Over 220 participants joined this year’s Philippine Hospitality on Sustainable Tourism (Philhost) event to discuss issues in hospitality and tourism such as circular economy, operational efficiency, design innovation, and the economic impact of sustainability, among other topics.

Under the theme “Pursuing Sustainability,” the annual activity brought together property developers, hotel operators, industry leaders in tourism and hospitality, environmental groups, regional experts from public and private sectors, solution providers, designers, and students for a day-long series of workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities.

Held at Ascott Bonifacio Global City on May 22, 2025, Philhost was organized and led by Cyndy Tan-Jarabata, president and CEO of Tajara Hospitality, and Eric Ricaurte, founder and CEO of Greenview.

In her keynote speech, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderossa-Abubakar said, "Through Philhost, we created not just a forum. We have ignited a movement that champions environmental responsibility, forward-looking investments, and next-generation leadership across the hospitality sector. As we open this year's summit, we are called to rise to the moment, the realities of the climate crisis, evolving traveler behavior, and the fragile balance between growth and conservation demand, nothing less than transformational change. Let us continue to shape a Philippine tourism industry that welcomes the world, uplifts our people, protects our national heritage, and inspire pride across generations. Together, let us make sustainability not only our shared aspiration but the enduring standard of hospitality."

The workshop on circular economy tackled the topic “Path to Sustainable Tourism Practices, Rethinking Consumption and Waste Management”, as moderated by Victor Maningo, Green Standards Asia Pacific director, and participated in by Alvin Lim, Haig and Lee managing director; Rudi Ramin, PCX Markets commercial director; and Lynette Ermac, Discovery Hospitality SVP and head of Sales and Operations.

Ricaurte led the discussion on overlooked operational efficiency and the best ROI with Patria Puyat, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn and Suites Manila Galleria cluster general manager, and Sonny Alvaro, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts cluster general manager of F&B and Belmont Hotel general manager.

The Greenview head also discussed “WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics: Future of Hospitality” and shared a sneak peek of the “Hotel Sustainability Basics Plus” in a separate workshop session.

Gie Garcia, Neo co-managing director and chief sustainability officer and Sustainability Committee co-chair, led the talk on “Design Innovations in Sustainability” with speakers Cathy Saldana, PDP Architects president and CEO; Arrizky Magetsari, PDEAS principal; and Adrian Marsden, SEA Water Lead, ARUP director.

Jose Manuel Santos, Meralco Hospitality Industry lead; Johnny Gao, Ascott Ltd. Sustainability AVP; and Leah Magallanes, SMHCC Sustainability and Quality Assurance VP, shared their views on the economic impact of sustainable tourism, involving its challenges and opportunities, with Marco Lobregat, Bridges Magazine Asia editor and Synergy Media Specialists director, as workshop moderator.

In the panel discussion on travel trends, Carlo Cordaro, Asmara Urban Resort owner; Isabelle Miaja, Miaja Design Group managing and creative director; and Raf Dionisio, Mad Travel co-founder, shared their insights into conceptualizing and facilitating intimate, bespoke, and eco-friendly getaways. Maria Cristina Samson, Oak and Drive Ventures COO and Sandy Beach Hospitality co-chair, ULI Philippines, moderated the talk.

Patrick Vaysee, Ascott Ltd. country general manager; Tom van der Meulen, Control Union Philippines managing director; and Cleo Albiso, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts managing director, presented their respective journeys toward the Net Zero goal, with moderator Jean de Castro, Esca Engineering CEO, and ULI Global governing trustee and past chair, ULI Philippines.

Young industry players Jacinto “Jaykie” Ray Ng III, Joy Nostalgia Group Business Development in Jin Navitas Solaris, Inc. AVP; Giles Benedicto, BE Group of Companies Corporate Finance associate director; and Monica Lorenzo, Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation leisure development director and business development manager, discussed the “Next Generation of Leaders: Power of Sustainable Leadership,” led by moderator Denise de Castro, DEQA Design Collaborative principal architect.

Ricaurte led the exchange in communicating sustainability within the company, clients, and community with speakers Barun Jolly, Robinsons Land Corporation SVP and Robinson Hotels and Resorts business unit manager; Christine Sevilla, Radisson Hotel Group Development, SEAP, senior director; Eugene Tamesis, Grand Hyatt Manila director of sales and marketing; and Mar Adonis Uy, South Palms by M Gallery project director.

Jarabata also presided over the talk on luxury without compromise with panelists Gustavo Morales, Ayala Land Hospitality COO; Jael Fischer, Six Senses Development Asia Pacific head; and Samantha Manigsaca, AppleOne Group hospitality vice president.

In between the panel discussions, spotlight presentations were delivered by Dr. Moeko Saito-Jensen, UNDP Philippines, Green LGU project manager, on “Promoting Green, Circular Tourism under the EU Green Economy Partnership with the Philippine Green LGUs Project”; Cloda Urquico, WWF Philippines resource generation and partnerships head, on “Just One to Save the Planet Campaign”; and Michael Koks, Manila Cities Planning and Design Lead, ARUP, associate director, on “Total Design Approach to Philippine Tourism Development”.