Wazzup Pilipinas!
The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently honored the first batch of individuals who have exemplified excellence and dedication in driving the Philippine tourism industry forward, under the Tourism Star Philippines (TSP) program.
TSP is a recognition program developed to celebrate the valuable contribution of Filipinos from the tourism industry, media, and local government units. Through TSP, DOT seeks to underscore the distinct Filipino brand of warm hospitality that marks our culture of tourism.
“TSP is established as a platform for the DOT to hold up people who will serve as powerful inspiration for anyone who wants to do well in the tourism industry,” DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said. “That we are able to honor our awardees tonight is incidental to the even more important objective of presenting them as an inspiration for many more tourism supporters. This first ever TSP Awards is itself inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Filipino people for building a more dynamic, more inclusive tourism industry for our country,” he said.
The very first roster of Tourism Stars include Gerry Bie Dalimag and Bobby Adrao for the Individual Category; Drew Arellano of Biyahe ni Drew in GMA-7 and Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet for the Media Category; and Governor Joey Salceda of Albay for the Local Chief Executive (LCE) Category.
The above photo shows Tourism Star Philippines awardees and DOT officers. (L-R) DOT Assistant Secretary Art Boncata, DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Tourism Star Philippines winner for Individual Category Bobby Adrao, Tourism Star Philippines winner for Local Chief Executive Category Gov. Joey Salceda, Marcus and Luisa Calo-Medina, children of Ms. Susan Calo-Medina accepting the special recognition for their mother, Tourism Star Philippines winner for Media Category Anton Diaz, Tourism Star Philippines winner for Media Category Drew Arellano, and Tourism Star Philippines winner for Individual Category Andoy Dalimag.