E-Commerce Expo Philippines to Showcase 160+ Business Solutions for Digital Commerce

The E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) 2026 takes place on November 20–21 at SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City, bringing together entrepreneurs, online sellers, brands, technology providers, and industry leaders.

Powered by the Philippine SME Business Expo & Network (PHILSME), ECOMEX expects 5,000+ attendees and will feature 100+ exhibitors, 160+ business solutions, and over 40 speakers. The event combines an exhibition, conference sessions, networking, and eight interactive zones focused on digital business.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) E-Commerce Bureau Director Eryl Royce Nagtalon is confirmed as keynote speaker. A government panel will feature representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Conference topics include digital commerce, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, personal branding, and business growth. The eight interactive zones are the Live Selling Arena, Content Creator Lounge, Shoot & Sell Studio, Founders Portrait, Podcast Studio, Human Recharge Station, Growth Clinic, and Media Connect.

The Growth Clinic will connect attendees with guidance on digital marketing, funding and finance, logistics, marketplaces, business expansion, legal and compliance, operations, and products and sourcing.

ECOMEX aims to strengthen connections across the Philippine e-commerce and digital business ecosystem by bringing businesses together with practical solutions, industry expertise, and potential partners.

Free registration: https://ticket.ecomex.ph/

Date: November 20–21, 2026

Venue: SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City

Media Contact: ECOMEX Media Relations | angie@ecomex.ph

November 20–21 event at SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City will bring together industry leaders, technology providers and business owners for learning, networking and interactive experiences

Philippine entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to strengthen their position in the digital economy will have an opportunity to explore practical solutions, learn from industry leaders and build new business connections at the E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) 2026, happening November 20–21 at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City.

Powered by the Philippine SME Business Expo & Network (PHILSME), the two-day expo expects to welcome 5,000+ attendees and feature 100+ exhibitors, 160+ business solutions and over 40 speakers. The program will combine conference sessions, exhibitions, networking and interactive experiences designed around the needs of the Philippine e-commerce and digital business community.

Beyond showcasing products and services, ECOMEX will offer dedicated spaces for live selling, content creation, business consultations, podcasting and other activities that connect digital commerce concepts with practical business applications.

As businesses navigate the demands of the digital marketplace—from reaching customers and producing effective content to managing payments, logistics, operations and expansion—ECOMEX aims to bring relevant solutions and the organizations behind them into one venue. The event will provide opportunities for businesses to discover new tools, exchange knowledge, explore partnerships and identify ways to strengthen their operations.

Industry speakers to explore the opportunities in e-commerce

ECOMEX will feature industry leaders, entrepreneurs and practitioners sharing perspectives on personal branding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, business tools and other aspects of building and growing a business in the digital economy. They will be joined by additional speakers across a wider conference program featuring over 40 speakers.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) E-Commerce Bureau Director Eryl Royce Nagtalon is confirmed as the keynote speaker. A government panel will also feature officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), bringing government perspectives to discussions on the Philippine e-commerce and digital business ecosystem.

Among the featured speakers are:

Chinkee Tan, Wealth Coach and Motivational Speaker talks about "People Buy From People: The Power of Personal Branding in E-Commerce".

Steve Sy, Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. will give a talk on "From E-Commerce to AI Commerce: How AI Is Redefining the Way We Sell, Scale, and Win".

Janette Toral, E-Commerce Expert & Advocate and Director of DigitalFilipino.com.

Miko David, President of Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines and David & Golyat talks about "Optimizing Digital Marketing in E-Commerce".

Reymond “Boss RDR” Delos Reyes, Entrepreneur and Business Coach and Founder of RDR Group.

Trixie Abrenilla, Founder of E-Commerce Expo Philippines and CEO of PHILSME Business Expo.

Jungie Gumiran, Founder and CEO of JUJU Lifestyle.

Carlo Calimon, President and Co-Founder of Startup Village and Startup Mentor and Entrepreneur talks about "Business Tools You Can Use for E-Commerce".

The confirmed topics address practical considerations for businesses operating in the digital economy, from building customer trust and developing personal brands to understanding how artificial intelligence is reshaping commerce, improving digital marketing and identifying tools that can support e-commerce operations.

