Philippines to host Asean 2026

Philippines to host Asean 2026

Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo
sunstar.co.ph
29 October 2025

THE Philippines will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2026.

During the Kapihan with the Media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Marcos said the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 Asean Summit will be “chill and hospitable.”

Marcos formally received the Asean chairmanship gavel from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the symbolic handover at the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit, marking the Philippines’ assumption of the Asean chairmanship next year.

The Philippines last hosted the Asean Summit in 2017.

“We are now in the process of putting together the different elements of where we think Asean should be focusing,” said Marcos.

“So one of the things is the COC (Code of Conduct), for example. Number one para sa atin. The other member states, that’s not as a big priority to them as it is to us. So, this is our chance to really promote that and to highlight that, and hopefully we will succeed,” he added.

The President was referring to the COC in the South China Sea being negotiated among Asean member states and China amid the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos also welcomed the social media characterization of the Philippines as the “chill dude” member of the Asean, noting that it reflects the Filipino people’s well-known values of hospitality and friendliness.

“I’m glad that ang starting point natin, ang tingin sa Pilipino ay ‘yun na nga ‘chill’ at madaling kausap. That’s a big help pagka you’re trying to find consensus,” he said.

(I’m glad that our starting point is seeing Filipinos as ‘chill’ and easy to talk to. That’s a big help when you’re trying to find consensus.)

Marcos stressed that the Filipinos’ nature of being lighthearted and approachable continues to serve the country well, especially in international relations.

“I agree. Sa palagay ko naman totoo din naman na talagang ganoon ang Pinoy. Magaan ang ugali ng Pinoy talaga. And that is to our advantage,” he said.

(I agree. I also think it’s true that Filipinos are really like that — they have an easygoing nature. And that is to our advantage.)

“We will present always the best possible side so that we are met with the most possible successes,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)

PH will be hosting the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics in 2025

Philippines to host 2025 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

Joey Villar  
Philstar.com
December 21, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine gymnastics have never ceased to amaze the country.

After delivering a pair of Olympic medals in Paris this year courtesy of Carlos Yulo, the Gymnastics of the Philippines (GAP) delivered another piece of good news as it has won the bid to host the 2025 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

“In July 12 to 21, we will have the Junior World Championships here in the Philippines with 93 countries participating,” said GAP president Cynthia Carrion on Saturday.

While the official venue hasn’t been determined yet, Carrion said there are high hopes the country could carve out another golden performance from another Yulo —Carlos' younger brother Karl Eldrew.

“Hopefully, Eldrew Yulo will win the gold and make the Philippines proud again,” she said.

Interestingly, another major international event will be staged next year in Southeast Asian -- the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships set in October in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Already, the country is looking forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where it is eyeing to replicate, if not eclipse, its two-gold performance in Paris courtesy of Caloy Yulo’s magnificence.

Carrion is also hoping there will be two Yulo’s competing in LA.

“That’s our prayers, to have both of them qualify in the next Olympics,” she said.

Carrion said it will be a busy year for Yulo as there will be the World Championship, World Cup, Southeast Asian Games and Asian Championships apart from training camps in the United States, Spain, Korea, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.

“GAP will continue our journey to get more gold medals for our country. This year will be full of activities and events that’s why our financial support should be solid,” she said.

Philippines is hosting World Travel Awards for first time

Philippines is hosting World Travel Awards for first time

ABS-CBN News

Aug 29, 2024

The Philippines is set to host the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania gala ceremony for the first time, solidifying the country's position as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). 

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the red-carpet event will be held on September 3 at City of Dreams Manila. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this does not only mark a milestone for the country, but also "serves as a testament to the Philippines' growing prominence and readiness to host high-caliber international events."

"We are glad that esteemed global organizations like the World Travel Awards are recognizing our capacity to deliver world-class hospitality, superior event management, and unparalleled tourism experiences," she said in a statement. 

Established in 1993, the WTA recognizes outstanding players in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

The Philippines is vying for 7 awards in WTA this year: Asia's Leading Beach Destination, Asia's Leading Dive Destination, Asia's Leading Island Destination, Intramuros as Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay as Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination, Cebu as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination, and the Department of Tourism as Asia's Leading Tourist Board. 

"Each of these nominations signifies recognition of the unique and diverse offerings of our beautiful archipelago -- from our pristine beaches and world-renowned dive sites to the vibrant culture and food and the innate hospitality and friendliness of the Filipino people," Frasco said. 

Aside from the WTA, the Philippines has also been recognized by different publications and award-giving bodies this year. Among these are the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards by United Kingdom's Wanderlust Travel Magazine, the 2024 International Travel Awards, and the Asia Best of Best Awards. 

"The Philippines' beauty and the warmth of the Filipino people make tourism a natural endeavor," said Frasco. 

"The challenge lies in envisioning a future that transcends mere visitor arrivals, focusing instead on tourism revenues that provide livelihood and employment, instituting the necessary infrastructure and improvements in connectivity, as well as valuing heritage preservation, community upliftment, and fostering a deep appreciation for our culture."

Philippines is set to host the World Travel Awards 2024

Philippines to host World Travel Awards 2024 in September

JADE VERONIQUE YAP

GMA Integrated News

11 July 2024

The Philippines is set to host the World Travel Awards 2024.

During a press conference held at the M.I.C.E Con 2024 by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco announced that the country will host the annual World Travel Awards this September.

As seen in the World Travel Awards website, the awarding ceremony will commence on Sept. 3 at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City.

For this year’s edition, the Philippines bagged seven nominations, including Asia's Leading Beach Destination, Asia's Leading Dive Destination, and Asia's Leading Island Destination.

Intramuros is also nominated once again as Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction, while Boracay and Cebu is nominated as Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination and Asia's Leading Wedding Destination, respectively.

DOT, on the other hand, is nominated for the Asia's Leading Tourist Board award again.

Last year, Manila City secured its first-ever award at the prestigious World Travel Awards, earning the title of the World’s Leading City Destination for 2023.

Alongside this recognition for the city, the Philippines also maintained its 2022 titles as the World’s Leading Dive Destination and Beach Destination.

The World Travel Awards is a London-based organization established in 1993 and is known as the Oscars of the travel industry. It acknowledges excellence in travel and tourism at the national, regional, and global levels.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News

Philippines to host 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship

 Philippines wins bid to host 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship

GMA News Online 
20 March 2024

The Philippines is set to host the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
The FIVB made the announcement on Wednesday as the country became the successful bidder.

"This prestigious event will not only inspire a new generation of athletes but will also help to encourage increased participation in sport at all levels in the country and wider region," FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça said in a statement on Volleyball World's report.

"We are confident that the Philippines, supported by our innovative Volleyball Empowerment programme, will host an extraordinary World Championship that will leave a lasting legacy and help to cultivate an even brighter future for our sport globally," Graça added.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon 'Tats' Suzara said the country is ready to host the championship.

“For this, I am ready, our team is ready, the Philippines is ready to boldly face the challenge and to fulfil the dream, as we work collectively to serve volleyball. If you love volleyball, then you will surely love the Philippines. See you all in 2025," Suzara said in the report.

The Philippines formally launched its bid in February, banking on the success of the country's hosting of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2022 and 2023.

The said VNL tours were held in the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena, which will also be eyed as venues for the hosting of the World Championship.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News