Rey BelenA landmark of history and culture, that’s how I have pictured the Philippine International Convention Center or PICC in my mind. Instilled by the history books that I so long have read since elementary, PICC is an icon of diplomatic and cultural impact in the 70s and a symbol of the country’s cultural growth in the region during the time.
PICC History
under Presidential Decree no. 520 by Former President Ferdinand Marcos, who mandated Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to build a convention center for the Philippines to host the 1976 International Monetary Fund-World Bank Annual Meeting.
National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin was appointed to be the architect of PICC. It took two years to before the PICC was formally launched in September 5, 1976.
Venue for Events
PICC was designed composing five building modules; the Delegation Building, Secretariat Building, Plenary Hall, Reception Hall and The Forum. This enables PICC to host several different events simultaneously or even related events in one ocassion in different venues.
PICC has been known to host local and international trade events, conventions, cultural and diplomatic gatherings. It can host up to 10,000 guests at a time.
That’s why it was no surprise that during the night when I watched international stand-up comedian Rusell Peters on his DEPORTED WORLD TOUR in the Philippines at the PICC Plenary Hall, I barely noticed the other events and their attendees in PICC being held simultaneously. Only proves how each event can totally be separated to other events, should the need be.
Aside from the big halls for forums and events, PICC also has meeting rooms equipped with Simultaneous Interpretation System (SIS) that caters 2 to 7 different languages best suited for international delegations.
Another good thing about PICC is that is has free wifi for visitors and attendees, something very useful nowadays, especially during public events that needed much attention online.
PICC can also accommodate 400 vehicles for parking and equipped with ramps, porchlifts and elevators for the physically-challenged. It also has access to medical clinic and ATMs.
More than Just a Venue
PICC, being a venue for historical and cultural value, is also a house of art, literally. PICC is home to a number of art pieces of local and international artists. And very soon, it will be a host to a bigger gallery of arts called the Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It is said to be the symbol of the regeneration of the whole complex.
Stepping inside PICC is like stepping into history. With its rich forty years of hosting the biggest events in the country and region, like the Miss Universe 1994, Catholic Mass Media Award 1995-which was attended by the late Pope John Paul II, and the APEC Economic Leader’s Meeting 2015, there is a thing to it by just being there.
What’s more surprising is that PICC has also been a venue of social gatherings like weddings, not just corporate events. So, if you’re thinking of the next place for your company or personal needs, that you want a touch of both art, history and a whole bunch of location significance, then, PICC is a choice for you.
For inquiries and bookings on Philippine International Convention Center, you may contact:
Phone No: (632)789-4789
Fax No: (632) 789-4740
Email: info@picc.gov.ph
Website: www.piccgov.ph
Address: 1307 Pasay City, Metro Manila. Philippines
Rey Belen
