The 11th Worldmaster International Travel Mart (2nd Leg) in Quezon City

 

We just had the pleasure of covering the Worldmaster International Travel Mart 2023 which is currently celebrating their 11th year. It's a business to business forum for international and domestic travel professionals wherein they can connect with legitimate travel agencies in the Philippines. The Philippines is currently in a revenge travel state and the inamiable thirst to see more places around the world and in the country has been much higher than anticipated. This has been heavily supported not just by different travel organizations, but by the Department of Tourism and the local government of Quezon City which this was also held. This is the second leg after doing it in Clark Pampanga last May 8th which was highly successful and it will also happen tomorrow May 12th at the Dusit Thani Residence in Davao City.

As you can see much of the international sellers include those companies that offer trips to the Holy Land (Jordan, Israel, Egypt), plus destinations like Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and a surprise was the scenic route to Russia among others. Aside from the international destinations, the Philippines had offers to Bohol, El Nido + Coron in Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Southern Tagalog, the Visayas Region and Mindanao. This is a place where legitimate agencies would be able to work out arrangements from companies so the travel agencies would be able to offer them to travelers like us!

 We were also able to talk to Mr. Noi Alunan of Great Getaways (a travel agency who participated in this year's WITM B2B meetings) where he lauded WITM and how it has benefited the company he represents and the entire travel industry in the Philippines.

The Worldmaster International Travel Mart has been founded by Dr. Leilani Agana and has benefited businesses around the world and the local tourism industry. Dr. Agana was there personally meeting the companies, business owners and travel agency representatives and held a talk about the tourism industry. Representatives from the Department of Tourism and several travel groups also asked questions in a short Q and A to give us a glimpse of the future of travel in the Philippines and how Filipinos could take advantage of the various tours they offer. Part of the questions I asked about the Holy Land tours were graciously answered by Sir Noi, which means there will be more taking interest in doing their own revenge travels very soon. They also emphasize the importance of only doing reservations and arrangements with reputable businesses so they don't get scammed online.

WITM will continue with their Davao leg tomorrow and perhaps, a 12th Worldmaster International Travel Mart next year won't be too far. If you are interested, please check out their Facebook page as updates have been regularly posted there.

Can't wait to see more of the world after this! Congratulations to the men and women behind this event and to Dr. Agana who has been working so hard to make this all possible!

 

Put Livestream Talent to Use with SUPERNOVA MANILA

Just had a chat with good looking actor, commercial model, and very spirited dancer Ryle Santiago this week as he embarks on a new venture with his team under an agency called Midnight Suns. We discussed more of their live stream arm which they properly call "Supernova Manila" which has kept him and his associates busy these past few months.

Ryle says "Supernova is our live-streaming branch which is under our mother company, Midnight Suns. We hire anyone who has a phone and is of legal age and they can earn up to 1.5M monthly via digital gifts which can be withdrawn into cash. We also market our talents as influencers (we have micro all the way to mega influencers) to brands for posting. I have plans on turning it into a full talent agency in the future, but we’re taking things step by step. We formed Midnight Suns with 6 other people. But right now, Supernova is being handled by me, my brother who is our COO and Janzen, one of my supporters that I trust. She's our Graphic Designer and Online Event Coordinator. Aside from her, we have Pam Castro, our Data Analyst and Edwina Salvador our Client Success Representative."

Recently, Ryle Santiago joined VIVA Artists Agency and told us the circumstances of his showbiz work. Since leaving his previous network, he sent intentions joining another network's artist agency but felt he didn't fit the part. Ryle quips "VIVA made me feel the urgency in signing with them because everything was quite swift. Just like what Michelle Yeoh said, "Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime.""

Currently, Supernova Manila has over 700 people onboard. Ryle says "Most of them are actually marketable influencers which makes it easier to give them over to our partner brands. All of them are live-streamers because the live-streaming we do doesn’t really need experience or training. Anyone can pick up their phone and start earning with us. We have people from all walks of life, all industries and all ages. We have Nurse Jentz who is a full time nurse in Dubai who makes a 100k extra with us on her free time. We have Maria who is an 18 year old student that watches her parents’ sari-sari store in during the day, studies, but makes 200k a month by live-streaming. It may sound intimidating, but all everyone does is respond to the comments they get on the live or talk to each other in a zoom meeting-like live where you and up to 11 of your friends can earn simultaneously while talking to each other."

They're quite happy to note that Supernova Manila has already changed lives and Ryle says "We plan to expand to different countries so that we may contract hosts from all over the world because currently we host those that are in the Philippines. We want to give OFWs a chance to earn extra as well. I also want to turn it into a talent agency in the future and maybe with the help of my future projects from Viva, that can be a reality. I believe that other than the monetary, we find success in seeing our talents live completely new lives. It feels good seeing their success stories, seeing where their money goes, like some of our hosts got married with what they earn, give birth, put up houses for their parents and lots more. But it gets really heartwarming when we all get together and you see that they’ve all become such great friends."

There are different posts currently available on Supernova Manila. You can be a Host, a Manager, Affiliate or an Influencer. They don't even require a résumé, experience or  fees to get involved. He says "Anyone can join us provided they’re of legal age, have a phone and a valid ID." They see a huge potential in livestreaming and help their talents score brand deals. He adds "The brand partnerships are a bonus for the hosts. Of course, it’s the client’s discretion on who they pick for their campaigns. We at Supernova Manila also aid in the creation of the content to ensure that the quality of posts are always top-notch."

