This Iconic Institution Celebrates Its 47th Year by Going Beyond Convention

Posted on OneMega.com on October 19, 2023

By Allianza Pesquera

After more than four decades of housing local and international stories, the Philippine International Convention Center goes beyond convention by unraveling its own narrative

For nearly five decades, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) stood witness to history through the various celebrations, milestones, and gatherings held within its walls. Countless stories—from local to global—have been told here, but as the PICC marks its 47th year anniversary, the center’s own untold narrative is revealed to the public. Here’s what three distinguished individuals with close ties to the institution have to say about its past, present, and future.

An architectural lens

Starting off with the current Administrator and Design Consultant of Leandro V Locsin Partners, Leandro “Andy” Locsin Jr., we learn more intimately about the architectural landmark’s creation.

“When you walk into the building, and you approach those steps, you’re compressed by that overhang, by the cantilever. You feel that you’re being squeezed, and the moment you walk through the door, suddenly, the space just explodes into the lobby. This modulation of compression and explosion is an architectural approach that brings incredible drama to a space,” Locsin enthused.

Notably, he has a unique perspective on the prestigious structure since he is the son of the man who designed it—National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin. He witnessed and was awestruck by the PICC’s creation during visits in his youth, but then had a renewed awe for it once he developed a professional understanding of the principles of space and design.

Through it all, he made sure to acknowledge the team of people maintaining the architectural and design integrity of the hallowed space, saying, “Hats off to them because they’ve kept the building in such good condition.”

Designed for impact

Likewise, Paolo Valenciano has a long, storied relationship with the PICC complex, which began with him as an event participant. Now, he is a live event producer and creative director who utilizes the space to create impactful experiences for every guest.

He stated, ”When somebody pitches [that this event] is gonna be at the PICC, there is a level of prestige to it. You know that it’s gonna be comfortable for us—the production—because one thing that I really appreciate about this place is that it is very comfortable for production people. There’s a lot of space, it’s pretty to look at, and you’ve got the art everywhere.”

The level of prestige that this complex holds is owed to its place in Philippine art, culture, and history. Emphasizing this sentiment is Jeremy Barns, the National Museum Director, who considers the PICC and the art within as a National Cultural Treasure. According to him, “Philippine art is certainly something that Filipinos can be proud of. One really noteworthy example of that is the Philippine International Convention Center.”

Continuing on, Barns said, “It aimed to establish something truly international. And what is remarkable when it was inaugurated is still there—still impactful, powerful, and accessible.”

Through it all, the PICC continues to be a world-class destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), standing tall as a testament to the best of Filipino creativity. As a MICE destination with its own story to tell about heritage, art, and history, it ultimately embodies a venue that goes beyond convention.

Listen to Locsin, Valenciano, and Barns rhapsodize over the PICC in the video below: