1. JANUARY 22 – 26, 2007 23 rd Meeting in Manila The Philippines hosts…

2. Tokyo (5 hrs away) Manila Seoul (5 hrs away) Beijing (4.5 hrs away) Taipei (2 hrs away) KL (3.5 hrs away) (3.5 hrs away) Bangkok (2 hrs away) Sydney (13 hrs away) Melbourne (10 hrs away) Hong Kong (2 hrs away)

3. Visitors Information on the Philippines Time Zone One time zone. GMT + 8 Getting There The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premiere gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world. Philippine Airlines, the countrys flag carrier, links Manila to 14 cities in 8 countries, www.philippineairlines.com

4. Visitors Information on the Philippines Currency Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500, P1000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10 Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks, and authorized money changing shops. Most large stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express, Visa, and Mastercard. Travellers cheques preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal cheques drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted.

5. Visitors Information on the Philippines Climate The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons. March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78 F / 25 C to 90 F / 32 C. Humidity: 77% What to Wear Light, casual clothes are recommended. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine Barong Tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino. English is the business language and spoken widely.

6. Visitors Information on the Philippines Dining Out Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American Culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine. Entertainment and Culture Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premiere venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, features world-class performances by local and international guest artists. Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country offer a glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the countrys leading and promising visual artists. Manilas nightlife is one of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the Filipinos love for music.

7. Visitors Information on the Philippines Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places. In Metro Manila, the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. Tours and Special Interest Activities Tour packages, from day trips to five-day programs, are special ways of discovering the Philippines and its wealth of culture. Special interest activities include golfing, game-fishing, diving, white-water rafting and other aquasports, trekking, spelunking, and safari trips. These activities are accessible to the event venue, a mere 2-3 hours away from the city

8. Visitors Information on the Philippines The People The Philippines is known not only for the beauty of its natural environment, but also for the warmth and charm of its people. Filipinos are generally known for their hospitality. The Philippines rich and vibrant culture and tradition reflect a mixture of Malay, Hispanic, and Western influences. Other Information For more info on the Philippines, please visit www.tourism.gov.ph

9. Benefits of the Conference/Meeting to the Philippines Networking possibilities in various fields Venue for local researchers/academics to present their research and identify future collaborators from leading research and education institutions in the Asia Pacific Region Opportunity for local participants to upgrade knowledge on advanced networking technologies Media mileage for the country

10. Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

11. EDSA Shangri-la Manila is the only deluxe convention hotel in the area with two ballrooms and over 3,000 sq. m. of meeting space 13 ideally located function rooms which can be custom-configured and conveniently sub-divided into 20 smaller break-out rooms Venue Information 658 Guestrooms and Suites that combine cosmopolitan flair with traditional style Rooms from $100+ (Currently negotiating to $80-90) Superior Room Premiere Room Executive Suite

12. All nine (9) function rooms are situated in one level Can be subdivided into 14 smaller break out rooms Conference Facilities: Tower Wing Function Rooms

13. Conference Facilities: Garden Wing Function Rooms Four function rooms are situated in lobby level Can be subdivided into six (6) smaller break out rooms

14. Conference Facilities: Tower Wing Ballrooms 1,056 sq m 1400 pax capacity 6.5 m high ceiling Can be sub-divided into three (3) smaller rooms With its own street level entrance

15. Conference Facilities: Garden Wing Ballrooms 415 sq m Capacity of 400 pax Can be divided into four (4) smaller rooms With pre-foyer area Located at mezzanine of Garden Wing, overlooking the gardens

16. Other Nearby Hotels Richmonde Hotel Linden Suites Astoria Plaza Hotel 21 San Miguel Ave., cor. Lourdes St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI No. of Rooms: 230 Room Rate: $72 up 37 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI 15 Amber Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI No. of Rooms: 292 Room Rate: $64 up No. of Rooms: 128 Room Rate: $63 up

17. Other Nearby Hotels Discovery Suites Hotel Holiday Inn Galleria Manila 25 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI One ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, PHI No. of Rooms: 225 Room Rate: $90 up No. of Rooms: 297 Room Rate: $78 up

18. Local Organizers Advanced Science and Technology Institute Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development University of the Philippines Innove Communications, Inc.

19. See you soon in Manila!!! 23 rd Meeting in Manila January 22-26, 2007