Photo shows, DOT NCR Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin inducts the new set of officers of PCATA last June 1 held at Citadines Bay City Manila, Pasay City
By Alithea De Jesus
As local tourism bounces back and the opening of the borders has paved the way for the tourists to flock to the Philippines, the Pasay City Alliance of Tourism Advocates (PCATA) was formally launched last June 1, and the induction of its Board of Officers was also held at the Citadines Bay City Manila, led by Department of Tourism National Capital Region Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin.
Newly inducted officers include Mr. Michael Albaña of the Conrad Hotel as its President, Ms. Gel Gomez of Hotel 101 Group as its Vice President, Ms. Magdalena Tolosa of Selah Garden Hotel as its Secretary-General, Ms. Geraldine Gaw of Heritage Hotel as its Treasurer, and Ms. Joanne Golong-Gomez of Hilton Manila as its PRO.
Other officers include Ms. Honeyleen Tan of Citadines Bay City Manila as its Director for Membership, Ms. Cynthia Esteban of Sofitel Manila as its Director for Education, Ms. Cristina Carreon of Marriott Hotel as its Director for Programs, Ms. Diwata Topia of Kabayan Hotel as its Director for Ways & Means, and Mr. Wenie Maligaya of Holiday Inn Express Manila as its Trustee.
“We are proud of the accomplishments of the PCATA and its members. PCATA started during the pandemic which involved Pasay City hotels, working closely together with the Pasay City LGU and Mayor Emi, coming together and collectively helping each other and the Pasay community,” explains PCATA President and Conrad Manila’s Commercial Director Michael Albaña.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat congratulated the newly inducted officers. “We welcome the creation of PCATA,” she remarked. “In recent years, there has been massive development in Pasay, and we have witnessed the rise of multiple world class hotels and MICE facilities in the city. This in turn has led to the creation of numerous opportunities for the tourism sector and its related industries in Pasay City. The DOT looks forward to its fruitful partnership with the PCATA in the coming years,” she enthused.
Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano thanks the group for rising to the challenge of playing part in revitalizing tourism in the city. “I am happy that the PCATA is rising above the challenges and making your mark in the tourism industry. From a handful of members to more than 30 members strong, your group has shown perseverance and effective collaboration. We have high hopes for our hospitality industry,” the Mayor said.
“Being the gateway to the country, and being the travel city, Pasay is at the forefront of welcoming foreign tourist, while proudly showing how urbanized and developed our cities. With this, we appreciate PCATA and your reliability in enhancing tourist experiences while they travel,” she added.
Catch PCATA and its members at the Philippine Travel Agencies Association’s 29th Travel Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City this June 24 – 26, 2022 for exciting discounted travel offers.
Likewise, guests may enjoy 20% off of Food and Beverages and up to 60% off in hotel accommodations for the whole month of July in participating PCATA establishments, with its upcoming partnership with BDO.
PCATA Is a non-profit organization which aims to promote Pasay City as a world class travel city for leisure, business, and MICE to the domestic and international markets.
PCATA members include Belmont Hotel Manila, Citadines Bay City Manila, Conrad Manila, Golden Phoenix Hotels, Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Hotel 101 – Manila, JEN Manila by Shangri-La, Kabayan Hotel, Lime Hotel Manila, Marriott Hotel, Microtel Manila, Midas Hotel and Casino, Hotel Okura Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Selah Garden Hotel, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, The Henry Hotel, The Heritage Hotel, Tryp Hotel, Park Avenue Guest House, Starlight Bed and Breakfast, Sogo Group of Hotel, Vikings Group and Cebu Air Inc.