Spotlight on Excellence: Cebu’s Top Tourism and Hospitality Awards Finalists Revealed

The 4th Cebu Tourism and Hospitality Awards (CTHA) has announced this year’s finalists, recognizing top performers across major and special categories. During the panel interview on July 14, 2025, 55 finalists showcased their passion, performance, and innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of six judges.

CTHA Chairman Ron Manalang, General Manager of Seda Central Bloc Cebu.

Organized by the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), the CTHA honors individuals who embody excellence, professionalism, and true Cebuano hospitality. The awarding ceremony will be held on August 13, 2025 at the Ayala Center Cebu.

“The finalists represent the best of Cebu’s hospitality industry,” said CTHA Chairman Ron Manalang, General Manager of Seda Central Bloc Cebu. “They don’t just meet expectations—they raise the standard. And our panel of judges ensures we find those who make a lasting impact.”

Esteemed Judges Bring Diverse Expertise

This year’s panel includes respected figures from media, education, tourism, business, and human resources:

• Mayen Angbetic Tan, former lifestyle editor of The Freeman, CEO and civic leader, known for her deep understanding of Cebu’s service culture.

• Jeremiah Ligaya S. Benabaye, TESD Specialist from TESDA VII – Cebu, focusing on skills training, customer satisfaction, and institutional excellence.

• Michael M. Godinez, SVP for People and Culture at RAFI and 2024 PMAP National President, with vast experience in organizational leadership.

• Judy de la Cruz Gabato, DOT Region VII Director, with a strong background in tourism development and destination management.

• Lilu Aliño, marketing expert and founder of Lilu Advertising, also a trustee of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

• Pedro “Pete” Delantar Jr., sustainability champion and CEO of Nature’s Legacy Eximport, known for innovations in green tourism products.

Finalists Who Represent Excellence

Judges conducted in-depth interviews with each nominee, asking how they contributed to innovation in service, sustainability, or marketing. The following are the finalists per category:

Hospitality and Tourism Educator of the Year

• Marifel Aiva Y. Ferraren – University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue

• Welou Dil B. Diaz – University of Cebu – Main Campus

Front of the House Employee of the Year – for rank-and-file staff with direct guest contact:

• 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), Angelo Sanchez (Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown)

Heart of the House Employee of the Year –Recognizing rank-and-file staff who support operations behind the scenes:

• 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), Darson Saballa (Radisson Blu Cebu)

Supervisor of the Year – for supervisors managing at least two team members:

• 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), Norman Rabor (Radisson Blu Cebu)

Hotel and Resort Manager of the Year for exceptional leadership at the property level:

• 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), Joel Espina (Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu)

Best Marketing Campaign of the Year:

• Nustar Resort Cebu, Be Resort Mactan, 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, University of Cebu Banilad Campus

Judging Criteria: Innovation and Impact

Judges looked for more than day-to-day performance. They evaluated how nominees have contributed to innovation—whether by launching sustainable practices, creating effective guest programs, or improving team efficiency.

Cebu's Commitment to People-Driven Tourism

As Cebu aims to become a global MICE and leisure destination, the CTHA continues to place people at the center of tourism growth. The awards shine a light on those whose passion, discipline, and care keep the region competitive on the world stage.

The CTHA Awards Night on August 13 will reveal the winners, but the finalists and judges have already proven that Cebu’s greatest asset remains its people.

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, AppleOne Group,Seda Hotels Cebu of AyalaLand Hospitality, Filinvest Land, Inc., Globalinens Worldwide Inc., NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu, 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.