More than scoring fair or even the lowest deals in airline fare and hospitality brands, there’s always something new at the yearly Travel Madness Expo (TME). For the 2026 edition which ran from July 10-12, it's discovering something new, learning the culture of other countries, and connecting with the rest of the world.
For instance, at the Malaysia Airline booth, which featured among others, soccer, Pinoys lined up to try the sports and had a chance to win a limited edition soccer ball.
I personally tried it and lo and behold I was able ‘to shoot the ball’ on a designated hole on my 2nd try. So, I should have won a ball, right!? Unfortunately, it was practice time and I didn't join the contest proper due to time constraints.
So, it was self discovery for me that I can still pull a good kick at my age of over 60. I realized soccer could really be a good sport or a hobby. No wonder my son loved it during his teenage years, and my youngest daughter wanted to indulge in it, too. But I prevented her because she’s been under treatment for RDH for years.
As a consolation for not having joined the soccer kick contest, I scored a Malaysia Airline tumbler as a raffle gift at their welcome booth.
With Malaysia Truly Asia as their tourism mantra all these years since 2007, Malaysia attracts millions of visitors each year with its diverse culture, natural beauty, and rich heritage.
Tourism is a significant contributor to Malaysia's economy ranking as the second largest after exports. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed around 25.02 million international visitors, marking a 24.23% increase from the previous year, indicating a strong recovery post-pandemic.
By the way, included in my bucket list is coming back to Malaysia, the first Asian country I visited sometime in 2012.
Then there is Papua New Guinea joining TME for the first time. This island country located in Oceania, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, geographically lying directly north of Australia and directly east of Indonesia, is renowned for its immense cultural diversity and rich biodiversity. With the Papua New Guineans predominantly Indigenous Melanesians, the country is one of the most culturally diverse on earth, containing about 840 distinct languages and hundreds of different tribes. The vast majority live in rural areas practicing subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing.
Our media group couldn't resist a photo op with the cultural performers at their booth.
Likewise, other international destinations such as Georgia, the Czech Republic, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Guam, were all eager to welcome Filipinos by offering the best of their countries from various promotions, travel agencies, and financial partners.
A premier travel event since 2012
Since its launch in 2012, the annual expo continues to serve as one of the country's premier travel events for Filipinos
planning their next local or international getaway.
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| TME Chairperson Ma. Paz Alberto |
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| DOT Usec Stanley Ng |
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| PAL VP & CEO Carlos Luis Fernandez |
Leading this year's grand opening were Chairperson Maria Paz Alberto, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Stanley Ng, Philippine Airlines Regional Head-Philippines Bryan L. Ang; Malaysia Airlines Ms. Diana Cher Lacsamana Batica, Sales Manager; Metrobank Ms. Gail Male, Head of Cards, Personal Loans and Digital Channels, Mr. Andre Tan, CEO, Arsenal Content Marketing; Atty. Carmelo Arcilla, Executive Director, Civil Aeronautics Board; Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria; Guest of Honor Mr. Jaime Bautista; Pasay City Mayor Hon. Imelda Calixto Rubiano; Pasay City Tourism and Cultural Development Officer Mr. Bayani Liwanag Jr.; TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Hon. Mark Lapid; Philippine Retirement Authority GM Mr. Roberto Zozobrado, and Pagsanjan Mayor Juanario "Ferry" Garcia highlighting the strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders in promoting tourism and travel accessibility.
Malaysia Airlines joins Travel Madness Expo 2026 as the Official Airline Partner, while Philippine Airlines serves as the National Airline Partner. Metrobank also returns as a major event partner, offering free admission to Metrobank cardholders upon presentation of a valid card and ID, exclusive early access to the Travel Preview Sale, and flexible installment options on select travel purchases.
Other industry partners include Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sunlight Air, the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Tourism Malaysia, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Taiwan Tourism Information Center.
“We are no longer just participating in revenge travel to make up for lost time, we are reclaiming our relationship with the world with greater intention, boldness, and sophistication,” said Alberto in her welcome remarks.
“Today's travelers step onto airplanes not with hesitation, but with a fierce assurance. Armed with smarter digital tools, a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage, and a desire for meaningful connections, the modern globetrotter navigates the world with unprecedented savvy,” she added.
So, the next time you want to haul exclusive deals, connect with trusted travel providers, and plan your next adventure – all under one roof - - don’t miss the madness at the yearly TME!
To know more, visit the official Travel Madness Expo website at https://www.travelmadriessph.com/ or
facebook.com/TravelMadnessPH
www.instagram.com/travelmadnessph/pages or follow its official Facebook and Instagram.
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