Additional speaker topics will be announced as they are finalized.

Interactive features bring digital business experiences onsite

ECOMEX will complement its conference and exhibition program with dedicated spaces designed to help attendees explore digital commerce, content production, business development and networking in more engaging ways.

The ECOMEX Live Selling Arena will provide a venue for live-selling demonstrations, while the ECOMEX Content Creator Lounge will bring together creators and businesses interested in developing content and strengthening their online presence.

The ECOMEX Shoot & Sell Studio will offer a space for product photography and video creation, while ECOMEX Founders Portrait will give founders an opportunity to capture professional portraits for their personal and business brand assets.

The ECOMEX Podcast Studio will provide a setting for recorded conversations and business storytelling. Meanwhile, the ECOMEX Human Recharge Station will offer attendees a dedicated space to pause and recharge during the event.

For businesses seeking guidance across different areas of their operations, the ECOMEX Growth Clinic will feature consultation tables organized around digital marketing; funding and finance; logistics and fulfillment; marketplaces and platforms; business expansion; legal and compliance; operations and systems; and products and sourcing.

The ECOMEX Media Connect area will provide a dedicated space for media engagement and industry connections, facilitating conversations among media practitioners, participating businesses, speakers and other ecosystem stakeholders.

Together, these features are designed to complement the traditional exhibition experience by creating opportunities for demonstrations, content creation, consultations and conversations that connect businesses with relevant tools, expertise and potential partners.

Connecting the businesses and solutions behind e-commerce

ECOMEX will bring together stakeholders across the e-commerce value chain, including online sellers, marketplaces, brands, payment providers, logistics and fulfillment companies, digital marketing agencies, content creators, technology providers, startups, investors, business support organizations, government agencies and industry associations.

For exhibitors, the event offers an opportunity to present products, platforms, tools and services to an audience actively engaged in entrepreneurship, online commerce and business development. For attendees, it provides a venue to discover potential suppliers and partners, compare solutions, learn from practitioners and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The combination of conference sessions, exhibits, interactive features and networking is intended to help participants see how different parts of the digital business ecosystem work together—from attracting customers and enabling transactions to fulfilling orders, managing operations and expanding into new markets.

Building a stronger Philippine e-commerce ecosystem

For ECOMEX founder Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, the expo is an opportunity to bring businesses and the organizations supporting them into a shared environment for learning, discovery and collaboration.

“ECOMEX is about bringing the e-commerce ecosystem together and making it easier for businesses to discover the solutions, expertise and connections they need to grow,” said Esguerra-Abrenilla. “By bringing industry leaders, technology providers, entrepreneurs and business support organizations into one venue, we want to create opportunities for meaningful conversations, practical learning and stronger business relationships.”

Powered by PHILSME, the organizer of the 18-editions-strong Philippine SME Business Expo, ECOMEX builds on the organization's experience in convening entrepreneurs, growing businesses, industry participants and business service providers.

The platform aims to support a more connected digital business environment in the Philippines, where businesses of different sizes can learn from one another, explore relevant technologies and develop relationships that help them respond to changing market demands.

Register for ECOMEX 2026

Entrepreneurs, online sellers, business owners, brands, content creators and other professionals interested in e-commerce and digital business are invited to attend ECOMEX 2026.

Free registration is available online. Those who have already registered for a free ticket can also visit the registration site to explore upgrading to a VIP or Delegate Pass.

Register or explore VIP and Delegate Pass options: https://ticket.ecomex.ph/

Event details

E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) 2026

Dates: November 20–21, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

Venue: SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City

Organizer: Powered by PHILSME.

Expected participation: 5,000+ attendees, 100+ exhibitors, 160+ business solutions and over 40 speakers

Entrepreneurs, online sellers, business owners, brands, startups and other professionals interested in e-commerce and digital business are invited to register for the event.

About E-Commerce Expo Philippines

The E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) is an expo, conference and networking platform focused on e-commerce, digital business and innovation. Powered by PHILSME, it brings together businesses, technology providers, industry leaders and ecosystem partners to explore solutions, exchange knowledge and build connections that support the development of Philippine e-commerce.

