The Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corp. (PAEC), known for its development and management of engaging indoor attractions with educational and entrepreneurial themes, celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of industry partners and stakeholders at a prestigious awards ceremony held on May 10, 2024 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.
Attended by nearly 500 representatives from tour operator companies and travel agencies, the event showcased their dedication to promoting tourism in the Philippines and enriching the educational experiences of Filipino students. PAEC’s popular indoor attractions include Food Wanderer x Lakbay Museo, Tales of Illumina, Dream Lab, Whimsical Wonderland, Museum of Emotions, Omniverse Museum, Change Maker 2040, Craft Academy, and Artboom.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Orion and Phoenix Awards, which honored exceptional commitment and resilience within the industry. Recipients of the Orion Awards exemplify strength, speed, and dedication to their clients and the tourism sector.
The top three grandest winners (in main photo with top executives of PAEC) were (from left): Marky Queaño, vice president for operations of PAEC; Mhaan Mayoralgo and Rita Cruz of Tigervision Travel and Tours Co. (Pinnacle Award); Marc Anthony Dungca and Jhoner Landicho of Johner’s Tours & Travel Inc. (Pyxidis Award); Dr. Lawrence Tan, president/CEO of PAEC; Julius Palanca of G. Palanca Travel and Tours (Polaris Award); and Yzl Cruz, vice president of PAEC.
The Orion awardees (see top and below photos) with Dr. Tan, along with Cruz, include 20 tour operators/agencies, namely, Amazing Troop Travel & Tours, DM4B Travel Consultancy Services, EC Minds Tour, Five Brothers Travel and Tour, Ger-Jaz Tours Inc., Histoury Tours n Services, Jiro Travel and Tours Inc., JKRT Travel Agency, Kasarinlan Travel Services, Maynilad Tours & Educational Services Inc., Mickey House of Travel, Newsbound Travel & Tours Services, NST Travel and Tours, Peak Travel & Tours International, ProPrime Travel and Tourism Services Inc., St. William Tours and Transport Services, TravelEarth and Adventure, Turista 88 Travel and Tours Services, Urbiztondo Travel and Tours, and World of Fantasy Travel and Tours.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Awards recognized agencies that have shown remarkable resilience and dedication amidst global challenges.
PAEC also acknowledged outstanding contributions in various categories, including Outstanding Tour Bus Company of the Year Awards, Outstanding Tour Guide of the Year Awards, Outstanding Booking Officer of the Year Award, PAEC Tandem Awards, and Top Producer of the Year Awards.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Pyxidis, Pinnacle, and Polaris Awards, which recognized exceptional contributions and support of these major tour operators to PAEC’s mission, namely, Johner’s Tours & Travel Inc., Tigervision Travel and Tours Co., and G. Palanca Travel and Tours.
Distinguished guests, including Congressman Jude Acidre of Tingog Party List, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Director Nelly Nita Dillera of the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), and Department of Tourism (DOT) NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, graced the event with their inspiring messages and warm congratulations. A deeply heartfelt video message from Asst. Secretary Dexter Galban of the Department of Education profoundly inspired and uplifted the honorees, serving as a powerful source of encouragement.
Dr. Tan highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the tourism industry while Cruz expressed gratitude for the collective efforts in making the educational tour season a success.
The event was a celebration of excellence, reflecting PAEC’s commitment to positioning the Philippines as a premier tourism destination.