Winners & heroes in the travel industry

The Event

The Annual Kalakbay Awards – the highest presidential citation in the travel industry of the Philippines – which honors well-deserving individuals and corporate entities – both local and foreign – who have truly exceeded not only in the aim of excellent management performance and services, but who have likewise contributed to efforts in restoring the economy through tourism.

The Background

Kalakbay, which stands for Kasama sa Lakbay, Kaunlaran ng Bayan (Partner in Travel for the Progress of the Nation) was envisioned by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation and initiated in 1986. The award is open to all who contribute to the continuing growth of the travel and tourism industry.

The Venue

Heroes Hall of the historic Malacañang Palace.

The Guest Of Honor

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who in her message declared that "today the tourism industry does not celebrate alone. Our entire nation celebrates for an industry whose benefits are felt across a wide range of businesses throughout the country. It is therefore fitting that we honor the awardees who bring pride to our country by consistently providing the highest level of excellence in the product and services that they offer."

The Special Guests

Some members of the Cabinet, supportive representatives from the diplomatic corps and a delegation from the Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives headed by its chairperson, Congresswoman Krisel Lagman Luistro.

The Hosts

Secretary of Tourism Richard J. Gordon, Undersecretaries Evelyn B. Pantig, Rolando G. Reyes and Oscar P. Palabyab, Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresa I. Martinez and PCVC Officer-In-Charge Rosvi Gaetos.

The Attendees

The prime movers and doers – all active contributors – to the development and promotion of Philippine tourism: airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, retail travel agents, Congress and incentive organizers, ground transportation handlers, tourism councils, travel media plus concerned individuals such as tour guides, tourist and taxi drivers and other industry frontliners.

The Kalakbay Trophy

Designed by multi-talented artist, sculptress and painter and multi awardee of citations here and abroad, Philippine STAR columnist Imelda "Impy" Pilapil, it resembles a torch with tongues of flames. It symbolizes the "concerted efforts of government and private sector in keeping the spirit of tourism in its bid to make the Philippines one of the world’s major tourist destinations." It further represents the important components of the industry who have given their share and cooperation in the development, promotion, marketing and sales of tourism.

Individual Awards

Tour Guide of the Year– Teresa Tan Mapute of Bohol Travel and Tours in Tagbilaran City for her all-out efforts in sharing the little extras that make travel more memorable for visitors.

Frontliners of the Year – Fred Castro, a waiter of Hotel Inter-Continental Manila, who was particularly cited for his honesty and integrity by returning an earlier misplaced pouch containing half a million pesos to its rightful owner; Morris Bishop Lopez, a janitor then and now a waiter at Phoenix Hotel in Angeles City for surrendering back a substantial amount of money left by a tourist in the hotel lobby; and Jonah Palomata of Pink Patio Resort in the island of Boracay for his dedication to attending to every request no matter how trivial – all part of the 24/7 demanding role of a guest relations officer.

Creative Awards

Travel Writer of the Year (local) – Lester Ledesma for his piece entitled "In the Company of the Sea" on the daily ritual of the fishermen of Agoo, La Union, as published in Mabuhay, Philippine Airlines’ inflight magazine.

Travel Writer of the Year (foreign)– Rick Ruffin for his article, "Pinatubo: A Trek Up the Philippines’ Sleeping Giant," featured in the Asiana Airlines publication wherein he highlighted a new and deserving travel destination full of adventure.

Travel Publication of the Year (foreign) – The National Parks and Other Wild Places of the Philippines written by Nigel Hicks of the United Kingdom for "creating awareness and appreciation of the country’s precious natural heritage and exposing the urgent need for its preservation."

Tour Package of the Year – East Visayan Passage of Marsman Travel and Tours, an innovative itinerary showcasing a unique combination of the most popular, traditional and exciting new destinations.

Institutional Awards

Hotel of the Year (de luxe) – Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort for continuously being one of the country’s most beautiful resort-hotels with the highest operating standards.

Hotel of the Year (standard) – Cebu City Marriot Hotel for exceptionally providing the requirements of an important market niche and its unselfish participation in various community activities.

Resort of the Year (AAA category) – Lagen Island Resort for providing a nature haven while it successfully manages a commercial enterprise.

Resort of the Year (AA category) – Club Paradise for maintaining an honest-to-goodness nature retreat without sacrificing the luxurious amenities.

Resort of the Year (A category)– Miniloc Island Resort for protecting Palawan’s pristine natural resources while delivering services that pamper travelers. Having won the award for the third time within the same category, the idyllic resort has been elevated to the Kalakbay Hall of Fame.

Foreign Agent of the Year – Saehoon Air Travel of Korea for its unbeatable efforts to revive the Korean tourist market, a gigantic task during the most difficult years.

Airline of the Year – Singapore Airlines for its steadfast commitment in the promotions of travel to our islands through several sales and marketing projects and programs – a valuable ally.

Tourism Council of the Year– Palawan Tourism Council in "recognition of its efforts to build on the strength of the province and lead the way in aggressive tourism management."

Special Awards

Environmental Tourism (ecotourism product) – Mount Pinatubo Ecotourism Kabuhayan sa Turismo Project : Strategy on Ecotourism. Implemented by the Santa Juliana Tourism Council in Capas, Tarlac, they developed with unqualified success a viable project from the ashes of a natural disaster.

Environmental Tourism (best business practice) – Environmental Management Measures Undertaken by Sogod Development Corporation for Alegre Beach Resort for harmonizing the goals of business with the aims of environmentalists.

Secretary’s Award

Barcelo Corporation Empresarial of Spain –for its strong faith in the country as demonstrated in the most concrete way possible which includes the management of three hotels and resorts and the establishment of its Regional Asia Pacific Office in Manila.

Waterfront Philippines Inc. – for its intensive and extensive marketing campaign and never seem to stop investment activity thus showing its strong confidence in the Philippine tourism industry.

Destinations of the Year – the Island of Boracay and City of Laoag.