| 08:00H – 09:00H | Registration |
| 09:00H – 09:30H |
Opening Ceremony Invocation Philippine National Anthem Opening Remarks
Mr. Arthur M. Lopez
Welcome MessagesPresident Philippine Hotel Owners Association
Mr. Alejandro H. Tengco
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Mr. Mark T. Lapid, DBA
Keynote AddressChief Operating Officer Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority
Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco
Secretary Department of Tourism |
| 09:30H – 10:00H |
Networking Coffee Break Trade Exhibit Visit |
| 10:00H – 10:30H |
Plenary 1 Global and Regional Tourism Performance: Insights and Opportunities
Mr. Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, S.T., M.T.
President ASEAN Tourism Associations (ASEANTA) |
| 10:30H – 11:00H |
Plenary 2 Today’s Philippine Hospitality and Tourism Investment Landscape
Mr. David T. Leechiu
Chief Executive Officer Leechiu Property Consultants |
| 11:00H – 12:00H |
Panel Discussion 1 Hospitality Investment: Where Owners are Betting Big This dynamic panel explores how visionary leaders in hospitality are boldly shaping the industry's future through innovative strategies and transformative investments. As the hospitality sector adapts to shifting market dynamics, visionary hotel owners and developers are looking beyond traditional models to create long-term value. The future of hospitality lies in integrated communities, mixed-use developments, and destination-led investments that offer both financial returns and social impact. Strategic asset positioning, destination revitalization, and deeper collaboration across sectors (public and private sectors) are reshaping how and where capital is being deployed. |
| Moderator |
Ms. Regina H. Lay
Anchor and Business News Editor One News |
| Panelists |
Mr. Kevin L. Tan
President and Chief Executive Officer Alliance Global Group, Inc.
Ms. Mariana Zobel de Ayala
Senior Vice President and Head, Leasing and Hospitality Group Ayala Land, Inc.
Mr. Francis C. Gotianun
First Senior Vice President Filinvest Hospitality Corp. |
| 12:00H – 13:30H |
Networking Lunch Trade Exhibit Visit |
| 13:30H – 14:00H |
Plenary 3 Gaming Meets Hospitality
Ms. Ma. Vina Claudette P. Oca
AVP, Gaming Licensing and Development Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. |
| 14:00H – 15:00H |
Panel Discussion 2 The Power Play of Gaming and Integrated Resorts This panel session explores how integrated resorts are shaping the future of tourism in the Philippines and what lies ahead for regional growth and international competitiveness. Integrated resorts have become central to the Philippines’ tourism development strategy, blending gaming with world-class entertainment, hospitality, retail, and cultural offerings. These large-scale developments are not only revenue generators but also catalysts for broader economic activity by supporting infrastructure growth, job creation, and regional tourism. While Metro Manila has traditionally been the hub for such projects, there is growing momentum to expand these integrated resorts into emerging destinations across the country. As this expansion unfolds, regulatory frameworks and local policy alignment will play a key role in ensuring success. |
| Moderator |
Ms. Doris Dumlao-Abadilla
Assistant Business Editor Philippine Daily Inquirer |
| Panelists |
Mr. Jeffrey Rodrigo L. Evora
President and Chief Operating Officer Winford Resort & Casino Manila
Mr. Gregory Francis Hawkins
President and Chief Operating Officer Bloomberry Resorts Corp.
Ms. Katrina Mae L. De Jesus
Assistant Vice President for Business Development and Resort Branding Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. |
| 15:00H – 15:30H |
Networking Coffee Break Trade Exhibit Visit |
| 15:30H – 16:30H |
Panel Discussion 3 Emerging Travel Hotspots This panel session explores the rising stars of Philippine tourism, the trends driving their appeal, and the strategies needed to build resilient, inclusive, and authentic destinations. As global travelers seek more meaningful, off-the-bea ten-path experiences, the Philippines is well-positioned to showcase its diverse and lesser-known destinations. These frontier areas offer significant potential to become the country’s next major tourism hubs. However, unlocking this potential requires a balance between development and sustainability. |
| Moderator |
Mr. David M. Celdran
Broadcast Journalist ABS-CBN News Channel |
| Panelists |
Ms. Cleofe C. Albiso
Managing Director Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
Ms. Geraldine B. Gomez
General Manager Admiral Hospitality Management, Inc.
