain difficult to find.

The challenges facing Filipino learners highlight the need to strengthen access to learning resources. The latest PISA 2025 results show that only 31% of Filipino 15-year-olds reached at least Level 2 proficiency in reading, compared with 69% across OECD countries. Meanwhile, the World Bank reported in 2026 that 91% of 10-year-olds in the Philippines cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text, a condition it identifies as learning poverty. These figures underscore the continuing need to strengthen foundational literacy and bring learning resources closer to children, particularly those in underserved communities.

For Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, the idea for Cebuana Aralan took shape after he learned about the situation at Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Manila, where students lacked a library to support their reading and study needs. Seeing how the absence of a dedicated space could limit children’s opportunities to read, explore new ideas, and learn beyond their regular classes, Lhuillier saw an opportunity to address a practical need through the Cebuana Aralan Mini Library Project.

“We believe that every child deserves a fair chance to succeed and that opportunities should not be determined by circumstance. Cebuana Aralan reflects our commitment to helping create a stronger foundation for children and supporting them as they work toward their aspirations,” he said.

The need to bring learning resources closer to communities remains significant, particularly as the country continues to address gaps in reading and comprehension. The 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) found that 18.9 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 were functionally illiterate, meaning they experienced difficulty with comprehension despite having basic reading and language skills. Recent learning assessments also show that while Filipino Grade 5 learners have made progress in reading, significant disparities remain, underscoring the importance of sustained support for foundational literacy and access to learning resources.

While strengthening the country’s education system remains a shared responsibility, initiatives outside the classroom can help address some of these gaps. Cebuana Aralan does this by providing books, digital materials, school supplies, and practical learning opportunities in communities where they are needed.

Implemented by the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), Cebuana Aralan has launched three community and school libraries, donated more than 2,500 books, and distributed 764 school supply packs. It has also introduced the C Learning eLibrary App and digital library tablets with ebooks, giving students additional ways to access learning materials.

CLFI’s experience with the project has also reinforced the importance of collaboration. Cebuana Aralan works with local governments, NGOs, community leaders, educators, volunteers, scholars, and other partners to identify areas that can benefit from the program and better understand students’ needs. The project also brings together CLFI’s Inclusive Education and Financial Inclusion programs, complementing literacy efforts with financial education and practical knowledge.

“Education initiatives are most meaningful when they respond to the realities of the communities they serve. By working with local partners and listening to what learners need, we can bring resources closer to them and create opportunities that can make a practical difference in their everyday learning,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Cebuana Lhuillier and Executive Director of CLFI.

As CLFI looks to expand Cebuana Aralan to more remote barangays nationwide, its goal remains to ensure that a child’s location does not determine their opportunities to learn. By bringing educational resources closer to underserved communities, the program helps children strengthen their skills, build confidence, and see greater possibilities for their future.

B1G2 Technologies Appointed KinoSec Distributor in the Philippines

B1G2 Technologies International Inc. has been appointed as the official distributor of KinoSec in the Philippines, bringing autonomous penetration testing technology to enterprises, managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and IT service companies.

KinoSec is making waves in cybersecurity with its autonomous penetration testing platform, designed to identify and validate vulnerabilities across web applications, APIs, cloud environments, and networks.

The platform's capabilities include a standout benchmark result: KinoSec's Zeus engine achieved a 99.04% exploitation success rate across a 104-challenge black-box web benchmark, outperforming the published results of a five-person human pentesting team at 87.5%. KinoSec also reports that Zeus can pentest 1,000 companies in a single day, compared with the typical capacity of a human pentester handling 5–10 companies per month.

From AI Innovation to the DEF CON Competition Stage

KinoSec's momentum extends beyond product performance. At DEF CON 34 in August 2026, KinoSec won the Hack The Box Capture the Flag (HTB CTF) competition, solving all 37 of 37 challenges and finishing first against human teams working under the same time constraints. KinoSec was also named a Circle of Excellence awardee for Most Innovative Company of 2026 at the 17th Asia CEO Awards. KinoSec has also joined the NVIDIA Inception Program, which supports startups developing AI and data science technologies.

KinoSec reports a 99.04% success rate on the 104-challenge XBOW benchmark, successfully exploiting 103 challenges under fully autonomous, black-box testing conditions—with no source-code access.

The result highlights KinoSec’s ability to identify and validate exploitable vulnerabilities across web applications and digital attack surfaces, helping security teams move beyond basic vulnerability scanning toward more practical, attacker-focused testing.

Expanding Access to Autonomous Security in the Philippines

Through this partnership, B1G2 Technologies will help introduce KinoSec's technology to the Philippine market, complementing its existing cybersecurity solutions and services, including vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT).

