27/06/2025
Department of Tourism (DOT) CALABARZON officially received the baton of leadership as the next host of the Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEx) 2026 during a grand Handover Ceremony held on June 22, 2025, at The Tropics at MacArthur Park in Palo, Leyte.
Held as the culminating activity of CPTEx 2025, hosted by DOT Eastern Visayas, the event was highlighted by the symbolic turnover of hosting responsibilities from DOT Region VIII Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes to DOT Region IV-A Regional Director Marites T. Castro. The transition marks the beginning of preparations for CALABARZON’s staging of the 2026 tourism expo, anchored on the theme “Timeless, Enchanting, Magical!”
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the official logo and theme song of CPTEx 2026, representing CALABARZON’s commitment to showcasing the enduring charm, vibrant culture, and enchanting destinations across its five provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.
Ms. Pamela Baun, Officer-in-Charge of the Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO), took to the stage to warmly invite participants to next year’s event, proudly sharing Laguna’s heritage in hospitality, wellness tourism, cultural sites, and creative industries.
One of the most applauded segments of the evening was the special performance of Sayaw Juan, DOT CALABARZON’s official performing group. Their medley of well-loved magical songs brought to life through dynamic choreography and live vocals by homegrown CALABARZON singers captivated the audience and set the tone for what is expected to be a magical CPTEx 2026.
DOT CALABARZON also formally introduced its official event partners, who will play vital roles in the success of next year’s exposition: Twin Lakes Hotel, represented by General Manager Ms. Rowena Samonte, and Alliance of Laguna Travel and Tour Agencies (ALTTA), led by President Ms. Lenelyn Gutierrez, as B2B partners; CALABARZON Alliance of Independent Tour Operators (CAITO), chaired by Ms. Lorilyn Tepora, as travel fair partner; Laguna Technopark Hotel, represented by Sales Director Mr. Nelson Octaviano, as one of the official hotels; Bathaluman Travel and Tours, led by General Manager Mr. Michael Roxas, as post-tour partner; and Creativents Advertising, represented by Ms. Chryslyn Gabais, as official booth contractor and event manager.
The CPTEx 2026 Handover Ceremony marked more than a transition, it showcased the creative energy, warm hospitality, and cultural pride of CALABARZON. As the region prepares to welcome visitors from across the Philippines and beyond, DOT CALABARZON is set to deliver a tourism expo that will truly be “Timeless, Enchanting, and Magical!”
https://www.facebook.com/dotcalabarzon/posts/pfbid023XAPmdjCq2yuMwnrWm2VYrez9jknhXrZJ314ZcsRzWiPb4a4n7w8HRciY73ruTjXl
