Officers answer questions from the media, from left: Arjun Shroff, PHILTOA Board of Trustee; Jacqueline Fernandez, EastWest Bank President; Ma Lourdes Japson, PHILTOA President; Bryan Ang, Head of Philippine Sales; and Cecile Kimpo, PHILTOA Board of Trustee. Mark your calendars for the highly-anticipated 2026 Philippine Travel Mart (PTM)! Officially announced during a press launch at Lakbay Museo on July 28, the country’s premier and longest-standing interactive travel trade exposition is back and bigger than ever. Organized annually by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) with the support of the Department of Tourism, the PTM serves as the nation's primary marketplace for travel experiences. As PHILTOA celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organization remains steadfast in promoting responsible tourism that drives economic growth, creates jobs, and empowers local tour operators. This year’s event—anchored on the theme “Nurturing the NextGen Tourism: Discover Your Ph...
SB19 as PH Tourism Ambassador is long overdue. The group has been raising the Philippine flag all these years in their international gigs and their music more than speaks of the culture and heritage every Filipino loves to share globally. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially named global P-Pop powerhouse SB19 as the Philippines’ newest Tourism Ambassadors, cementing the quintet’s status not only as a source of immense national pride, but as quintessential representatives of modern Filipino culture. This exciting partnership was heralded by a clever digital activation featuring a "Galingbayan" box—a thoughtful play on the traditional balikbayan box sent home by overseas Filipinos—symbolizing love, sacrifice, and connection across distances. After playfully fueling internet speculation with cryptic goat emojis, the DOT and SB19 confirmed the collaboration, perfectly timed as the P-Pop Kings prepare to fly the Philippine flag from Manila to Chicago for the highl...