JANUARY 22 – 26, 2007
The Philippines hosts…
23rd
Meeting in Manila
Tokyo (5 hrs away)
Beijing (4.5 hrs away)
Seoul (5 hrs away)
Taipei (2 hrs away)
Hong Kong (2 hrs away)
Bangkok (2 hrs away)
Manila
KL (3.5 hrs away)
(3.5 hrs away)
Sydney (13 hrs away)
Melbourne (10 hrs away)
Visitors Information on the Philippines
Time Zone
One time zone. GMT + 8
Getting There
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the
premiere gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to
different cities around the world.
Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, links Manila to 14
cities in 8 countries, www.philippineairlines.com
Visitors Information on the Philippines
Currency
Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20,
P50, P100, P200, P500, P1000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10
Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of
the large department stores, banks, and authorized money
changing shops.
Most large stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts accept major
credit cards including American Express, Visa, and Mastercard.
Traveller’s cheques preferably American Express are accepted at
hotels and large department stores. Personal cheques drawn on
foreign banks are generally not accepted.
Visitors Information on the Philippines
Climate
The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons. March to May is
hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is
cool.
Average temperatures: 78 F / 25 C to 90 F / 32 C. Humidity: 77%
What to Wear
Light, casual clothes are recommended. Formal occasions require
dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine Barong Tagalog) for men
and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women.
Language
While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the
national language is Filipino. English is the business language and
spoken widely.
Visitors Information on the Philippines
Dining Out
Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and
American Culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh
seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet
specialties as well as Filipino cuisine.
Entertainment and Culture
Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities.
The premiere venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of
the Philippines, features world-class performances by local and
international guest artists.
Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer
a glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the
works of the country’s leading and promising visual artists.
Manila’s nightlife is one of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the
Filipino’s love for music.
Visitors Information on the Philippines
Getting Around
There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and
surprisingly, they are easy to use.
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities
nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting
around most places. In Metro Manila, the fastest way of
commuting is via the railway system.
Tours and Special Interest Activities
Tour packages, from day trips to five-day programs, are special
ways of discovering the Philippines and its wealth of culture.
Special interest activities include golfing, game-fishing, diving,
white-water rafting and other aquasports, trekking, spelunking,
and safari trips.
These activities are accessible to the event venue, a mere 2-3
hours away from the city
Visitors Information on the Philippines
The People
The Philippines is known not only for the beauty of its natural
environment, but also for the warmth and charm of its people.
Filipinos are generally known for their hospitality.
The Philippines’ rich and vibrant culture and tradition reflect a
mixture of Malay, Hispanic, and Western influences.
Other Information
For more info on the Philippines, please visit www.tourism.gov.ph
Benefits of the Conference/Meeting to the Philippines
• Networking possibilities in various fields
• Venue for local researchers/academics to present their
research and identify future collaborators from leading
research and education institutions in the Asia Pacific
Region
• Opportunity for local participants to upgrade knowledge on
advanced networking technologies
• Media mileage for the country
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City,
Metro Manila, Philippines
Venue Information
EDSA Shangri-la Manila is the only deluxe convention hotel in the area
with two ballrooms and over 3,000 sq. m. of meeting space
13 ideally located function rooms which can be custom-configured and
conveniently sub-divided into 20 smaller break-out rooms
658 Guestrooms and Suites that combine cosmopolitan flair with
traditional style
Rooms from $100+ (Currently negotiating to $80-90)
Superior Room
Premiere Room
Executive Suite
Conference Facilities: Tower Wing Function Rooms
All nine (9) function rooms are situated in one level
Can be subdivided into 14 smaller break out rooms
Conference Facilities: Garden Wing Function Rooms
Four function rooms are situated in lobby level
Can be subdivided into six (6) smaller break out rooms
Conference Facilities: Tower Wing Ballrooms
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1,056 sq m
1400 pax capacity
6.5 m high ceiling
Can be sub-divided into three (3) smaller rooms
With its own street level entrance
Conference Facilities: Garden Wing Ballrooms
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415 sq m
Capacity of 400 pax
Can be divided into four (4) smaller rooms
With pre-foyer area
Located at mezzanine of Garden Wing, overlooking the gardens
Other Nearby Hotels
Richmonde Hotel
21 San Miguel Ave., cor. Lourdes St., Ortigas
Center, Pasig City, PHI
No. of Rooms: 230
Room Rate: $72 up
Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI
No. of Rooms: 128
Room Rate: $63 up
Astoria Plaza Hotel
15 Amber Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI
No. of Rooms: 292
Room Rate: $64 up
Other Nearby Hotels
Discovery Suites Hotel
25 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI
No. of Rooms: 225
Room Rate: $90 up
Holiday Inn Galleria Manila
One ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI
No. of Rooms: 297
Room Rate: $78 up
Local Organizers
Advanced Science and Technology Institute
Department of Science and Technology
Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology
Research and Development
University of the Philippines
Innove Communications, Inc.
See you soon in Manila!!!
23rd
Meeting in Manila
January 22-26, 2007