Kevin Tan wants the Philippines to be the ‘Broadway of Asia’
Kevin Tan, the president and CEO of the Alliance Global Group Inc., is walking his talk.
Speaking at the recent SKAL Awards at the Okada Manila, during which he received the SKAL Tourism Personality Award for best Integrated Hotels and Resorts, Kevin said, “We are building four performing arts theaters, with a combined seating capacity of 5,000 seats. Because we believe so much in Filipino talent and we want to support the arts, performing arts, and we want to create original content. And we want the Philippines to be known as the Broadway of Asia.”
He affirmed AGI’s commitment to tourism, saying, “We are embarking on what is a very large project, in fact that’s the largest project I have ever embarked on. We’re spending up to $2 billion (or P120 billion) to build our latest integrated resort, the Westside Resorts right here in the Entertainment City. And we will finish it this year, as promised.” Westside is a 31-hectare development located at Entertainment City in Parañaque.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Al Tengco, SKAL Tourism Personality Awardee on Best Entertainment Tourism, for his part, vowed continued support for the tourism industry.
The PAGCOR chairman pointed out that though PAGCOR is known for its regulatory role in the gaming industry and helping the government raise much needed revenues, it is also a major driver of the tourism industry in the Philippines. In fact, he pointed out, two of his fellow awardees, Kevin Tan and Takako Okada (Tourism Personality Award on Outstanding MICE Property) are PAGCOR licensees.
“That is one of the main reasons why PAGCOR was created. And clearly, the Entertainment City, the Newport Resorts complex, the casinos in Clark, among others, support this reason,” he stressed.
“We believe that tourism, including sports tourism, plays an important role in the advancement of the economy of any country in the world. Tourism, when we help one another, can become a strong force of the Philippines. Please be assured that we will be there, supporting tourism or tourism related programs, that any one of you will bring to us,” he vowed.
He said he has worked closely with SKAL member Cynthia Carrion, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, because of PAGCOR’s support for her protégé, two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo. Carlos received the SKAL Icon Award on Sports Tourism that evening, with Cynthia representing him because he was unwell that day.
The other SKAL awardees include Tourism Promotions Board COO Marga Nograles (Best Government Institution), Crystal Jacinto of Villa Medica (Best Health and Wellness Tourism), Kyle “Kulas” Jennerman (Social Media Tourism Content), Lance Tan (Best Amusement and Entertainment Entity), and Seferina Joven (Tour Operator of the year).
SKAL International Asia chairman Jaime Bautista said the awards’ theme, “Gold for Goals” is a reminder “that excellence is never accidental.”
“It is achieved through vision, perseverance, and a shared commitment to elevate Philippine tourism to world-class standards,” said the former Transportation Secretary and Philippine Airlines president.
For his part, SKAL International Makati president Capt. Stanley Ng traced back SKAL’s deep roots.
“SKAL International traces its roots back to 1932, when a group of travel professionals in Paris bonded during an educational tour and decided to formalize their international friendships. The first club was established in Paris in December 1932, and the Association Internationale des Skäl Clubs was officially formed on April 28, 1934. Today, it stands as the only organization that brings together the entire tourism ecosystem-hotels, airlines, tour operators, media, government bodies, and more-to promote friendship, sustainable practices, and global tourism growth.”
Capt. Stan said the SKAL International Makati chapter, established in August 1981, is the second-oldest club in the Philippines and one of the most active and influential in the region.
“For over 44 years, we’ve been a driving force in Philippine tourism, fostering local and international networking, supporting industry recovery (especially post-pandemic), and highlighting the best of Filipino hospitality on the world stage,” pointed out Capt. Stan of Philippine Airlines Holdings Inc.
“Among our standout accomplishments is the Tourism Personality Awards, our signature annual program now in its 32nd edition. Launched in the mid-1990s, this prestigious event honors exceptional leaders, innovators, and contributors who elevate Philippine tourism,” Capt. Stan, a former PAL president himself, said proudly.
STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte, my colleague Büm D. Tenorio Jr. and myself are former SKAL awardees (I am forever grateful to the late tourism stalwart Bobby Joseph for nominating me).
I am in great company with this year’s awardees who are not only stalwarts but also “SKALwarts.”
Thank you, SKAL!
