Everyone - especially the Straits Times' Geoff Tan - was in fine form for the opening of Publish Asia in Manila tonight.

The poolside welcome reception at historic conference venue the Manila Hotel was an opportunity to meet up ahead of the two-day event, or relax from the day's masterclass sessions.

More than 300 delegates from a couple of dozen countries are expected at WAN-Ifra's premier event for the region. The programme starts with an official opening by Philippines' president Benigno Aquino III tomorrow morning, and continues with an 'Around Asia in 60 minutes' view of media trends from Pichai Chuensuksawadi (group editor in chief of Bangkok-based Post Publishing), Jawa Pos Group chairman Azrul Ananda, Datuk Mohd Noordin Abbas (group managing director of Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad), Guangzhou Daily external affairs director David Lu and Barbie Antienza (president of Philippines publisher UPMG).

The day includes a print perspective from Geoff Booth, national production and logistics director of News Corp Australia - currently involved in a multimillion mailroom upgrade, Sanat Hazra, technical director of The Times of India, and WAN-Ifra deputy chief executive Manfred Werfel, as well as sessions on digital advertising and newsroom transformation.

Highlight of Wednesday's programme will be the presentation of the Asian Media Awards at a gala dinner at Fort Santiago, built by the Spanish in the 16th century.

The programme continues on Thursday.

Today's masterclasses covered newsroom transformation (Hakan Helander, business developer and project manager at TT News Agency) and social media for news gathering and publishing (Asha Phillips, founder of Verily and Asia Pacific accounts director of CrowdTangle)

But for the moment, the night belonged to those relaxing at the poolside venue overlooking Manila Bay... or contributing to the entertainment. Singapore Press Holdings senior vice president and head of strategic marketing Geoff Tan was among those sharing hitherto unknown talent and a song with vocalist Marlyn (pictured).

• More reports to follow.