Champion MICE Catcher

October 28, 2019

Pamela Davila Pascual, a University of the Philippines Diliman (UP) tourism graduate, who first worked as a Binondo head office bank teller, waited for “the right time for the right job.” She entered the pearly gates of the world of meetings, incentives, conventions and “MICE” in 2008 after two decades of tourism, hotel, media and theme park experiences, and stayed.

For 11 years, Pascual has been leading World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM). From matchbox cars to light aircraft, this branded showcase hosts all manner of exhibits.

“Before the internet, the World Trade Center Metro Manila was the only link of local companies to the world. The global exhibit market has grown. The stagnant market in Europe is coming to Asia and looking into the Philippines after opening offices in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia,” says Pascual, president of the 23-year-old pioneer exhibition venture and market leader.

“My near-term plan is to grow the company, complete its expansion and capture a slice of the global market growth. We plan to expand in 2020. WTCMM is opening a new, two-level exhibition place with four halls and two-level basement parking in 2022, on the east side tent extension,” she adds.

It was former president Fidel V. Ramos who convinced Pascual’s boss, businessman Guillermo Luchangco, to build the WTCMM for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which the Philippines hosted for the first time in 1996, recalls Pascual.

Due to a dearth in design expertise at the time, Gensler and Associates, a global design and architectural firm, was commissioned to present the masterplan for the 30,760-sqm gross area exhibition hall to fit the specifications of seasoned trade show and exhibition organizers. Thirty years later, Gensler designed the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California.

“This is a very dynamic business. One has to be keen on operations. I was brought in when I was a business unit head. Eleven years ago, I went through the adjustment, the learning curve. I knew the business foundation; I got used to the culture and processes and met with clients who grew with WTCMM since the start,” adds Pascual.

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WTCMM earns ASEAN award for exhibition excellence

February 12, 2026 - World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) has once again made its mark on the ASEAN stage, taking home the ASEAN MICE Venue Award in the Exhibition Venue Category at the 2026 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards. The honor was presented during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 held recently at the Nustar Resort, Cebu. The award recognizes venues that meet the highest international standards for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) operations. WTCMM was cited for its capacity for large-scale exhibitions, top-level safety and security measures, and eco-friendly design, including LED lighting and energy recovery ventilators. “We are deeply grateful for this recognition from the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards,” said Pamela D. Pascual, Chairman and CEO of WTCMM. “This award affirms the work we continue to do to maintain a venue that meets international benchmarks. It reflects our ability to support large-scale exhibitions while delivering a safe, high-quality experience for local and global events.” This latest honor marks an unprecedented achievement for WTCMM, having been recognized across three consecutive award periods—2022–2024, 2024–2026, and 2026–2028. This continued recognition underscores the venue’s sustained commitment to delivering high-quality, eco-friendly facilities for both local and international markets. The 2026 awards featured 27 tourism-related establishments and local government units, highlighting the Philippines’ growing profile as a hub for MICE and tourism in the ASEAN region. For WTCMM, the recognition reflects more than just facilities. It is a testament to its ongoing commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality event spaces that elevate the exhibition experience for organizers and attendees alike. Read More

Tech, innovation, F&B delivery highlited @ E3 2025

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