Philippine STAR reporter recognized in Tourism Awards

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism recognized The STAR’s Catherine Talavera as a finalist in the Tourism Journalist category of the DOT’s inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards.

The Philippine Tourism Awards is a recognition program launched by the DOT to honor the outstanding efforts of industry players and local government units who have shown excellence in promoting and developing the country’s tourism sector.

Talavera, currently a contributor to The STAR’s Property Report PH, was recognized for her stories which highlighted the country’s tourism sector.

She covered the tourism beat from 2017 to 2021 for The STAR where she was a business reporter until 2024.

Talavera, along with three other finalists in the Tourism Journalist category, were recognized during the awarding ceremony at the Okada Manila on Sept. 8. The award was won by Mindanao-based photojournalist Erwin Mascariñas.

The Tourism Journalist category was under the Tourism Industry Awards of the Philippine Tourism Awards.

Winners under this segment were selected from 102 finalists narrowed down from 353 applicants, according to the DOT. This included categories such as hotels, resorts, tourist transport operators, tour operators, MICE venues, community tour guides, tourism journalists and more.

Aside from the industry awards, Tourism Pillar Awardees were also recognized during the awarding ceremony.

The DOT honored 17 enterprises that laid the foundations of Philippine tourism, pioneers and institutions operating over the years.

Thirty pioneers whose legacies in tourism have been a source of inspiration, were also recognized.

Moreover, Special Pillar Excellence Awards were given to Philippine Airlines, The Manila Hotel, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association and the University of the Philippines – Asian Institute of Tourism.

The National Panel of Judges, convened by the Philippine Tourism Awards National Executive Committee chaired by the DOT, undertook rigorous deliberations, with Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines supervising the judging process.