COTIFA To Co-Host 2nd Private-Sector Led Philippine Investment Roadshow in Orange County, California

Online, April 7, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Council on Trade and Investment for Filipino-Americans (COTIFA) and Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC) are honored to host the 2nd Philippine Investment Roadshow on APRIL 23, 2013, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, California. COTIFA and FACCOC will roll out the red carpet to welcome to Orange County distinguished speakers led by His Excellency JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. , Republic of the Philippines Ambassador to the United States, HON. MARIA HELLEN BARBER-DE LA VEGA , Consul General, Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles and MR. ARCHIMEDES C. GOMEZ Trade Representative of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Los Angeles.

Top Philippine Business Delegation will deliver the latest briefings on macroeconomic and political developments in Asia, Financial and Investments, Infrastructure, Construction and Real Estate, BPO, KPO and IT, Mining, and Human Resources.

BERNARDO M. VILLEGAS, Ph.D., Economist; Professor, University of Asia and the Pacific

FRANCISCO SEBASTIAN, Chairman, First Metro Investment Corporation

ISIDRO A. CONSUNJI, President, DMCI Holdings, Inc.

RAINERIO "BONG" BORJA, President & Country Head, EGS Philippines

BENJAMIN PHILIP ROMUALDEZ, President, Chamber of Mines, Philippines; CEO, Benguet Corp.

JESUS M. ZULUETA, JR., Chairman, ZMG Ward Howell

DAN LACHICA, PHd. President, Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc.

This investment roadshow is open to Fortune 500 companies, business owners and investors. It comes at an opportune time for the Philippines as Fitch Ratings recently declared the Philippines "Investment Grade," the first-ever such rating achieved by the country from a major western credit rating agency.

In a statement, the credit rating agency upgraded the Philippine sovereign's long-term foreign currency rating to 'BBB-' from 'BB+', and its long-term local currency to 'BBB' from 'BBB-', with a 'stable' outlook on both ratings. Fitch Ratings is the first of the three major western credit rating agencies to upgrade the Philippines to investment grade status. This is a strong vote of confidence for the Philippines and a sign of recognition that the economic, financial and good governance reforms implemented by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's administration are working.

COTIFA's current President and co-founder Para Anderson also released her own statement and said "If you're scoping out new markets and business opportunities in Asia, consider the Philippines first as one of the hottest business expansion, outsourcing and investment destinations in the world. Through this roadshow we will bring to Orange County top Philippine business leaders from various industry sectors. These trusted sources bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, and will address important issues that you need to know before exploring new markets."

As co-host of this illustrious event the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC) is also holding its popular Fourth Annual "Secrets to Success" in the evening after the Philippine Investment Roadshow. This highly popular annual event brings together inspiring Filipino American entrepreneurs who will share their secrets to building a successful business. This year they feature young, successful Filipino American entrepreneurs.

The Program for the entire day

PART I - PHILIPPINE INVESTMENT ROADSHOW
feat. Philippine Business Delegation
Hosted by COTIFA and FACCOC

9:30-10:00 Registration and Coffee/Tea
10:00-11:30 General Session; Q&A
11:30-12:00 Networking and Photo Op
12:00-1:00 VIP Luncheon
1:00-2:00 Roundtable Discussion
2:00-4:00 Break/Refresh

RSVP to the Philippine Investment Roadshow can be made at:

http://april2013cotifa.eventbrite.com

PART II - 4th ANNUAL SECRETS TO SUCCESS
feat. Young Filipino American Entrepreneurs
Hosted by FACCOC

4:00 - 5:30 Registration and Table Showcase
5:30 - 6:30 Reception and Networking
6:30 - 8:00 Secrets to Success Program featuring

Young Filipino-American Entrepreneurs
"How I (We) Made 6...7...8-Figure Business"

MENDRICK LEELIN, CEO/Founder - Yojie Japanese Fondue
MIA MCLEOD, CEO/President - McLeod & Associates Real Estate Brokers
MARY GRACE LAGASCA, Owner/Executive Director - InJoy Life Resources, Inc.
JAY BALDEMOR, President/Founder - GruvGear.com

RSVP to "Secrets To Success" can be made at:
http://april2013faccoc.eventbrite.com

ABOUT COTIFA

COTIFA was formed by ten (10) well-meaning and business oriented Filipino Americans as an offshoot of the September 2011 trade and investment mission organized by the Philippine Consulate General through its Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Los Angeles. The primary goal of the organization is to serve as business advocate - educating, encouraging, advocating and facilitating active participation of Filipino-Americans in creating and building wealth that will benefit both the US and the Philippines.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Los Angeles assisted in the organization of COTIFA.

The Philippine Investment Roadshow is generously sponsored by Ogletree Deakins. Interested attendees and exhibitors can register for this event through [url:http://april2013cotifa.eventbrite.com]

For additional inquiries please contact by email:

[email protected]