NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu dominated the 2025 Cebu Tourism and Hospitality Awards (CTHA) on August 13 at Ayala Center Cebu’s Activity Center, winning Hotel and Resort Manager of the Year and Best Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan earned the Sustainability Champion of the Year recognition. Supporters waved balloons and placards to cheer on their hotel finalists, adding energy to the ceremony.
The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) organized the annual event to celebrate industry professionals whose dedication, skill, and resilience continue to sustain Cebu’s hospitality sector.
Department of Tourism Central Visayas Regional Director Judy Gabato said the awards honor not only skills but also the warmth and dedication that make Cebu feel like home for guests.
“The true measure of our success is not just in the number of arrivals or the beauty of our destinations, but in the people who welcome our guests and turn ordinary encounters into extraordinary memories,” Gabato said. “We look for resilience—the strength to rise above challenges and inspire others to do the same.”
She also highlighted innovation as the courage to think differently and lead the industry toward a more sustainable and globally competitive future.
Gabato recognized every nominee for embodying these qualities, whether by welcoming guests at the front of the house or working behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly.
HRRACI president Mia Singson-Leon recalled that the association created the awards during the pandemic and after Typhoon Odette to honor hospitality workers who went above and beyond.
“Hoteliers showed up every day despite personal losses, delivering service the best way they could. This is our shout-out to the people behind the smiles, the care, and the excellence,” she said.
She emphasized the resilience and excellence that define the people behind the industry.
“You are the backbone of the hospitality industry, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every guest has an unforgettable experience. Your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed,” she said.
CTHA 2025 chairman Ron Manalang described the awards as a reflection of the industry’s mission to elevate Cebu as a premier tourist destination.
“Together, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and, of course, togetherness,” Manalang said.
He reminded the nominees that they are “already winners” because of their dedication and growth.
He urged them to continue striving for excellence, to represent their brands with pride and passion, and to recognize that their achievements are rooted in their hotel’s support and their families’ love.
This year’s winners are:
• Front of the House Employee of the Year: Jason D. Tampus, Belmont Hotel Mactan
• Heart of the House Employee of the Year: Cresta R. Oba, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown
• Supervisor of the Year: Lychiell Jane Alde, Bai Hotel Cebu
• Hospitality and Tourism Educator of the Year: Welou Dil B. Diaz, University of Cebu-Main Campus
• Hotel and Resort Manager of the Year: Key Ann B. Garcia, NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu
• Sustainability Champion of the Year: Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan
• Best Marketing Campaign of the Year: NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu
The CTHA has grown from 31 nominees in its first year to 55 this year, underscoring Cebu’s reputation as a hub for world-class hospitality.
The 4th CTHA partnered with Ayala Center Cebu, powered by Ng Khai, and endorsed by DOT Region VII.
Sponsors included 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, ALB IT Solutions for scoring software, AZUL Handyman for logistics, and AZUL Marketing & Events Philippines for coordination.
RMA News and the Cebu Online News Press Corps served as media partners.