The collaboration also creates opportunities for service providers to expand their offerings through white-label autonomous pentesting—enabling eligible partners to deliver security testing and branded reports under their own company names without having to build an entire pentesting operation from scratch.

“Organizations need to understand not just where vulnerabilities exist, but which weaknesses can actually be exploited. KinoSec gives us an exciting opportunity to help businesses and cybersecurity partners adopt a more proactive, scalable approach to security testing,” said Mr. Ciriaco Santos III, President of B1G2 Technologies International Inc.

New Growth Opportunities for Cybersecurity Service Providers

B1G2 Technologies is actively looking for MSPs, MSSPs, IT service providers, and cybersecurity partners interested in expanding their service portfolios with autonomous penetration testing. Partners can explore opportunities to offer recurring security testing, white-label reports, and scalable services to their customers.

Organizations interested in becoming a B1G2 Technologies partner or requesting a product demonstration may contact marketing@b1g2.io or visit https://b1g2.io

About B1G2 Technologies International Inc.

B1G2 Technologies International Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions and services to Philippine organizations, with a portfolio spanning endpoint security, cloud security, threat intelligence, cybersecurity awareness, and vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. B1G2 is the exclusive distributor of ESET in the Philippines.

Cebuana Lhuillier Puts Convenience at Customers’ Fingertips with Cash Accepting Machines

 

 Cebuana Lhuillier is expanding services across its nationwide branch network by introducing Cash Accepting Machines (CAMS), giving customers more ways to complete routine financial transactions in locations they already know and trust.

Developed in partnership with ECPay, CAMS enables customers to cash in, load mobile phones, pay bills, and top up, adding technology-enabled self-service options to the Cebuana Lhuillier branch experience.

“Our goal is to make every interaction with Cebuana Lhuillier as convenient and seamless as possible. CAMS gives our customers more choice in how they complete everyday transactions while allowing us to bring practical, technology-enabled services closer to the communities we serve. It is another step in making financial services more accessible, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our customers,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The initiative builds on Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 3,500 branches nationwide, enabling the company to introduce additional services within a physical network that reaches millions of Filipinos. By bringing more capabilities into its branches, customers can meet more financial needs with more ease.

“This is how we see innovation working at the branch level, using technology to expand what customers can access while preserving the reach and familiarity of Cebuana Lhuillier. CAMS allows us to make our branches more responsive to how customers want to transact today,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Senior Executive Vice President, Philippe Andre Lhuillier.

CAMS complements the range of financial services already available through Cebuana Lhuillier’s branches, from remittance and pawning to bill payment and other everyday financial needs. Adding self-service capabilities gives customers another way to complete selected transactions while keeping branch assistance within reach.

The initiative reflects Cebuana Lhuillier’s broader approach to innovation: bringing practical technology into its extensive physical network to make financial services more accessible, relevant, and easier to use.

As customer needs continue to evolve, Cebuana Lhuillier is also evolving how Filipinos experience its branches, turning familiar locations into more versatile touchpoints for everyday financial needs.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Fall in Love With Seoul

 

 Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC) has opened bookings for its Winter 2026–2027 “Best of Seoul” tour package via Korean Air, featuring Elysian Ski Resort, the Gwanghwamun Lantern Festival, and Michelin-recognized dining. The package includes a guaranteed Korean E-Group visa, a free unlimited data eSIM per family, and a Korean Air full-service carrier upgrade at no extra cost. Pricing starts at USD 599 (Plus) and USD 688 (Premium), with departures running from December 2026 through February 2027.

Snow, Lantern Lights, and Samgyetang:Why Winter Is the Best Time to Fall in Love With Seoul

Picture this: you step off the gondola at Elysian Ski Resort, cheeks pink from the cold, snow crunching under your boots for maybe the first time in your life. By nightfall, you're wrapped in a blanket along the Cheonggyecheon stream, watching thousands of lanterns glow against the dark and in between, there's a steaming bowl of Samgyetang waiting to warm you back up.

That's the kind of trip Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC) has built into its Winter 2026–2027 ‘Best of Seoul’ package, now open for booking through the Join Enjoy Korea platform, flying via Korean Air in partnership with the Seoul Tourism Organization and Go! Seoul. And this time, the trip comes with more than just a packed itinerary a guaranteed E-Group visa, a free unlimited eSIM for the whole family, and Michelin-recognized dining are all part of the package.

A Season That Only Comes Once a Year

Korea in winter isn't just cold it's a completely different country than the one you'd see in spring or summer. Snow blankets the mountains, the city lights feel warmer against the dark, and entire streets turn into open-air lantern displays. This is the trip for travelers who've always wanted to touch real snow, try skiing for the first time, or simply see Seoul wrapped in its most magical season.

