World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) recently marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration bringing together long-standing industry clients, partners, stakeholders, and members of the business community to commemorate three decades of hosting major international and local events and supporting the growth of the Philippine industries.
The anniversary celebration gave special tribute to Guillermo D. Luchangco, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of WTCMM and Chairman of the ICCP Group. His vision and pioneering efforts led to the establishment of WTCMM as the country’s first purpose-built exhibition and convention venue.
In his address, Luchangco looked back on the circumstances that led to the development of WTCMM, recalling how the Philippines’ lack of a world-class exhibition facility had prevented international exhibition organizers from bringing their shows to the country.
“Thirty years on, our vision remains as ambitious as ever and that is to grow with the exhibition industry, expand opportunities beyond Metro Manila, and strengthen the Philippines’ position as a hub for trade and business. As we look to the future, the best is yet to come.” said Luchangco, acknowledging the people who helped bring the project to fruition and the professional team that built WTCMM’s reputation for delivering quality facilities and services.
“Over the years, World Trade Center Metro Manila has also become part of the growth story of the Philippine exhibitions industry,” shared WTCMM Chairman and CEO Pamela D. Pascual. “Our commitment to international standards, professional management and the trust of our clients and partners has helped establish our place in the global exhibition community.”
As part of the celebration, WTCMM honored its legacy clients and partners in recognition of their decades-long support and contributions to the venue’s growth and success. The gala likewise acknowledged the contributions of key institutions, including World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), National Development Company (NDC), and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), whose respective roles and longstanding relationships have helped shape WTCMM’s journey. Together, these partnerships and industry relationships reflect the collaborative spirit that has sustained WTCMM’s legacy and continues to support its role as a leading venue for trade, business, and industry events.
Honoring legacy clients and partners who have been part of WTCMM’s journey and growth.
Over the past three decades, WTCMM has hosted major international events, including APEC and ASEAN-related gatherings, the Southeast Asian Games and WTCA General Assembly, alongside more than a hundred events annually. Its exhibitions have served a broad range of industries, including construction, food and agriculture, mobility, manufacturing, technology, and design.
The venue has also earned international recognition as the Philippines’ first and only UFI-recognized venue, a recipient of WTCA Premier Accreditation, and ASEAN MICE Venue Standard for Exhibition, reflecting standards in infrastructure, governance, service and business performance.
In photo during the anniversary celebration are (from left) WTCMM Senior Vice President & General Manager Lila Cailles,
WTCA Asia Pacific Vice President Scott Wang, WTCMM Founder & Chairman Emeritus Guillermo Luchangco, WTCMM Chairman & CEO Pamela Pascual,
WTCA Kuala Lumpur Group Managing Director Irmohizam Bin Ibrahim, WTC Binh Duong New City Chairman Thai Linh Huynh Dinh,
WTCMM Senior Manager for Membership & Events Irish Talay, and Ho Chi Minh Advertising Association Chairman Nguyen Thanh Dao.
The anniversary celebration comes as WTCMM prepares for its next phase of development, with plans to nearly double its exhibition space and further strengthen its facilities and operational capabilities. The organization is likewise pursuing opportunities to expand into key regional centers outside Metro Manila, beginning with the planned development of the World Trade Center Clark across the Clark International Airport.
As WTCMM enters its next chapter, it builds on the vision that brought it to life 30 years ago, continuing to provide a world-class venue where businesses, industries and people come together, creating opportunities for Philippine enterprise to connect with the global market.