Outstanding Tourism and Hospitality Awardees to be Honored today

The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) will announce and honor the winners of the 4th Cebu Tourism & Hospitality Awards (CTHA) on August 13, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center.

The annual event celebrates individuals and institutions whose contributions have elevated Cebu’s tourism and hospitality industry. Finalists have been named across several categories, including Hospitality and Tourism Educator of the Year, Front of the House Employee of the Year, Heart of the House Employee of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Hotel and Resort Manager of the Year, Best Marketing Campaign of the Year, and Sustainability Champion of the Year.

Before the awards ceremony, guests will have a chance to score big savings through the One-Day Hotel Deals, running from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center. The event features exclusive offers from some of Cebu’s premier hotels, resorts, and travel service providers, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to book stays or dining experiences at special rates available for one day only.

Participating establishments include Nustar Resort Cebu, offering rooms starting at ₱8,000 net/night and dining vouchers from ₱1,200 net; Seda with rooms at ₱3,700 net/night plus a ₱1,000 dining voucher on a “4 plus 1” deal; and Quest Hotel with rooms at ₱2,800 net/night and buffet rates starting at ₱750 net.

bai Hotel Cebu is offering rooms at ₱2,888 net/night and buffets starting at ₱1,088 net, while Radisson Blu Cebu has rooms from ₱5,500 net/night, buffet for two starting at ₱3,000, and spa treatments at ₱1,800.

Guests can also book at Club Serena Resort from ₱6,825 net/night or enjoy ₱1,000 dining vouchers on a “5 plus 1” promo at Marina Seaview.

TravelCare will extend discounted tour packages and their customers can avail USD100 Cashback Promo while Globalinens Worldwide Inc. will showcase their hotel essentials.

With offers like these, the One-Day Hotel Deals is more than just a side event—it’s a rare opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy Cebu’s top hospitality experiences at exceptional prices.

During the ceremony, HRRAC President Mia Singson Leon will deliver the opening remarks. Department of Tourism Regional Director Judy Gabato will share an inspirational message, while CTHA chair Ron Manalang will explain the awards’ purpose and vision.

The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of this year’s winners.

This year’s finalists include:

• Hospitality and Tourism Educator of the Year: Marifel Aiva Y. Ferraren – University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue and Welou Dil B. Diaz – University of Cebu – Main Campus.

• Front of the House Employee of the Year: Zestin Ann Fermilan (The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu), Ruby Luz Suliva (Radisson Blu Cebu), Michelle Balabat (bai Hotel Cebu), Stephanie Andrade (Seda Ayala Center Cebu), Jason Tampus (Belmont Hotel Mactan), Renie Pagliawan (Seda Central Bloc Cebu), Jelou Rojas (Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan), Rudy Palconit (Nustar Resort & Casino), and Angelo Sanchez (Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown).

• Heart of the House Employee of the Year: Cresta Oba (Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown), Analyn Montifalcon (Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa), Jay Korina Gabucan (Nustar Resort & Casino), Maria Arlene Cabello (bai Hotel Cebu), Shannia Reoma (Seda Central Bloc Cebu), Carl Vallenos (The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu), Armin Ros Franz Alutaya (Belmont Hotel Mactan), Arlito Sanopao Jr. (Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan), and Darson Saballa (Radisson Blu Cebu).

• Supervisor of the Year: Michelle Yorong (Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown),Lychiell Jane Alde (bai Hotel Cebu), Lilibeth Suerte (Nustar Resort & Casino), Noella Ched Mayores (Seda Central Bloc Cebu), Pepito Bernal Jr. (Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort), William Gupit Jr. (Belmont Hotel Mactan), Jefferson Pilamen (Montebello Hotel), Aaron Mañago (Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan), and Norman Rabor (Radisson Blu Cebu).

• Hotel and Resort Manager of the Year: Hanna Jane Cervantes (Seda Ayala Center Cebu), Florimie Dungog (Bluwater Maribago Beach Resort), Ruchy Baya (Belmont Hotel Mactan), Aljun Berdin (Nustar Resort & Casino), Carlo Rivera (bai Hotel Cebu), Kyle Aizon Jay Dini-ay (Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan), Jimmy Colina (Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa), Michael Shane Kong (Montebello Hotel), Michael Angelo Peralta (Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort), Kay Ann Garcia (Nustar Resort & Casino), Ma. Shehla Khan (Seda Central Bloc Cebu), Dave Jones Teves (Citadines Cebu City), Jude Anthony Pangan (Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown), Mario Mata (Radisson Blu Cebu), and Joel Espina (Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu).

• Best Marketing Campaign of the Year:  Nustar Resort Cebu, Be Resort Mactan, and Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan.

• Sustainability Champion of the Year: Bluewater Resorts, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, Nustar Resort Cebu, Radisson Blu Cebu, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu, and University of Cebu Banilad Campus.

The CTHA, now in its fourth year, continues to honor the people who make Cebu’s hospitality industry shine. Through their stories, HRRAC hopes to spark pride and professionalism throughout the community.

The 4th Cebu Tourism and Hospitality Awards (CTHA) is in Partnership with Ayala Center Cebu, Powered by Ng Khai and Endorsed by DOT Region VII. The event is also supported by the following sponsors: Converge, Seda Hotels Cebu of AyalaLand Hospitality, Globalinens Worldwide Inc., NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu, Cebu Pacific, Club Serena Resort, Marina Seaview, Radisson Blu Cebu, bai Hotel Cebu, TravelCare, Delsan Office Systems Corporation, Mora, Sanchez, Meñoza and Associates as Official auditor and tabulator, Scoring Software provided by ALB IT Solutions, RMA News and the Cebu Online News Press Corps as Media Partners.