Philippine President Bongbong Marco inspects the International Media Center for the 2026 ASEAN Summit at World Trade Center Manila
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has brought the Philippine experience to the international media covering the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings at the International Media Center (IMC). In partnership with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the World Trade Center Metro Manila was transformed into a gateway to the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary traditions, wellness practices, and tourism offerings.
Different immersive experiential zones and curated Filipino encounters await accredited local and international media delegates. More than a broadcast venue for the regional gathering, the IMC aims to offer them a firsthand experience of what makes the Philippines a compelling destination for travelers from across the world.
As Vice Chairperson for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council, Secretary of Tourism Dita Angara-Mathay is leading the Department’s efforts to integrate Philippine tourism, culture, and hospitality into the country’s hosting of ASEAN 2026.
Anchored on the Philippine Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the initiative reflects the country’s commitment to people-centered regional cooperation while using the international gathering as an opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ global tourism profile.
A taste of the Philippines
At the heart of the Philippine Experience Center are three gastronomy kiosks representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s distinctive regional flavors, and the country’s Slow Food movement.
Adding distinction to the experience are Michelin-recognized culinary talents, including Chef Miggy Moreno, a two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, and Chef Francis Lacson, a former seafarer who earned the MICHELIN Guide 2027 Young Chef Award.
At the Philippine Beverage Station, guests can take a sip of complimentary refreshments throughout the seven-day exhibition, featuring the country’s celebrated 3Cs: coffee, cocoa, and coconut.
Media delegates can enjoy premium Philippine coffee sourced from Maguindanao, Benguet, Tanay, Tarlac, Batangas, Sagada, and Sultan Kudarat, alongside locally produced cocoa and coconut-based or coconut-infused beverages.
Experiencing Filipino wellness and hospitality
The Philippine Experience also brings the country’s traditional wellness practices to the international media community through a dedicated Health and Wellness Hub.
Accredited delegates and other guests can experience the signature Filipino hilot, a traditional therapeutic massage practice deeply rooted in Filipino culture and indigenous healing traditions.
Health and wellness tourism is an important tourism product of the Philippines because it allows the country to capitalize on its two greatest strengths: its natural resources and the Filipino culture of care and hospitality
The initiative reinforces the Philippines’ growing position as a destination for health, wellness, and restorative travel, where traditional knowledge and contemporary tourism experiences come together.
Celebrating Filipino craftsmanship and enterprise
At the Philippine MSME Hub, ASEAN delegates can take a piece of the country from a wide array of Philippine-made products from micro, small, and medium cultural and creative enterprises.
Adding a collectible dimension to the initiative are the ASEAN 2026 commemorative postcards and postage stamps, featuring Philippine destinations, cultural heritage, natural wonders, gastronomy, festivals, and other distinctive Filipino experiences.
The Philippine Experience Center is part of the DOT’s shared efforts to ensure that the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026 becomes an opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism assets, cultural identity, and renowned hospitality.
“By bringing together gastronomy, wellness, craftsmanship, art, heritage, and immersive cultural encounters, the Department seeks to make the Philippine experience an integral part of the international media community’s coverage of the Summit,” Secretary of Tourism Dita Angara-Mathay said on the initiative as reflective of the Philippines’ aspiration to be remembered not only as excellent hosts, but also as a destination whose people, culture and experience invite the world to discover more.
Philippine President Bongbong Marco inspects the International Media Center for the 2026 ASEAN Summit at World Trade Center Manila
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has brought the Philippine experience to the international media covering the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings at the International Media Center (IMC). In partnership with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the World Trade Center Metro Manila was transformed into a gateway to the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary traditions, wellness practices, and tourism offerings.
Different immersive experiential zones and curated Filipino encounters await accredited local and international media delegates. More than a broadcast venue for the regional gathering, the IMC aims to offer them a firsthand experience of what makes the Philippines a compelling destination for travelers from across the world.
As Vice Chairperson for Operations of the ASEAN National Organizing Council, Secretary of Tourism Dita Angara-Mathay is leading the Department’s efforts to integrate Philippine tourism, culture, and hospitality into the country’s hosting of ASEAN 2026.
Anchored on the Philippine Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the initiative reflects the country’s commitment to people-centered regional cooperation while using the international gathering as an opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ global tourism profile.
A taste of the Philippines
At the heart of the Philippine Experience Center are three gastronomy kiosks representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s distinctive regional flavors, and the country’s Slow Food movement.
Adding distinction to the experience are Michelin-recognized culinary talents, including Chef Miggy Moreno, a two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, and Chef Francis Lacson, a former seafarer who earned the MICHELIN Guide 2027 Young Chef Award.
At the Philippine Beverage Station, guests can take a sip of complimentary refreshments throughout the seven-day exhibition, featuring the country’s celebrated 3Cs: coffee, cocoa, and coconut.
Media delegates can enjoy premium Philippine coffee sourced from Maguindanao, Benguet, Tanay, Tarlac, Batangas, Sagada, and Sultan Kudarat, alongside locally produced cocoa and coconut-based or coconut-infused beverages.
Experiencing Filipino wellness and hospitality
The Philippine Experience also brings the country’s traditional wellness practices to the international media community through a dedicated Health and Wellness Hub.
Accredited delegates and other guests can experience the signature Filipino hilot, a traditional therapeutic massage practice deeply rooted in Filipino culture and indigenous healing traditions.
Health and wellness tourism is an important tourism product of the Philippines because it allows the country to capitalize on its two greatest strengths: its natural resources and the Filipino culture of care and hospitality
The initiative reinforces the Philippines’ growing position as a destination for health, wellness, and restorative travel, where traditional knowledge and contemporary tourism experiences come together.
Celebrating Filipino craftsmanship and enterprise
At the Philippine MSME Hub, ASEAN delegates can take a piece of the country from a wide array of Philippine-made products from micro, small, and medium cultural and creative enterprises.
Adding a collectible dimension to the initiative are the ASEAN 2026 commemorative postcards and postage stamps, featuring Philippine destinations, cultural heritage, natural wonders, gastronomy, festivals, and other distinctive Filipino experiences.
The Philippine Experience Center is part of the DOT’s shared efforts to ensure that the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026 becomes an opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism assets, cultural identity, and renowned hospitality.
“By bringing together gastronomy, wellness, craftsmanship, art, heritage, and immersive cultural encounters, the Department seeks to make the Philippine experience an integral part of the international media community’s coverage of the Summit,” Secretary of Tourism Dita Angara-Mathay said on the initiative as reflective of the Philippines’ aspiration to be remembered not only as excellent hosts, but also as a destination whose people, culture and experience invite the world to discover more.
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