Mr. Tomas Agustin P. Lorenzo
Chairman and President Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.
Ms. Samantha H. Manigsaca
Director and Vice President for Hospitality AppleOne Group, Inc. |
| 16:30H – 17:00H |
Summary Highlights
Ms. Maria Cherry Lyn S. Rodolfo, PhD
Tourism Consultant and Member, Board of Advisers AIM-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism |
| 17:00H – 18:00H | Networking Cocktails |
| 08:30H – 09:00H | Registration |
| 09:00H – 09:30H |
Plenary 4 Staying Ahead of the Hospitality Customer Trends
Mr. Julian L. Cua
Managing Director and Partner Boston Consulting Group |
| 09:30H – 10:30H |
Panel Discussion 4 Understanding Tomorrow’s Travelers This panel session explores the evolving expectations of travelers, the growing influence of social media, and how brands can deliver consistent, engaging, and trustworthy experiences to stay ahead in a fast-changing landscape. Tomorrow’s travelers are more connected, conscious, and experience-driven than ever before. Post-pandemic shifts, generational changes, and the rise of digital platforms have transformed how people discover, plan, and experience travel. From seeking authenticity and sustainability to expecting seamless, tech-enabled services, the modern traveler demands more than just a destination, they seek purpose, trust, and personalization. |
| Moderator |
Mr. Julian L. Cua
Managing Director and Partner Boston Consulting Group |
| Panelists |
Ms. Bina Tulsidas
Country Manager, Partner Services (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore) Booking.com
Mr. Paul E. Albano
General Manager GCash International
Ms. Life Dawn Cervero
PH Country Lead for Global Business Solutions TikTok |
| 10:30H – 11:00H |
Keynote Presentation Unlocking Growth: A Guide for Hotel Owners to Access Government Incentives via TIEZA
Atty. Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo
Assistant Chief Operating Officer Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority |
| 11:00H – 12:00H |
Panel Discussion 5 Beyond the Logo: Building Filipino Hospitality Brands This panel session examines how Philippine tourism and hospitality players can build deeper emotional connections with potential and current guests, foster brand loyalty, and shape a unified national identity that resonates both locally and globally. In today’s highly competitive tourism landscape, branding goes far beyond logos and taglines— it’s about delivering a consistent, authentic, and memorable experience at every touchpoint. For Filipino hospitality brands, the challenge lies in standing out while remaining true to cultural roots, local stories, and the warm spirit of Filipino service. As traveler expectations evolve post-pandemic, so too must brand strategies. |
| Moderator |
Ms. Eylla Laire M. Gutierrez, PhD
OIC-Executive Director AIM-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism |
| Panelists |
Mr. James M. Montenegro
Country Manager Chroma Hospitality, Inc.
Mr. Jose C. Parreño, Jr.
Director and President Discovery World Corp.
Ms. Roshan R. Nandwani
Head of Marketing and Consumer Engagement Ayala Land Hospitality |
| 12:00H – 13:30H |
Networking Lunch Trade Exhibit Visit |
| 13:30H – 14:30H |
Panel Discussion 6 Gateways to Seamless Travel This panel session will explore how airlines, transport regulators, and infrastructure partners are working together to enable seamless, safe, and affordable travel across the Philippines. It will delve into airline innovation, intermodal integration, infrastructure planning, and the regulatory frameworks needed to ensure connectivity across both urban gateways and remote destinations. |
| Moderator |
Atty. Roberto C.O. Lim
Former Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Department of Transportation |
| Panelists |
Mr. Alexander G. Lao
President and Chief Commercial Officer Cebu Pacific Air
Mr. Samuel S. David
Country Manager International Air Transport Association
Atty. Carmelo L. Arcilla
Executive Director Civil Aeronautics Board
Ms. Teri P. Flores
Head, Corporate Communications Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. |
| 14:30H – 15:00H |
Summary Highlights
Ms. Maria Cherry Lyn S. Rodolfo, PhD
Tourism Consultant and Member, Board of Advisers AIM-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism |
| 15:00H – 15:15H |
Closing Remarks
Mr. Francis C. Gotianun
Chairperson Philippine Hotel Connect 2025 |