For those interested, you may get in touch with them via ryle.midnightsunagency@gmail.com or their official IG accounts @midnightsunagency or @supernova.mnl on Instagram. Ryle says "If you’re ready to break free from the office and the 9-5 grind, join Supernova Manila by The Midnight Suns and earn big your way! You can get the freedom to work, whenever, wherever, the sky’s the limit! Come start living your life on your terms today!"

Tyronne Escalante Artists Management

I have heard of him several times in the corridors of networks. Tyronne James Escalante has just put up his own agency called TEAM (Tyronne Escalante Artists Management). He’s been doing freelance work for a couple of years now and this is his next step. He’s got a throng of talented artists including current Darna Jane De Leon, GMA artist Kelvin Miranda, Starstruck’s Lexi Gonzales and a whole lot more.

He has put importance on professional growth, intellectual and personal maturity as his secret to success. He attributes this also to the individual talents he handles, because you can’t build a career without their cooperation. He also has in his coffers up and coming names like Vance Larena, Angel Guardian, Ana De Leon, Keann Johnson, Ayesha Cervantes, Mara Alberto, Megan Dee, Anne Tenorio, Annika Camaya, John Matthew Uy, Kristel Atinen, Coleene Isip Ferrer and Director Monti Parungao.

Tyronne says “I don’t want to play, attitude is important, we are a competitive bunch and we want to penetrate the industry with the roster of talents we have. They have different qualities, strengths, I believe in them and I feel they can grow with me. Jane started by doing extras, there are no secrets but prayers and luck. I don’t have idols, I have my own identity, I want to be the next cornerstone or ALV, be able to do a lot of things for my artists. This stroke of luck isn’t a joke, and they are where they are because of their hard work. One unusual thing is my Director. I believe they have potential. Aki and I have already split (he kids) but we are friends, and I owe a lot of things from a lot of people. Even though Aki isn’t with me, I believe he is very talented and has a long way to go. They are different talents, different artists, they have different durations, Jane is here for me and she chose to stay with me. Until now I have an old car, it’s because I push for them more than myself. In the beginning I was just doing office work, but I felt I had to take charge of my career. It took time to form TEAM but with all the things happening in my year, I felt it was the right time. I want them to feel they are in good company. I discovered Jane via Anika. We met in an audition in Eat Bulaga but we tried her out in a teen oriented show. I also showed her with Mr. M, that time they got her too.”

Jane De Leon says “We are now starting training, doing stunts, I expected it to be hard and hopefully next year we will start shooting. My costume, I still have no clue, we both might see it soon. I ask Liza about a lot of things, she’s a very nice person. She deserves all the blessings she has today. I am so happy Ms Marian also shared her work, I am looking forward to connect with her too. There will be a costume, it will be up to the Ravelos, I haven’t seen the final one yet. It will be a millenial, modern Darna. Direk might add or take out things. When I started, I told him we would get projects, we dreamed about this and all the opportunities. He is like my Dad, brother, and told him he will have this agency. When I need him, he’s always there and it is all about heart rather than money for him, so we are giving our hand to our manager. Everything has changed in my life, Darna is a huge opportunity and emotionally it is so hard. The dedication you need to put here, all the time for my self, my family, but we are doing this and I almost wanted to take a break, but this is my project, there are new artists out there who could get this so I will not stop until we have done this all. I have watched the previous Darnas, in my position it will be my own image for this project. Thank God, I hope the Darna movie would be successful. ”

Kelvin says “I hope we all have good races, good careers and I hope we all be successful in our work.”

Angel adds “Whatever God provides would be good. I hope to go back to school, do more shows and music.”

Kristel says “I was able make it to top 64 in the clash, he called and assured me there will be a lot more opps especially in the music industry.”

Keann says “I started modeling ramp, I felt I liked it so I did print and commercials. I met Tyrone through Jane, did all lots of stuff and now with Santigwar. We are all shooting a movie, we also have a new one which will happen soon. We all hope to reach all the ranks of Jane, we have very big goals including our goal to finish our studies.”

Vance says “I am co managed by Sir Tyronne and Sir Rex, we are friends with Kelvin. We have fun and he’s a very light guy, he appreciates us and takes care of us even if he has no money in his pocket. He has a lot of plans for me next year, I am going to be a singer and it will be fun to do it with a very famous celebrity under the Star Pop label. You can also watch me in a few shows and a movie with Direk Brillante Mendoza.”

John Matthew says “When Jane got the role for Darna, he told us there shouldn’t be crab mentality and when she goes up, we all do.”

Ayesha says “He believes in me, he guides me in a good path and he assures my family as well why I chose to be with their agency. I came from GMAAC, and I wish there would be more projects for me now that I am with them.”

Meghan adds “I prioritized my studies and came back just now, I hope to be able to do work with them and Viva.”

Tyronne adds “Thank you to everyone who came today, you know I love you. I love my work and the people around me, I hope you continue to support us now with my TEAM.”

With a roster of talents that are genuinely good, good looking and a very caring manager, they have no way to go but up. You will see them in different shows, different movies, they want to make a mark and there’s tons of space for that. There’s a hungry team also behind them and hopefully, they’ll get there.

Congratulations Tyronne!