CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — The heartbeat of Central Luzon's cultural capital took center stage as the City Government of San Fernando hosted its prestigious 9th Tourism Star Awards at the Heroes Hall.
Honoring the Real Stars of Fernandino Tourism
"You are not just service providers—you are the real stars of Fernandino tourism, keeping our heritage alive and welcoming the world with authentic Kapampangan warmth," city of San Fernando Mayor told the gathered stakeholders during the ceremony at Heroes Hall. Co-organized by the City Tourism Office under Acting Tourism Officer Emmalyn Tuazon and the CSFP Arts, Culture, and Tourism Council chaired by Robbie Hizon, the milestone event honored partners who consistently go above and beyond standard Department of Tourism compliance. A special standing ovation was given to the real-life Fernandino couple, Mr. Arnold S. Cortez and Ms. Dory Y. Cortez, who were officially crowned for achieving the remarkable feat of traveling to all 82 provinces in the Philippines. The tourism offices of Mexico and Santa Ana were also formally recognized as strategic municipal development partners, reinforcing borderless cultural circuit growth in Pampanga.
Celebrating Excellence Across Tourism Sectors
The comprehensive honor roll spanned nine categories, recognizing excellence in accommodation, culinary arts, retail, wellness, and community-based tourism. Microtel by Wyndham Pampanga received the sole Pioneer in Hospitality Award for establishing foundational accommodation standards in the area, while establishments like Hotel Gracelane, The Tavern Hotel and Villas, and the ADF Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture were cited as the Most Participative Tourism Establishments. The city's 31 barangays were also celebrated as Barangay Tourism Program Champions, underscoring the grassroots foundation of San Fernando's tourism success. This recognition follows the city's historic win as Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards, where San Fernando outpaced renowned destinations including Beijing, Delhi, Hue, Kyoto, and Seoul . The Department of Tourism Region III cited the city's distinct heritage, vibrant traditions, and its status as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, renowned worldwide for its Giant Lantern Festival .
