Manila, Philippines – The Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX),  the country’s largest and most influential building and design event, officially opened today at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila.

Now in its 29th year, WORLDBEX continues to serve as a premier platform for industry leaders, innovators, and professionals in architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction. This year’s theme, “Building Opportunities, Sustaining Lives,” highlights the event’s commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing innovation, and supporting sustainable growth within the industry.

Simultaneous opening ceremonies were held at the Main Lobby of the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the 2nd Floor Lobby Space of the SMX Convention Center Manila. The ceremonies featured the traditional ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the official opening of WORLDBEX 2026.

From Left to Right

WSI Board of Director Mr. Rene Ramos; Architect Francisco Flameño; WSI co-founder Ms. Levi Ang ; Chief of Staff Peter Pardo; Hon. Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives ; WSI Founding Chairman Mr. Joseph L. Ang; Ms. Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar, Undersecretary for the Office of Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns ; WSI Board of Director Ms. Tessie Roque; and Managing Directory Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang

The ceremonies were hosted by TV host and personality Apple Grace. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Joseph L. Ang, Founding Chairman of organizing company Worldbex Services International (WSI), expressed his appreciation to the event’s partners, exhibitors, and stakeholders for their continued support in making WORLDBEX a leading industry platform. Mr. Ang also adds that WORLDBEX has, over the past 29 years, “brought together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the globe, creating meaningful connections and showcasing the groundbreaking innovations that continue to shape our industry”.

Distinguished guests and VIPs present during the opening ceremonies were given the opportunity to deliver their welcoming speeches, including Hon. Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, City Mayor of Pasay (represented by Chief of Staff Peter Pardo), and Hon. Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Secretary of the Department of Tourism (represented by Ms. Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar, Undersecretary for the Office of Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns). 

WORLDBEX is also grateful to Hon. House Speaker Faustino “Bodjie” G. Dy III of the House of Representatives, District Representative of Isabela’s 6th District (represented by Hon. Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives), for serving as this year’s keynote speaker. In his message, House Speaker Faustino congratulated the organizers for 29 years of excellence, and reaffirms that “WORLDBEX has brought together the people who shape the spaces for our nation to grow” and that “WORLDBEX, for the past 3 decades, have become an important platform where ideas, technology, and talents are drawn together to better design, build, and create the buildings of our nation”. 

WORLDBEX 2026 was also honored by the presence of H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the Embassy of Malaysia; H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of the Embassy of India to the Philippines; H.E. Katarzyna Wilkowiecka, Head of Mission for the Embassy of Poland in Manila; and Rangsant Srimangkorn, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Royal Thai Embassy / Thai Trade Center, DITP

As WORLDBEX approaches its milestone, the 30th anniversary in 2027, WSI remains committed to delivering a world-class exposition that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. The event continues to serve as a vital venue for showcasing cutting-edge products, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of the built environment.

WORLDBEX 2026 runs from today until March 15, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila.

Visitors may register for free at www.worldbex.com. For updates and announcements, visit the official WORLDBEX Facebook page at www.facebook.com/worldbex.

WORLDBEX 2026 is proudly organized by Worldbex Services International (WSI) and is held for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.