APBC

27/08/2026

𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬' 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝.

For Australian travellers waiting for the right moment to turn an Asia wish list into an itinerary, this is the week to watch. Philippine Airlines is bringing back its Ultimate Seat Sale, with major discounts on flights from Australia to Manila and beyond. Whether planning a tropical getaway, a city escape or trip to visit family and friends, Manila serves as an ideal gateway from Perth, Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.

Philippine Airlines’ Ultimate Seat Sale opens up flexible options for Aussie travellers looking to explore the Philippines and connect seamlessly to destinations across Asia in a single trip.

Running from 24 to 30 August, the weeklong promotion offers discounted fares for travel starting 16 September 2026. The sale covers destinations across Philippine Airlines’ network, with discounts of up to 40% off flights to the Philippines, while international destinations beyond the Philippines, are discounted by up to 35%.

“For travellers who know how to stretch both their time and their budgets, the sale presents an opportunity to think beyond a single destination,” said Krystle Ramirez, country manager for Australia, while adding that,“A trip through Manila can open onto world-class beaches and islands, while Philippine Airlines’ wider network provides connections to cities across Southeast Asia and beyond.”

With the sale launching on 24 August, travellers have time to compare calendars and map out possible routes before fares become available.

The Ultimate Seat Sale will be available via the Philippine Airlines website (www.philippineairlines.com) and accredited travel agents.

26/08/2026

EO 122 to advance PH critical minerals industry - PNIA

MANILA – The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said Executive Order (EO) 122 will help advance the Philippines’ critical minerals industry and strengthen the country’s position in the global market.

“PNIA thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for this decisive and forward-looking policy direction. At a time when countries around the world are competing to secure critical minerals, investments, technologies, and supply chains, the President has sent a clear signal that the Philippines intends not only to participate in this global opportunity, but to compete for it,” the PNIA said in a statement Tuesday.

Marcos signed EO 122 on Aug. 18, establishing a unified national policy framework for the development of the country’s critical minerals industry.

The EO directs the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify and evaluate new critical minerals deposits and also seeks to streamline the mining permitting process through a virtual one-stop shop.

“The directive to establish a virtual one-stop shop and enable simultaneous rather than sequential processing is particularly encouraging,” the PNIA said.

“For investors, strong policy direction builds confidence, but consistent implementation sustains it. The Executive Order therefore sends an important signal to the global investment community. The task now is to translate that direction into faster, clearer, and more predictable processes on the ground.”

The PNIA noted that the Philippines has critical mineral resources that attract global interest.

It assured that the industry will continue to work with government agencies and communities to translate the framework into concrete and measurable progress.

“The Philippine nickel industry stands ready to do its part, to develop our resources responsibly, uphold the highest environmental and social standards, and work alongside government to ensure that this historic opportunity delivers sustainable and inclusive growth for generations of Filipinos,” the PNIA said. (PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said Executive Order (EO) 122 will help advance the Philippines’ critical minerals industry and strengthen the country’s position in the global market. “PNIA thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for this decisive and…

26/08/2026

21/08/2026

The Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) thanks the guests, sponsors and partners whose presence and support made the Manila Networking Night on 12 August 2026 a memorable evening. The room at Common Ground filled with warm conversations and the aroma of Filipino flavours, from chocolate, chips, calamansi and ice cream mingling with new introductions and lasting friendships.

The event brought together members, business leaders, partners and friends of the Australia–Philippines business community for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Guests sampled a genuine taste of Philippine enterprise: ChocoPex, introduced by Apex Mining Co., Inc., saw every bag distributed by night's end; Chops to Go's barbecue and salted egg chips proved popular; Colonial Creamery's Sili, Caramelado and Tutong Rice flavours offered a distinctive local twist; and Woomera Wines' Pink Moscato and PANCO's calamansi and Kalma drinks rounded out the bar.

Common Ground, Apex Mining and WorkQC Group provided valuable venue and event support. Beyond hospitality, the evening served as a platform to introduce Philippine brands and culinary enterprise to an Australian audience, a signal of market appetite and commercial potential still to be unlocked.

As Australia and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, and with the Philippines holding the ASEAN Chairmanship, the night reaffirmed APBC's role in strengthening trade and business ties. APBC looks forward to building further opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Interested in becoming an APBC member?
Join a growing community building stronger business and people-to-people connections between Australia and the Philippines. Email [email protected] or visit https://apbc.org.au/join-us/ to learn more.

21/08/2026

Thank You for Joining Us | APBC Manila Networking Night

Maraming salamat to everyone who joined us for the APBC Manila Networking Night on 12 August!

It was a pleasure to bring together APBC members, guests, partners and friends from across Metro Manila, the Philippines and Australia for an evening of meaningful conversations, new connections and engaging discussions.

We were honoured to hear from Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, President of Stratbase ADR Institute, who opened the evening with an ASEAN Special Strategic Address, sharing insights into the regional environment and the forces shaping the Philippines and its neighbours.

Luisa Rust, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Embassy in Manila (Austrade), shared valuable perspectives on Australia–Philippines trade relations and the opportunities emerging between our two countries.

Ma. Teresa “Tere” Pacis, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs at Apex Mining Co. Inc., shared insights into sustainability, ESG and responsible business and community engagement.

We also extend our appreciation to Rizaldy Aseron, Location Manager at Common Ground, for joining us and representing Common Ground during the evening.

We are also grateful to APBC President Rafael Toda, our emcee Claire Marie Yvonne Lee, and our volunteers for their time and support in bringing the evening together.

Thank you for being part of the APBC community. We look forward to bringing everyone together again soon!

Interested in becoming an APBC member?
Join a growing community building stronger business and people-to-people connections between Australia and the Philippines. Email [email protected] or visit https://apbc.org.au/join-us/ to learn more.

20/08/2026

Join APBC for an evening of meaningful networking, insightful discussions, and valuable business connections at our WA Networking Night in partnership with Australian Academies Group (AAG).

Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) and micro-credentials are reshaping workforce development across Western Australia and what they could mean for your business. Hear from industry leaders as they share insights on skills, innovation, and the future of work.

Event Details

APBC WA Networking Night – Closing the Skills Gap: How AI and Micro-Credentials Help WA Businesses Build the Workforce You Need

Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue: The Melbourne Hotel
33 Milligan St, Perth WA

Registration Fees:

$5 for APBC members
$10 for non-members

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/apbc-wa-networking-night-tickets-1993809095677?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of valuable connections, engaging conversations, and fresh perspectives on the future of workforce development

18/08/2026

The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, in cooperation with TIEZA, is pleased to invite everyone to the Palawan Business Diplomacy Forum! Join us on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 from 4pm-6pm in discussing the latest opportunities in the multi-awarded and acclaimed Palawan! Register through the QR code or the following link: https://forms.gle/BFwZ1cZxHHYr2Qmm9

13/08/2026

Join APBC for an evening of meaningful networking, insightful discussions, and valuable business connections at our WA Networking Night in partnership with Australian Academies Group (AAG).

Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) and micro-credentials are reshaping workforce development across Western Australia and what they could mean for your business. Hear from industry leaders as they share insights on skills, innovation, and the future of work.

Event Details

APBC WA Networking Night – Closing the Skills Gap: How AI and Micro-Credentials Help WA Businesses Build the Workforce You Need

Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue: The Melbourne Hotel
33 Milligan St, Perth WA

Registration Fees:

$5 for APBC members
$10 for non-members

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/apbc-wa-networking-night-tickets-1993809095677?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of valuable connections, engaging conversations, and fresh perspectives on the future of workforce development.