Philippine International Convention Center(PICC) at 40: A National Gem Shines Brighter

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.


The Philippine International Convention Center was formally inaugurated on September 5, 1976.

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.

PICC's great milestones through the years include:


  • 1976 - IMF-World Bank Meeting
  • 1992 - World Chess Olympiad
  • 1994 - Miss Universe Pageant
  • 1999 - 3rd Informal Summit of the ASEAN
  • 2005 - 112th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly
  • 2007 - 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, Post Ministerial Conference and ASEAN Regional Forum * 2012 - 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank
  • 1996 & 2015 - Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings


The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) was envisioned as the premier conference
venue that embodies the promising stature of the country during its time.

Other significant events held at the PICC were 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.

PICC new logo
PICC logo then and now

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.

World-renowned singer-actress Lea Salonga was the very first recipient of PICC Gem Award
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”.

This is the proposed Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas which is envisioned to be the
symbol of regeneration of the complex.  With the construction ongoing, it is expected to
be a premier destination for tourism and education in Manila.

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/

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