About PHILSME

PHILSME organizes business exhibitions and networking initiatives that connect SMEs, entrepreneurs, growing businesses and business solution providers. Through its platforms, PHILSME creates opportunities for businesses to discover solutions, develop partnerships and pursue growth.

About MEDIATRIX SOLUTIONS INC.

The Philippine SME Business Expo & Network (PHILSME), organized by MediaTrix Solutions Inc., is a business expo and networking platform that connects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, business owners, industry leaders, and service providers. Through exhibitions, business networking, learning opportunities, and industry partnerships, PHILSME supports business development and helps connect enterprises with solutions, expertise, and opportunities for growth.

Building on this platform, PHILSME powers the E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX), an expo, conference, and networking platform focused on e-commerce, digital business, and innovation. ECOMEX brings together entrepreneurs, online sellers, established businesses, technology providers, service companies, and other stakeholders to explore digital solutions, exchange knowledge, and develop business connections.

ECOMEX 2026 will take place on November 20–21, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City. The event expects 5,000+ attendees and will feature 100+ exhibitors, 160+ business solutions, and over 40 speakers.

Through PHILSME and ECOMEX, MediaTrix Solutions Inc. supports business networking, entrepreneurship, and connections across the Philippine business and digital commerce ecosystem.

Filipino-Built convert.ph Launches Web App That Turns a Short Form Into a Complete Facebook Ads Campaign

  

Built for small business owners, the platform produces ad creatives, Taglish copy, a Messenger welcome message and a ready-to-import Meta Ads Manager file, from ₱2,497 with no subscription

CONVERT PH INC., the company behind Philippine Meta ads agency convert.ph, today announced the launch of its self-serve web app at convert.ph. The company describes it as the first Filipino-built tool that turns a business’s details into a complete, import-ready Facebook Messages campaign.

“Every week I talk to business owners who know exactly what they sell and who they sell to, but freeze the moment they open Ads Manager,” said John David Hernandez, co-founder of convert.ph. “They don’t need another course or another 20 YouTube videos. They need the actual campaign in front of them, ready to review. That’s what we built.”

Small business owners fill out one short form: their Facebook Page, product, price, location, industry, daily budget, goal and product details, with optional product photos. The app then builds a strategy brief covering the buyer, their problem, their desires and likely objections, and uses it to generate:

Multiple 1:1 static ad creatives, with the number based on the daily budget3 primary text variations and 2 headlines, each built on a different angleA Messenger welcome message with 3 tap-to-ask questions and preset answersA compliance check on all copy for common Facebook ad policy issuesOne ZIP file with the campaign and images, ready to import into Meta Ads Manager

Copy is written in natural Taglish by default, with English available.

From financial advisor to ads co-founder

Hernandez, known to his students as Coach Dave, came to advertising from the other side of the table. As a financial advisor, he used Facebook Ads to close more than 300 insurance clients, then turned that system into FACAS (Facebook Ads Client Acquisition System), a live training for Filipino agents, advisors and small business owners.

“I wasn’t a marketer. I was an advisor who got tired of cold-calling,” Hernandez said. “Facebook Ads changed my business, but it took me a long time and a lot of wasted budget to figure out. convert.ph takes the same creative-first process our agency uses for clients and puts it in the hands of the sari-sari store owner, the online seller and the insurance agent who can’t afford ₱25,000 a month for an agency.”

Built around trust and control

convert.ph never asks for a Facebook password and does not require users to connect their Facebook account. Every campaign imports into Ads Manager paused, so the owner reviews the creatives, copy and settings before deciding to go live. The system builds only from the facts users provide, with no invented testimonials, customer results or numbers.

“The business owner always makes the final call,” Hernandez added. “We’d rather give you a campaign you understand and trust than promise you results no one can honestly guarantee.”

Pricing and availability

convert.ph is available now at convert.ph. Packages are one-time payments with credits that never expire:

Growth:₱2,497 for 30 ad creatives (about 3 campaigns)Pro:₱4,997 for 100 ad creatives (about 10 campaigns)

Payment is accepted via GCash, Maya, card or bank transfer. Meta ad spend is paid separately to Meta. convert.ph builds campaign assets and does not guarantee sales, leads or return on ad spend.

