By Ruben A. Veloria
Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines — The country’s premier Freeport was affirmed “almost Hollywood-ready” during the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards night last September 11, 2025.
Department of Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent Region IV-B Director, said that film production is not just about the beauty of the location. It also entails amenities and facilities that go with it.
“Subic has almost everything that is needed by a film production. Region III has a very big potential for Hollywood films, K-pop and soon Bollywood, which is a much bigger industry,” Alabado said during his inspirational speech.
He added that his office recently facilitated the filming of an A-list movie showcasing the sights and sounds, culture and destinations of the Philippines, which will have its premiere in Hollywood next year.
He emphasized that the film has the power to entice people to travel and see the film location in reality.
Meanwhile, eight tourism stakeholders in Central Luzon were recognized for their sustainable practices that are geared toward a greener future.
“The honorees we celebrate tonight have embraced the challenge of balancing development with responsibility, and progress with preservation. They are the trailblazers who remind us that sustainability is truly pragmatic, where decisions made on the ground, partnerships built with care, and actions that ripple across generations,” said Dr. Richard Daenos, Department of Tourism-Region 3 Director.
SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba shared that the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards was created to celebrate and honor outstanding tourism establishments, organizations, and destinations in Central Luzon that are leading the way in sustainability:
Sustainable Sanctuary award celebrates recreation, health and wellness facilities that integrate eco-friendly operations, resource management and mindful guest experiences, and was awarded to ACEA Subic Beach Resort.
Salt of Sustainability award honors food and beverage establishments that remind us that what we eat not only nourishes our bodies, but also sustain our farmers, our communities and our planet. The awardee: The Nest by the Sea of Subic.
Bridges of Change award recognizes corporate social responsibility programs that create lasting positive impacts for local communities by empowering people build stronger, more resilient and more meaningful tourism for all. The awardee: The Lighthouse Marina Resort of Subic.
Resilient Destination award honors destinations and establishments that lead the way in climate resilience, disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The awardee: Municipal Tourism Office-LGU Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Path to Purpose award honors establishments that have overcome challenges, embraced innovations, and made remarkable progress in adopting responsible practices. The awardee: Emerald Manor Hotel of Subic Bay.
Green Stay Excellence award honors hotels, resorts, and lodging facilities that integrated green practices into their operations, proving that comfort and care for the environment can go hand in hand. The awardee: Mimosa Cityscapes, Inc. of Clark Freeport Zone.
Community-based Tourism Legacy for establishments that uplift their host communities while delivering meaningful visitor experiences, ensuring tourism benefits both people and places. The award: Balangay Apuy Community Tourguides of Malolos, Bulacan.
Green Tourism Champion award, the pinnacle recognition of the STAR awards, honors champions which not only integrate sustainability into their operations, they also influence entire communities and industries to embrace a greener, more responsible future. The awardee Pulong Kabyawan Agricultural Farm of Pulilan, Bulacan.
