A-list celebrities, influencers, credible industry and trade partners recognized in the Philippines’ 1st Aviation Award Giving Body— AirAsia Stellar Awards 2022
AirAsia Philippines unveils Hall of the Stars, cementing its title as the Airline of the Stars
100 media, celebrities, and industry partners commit to promoting air travel and tourism for a stronger aviation comeback post pandemic
Manila, Philippines, 23 March 2022 – AirAsia Philippines today gave recognition to more than 100 media, celebrity and industry partners at the inaugural AirAsia STELLAR AWARDS , as the first and only aviation award giving body in the country.
Receiving the STELLAR OF THE YEAR AWARD is Ana Patricia Non who sparked hope, inspiration and admiration among Filipinos at the height of the strict lockdowns, through her community pantry initiative which started with a bamboo cart packed with vegetables and food products made available for the underprivileged. This spirit of Bayanihan was replicated all over the Philippines, allowing Filipinos to share whatever extra food items they have, with those most in need.
“Give what you want and take what you need. The gracious reminder on the sign that hangs at every community pantry reminds everyone, regardless of sex, age, religion and status in life to always share their blessings with others, no matter how big or small. Through the community pantry, we survived and thrived towards the pandemic. Through the community pantry, we aim to strengthen and keep the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan alive in these trying times. This recognition from AirAsia is a testament that I am on the right path,” Patricia reminded the Allstars and all guests present at the event.
Quad media partners ABS-CBN, GMA 7, CNN PH, PTV 4, Sonshine Media Network, DZBB, DZRH, DWIZ, Radyo Pinas, DZAR, DZME, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Daily Tribune, Malaya, Business Mirror, Business World, Rappler, GMA News Online, Philippine News Agency, Negros Daily Bulletin, Mindanao Daily, iOrbit, AirTraveller PH & Flyhigh Manila, Orange Magazine, Take Off PH, Adobo Magazine and Recycle Bin of a Middle Child were also given special recognition during the event.
Numerous brand and industry partners were also recognized for their valuable contributions in ensuring the survival of both the aviation and tourism industry. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Bohol Association of Hotels Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR), Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI), Crimson Resorts and Spa, Feliz Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, as well as travel partners Expedia Travel Services, Ticket1, VIA Philippines Travel Corporation, Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc., and international partners Chongqing Xinwen Travel Services Co. Ltd. (CAN) and Nawaloka Air Services (HRI) were also accorded a STELLAR recognition.
AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricardo “Ricky” Isla said, “Stellar Awards is the culmination of all the hard work we have done over the past two years to keep not only AirAsia Philippines afloat, but to also support the tourism industry which was similarly , very badly hit by the pandemic. We wouldn’t have done it without the help of our friends from the media and celebrities who have always backed our programs and projects. Also, the incredible support which we received from our industry partners also shed light to this path, and tonight, they shine the brightest as we bested them with the STELLAR AWARD.”
Held at the AirAsia Philippines Red Point Headquarters at the NAIA Terminal 3, the event also signified the recovery of the aviation and tourism industry two years after the onset of the global pandemic.
Shining as bright as the STELLAR AWARDS, the Hall of the Stars, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was also unveiled earlier that day. A collection of photos of celebrities and influencers along with the AirAsia aircraft livery since 2020, the Hall of the Stars, a brainchild of AirAsia Communications and Public Affairs Head Steve Dailisan aims to stimulate confidence in air travel and inspire everyone to travel and rediscover the Philippines once again.
Celebrities who are part of the Hall of the Stars also received recognition in the Stellar Awards. Catriona Gray was awarded the Stellar Travel Ambassador and Allstars Choice Award being voted by the Filipino Allstars (employees) for her relentless contribution in promoting safe travels, thereby helping local economies rebound from the ill effects of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Vice Ganda was bested the first-ever Stellar Youtuber of the Year for contributing to the wide exposure of AirAsia and its advocacies by vlogging with YouTube as the main platform.
The hottest couple on Philippine cinema – Jerald Napoles & Kim Molina meanwhile was awarded as the Stellar Travel Couple for pursuing their #TravelGoals with AirAsia while supporting the advocacy of rebuilding confidence in air travel and tourism.
Arci Munoz on the other hand was hailed as the Stellar Trendy Traveller, while Kim Chiu was awarded the #Airlineofthestars Trending Photo. Beks Batallion and Donekla in Tandem both received the Stellar Fun Traveler Award and Sofia Pablo received the Youth Stellar Award.
AirAsia Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan said, “AirAsia Hall of the Stars is also a testament to AirAsia’s commitment to stellar guest service for all that fly with us - celebrity or not. Everyone can fly like a movie star, and influencer or a vlogger with AirAsia. Indeed, stories are best told and experienced when you fly with us.”
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eddie Monreal, CAAP Director Atty. Alexander Paul Rivera, CAB Deputy Director General for Administration John Estabillo and Tourism and Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones joined Mr. Isla and Super App Philippines Country Head Ray Berja in unveiling the Hall of the Stars.