What Four Days in Winter Seoul Actually Looks Like

The journey starts the moment you land: a short ferry ride to Nami Island, where snow-dusted tree-lined paths look straight out of a K-drama, followed by an afternoon at Elysian Ski Resort for travelers to ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow (equipment rental available; Soyangang Skywalk steps in as a scenic alternative if the slopes are closed).

Day two is where Seoul's winter magic really shows off from the Starfield Byeolmadang Library's soaring bookshelves to the 63 Sky Picnic rooftop observatory, before ending the night at the glowing Gwanghwamun Lantern Festival. For those who want to go further, an optional Han River cruise with DIY ramyeon at River Park adds a cozy, only-in-winter twist to the evening.

The final day is for soaking it all in one last time — Hongdae's street energy, the view from N Seoul Tower, and a hands-on DIY kimbap session before heading home.

Choose How You Want to Spend Day Three

Travelers who want a fuller itinerary can pick Best of Seoul Premium, which includes a guided Day 3 to Everland and Starfield Library. Those who'd rather sleep in, shop, or wander on their own can go with Best of Seoul Plus, which leaves Day 3 open with the same Everland, available as an optional add-on for groups of 10 or more (USD 100 per person).

What Makes This Package More Than Just a Tour?

Beyond the itinerary, this package bundles in a handful of perks that travelers would normally have to arrange or pay for on their own:

• Guaranteed Korean E-Group Visa approval secured as part of the group application, taking the uncertainty out of one of the most stressful parts of planning a Korea trip.

•  Free Unlimited Data eSIM per Family stay connected for maps, translation apps, and sharing the trip in real time, at no extra cost.

•  Michelin-Recognized Dining meals featuring a restaurant honored for 7 consecutive years by the Michelin Guide.

•  Korean Air flying on Korean Air's full-service carrier, at the same regular package price.

•  Superior Baggage Allowance 23kg checked plus 10kg hand-carry, more than enough room for winter layers and pasalubong.

•  Gourmet In-Flight Meals included on both legs of the Korean Air flight.

What Will It Cost You?

Rates depend on when you fly book earlier in the season for the lowest price:

Departure Dates:

Regular Travel: Dec 2–6, Dec 9–13, Jan 13–17, Jan 20–24, Feb 17–21, Feb 24–28

Plus USD 599 / Premium USD 688

Peak Season: Dec 16–20, Jan 6–10, Jan 27–31

Plus USD 699 / Premium USD 788

Super Peak Season: Dec 23–27, Dec 30–Jan 3, Feb 3–7, Feb 10–14

Plus USD 799 / Premium USD 888

Every package already covers round-trip Korean Air flights, hotel stays, daily meals, transfers, guided tours, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees in the itinerary, travel insurance (up to 75 years old), and daily bottled water so the only things to budget separately are the guide's tip (USD 5/pax/day), a single supplement if traveling solo (PHP 10,000), the visa fee (PHP 1,000), Philippine travel tax (PHP 1,620), and a fuel surcharge (USD 50, subject to change).

“Winter is one of our most requested seasons because it gives travelers something they simply can't get any other time of year real snow, skiing, and Seoul at its most beautiful,” said Hyok Choi, CEO of Island Resort Club. “We built this package so our guests could experience all of that without having to plan a single detail themselves.”

About Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.
Established in the Philippines in 2002, Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC) is a premier MICE and destination management specialist with a proven track record in orchestrating high-level, bilateral governmental and corporate events adhering to rigorous state-level protocol standards. Notably, IRC spearheaded local operational management for the Korea-Philippines Business Forum, held on the occasion of the South Korean President’s state visit to the Philippines to commemorate the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

IRC is a fully accredited travel agency licensed in the Philippines, South Korea, and Cuba, and is officially designated by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea to process Korean electronic visas (e-visas). Through its flagship platform, "Join Enjoy," IRC continues to lead bilateral cultural exchange, tourism, and business connectivity between the Philippines and South Korea.

Father of K-Drama’ Chang-sik Park Headlines 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum in Manila

The 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, co-hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) — led by President Chang-sik Park, widely credited as the “Father of K-Drama” — and the ASEAN Foundation. The free event, open to the public with pre-registration, features masterclasses on transforming creative ideas into high-value intellectual property, along with Korean culinary experiences, curated art exhibitions, and K-pop giveaways.

‘Father of K-Drama’ Chang-sik Park and Global IP Visionaries Gather in Manila: Why You Cannot Afford to Miss the 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Ayala Museum in Makati City will host an unprecedented gathering of the masterminds behind Asia’s most iconic cultural phenomena. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea (MCST), the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and the ASEAN Foundation, the “2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum” offers an exclusive masterclass in transforming creative ideas into high-value intellectual property (IP).From high-level masterclasses with industry legends to authentic Korean culinary experiences, curated art exhibitions, and high-value tech and K-pop giveaways, here is why this is the premier cultural event of 2026 in Manila.

