The much-anticipated Hotel & Foodservice Suppliers Show and Beauty + Health & Wellness Manila 2024 officially opened today at the SMX Convention Center Manila, running from September 19 to 21, 2024. These two major industry events bring together over 750 local and international brands across more than 12,500 sq m of exhibition space, creating a powerful platform for businesses, professionals, and enthusiasts to explore groundbreaking advancements, build meaningful connections, and capitalize on exciting new opportunities in both the hospitality and wellness sectors.

The opening ceremony was marked by speeches from prominent figures, including Ms. Teresita Landan, Acting Head of the Office of the COO for Marketing and Promotions at the Tourism Promotions Board, who delivered the welcome address. Mr. Eugene Yap, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, and Ms. Jacqueline Lim, Vice President for Internal Affairs of the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, also shared their insights on the industry’s current landscape. Dr. Cecilio Pedro, President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., gave an inspirational message, while special messages were delivered by Mr. Peter Eric Pardo, Chief of Staff of the Pasay City Mayor, and representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Tourism. The keynote speech was delivered by Dir. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, Director of the Office of Product and Market Development at the Department of Tourism.

At the Hotel & Foodservice Suppliers Show, more than 250 leading brands are showcasing the latest in furniture, equipment, and technology for the hospitality and foodservice sectors. Attendees can expect to discover innovative solutions that will elevate hotels, resorts, restaurants, and leisure venues, with exhibits featuring high-end hotel furnishings, sophisticated lighting solutions, and advanced kitchen equipment designed to boost efficiency and guest satisfaction. A key highlight of the event is the Philippine Hospitality Outlook 2025 conference on September 20, where industry experts will share exclusive insights on the future of hospitality and tourism in the Philippines. Additionally, the Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso Job Fair offers attendees a chance to connect with potential employers from top brands, providing valuable career opportunities in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Simultaneously, Beauty + Health & Wellness Manila 2024, in partnership with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, is offering an immersive experience for beauty and wellness enthusiasts. With over 150 leading brands showcasing everything from the latest skincare and cosmetics to health supplements, holistic therapies, and sustainable beauty products, the event promises to be a haven for those passionate about self-care and wellness. Attendees can enjoy live product demonstrations, captivating makeup showcases, and interactive sessions with industry experts. The event also features plant-based cooking demonstrations and panel discussions with leading professionals, providing attendees with exclusive discounts and opportunities to connect with top industry leaders.

Organized by Global Link MP, a Philippine-based events agency and subsidiary of Singapore’s MP International Pte. Ltd., part of the Pico Group, these back-to-back events aim to contribute to the livelihood and community-building programs of the Ayala Foundation, Inc. Walk-in visitors are charged a PHP 150 entrance fee per day, but pre-registered attendees can enjoy free access by signing up at the event’s official websites. Pre-registration is available for the Hotel & Foodservice Suppliers Show at hotelandfoodservicesuppliersshow.com/registration-manila, and for Beauty + Health & Wellness Manila at beautyandwellnessmanila.com/registration.

With the show officially open, attendees can now take full advantage of the extensive exhibits, expert-led conferences, and networking opportunities available. This is an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with the best in the hospitality and wellness industries.

The ongoing battle against counterfeit products in the Philippines has reached new heights, with recent operations in August by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seizing up to P5.5 million worth of fake goods across Metro Manila and Rizal. As the country grapples with a growing flood of counterfeit items—ranging from luxury brands to essential goods—the launch of a new non-profit organization, Brand Verification, couldn’t be more timely.

Brand Verification, established by a coalition of brand owners, manufacturers, and legal experts, aims to protect both consumers and legitimate businesses from the dangers of counterfeit products. The organization’s launch comes on the heels of record-breaking seizures in 2023, where over ₱26 billion worth of counterfeit goods were confiscated nationwide.

Many of these counterfeit items, often sold on online platforms, pose serious health and safety risks, from substandard beauty products that cause skin damage to fake medicines that jeopardize lives. Brand owners, frustrated by the proliferation of fake versions of their products, decided to act — leading to the creation of Brand Verification.

“We came together because counterfeiters were affecting almost every product we made,” said a spokesperson for Brand Verification. “Our goal is simple: to protect consumers and ensure that they are purchasing legitimate, safe products.”

Brand Verification: How It Works

Brand Verification has developed a sophisticated, multi-layered system to verify product authenticity. Genuine items will now feature a special sticker with a unique serial number, allowing consumers to check the product’s legitimacy through a secure online portal. This system empowers buyers to instantly know whether the item in their hands is authentic or fake.

Beyond product authentication, Brand Verification also employs a dedicated team of investigators who monitor physical and online marketplaces. The team’s mission is to identify and expose fraudulent sellers, from illegal distributors to counterfeit syndicates operating behind seemingly legitimate storefronts.

“Consumers deserve to know they’re getting the real deal, and we’re here to make sure of that. At the same time, we’re actively tracking down the criminals behind these fake products and taking legal action to stop them,” the spokesperson added.

The team behind Brand Verification is comprises of highly specialized professionals, including former law enforcement officers as well as regulatory inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Additionally, the group has a roster of licensed pharmacists, chemists, legal experts, and more than 3,000 micro-influencers to support their public outreach and investigative efforts. Each member brings a wealth of experience, making Brand Verification a formidable force against counterfeiters.

Prior to its public launch, Brand Verification spent four years meticulously building and refining its operations. During this period, they collaborated with key government agencies and industry experts to ensure their system was effective and robust.

A Nationwide Call to Action

Brand Verification is calling on all manufacturers, brand owners, and even consumers to join their cause. With support from various government agencies and private organizations, they are building a formidable front against the counterfeit crisis that continues to threaten the safety and economic stability of the Philippines.

The proliferation of counterfeit goods not only affects the bottom line of businesses but also endangers the health, safety, and trust of consumers. Brand Verification is committed to creating a marketplace where authenticity prevails, giving buyers peace of mind and helping legitimate businesses thrive.

“Our vision is a world where consumers never have to worry about whether a product is real or fake. We are determined to protect the integrity of the marketplace and the safety of consumers,” the spokesperson concluded, “because in the end, trust is the true currency of any thriving economy.

For those who suspect they have encountered counterfeit products, Brand Verification encourages reports to be sent to their official email: report@brandverification.com.ph or brandv3rification@gmail.com.