Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and William “Butch” Ramirez Recognized at 6th Philippines Sports Tourism Awards Night

On Friday, November 22, 2024, the 6th Philippines Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) Night took place at the Axis Bar of NUSTAR Casino and Resort in Cebu, marking the first time the prestigious event was held outside of Manila or Clark. The evening celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations that have helped elevate the Philippines’ sports tourism industry, particularly through their involvement in managing sports events that drive tourism and global recognition.

Two key figures stood out at this year’s event: Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, chairman of Alaska Milk Corporation, and William “Butch” Ramirez, former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), who were both honored as the Sports Tourism Personality of the Year in the private and government sectors, respectively.

Uytengsu: A Champion for Endurance Sports

It was a double celebration for Uytengsu, a Cebu-born leader, who not only marked his birthday but also received the prestigious recognition for his pivotal role in advancing endurance sports in the Philippines. Uytengsu is best known for bringing the world-renowned Ironman Triathlon Series to the country, igniting local interest in triathlon and other endurance events. His contributions have been instrumental in inspiring a new wave of Filipino athletes, pushing the boundaries of sports excellence in the Philippines. The award was presented to Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events, who accepted on Uytengsu’s behalf.

Ramirez: A Legacy in Philippine Sports Development

In the government sector, Butch Ramirez was recognized for his exceptional service to Philippine sports development and his unwavering support for Filipino athletes, both on the national and international stages. During his tenure as the PSC Chairman, Ramirez played an instrumental role in the country’s sports infrastructure, athlete development, and in bringing international events to the Philippines.

Other Major Awardees

The Hall of Fame Award was presented to Clark Free Zone, a former U.S. military base that has transformed into a thriving economic hub. The award was received by Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, CEO and President of Clark Development Corporation, who praised the contributions of current Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo. Under Remollo’s leadership in 2011, Clark Free Zone expanded its corporate base, attracting new investors and fostering a vibrant business environment.

Dumaguete City, known as the “City of Gentle People,” also earned a notable distinction as an Emerging Destination, recognized for its scenic beauty, friendly locals, and cultural heritage.

In the private sector, Sunrise Events, Inc. (The Ironman Group) was honored as Event Organizer of the Year for its continued success in organizing Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events throughout the Philippines. These events have become major contributors to the country’s sports tourism growth. On the government side, Puerto Princesa received the Event Organizer of the Year award, celebrated for its unique blend of urban development, natural beauty, and burgeoning tourism opportunities. The award was presented to Demetrio Alvior Jr., Puerto Princesa’s City Tourism Officer.

Notable Recognitions

Other awardees included The Bellevue Resort Bohol, which was named Hotel of the Year for its eco-friendly practices and luxurious accommodations. Dustin Chan, the resort’s managing director, received the honor on behalf of the property.

The City of Manila’s Rock and Roll Running Series earned the Destination Marketing of the Year award for combining fitness with entertainment, offering participants an energetic atmosphere complete with live performances. Charlie Dungo, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, received the award.

The XXII FIBA Congress, hosted in Manila in August 2023, was recognized as the MICE Event of the Year for bringing together basketball leaders from around the globe. The award was presented to Andrew Teh, Technical Academy Head of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which also received two other honors: Sports Association of the Year and Event of the Year (International) for the FIBA World Cup Manila.

Other notable awardees included Cebu Pacific, named Airline of the Year for its affordable flights and vibrant branding, and MVP Sports Foundation, awarded Event Sponsorship of the Year for supporting grassroots sports initiatives. Mall of Asia Arena was honored as Venue of the Year, while Robinson Mall was named Mall Sports Venue of the Year for its dedication to promoting sports and fitness through community events.

More Award-Winning Events

The Milo Marathon was named Domestic Event of the Year, a testament to its long-standing tradition of inspiring Filipino athletes. Nestlé Philippines’ Carlo Sampan, AVP for the Milo Sports Program, received the award. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority earned the title of Destination of the Year for its historical significance and continued development as a tourism and trade hub. Lastly, Go for Gold was awarded Charity Event of the Year for its efforts to support Filipino athletes across various sports.

The event concluded with the recognition of Tour de Cebu as Adventure Event of the Year, a thrilling 1,000-kilometer historic car rally across the Visayas.

A Legacy of Sports Tourism

The PSTA was founded in 2015 by Charles Lim, President of Selracho, a public relations agency. His vision was to create an event that would formally recognize the individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to sports tourism in the Philippines. The event has since grown into a vital platform for promoting the country’s potential as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The awards not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also highlight the Philippines’ growing influence in the global sports tourism sector.