BRIEFS: PLDT, Smart host largest telecoms meet in APAC

Celebrated futurist and tech writer Nicklas Bergman leads the lineup of influential speakers and industry experts in this year’s Asian Carriers Conference (ACC) that will be held at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa in Cebu from 3 to 6 September.

Hosted by leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, the ACC marks its 15th year as the largest conference of telecoms operators in the region with over 200 partners and more than 1,000 annual attendees.

This year’s gathering is tackling the theme “Stronger Partnerships for Shared Success” to highlight the need for increased collaboration among various industry players as the world enters what has been called as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

An entrepreneur, technology investor, celebrated writer and speaker, Bergman speaks extensively about tech disruption, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, investing in new technology, and leadership in the digital era.

He has written books on how to deal with new technologies from a business perspective. These include “Surviving the Tech Storm – Strategy in Times of Technological Uncertainty” which was published in 2016, and “Navigating the Tech Storm, the business impact of technology beyond the hype” which came out last year.

Bergman also serves as strategic advisor to European Commissioner Carlos Moedas and the European Innovation Council.

Other speakers in the ACC include Google’s APAC Partnership Head Ishan Chatterjee who will tackle the need for greater collaboration and synergy in the industry amid constant technological disruptions.

“As a milestone year, we want to highlight the significance of collaboration among peers that enables key transformation benefitting different stakeholders in the industry,” said PLDT Global president Kat Luna-Abelarde.

Chefs shine at 2019 Philippine Culinary Cup

In a display of homegrown talent and global competitiveness, Diamond Hotel Philippines’ culinary team once again excelled in the prestigious Philippine Culinary Cup 2019 at the World Food Expo from 7 to 10 August. With several Silver and Bronze medals under their belt, the hotel chefs are acknowledged for their superlative display of culinary mastery in this highly regarded competition.

For their outstanding preparation of US lamb, Chefs Apple Baldorado and Anthony Seco earned bronze medals. Chef Anthony Seco was also awarded the bronze medal for the US beef category. For the US pork Chinese-style cooking category, Chefs Francisco Bautista and Anthony Seco nabbed the bronze medals for their individual efforts.

In the creative breakfast challenge, Chef Rhea Ferraris’ impressive performance landed her the bronze medal. In the green protein challenge, Chefs Ramon Quilon and Francisco Bautista received bronze medals. For her excellent display of skill in the pasta category, Chef Apple Baldorado was presented with the bronze medal. In the French touch challenge (Savory), Chef Ramon Quilon brought home the Silver medal.

Teamwork is an essential ingredient to their victory as well. In the Young Chef’s Team Challenge, Chefs Apple Baldorado and Jon Austin Navarro bagged the bronze medal for their exemplary teamwork. Brandishing expertise of local flavors in the Filipino cuisine challenge, Chefs Francisco Bautista, and Anthony Seco. Finally, obtaining the bronze for the dream team Challenge were Chefs Mon Luyao, Deo De Guzman, and Paul Estoy alongside Executive Sous Chef Melchor Taylo.