About Convert PH Inc.

convert.ph is a Philippine Meta advertising company operated by CONVERT PH INC. It offers done-for-you Facebook ads management for small and medium businesses, the FACAS live training, and a self-serve web app that turns business details into ready-to-import Facebook campaigns.

A Symphony of Sparkles and An Elf-Tastic World of Sparkles: SM Cabanatuan Malls Welcome the Magic of Christmas

 

SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Christmas Centerpiece Launch Held on October 22 and 23, respectively, the Christmas Centerpiece Launch is part of SM Supermalls’ annual tradition of simultaneously unveiling festive holiday displays that bring the magic of Christmas to life and delight mallgoers.

The most wonderful time of the year shines brighter as your most loved SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan unveil their enchanting Christmas displays, bringing festive magic, dazzling lights, and heartwarming holiday experiences to shoppers and families across the city.

With “A Symphony of Sparkles” at SM City Cabanatuan and “An Elf-Tastic World of Sparkles” at SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, the two malls invite everyone to celebrate the season through captivating holiday wonderlands filled with imagination, joy, and the spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions. Each destination offers its own magical experience, creating more reasons for families and friends to come together and enjoy a maxed-out Christmas experience.

At SM City Cabanatuan, A Symphony of Sparkles transforms the mall into a breathtaking holiday wonderland inspired by the graceful art of ballet. Taking center stage is a majestic 35-foot Christmas tree, glowing brilliantly amid shimmering trees, radiant golden accents, and elegant ballerina figures. Every sparkling detail creates a harmonious spectacle of beauty and festive charm, celebrating the Filipino spirit that moves to the rhythm of everyday life through joyful celebrations, cherished traditions, and meaningful moments shared with loved ones.

Meanwhile, SM Megacenter Cabanatuan brings a playful touch to the holidays with An Elf-Tastic World of Sparkles. Amid a 15-foot Christmas tree, oversized Christmas ornaments, twinkling holiday lights, and dazzling festive accents, merry little elves busily prepare gifts and spread Christmas cheer. This whimsical display invites families, friends, and guests of all ages to step into an enchanting world where imagination comes alive and every corner holds a delightful holiday surprise.

Though different in theme, both Christmas displays share one beautiful message: the magic of Christmas shines brightest when shared. From admiring the graceful ballerinas at SM City Cabanatuan to discovering the playful elves at SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, shoppers can look forward to memorable moments filled with laughter, wonder, and togetherness. These festive showcases provide picture-perfect backdrops for holiday photos, family bonding, and treasured memories that last long after the season ends.

More than spectacular decorations, these Christmas celebrations reflect the warmth and generosity at the heart of Filipino traditions. They create welcoming spaces where families reconnect, friends celebrate, and communities come together to embrace the simple joys of the season. Every twinkling light, shimmering ornament, and enchanting detail serves as a reminder that Christmas is not only about the beauty surrounding us, but also about the love, kindness, and happiness we share.

This holiday season, your most loved SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan invite everyone to make the most of the festivities with magical experiences that bring the Christmas spirit to life. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of ballet or the playful charm of Christmas elves, there's a wonderland waiting to make your holidays extra special.

Gala to the max and celebrate the season with your loved ones at SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan! Discover two enchanting Christmas worlds, capture unforgettable moments, and let every sparkle remind you of the joy of being together. Because at SM, Christmas isn't just celebrated — it's shared, creating magical memories that make the season truly shine.

About SM Supermalls Cabanatuan

About SM Supermalls SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together. Through "My SM," SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles and needs of Filipino communities, reimagining the mall experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, better connectivity, innovative digital conveniences, and meaningful experiences that foster connection and strengthen communities. My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

His Dad Needed a Treadmill Repair. This 11-Year-Old Started No DIY.

 

A difficult search for a treadmill technician inspired Julian Markus Villaflores, 11, to start No DIY in Cebu. Built with student developers and supported by his family, the home and repair services marketplace is inviting service professionals to register ahead of its customer rollout.

