ILOILO City — For four days, the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) is more than an exhibition venue — it is a destination where architecture, food, travel, and entrepreneurship converge, reflecting the vibrant lifestyle and growing economic confidence of Western Visayas.
With more than 400 exhibitors, Worldbex Services International (WSI) officially opened Iloilo Trio 2026, bringing together the Philippine Building and Construction Expo (PHILBEX Iloilo), Travel and Leisure Expo (TLEX Iloilo), and Manila Food and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX Iloilo) under one roof. Now on its fourth year in Iloilo City, the event has evolved into one of the region’s biggest lifestyle and business gatherings, attracting entrepreneurs, designers, chefs, tourism stakeholders, professionals, and curious visitors eager to discover what’s next.
The opening ceremony gathered leaders from government, business, and industry organizations, all sharing a common vision: positioning Iloilo as a gateway for innovation, creativity, and investment.
For Jill Aithnie Ang, managing director of Worldbex Services International, the event goes beyond showcasing products.
“We celebrate innovation, collaboration, and powerful connections that continue to drive businesses, industries, and regional development,” Ang said.
She said the four-day exposition is designed to create opportunities not only for exhibitors but also for entrepreneurs, startups, and industry professionals looking to expand their networks.
“To our exhibitors, partners, sponsors, government agencies, and industry associations, thank you for making this possible,” Ang stated. “As you explore the next four days, may you discover new ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and find exciting opportunities for growth.”
Since introducing the Iloilo Trio Events in 2023, WSI has steadily expanded its footprint in Western Visayas alongside Iloilo City’s emergence as one of the country’s leading business destinations outside Metro Manila.
A journey through Western Visayas
While PHILBEX showcases the latest in architecture, engineering, and construction, TLEX invites visitors to rediscover destinations across the Philippines, and MAFBEX celebrates the region’s rich culinary identity.
For Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, regional director of the Department of Tourism Region VI, the three exhibitions perfectly capture what Western Visayas has to offer.
“Western Visayas continues to offer world-class destinations, thriving local enterprises, rich cultural experiences, and warm Filipino hospitality that make the region one of the country’s most compelling places to visit, invest in, and do business,” Rodriguez said.
She described TLEX as more than a travel fair.
“It is a strategic platform that connects destinations with travelers, empowers tourism enterprises to reach new markets, creates opportunities for business partnerships, and encourages Filipinos to explore more of their own country,” she said.
Rodriguez also highlighted the role of gastronomy in defining the region’s identity, encouraging visitors to experience Western Visayas through its food.
“As you explore MAFBEX, I invite you to indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of our region — from heirloom recipes and fresh seafood to indigenous delicacies and innovative local cuisine. These are more than culinary experiences; they are stories of our communities, our heritage, and our people,” Rodriguez said.
She added that every destination promoted, travel package booked, and local product showcased strengthens local communities and contributes to a more resilient tourism industry.
More than an exhibition
Beyond the trade booths and product launches, Iloilo Trio 2026 has become a meeting place where business meets lifestyle. Designers exchange ideas with architects, food entrepreneurs introduce regional flavors, tourism operators create new travel experiences, and visitors gain fresh perspectives through seminars, demonstrations, competitions, and networking events.
Running until July 12, the exposition reflects how modern exhibitions have evolved — from simply displaying products into creating immersive experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, entrepreneurship, and the unique character of Western Visayas.
For thousands expected to walk through the halls of ICON this week, Iloilo Trio 2026 offers more than things to see—it offers ideas to take home, connections to build, and a renewed appreciation for the region’s growing place on the national stage./PN
