Winners of the ‘Oscars’ in Philippine Hospitality Industry Announced

Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the local hospitality industry, the Virtus Awards recognised the top performing hotels and resorts for 2018 at a formal ceremony held in Manila Marriott Hotel.

The prestigious event has been spearheaded by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association of the Philippines (HSMA) since it started back in 2015. To determine the winners, the candidates underwent a panel interview by a separate group of travel stakeholders, media and marketing professionals. This year, a total of four highly coveted recognitions were given to different industry professionals, namely:

Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate
Timothy Santos, Bellevue Hotels

Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager
Mae Fatima Lolita Mationg, Makati Diamond Residences

Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader
Francis David, Hyatt City of Dreams

Outstanding Marketing Campaign
“Vanguard of Filipino Heritage” by Erwin Dona and team, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar

Other contenders for the awards were Conrad Manila, Luxent Hotel, Seda Hotel Nuvali, The Ascott Limited in Makati City, BayLeaf hotels in Cavite and Intramuros, The Manor at Camp John Hay and Forest Lodge in Baguio City, Crimson Resort and Spa, Novotel Manila Araneta Center, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, Le Soleil de Boracay, Marco Polo Davao, Marriott Manila and Savoy Hotel Boracay.

Also read: Why Now is the Best Time to Plan Your Staycation in the Philippines

DOT Undersecretary Bong Bengzon (centre, fifth from left) flanked by HSMA Board and Virtus award winners | Image credit: HSMA

Supported by Cebu Pacific and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Virtus Awards 2018 also had Department of Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon as its special guest. He was joined by Virtus Awards Chair Rose Libongco, HSMA Chair Margie Munsayac and HSMA President Christine Ann Ibarreta.

More than recognising outstanding performances, the Virtus Awards inspires the rest of the hotel and resort industry to become the best hospitality practitioners that they can be, while contributing to their respective brand and the local tourism’s success.

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Information extracted from a press release issued by the MG Asia Public Relations, Inc. on behalf of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association of the Philippines (HSMA).