GTBA-ONEKLIK Honors Outstanding Leaders @ 3rd Ambassador Awards

Manila- The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and ONEKLIK Events have successfully staged the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Awards — an annual tribute recognizing 80 individuals and organizations whose work builds meaningful bridges between communities, cultures, and nations.
The ceremony was graced by H.E. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte delivered the keynote address and was conferred the LGU Ambassador of the Year award. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Dita Mathay was represented by DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who — together with DOT Undersecretary Rica Bueno — received the Tourism Ambassador Award.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Ambassador of the Year Award and Diplomatic Excellence Award, conferred to:
H.E. Malik Melvin Castelino — Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines
H.E. Lai Thai Binh — Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines
H.E. Thippasone Sengsourinha — Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Philippines
H.E. Sin Saream — Ambassador of Cambodia to the Philippines
H.E. Ahmed Bin Saad N.A. Al‑Homidi — Ambassador of Qatar to the Philippines
H.E. Nasser Said Al Manwari — Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Philippines
Diplomatic Excellence Award: Atty. Hesti Dewayani — Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Wallace Min Gan Chow — Representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO)
Media Ambassadors:Daily Tribune,The Manila Times,GMA News Online,Net25,SMNI,Hudyat News
United News.

Other distinguished awardees include TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid as Tourism Infrastructure Ambassador of the Year; Governor Jun Aguto of Batanes, recipient of the Batanes Ambassador Award; and Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan, recipient of the Aklan Ambassador Award. Additional LGU Ambassadors recognized are Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Baybay Mayor Carlos Cari, and Pagadian Mayor Sammy Co. They were joined by other key officials from the DOT, various government agencies, foreign embassies, and the private sector. Further award categories include Airline Ambassadors, Hospitality Ambassadors, IATA Ambassador, NTO Ambassadors, LGU Tourism Ambassadors, Tourism Excellence Trade Partner Ambassadors, Bank and Credit Card Brand Ambassadors, and GTBA Ambassadors.

A multi‑sectoral panel of judges evaluated nominees based on three core criteria: depth of contribution, measurable impact, and consistent commitment to advancing tourism and inclusive national development. The award stands as a symbol of dedication to progress, Filipino hospitality, and shared prosperity.

“In every sense, these are the real ambassadors — defined not by their titles or appointment alone, but by the work they do,” shared GTBA President Michelle G. Taylan. “They turn policies into tangible progress, places into world‑class destinations, and stories of culture and heritage into opportunities for all.”

The awards ceremony coincided with the official launch of the 4th Travel Sale Expo, scheduled for October 2–4, 2026 at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. The event also formalized key partnerships: Metrobank was named Official Bank Partner and was likewise conferred the Bank and Credit Card Brand Ambassador of the Year award, while Daily Tribune serves as Official Media Partner.