A broken treadmill at home gave 11-year-old Julian Markus Villaflores the idea for No DIY, a marketplace that aims to help households find skilled workers and service professionals. The Cebu-based platform is now inviting professionals to register ahead of its customer rollout.

It started with one repair

Julian Markus watched his father ask around, search online and call for help, yet finding a treadmill technician still took time. A household needed a repair, but reaching the right person was difficult. No DIY aims to give families another place to look and professionals another way to reach customers beyond their existing contacts.

"I saw my dad try so hard just to find one person who could fix it," Julian Markus said. "There are so many good technicians out there. They just can't find each other. I wanted to make that easy."

Built with student teams

Julian Markus brought the idea to ASV Business Solution, the Cebu software company led by his mother, April Villaflores. The company, which develops Cirquolus, runs an internship program for Computer Science and IT students from universities across the Philippines.

Students from La Salle University in Ozamiz City laid the initial foundation. A team from Cebu Technological University-Ginatilan Extension conducted social surveys and market-fit analysis. Interns from Northwest Samar State University continued development and completed the app. As each batch finished its required hours, the work passed to the next team.

"Every batch knew they might not be the ones to finish it, and they gave it their best anyway," said April Villaflores, managing owner of ASV Business Solution. "Julian learned what it means to lead. The students learned what it means to build something real people will use."

Learning within Cebu's startup community

Alongside his work on No DIY, Julian is actively involved in Cebu City's startup community. He participates in Sugod Bahay gatherings and a startup development program through StellarPH and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). These activities give him opportunities to learn alongside other entrepreneurs, with support from his family and the student developers who helped build the platform.

Service professionals invited to register

No DIY is welcoming technicians, electricians, plumbers, aircon and appliance repair specialists, carpenters and other service professionals to create profiles ahead of its customer rollout. A profile gives professionals a place to explain what they offer and helps potential customers find services that match their needs.

Professionals can register at https://no-diy.com/auth/register

About No DIY Technologies

No DIY is a Philippine marketplace founded by Julian Markus Villaflores in Cebu to connect households with skilled workers and service professionals. It is currently accepting professional registrations ahead of its customer rollout. Website: https://no-diy.com/

ASV Business Solution is a software company based at UPinIT, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City. It develops Cirquolus ERP and runs an internship program for Computer Science and IT students. Student teams in the program contributed to the development of No DIY.

GASA, Gogolook and Meta Bring Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia to Bangkok for the First Time

 Co-hosted with Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Summit will bring regional leaders together to address cross-border scam networks, victim protection and AI-driven threats BANGKOK, THAILAND, October 26, 2026 — The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall, and Meta will bring the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia to Bangkok for the first time on November 10–11, 2026. Held at Pullman Bangkok King Power, the two-day Summit will bring together government officials, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, technology companies, researchers and civil society organisations to strengthen the region’s collective response to scams.

Co-hosted by GASA, Royal Thai Police (RTP), and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), the Summit is supported by organisations including Gogolook, Meta, Google, Trend Micro, CUBE AI, and Outseer. H.E. Chaichanok Chidchob, Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society, is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote on Thailand’s leadership in building a safer digital future.

“Scam networks operate across borders and digital channels, so our response must connect the organisations that can prevent harm, support victims and disrupt criminal operations,” said Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of GASA. “As a major regional hub, Thailand faces the challenges posed by transnational scam networks. Its policies and actions can play a pivotal role in strengthening safety across Southeast Asia. Bringing the Summit to Bangkok gives leaders from across the region an opportunity to turn shared insights into practical cooperation.”

The Summit will present findings from the State of Scams in Asia 2026 report and unveil the State of Scams in Thailand 2026 report, offering both a regional perspective and a closer look at the challenges facing Thailand. The findings will provide a starting point for discussions on how governments and industries can identify emerging threats and coordinate their responses.

The programme will examine the human and operational impact of scam compounds, including survivor experiences and cross-border responses to trafficking. Sessions will also address the financial infrastructure behind scams, national anti-scam systems, AI-enabled threats, safer digital services, and the role of telecommunications providers in tackling fraudulent calls and messages. On the second day, GASA working groups will bring participants together to advance cooperation in research, enforcement, intelligence sharing, prevention and consumer education.

