The Philippine International Convention Center celebrated their 40th year

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.

Just an FYI guys, the formal opening of the historic site was 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 shining gem for arts, culture, history and entertainment.

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.

Over dinner, guests were treated to an entertainment spectacle hosted by the talented Denise Laurel, with performance from Ballet Manila and top balladeer Christian Bautista.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and Chairman of the PICC Board of Directors Amando M. Tantengco Jr. spoke about the PICC's legacy as well as the Center's plan 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 at least twenty years were honored with Service Recognition awards for their hard work, dedication, selfless, and enduring loyalty.


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 shadowing 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"


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.

Here are some of the highlights of the 40th anniversary of PICC, enjoy!