World-Class Keynotes & Sessions: Learn from True Creative PioneersAttendees will gain direct insights from an elite roster of regional leaders across four strategic sessions:• Opening Remarks by the ‘Father of K-Drama’: Mr. Chang-sik Park, President of KOFICE, who produced over 50 legendary Korean TV dramas including 'Eyes of Dawn' (1991), 'Sandglass' (1995, reaching a historic 64.5% viewership), and 'Yi San' (2007) will open the forum, sharing his blueprint on storytelling longevity and state-level cultural policy.• Keynote Address by Nexon’s Gaming Pioneer: Mr. Chang-seop Kim, General Director of NEXON’s MapleStory, will reveal the strategies behind MapleStory’s 20-year dominance in Southeast Asia (MapleStory SEA), detailing how a gaming IP successfully expanded into symphonic orchestra concerts, theme park attractions, and global consumer brands.

Session 1 (Policy): Building Governance for Cultural IP (11:00–12:10)  Moderated by Jonathan Tan Ghee Tiong (Head of Culture and Information Division, ASEAN Secretariat), featuring former IPOPHL Director General Josephine Santiago, Indonesian IP reform architect Ari Juliano Gema, and Dr. Ji Hoon Yang (Korea Culture & Tourism Institute)

Session 2 (Industry): Monetizing Imagination & Global Scaling (13:00–14:10)  Moderated by acclaimed Thai film director Panu Aree, featuring Jean Yeo (Creator of Singapore’s Emmy-recognized productions and local producer for tvN’s 'Little Women'), Le Quoc Vinh (CEO of Vietnam's Le Group), and Peter Yap (Executive Director of Mary K. Yap Foundation)

Session 3 (Cooperation): Connecting ASEAN-Korea Cultural IP (14:35–15:45)  Moderated by Tara Gujadhur (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Laos), featuring Prof. Young Kyung Ko (author of 'ASEAN Super App Wars'), Zainol Haqim (CEO of Malaysia’s MyCreative Ventures), and Dirce Freitas Mendes (Timor-Leste National Tais Safeguarding Plan)

Session 4 (Youth): Co-Creating the IP Horizon (15:45–16:45)  Featuring Elijah Canlas (Gawad Urian Best Actor and star of the Philippine adaptation of 'Keys to the Heart'), alongside multinational youth creators presenting cross-border creative initiatives.

Beyond the Forum: Contemporary Art & Interactive CultureForum attendees receive exclusive access to the 7-day contemporary art exhibition “Gathering Point” (Nov 7–13), featuring prominent regional artists including the Philippines' Mark Justiniani, Leslie de Chavez, and Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, alongside Korea's Kim Joon and master artists from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Visitors can also enjoy an on-site artist talk and commemorative photo booths featuring custom ASEAN-Korea frames.

Exclusive Attendee Privileges: Authentic Korean Dining, Grand Raffle & Free eSIMEvery registered attendee will enjoy curated hospitality and incentives:• Authentic Korean Luncheon: A complimentary premium Korean lunch box and specialized coffee break with traditional Korean rice cakes and refreshments.• Free High-Speed 50GB Korea Data eSIM: Every applicant who registers via joinenjoy.com.ph will instantly receive a complimentary 50GB High-Speed Korea Data eSIM voucher (usable upon booking the 'Best of Seoul' package via Korean Air).• Grand Finale Raffle Draw (4:45 PM): Attendees who participate through the closing ceremony become eligible for prizes including Samsung Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Fit3 smart bands, Dancheong mechanical Bluetooth keyboards, official rare BTS LP vinyls and tour albums, SEVENTEEN photobooks, and premium Sulwhasoo K-Beauty cosmetic sets.

Due to the intimate, high-level nature of the Ayala Museum Function Room, registrations are processed on a strictly curated, first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is essential.

About Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.

Established in the Philippines in 2002, Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC) is a premier MICE and destination management specialist with a proven track record in orchestrating high-level, bilateral governmental and corporate events adhering to rigorous state-level protocol standards. Notably, IRC spearheaded local operational management for the Korea-Philippines Business Forum, held on the occasion of the South Korean President’s state visit to the Philippines to commemorate the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
IRC is a fully accredited travel agency licensed in the Philippines, South Korea, and Cuba, and is officially designated by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea to process Korean electronic visas (e-visas). Through its flagship platform, "Join Enjoy," IRC continues to lead bilateral cultural exchange, tourism, and business connectivity between the Philippines and South Korea.