Cover The TPB’s iconic slogan serves as a backdrop for guests entering the venue (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
The TPB’s iconic slogan serves as a backdrop for guests entering the venue (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
1 / 1
The TPB honours its strongest partners in an exclusive event
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines gathered its partners and friends for a Thanksgiving dinner aptly called Pasasalamat to highlight its vital role in promoting the country as a premier global tourism destination in 2024. More than just a celebration of collaboration, the event gave guests a look at how far the tourism sector has gone. In 2024, the TPB recorded PhP 11.3 billion in sales leads, a stunning 44.8 per cent increase from 2023. Its strategic partnerships with global media outlets and influential personalities such as American actor Timothy Granaderos, Filipino-American Hollywood star Nico Santos, Korean actor Kim Ji Soo and American pop-rock duo LANY also resulted in over PhP 1.44 billion in media value.
More from Tatler: Where to surf and dive around the Philippines
Above Guests of the TPB’s ‘Pasasalamat’ pose for a photo (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
Guests of the TPB’s ‘Pasasalamat’ pose for a photo (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
1 / 1
The TPB’s participation in the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin and World Travel Market in London also resulted in combined sales leads of PhP 918 million—cementing the Philippines as a world-class destination. “Pasasalamat is a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together through the invaluable support of our partners,” said TPB chief operating officer Marga Nograles.
Above Guests of the ‘Pasasalamat’ celebrating the Philippines’ tourism boom (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
Guests of the ‘Pasasalamat’ celebrating the Philippines’ tourism boom (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
1 / 1
The night commenced modestly with wine, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres against an exquisite view of Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay. Gracing the event were Tatler Philippines’ editor-in-chief, Anton San Diego, Tim Yap, Ana de Ocampo, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Kaye Tinga and AA Patawaran, among others. Theatre and musical actor Jon Joven hosted the event. He introduced singer Princess Virtudazo, who serenaded the crowd with lively Filipino songs.
Above TPB Chief Operating Officer, Marga Nograles shares the Philippines’ accomplishments in tourism (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
TPB Chief Operating Officer, Marga Nograles shares the Philippines’ accomplishments in tourism (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
1 / 1
Nograles then shared the TPB’s recent accomplishments and the future of the country’s tourism. “Tourism is indeed everyone’s business. It shapes the world’s perception of our nation and elevates our image. We look forward to strengthening partnerships and forging new ones in the year ahead,” she shared.
Looking ahead, the TPB proudly announced its participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, where it will showcase the Philippines on the global stage. “This is our opportunity to share our history, culture, and interconnected communities with millions of visitors,” said Nograles.
Above Guests enjoy a special coconut cocktail at the ‘Pasasalamat’ (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
Guests enjoy a special coconut cocktail at the ‘Pasasalamat’ (Photo: Courtesy of The Tourism Promotions Board)
1 / 1
A special coconut cocktail concocted exclusively for event guests was paired with the Coconut Song sung by Virtudazo. The night ended with a toast to an even more successful 2025, with everyone proudly exclaiming, “Love the Philippines”!
NOW READ
The cultural wanderer’s guide to Taipei, Taiwan
5 fishing spots you can drive to from Metro Manila
Lesser crowds, abundant beauty: 5 unspoiled beaches in the Philippines for a romantic getaway
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
