Philippine Health and Wellness Tourism Summit 2008

2008

GRACIOUS PINOY HOSPITALITY CAPTURES HEARTS OF FOREIGN DELEGATES

Gracious Filipino hospitality warmed the hearts of 25 international speakers, experts, buyers and guests, who were mostly first-time visitors of the country, when the Department of Tourism hosted their stay for the first Philippine Health and Wellness Tourism Summit dubbed “Embracing Health and Wellness in the Heart of Asia” last October 22-25 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Proving that the Philippines is truly “The Heart of Asia” when it comes to health and wellness tourism—one that offers complete wellness experience that heals body, mind, heart and soul—international delegates and speakers from the United States, Canada, Australia, India, Russia, Japan, Czech Republic, South Africa and Malaysia were treated to meaningful events that made their stay both enjoyable and learning-filled.

STORY:  GRACIOUS  FILIPINO HOSPITALITY AT THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOURISM SUMMIT

Throughout the four-day summit, Gold’s Gym fitness experts led guests in invigorating Morning Wellness Activities, including pilates, yoga and Qi gong, at Sofitel’s SoFit Gym and Sea Wall

On their first night, they sailed off towards Manila Bay on board the Presidential Yacht “Ang Pangulo”. At the exclusive “VIP dinner-affair” attended by top health and wellness tourism stakeholders and players, the international delegates were treated to a rousing welcome by the Philippine Navy Band, entertained by fine musicians throughout the entire cruise and treated to a hearty cuisine prepared by Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Filipino and international guests of the Philppine Health and Wellness Tourism Summit 2008 pose before they sail away on board the Presidential Yacht “Ang Pangulo” for an exclusive dinner and entertainment cruise.

The formal “Welcome Party” for both foreign and Filipino delegates took place the next night at the Sunset Pavilion of Sofitel. During the program, guests tried the spa vignettes showcasing spa treatments of Sofitel’s Le Spa; joined a rejuvenating yoga demonstration and pulsating aero-dance exhibition; participated in a celebratory toast and ceremonial candle-lighting led by Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia L. Carrion; partook of nutritious and healthy offerings from Sofitel’s “Cuisine Vitale” menu; and enjoyed a whole night of ballroom dance performances, singing and dancing.

23^rd SEA Games DanceSport Gold Medalists Belinda Adora and Ryan Jago wowed the guests with their splendid performance at the Welcome Party

The indefatigable DOT Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion delivers her speech at the welcome party.  Usec. Carrion received countless praises for her leadership in bringing the country at the forefront of global health and wellness tourism industry and being able to gather the industry’s world and Filipino experts in one event

Famous doctor of Hollywood celebrities Dr. Robert Keller was one of the prominent speakers featured at the summit.  Shown here in photo with his lovely wife, Susan Keller, during the VIP dinner at the presidential yacht.  First time to visit the Philippines, Dr. Keller only had good words for the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality.

Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia L. Carrion with Reginald Saxton, president of Texas-based Medical Headway, Dr. Vicky Belo of Belo Medical Group and Rose Libongco of Sofitel Philippine Plaza.Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia L. Carrion with Reginald Saxton, president of Texas-based Medical Headway, Dr. Vicky Belo of Belo Medical Group and Rose Libongco of Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Summit speakers from the Czech Republic Dr. Petr Kolisko, a research scientist and professor and Dr. Milada Sarova, a specialist in Internal Medicine, Balneology, Rehabilitation, Homeopathyand Acupuncture, with Eva Kiess, lead for Accreditation Canada International.

The “Gala Dinner” at the ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila hosted by the Makati Tourism Foundation (MTFI), which, together with the Makati City Government, earlier launched Makati City as the country’s health and wellness tourism hub. Guests, led by Tourism Usec. Carrion and Health Usec. Jade del Mundo, enjoyed the lively Caracol traditional welcome, a refreshing selection of Filipino music in harp and a breathtaking acrobatic show.

A Czechoslovakian guest parties with the young Caracol dancers

Makati Tourism Foundation president Celine Clemente welcomes Usec. Cynthia Carrion and Jerry Rollin at the Gala Dinner