“Scams rarely stay within one platform, industry or country. Protecting people requires us to identify risks earlier and share the intelligence needed to act across the entire scam journey,” said Jeff Kuo, Co-founder and CEO of Gogolook. “Our participation in previous Asia Summits, from Taipei to Singapore, has shown us the value of bringing different sectors together. We look forward to building on those connections in Bangkok and working with partners across the region to strengthen practical defences against scams.”

The Summit will also host the Scam Fighter Awards, recognising initiatives that have made a measurable contribution to scam prevention, detection, disruption and enforcement.

Registration for the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026 is now open. Government agencies, businesses, researchers and other organisations working on digital safety are invited to join the discussions, learn from the latest anti-scam research and connect with partners from across the region. For the programme and registration details, visit the Summit website.

About Global Anti-Scam Alliance

About the 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/

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Invites all Philippines Resorts to Evaluate Movable Underwater Hotel Partnership

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC invites all the resorts in the Philippines to explore partnerships offering guests an extraordinary Inner Space Eco-Tourism experience aboard patented, 26-room movable underwater hotels without requiring resorts to purchase them. Developed over 16 years, the zero-discharge concept combines underwater hospitality with a commitment of 16.5% of net profits to coral-reef restoration, while creating opportunities for international fabrication, Philippines maritime veteran co-ownership employment, local workforce training, marine-science education, and sustainable economic development.

KEY WEST, Fla. USA – October 21, 2026 – Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC, today invited resorts and relevant authorities in the Philippines to begin a technical evaluation of a partnership built around its patented movable underwater hotels.

The design, protected by U.S. Design Patent D-736,947, places 26 guestrooms about 30 feet below the surface at normal atmospheric pressure, accessible by four glass traction elevators inside two steel casings. The zero-discharge underwater hotel vessel stands on four retractable steel legs instead of permanent foundations or anchors, allowing it to be relocated for improved marine-life viewing or to avoid storms.

Participating Philippines resorts are not asked to purchase the movable underwater hotel vessel. Under the proposed host-resort arrangement, a resort would use a movable underwater hotel for an initial five-year term. Planet Ocean’s global funding structure, developed over 16 years, uses escrow accounts established by participating resorts under agreed terms.

Planet Ocean has committed 16.5 percent of its net profits to Philippines's coral-reef restoration and marine conservation, with independent audits and public reporting. Philippines Scientists, universities, and conservation specialists would guide how those funds are used, including coral nurseries, reef monitoring, and, where scientifically appropriate, Biorock restoration.

The initiative traces back to December 2015, when a Maldivian diplomat approached founder Tony Webb after COP21 to ask how the design might help the island nation. Planet Ocean recently held discussions in Malé with the Maldives Minister of Tourism and Environment and an official from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. The Minister said “yes” to the concept and, like the resorts that would offer guests a safe Inner Space Eco-Tourism experience, now wants to see the first movable underwater hotel built.

For 16 years, Tony Webb had never received a “yes.” Now, Planet Ocean is extending the same invitation to the Philippines's 7,641 island nation.

Planet Ocean’s fabrication network spans five countries. Houma and Morgan City, Louisiana, serve as the U.S. fabrication base. The Philippines is envisioned as the new corporate world headquarters, fabrication and assembly, and the training center for Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Partners in China, South Korea, and Japan are expected to supply specialized steel and acrylic components and assist with the installation of triple-redundancy systems. Mass fabrication of 50 movable underwater hotels, in less than one year.

The program also aims to create pathways for qualified local Philippines maritime Coast Guard and Special Forces veterans co-ownerships. The young islanders, from school marine-science programs through technical training and university research now have new opportunities that never existed before.

“The Maldives asked in 2015. Today, we invite the Maldives and the Philippines,” said Tony Webb, Founder and Managing Director and a U.S. Navy veteran. “Restore the coral reefs. Train the people. Measure the results. We are ready for serious technical evaluation.”

