The Philippine International Convention Center at 40: A National Gem Shines Brighter

The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Asia’s first international  convention center, turned 40 last September 5 with a grand celebration at its Reception Hall. 

Four decades after its formal inauguration on September 5, 1976, the PICC has stood the test of time to establish itself as one of the premier event venues in Southeast Asia.  Witnessing the greatest moments of the past generations and hosting the most important events in Philippine history, the PICC has become more than just a national landmark, but a shining gem for arts, culture, history and entertainment. 

Its biggest events include the 1976 IMF-World Bank Meeting, the 3^rd Informal Summit of the ASEAN (1999), the 112^th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (2005), the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, Post Ministerial Conference and ASEAN Regional Forum (2007), 45^th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (2012), and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings in 1996 and 2015.   Other significant events held at the PICC include the 1992 World Chess Olympiad and the 1994 Miss Universe Pageant, and concerts by various renowned international artists which include Luciano Pavarotti, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Janet Jackson, and our very own Lea Salonga. Religious icons have also graced the halls of the center such as Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint John Paul II.

The celebration looked back at the grandest moments of the PICC.  An exhibit displayed photos from select events, the highlight of which was the handwritten message to PICC by Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who was canonized as a Saint by Pope Francis a day before the PICC anniversary celebration.

Over dinner, guests were treated to an entertainment spectacle hosted by the talented Denise Laurel, with performances from Ballet Manila and top balladeer Christian Bautista.   Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and Chairman of the PICC Board of Directors Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. spoke about the PICC’s legacy as well as the Center’s plans for the future.

PICC’s top clients and loyal partners from the private and government sector were recognized for their valuable support for the Center over the years, and PICC employees who have worked at the Center for at least twenty years were honored with Service Recognition awards for their hard work, dedication, selfless service, and enduring loyalty.

A special award, the PICC Gem, was given to acclaimed singer-actress Lea Salonga, for embodying PICC’s ideals of world-class excellence and global reach, and for showcasing the PICC to the world as the country’s premier event venue.  She is the first-ever recipient of the award.

Governor Tetangco, Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos, and members of the PICC Board of Directors Pacita Rosalinda Y. Aguirre, Gabriel L. Cruz, Raquel D. Garcia, Cristina M. Sarino and Susan S. Villar and PICC General Manager Renato B. Padilla handed out the awards to the honorees.  The night ended on a high note, with a toast to the PICC’s next “40 years and forward”.

With the PICC continuing to evolve, the national gem only shines brighter as it  combines its rich heritage with a clear mandate and vision of the future.

For more information about PICC, you may visit their website at http://www.picc.gov.ph. You may also  like and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PICCManila/.

L-R: PICC General Manager, Renato B. Padilla; Leah Salonga; BSP Governor, Amando M. Tetangco Jr.

L-R: Denise Laurel, Christian Bautista

40th Anniversary of PICC - 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)

Joya

1. The Main Lobby houses one of the country’s largest Jose T. Joya paintings, “Ang Pagdiriwang”. Measuring 5.5 x 7 meters, the huge masterpiece had to be painted onsite by the National Artist as no exits or entrances to the area could fit the work of art.

Plenary External

2. PICC is an artwork in itself. Designed by National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin, the Philippine heritage site was originally made up of 4 building modules: the Delegation Building, Secretariat Building, Plenary Hall, and the Reception Hall.  The Forum was added in 2003 to accommodate the requirements of convention organizers for an exhibition hall.

Aerial View Old

3. With a floor area of over 65,000 square feet, the construction for the massive structure was undertaken in a short span of just 23 months, from November 1974 to September 1976.

Plenary hall

4. On average, PICC holds about 400 events in a year. The most frequent types of events held at PICC are government events, corporate and association meetings and graduation ceremonies.  Among the most notable international events held at the PICC were the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, Post Ministerial Conference and ASEAN Regional Forum (2007), the 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (2012), and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in 1996 and 2015.

Vote Tabulation
Photo credits go to www.rappler.com

5. The canvassing for the snap Presidential Elections in 1986 was held at the PICC Plenary Hall. The historic walkout of the COMELEC tabulators on February 9, 1986 is said to have triggered the People Power Revolution. 

Dj Tiesto

Janet Jackson

6. PICC has hosted some of the best local and international musical events, ranging from Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Janet Jackson, Luciano Pavarotti, Josh Groban, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, and even DJs Tiesto and Benny Benassi. 

Reception Hall

7. The grape-like chandeliers at the Reception Hall came all the way from Prague. Maintaining these beautiful light fixtures is no easy task, as each of the 7,000 globules and bulbs must be taken down, polished, and reinstalled. 

Courtyard

8. One of National Artist Arturo Luz’s most famous art pieces sits right at the centre of the PICC Courtyard. Entitled, “Anito” the stone sculpture was carved and created on the area where it stands.

BSP Museum

9. Today, PICC is being expanded with the addition of two new buildings: the Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which will house coveted art pieces from the collection of the BSP, and a new Trade Exhibit Hall to host corporate and association trade exhibits. 

Tech Booth

10. The PICC meeting rooms and halls vary in size and capacity, but all share a high standard in terms of construction, technology, and capability. Even since its earlier days, all PICC event rooms have been equipped with premium sound tech, excellent lighting fixtures and artistic construction, making the event possibilities in this one-of-a-kind place both endless and timeless.

For more information about PICC, visit their website at http://www.picc.gov.ph. 
Please like and share their Facebook account, https://www.facebook.com/PICCManila/. 

The same red carpet where Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta walked during her last visit in the Philippines March 1985.