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2023 marks the comeback of Franchise Asia Philippines (FAPHL). Following the successful face-to-face event of Asia’s largest franchise presentation in 2022, the Philippines Franchise Association (PFA) is happy to declare that there will be an even grander show this year as it remains as one of PFA’s tools to nourish, fortify, and campaign for the Philippine franchising industry.

The Philippines will again be the center stage of global franchising this year as Manila hosts the World Franchise Council (WFC) and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC) meetings that are expected to attract industry leaders from over 40 economies. “We want to create entrepreneurs so we can create millions of jobs,” said Chris Lim, the PFA President.

Franchise Asia Philippines is Philippines’ central efficiency-building activity and will be showcased by 4 major sections:

1. The International Conference which takes place on June 7 to 8, 2023 where 20+ leading experts will bring about unmatched learning and networking possibilities.

2. The one-stop shop International Franchise Expo on October 27 to 29, 2023 that will take up the whole SMX Convention Center and will feature local and global brands in every investment level.

3. Seminars as well as other learning modules for prospective franchisors, franchisees, and entrepreneurs.

4. A two-day Certified Franchise Executive CFE) Program on June 5 to aid in professionalizing the Philippine franchising community, in order to help strengthen efforts in elevating the international competitiveness of Philippine franchising.

International Conference

The International Conference will take place on June 7-8, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City with the tagline ‘Franchising Fast Forward’. This is guaranteed to be a fruitful and educational series of lectures as well as a chance for franchisors and franchisees alike to cultivate new contacts for expansion.

The event breaks down barriers in terms of franchising for its participants via:

1. 7 Highly Dynamic and Curated Plenary Sessions featuring speakers from Grab Philippines, Army Navy Brands, Shakey’s, Etaily, Qairos, 7-Eleven, Jollibee, McDonald’s, and Max’s Group, Inc.

2. 12 Engaging Concurrent Area-Focused Track Sessions from some of the top industry leaders from SM Supermalls, Bo’s Coffee, PLDT, Wendy’s, Fiorgelato and Shakey’s

3. 30+ Peer-to-Peer Business Roundtable Discussions

4. 70+ World-Class Speakers, Industry Experts and Esteemed Facilitators

5. A Special Session on the NxtGen in Franchising: Competition and Awarding Ceremonies

International Franchise Expo

Another innovative segment of the said event will be the Internaitonal Franchise Expo happening on October 27-29, 2023 again at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

FAPHL 2023 Expo will be PFA’s grandest and most ambitious venture so far as it will fill up the whole SMX Convention Center Manila, showcasing about 1,000 brands – both domestic and international. “There will be more less 5,000 businesses that would come out of it,” said Steve Benitez, the expo’s Chair.

Franchise Asia Philippines Expo has always been touted as a catalyst for the domestic and international diversification of franchise brands. It also retains its charm in enticing foreign investors and has been a potent tool in showcasing the Philippines as an investment destination. According to PFA’s officials, it is an important tool in bringing many Filipinos to upper middle class status in 2 to 3 years.

Moreover, in line with PFA’s advocacy to promote MSME development, this year’s Expo also features special zones for emerging franchises and highly franchiseable concepts as well as DTI supported micro and small enterprises. It is also the place to be for entrepreneurs looking for business solutions and service providers.

Lim foresees a lot more brands opening outside Metro Manila as well as an increase in the number of franchisees after this event. “This started as the retail show of PRA [Philippine Retailers Association] in 1993, not it’s the biggest franchise event in Asia,” proudly declared Richard Sanz, the expo’s’s Co-chair.

FAPHL 2023 Expo will also be remarkable since the PFA will host the twin meetings of the World Franchise Counsel (WFC) and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC). The WFC and APFC meetings in Manila in October 2023 will gather the leaders of the world’s franchise associations and is an opportunity for us to learn more about potential overseas markets for Philippine franchises.

Franchise Asia Philippines is co-presented by BPI, PLDT and InLife Health Care and powered by SM Supermalls and Vista Mall. 

The affair’s platinum sponsors are Jollibee, 7-Eleven, Seaoil, Caltex, The Generics Pharmacy and Megaworld. Gold sponsors are Francorp, Potato Corner, LT&G Credit Line Corporation, K2 Pharmacy, Qualiplus, Robinsons Malls and Araneta Center. Silver sponsorsare Bibingkinitan, Bo’s Coffee, Famous Belgian Waffles, Julie’s Bakeshop, Kurimi, Livingwater, Master Siomai, Max’s Group, Oryspa, Paluto Nga Po!, Purenectar and Shawarma Shack. Bronze sponsorsare Fruitas, KFC, Mister Donut, Tokyo Tokyo, Macau Imperial, Farron Café, Grains Mart, Beanleaf Coffee and Tea, Meralco, Shakey’s, Blooming Ventures and Coolaire Consolidated, Inc. 

The event partners are Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, U-Franchise Sales and Management and Media Blitz.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Franchise Asia Philippines Facebook