Interested resorts and Philippines organizations can submit a licensing inquiry at:

www.planetoceanunderwaterhotel.com/global-licensing-opportunities.php

This is a true gift of new prosperities for the Philippines's future.

About Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC

About Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC

Based in Florida, USA Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels is a self-funded company built on the principles of “Pay It Forward” and “People Helping People.” The company designed the world’s first movable underwater hotel, featuring one-atmosphere, zero-discharge underwater accommodations focused on Inner Space Eco-tourism, coral restoration, marine science, education, Philippine veteran co-ownerships, and employment.

More information is available at www.PlanetOceanUnderwaterHotel.com

3rd Space Studios has officially opened in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City, offering an Intimate Setting for Creative Collaborations, Corporate Events, Private Bookings, and Co-Creating Sessions

 

 3rd Space Studios today opened its doors, introducing a thoughtfully designed, multi-purpose studio where intimate groups can learn, create and connect. Located at Unit LG07, Pioneer Highlands, Tower 1 in the heart of the Pioneer–Greenfield–Ortigas corridor, the space offers private bookings for corporate offsites, workshops, masterclasses, media shoots and celebrations, alongside flexible hourly and daily co-creating access for professionals, students and remote workers.

Metro Manila's workforce is changing how it meets. Hybrid teams no longer need a full-time office, but they still need somewhere private and professional to plan, pitch and celebrate together. At the same time, demand is rising for "third spaces": places outside home and the office for focused work, continuous learning and community. 3rd Space Studios was built for both needs under one roof.

"Teams told us the same thing again and again: hotel function rooms feel too formal, cafés are too noisy, and production studios are too expensive for a half-day session," said Pauline Yu of 3rd Space Studios. "We built a space that sits right in between. It's warm enough for a creative workshop, private enough for a leadership offsite, and ready to go the moment you walk in. Come in as you are. Walk out with new skills and real work done."

One studio, three ways to use it

Private and corporate bookings. Exclusive use of the studio for offsite strategy sessions, client meetings, product launches, roundtables, trainings and private celebrations. Bookings start at three hours and include presentation tools, with add-ons available for styling and media setups.

Co-Creating Space (coworking). Flexible hourly and day passes for focused work, study and small-team collaboration, with fast Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating and a calm atmosphere. Co-creating runs whenever no private booking is scheduled.

Co-Lab Network (collaboration). A partnership program for workshop facilitators, masterclass hosts and creators. 3rd Space Studios helps market, co-execute and ticket each session, so hosts can focus on teaching while the studio handles the setup.

Built for the corridor

The studio's location lets it serve three very different neighbors. Residents of Pioneer's high-rise towers get a quiet place to focus close to home and a venue for after-work classes. Weekend visitors to the Greenfield lifestyle district can join community talks, creator pop-ups and hands-on workshops. Corporate teams and agencies in Ortigas gain an offsite venue minutes from the office, without the formality or cost of a hotel ballroom.

The space is designed to suit the growing number of AI upskilling sessions, podcast recordings, content shoots and professional development workshops that companies and creators now run each month. Operations follow a low-waste approach, and the studio welcomes eco-conscious brand partners for pop-ups and activations.

"Most venues make you choose between a meeting room and a creative space," added Pauline. "At 3rd Space, a sales team can hold its quarterly planning in the morning, and a podcast crew can record in the same room that afternoon. That flexibility is what modern teams and creators are looking for."

Availability

3rd Space Studios is now accepting corporate event bookings, private reservations, co-creating walk-ins and facilitator partnership applications. To book a site visit or reserve a date, visit 3rdspacestudios.ph, email 3rdspacestudioscollab@gmail.com or call 09175148899. Follow @3rd_space_studios on Instagram and Facebook for the latest workshop schedule.

About 3rd Space Studios

3rd Space Studios is a multi-purpose studio in Mandaluyong City, serving the Pioneer, Greenfield and Ortigas business and lifestyle corridor. Designed for intimate groups to learn, create and connect, it offers private and corporate event bookings, flexible coworking through its Co-Creating Space, and revenue-sharing partnerships with workshop facilitators and creators through its Co-Lab Network. Learn more at 3rdspacestudios.ph.