XI Virtus Awards: Building continuity, empowering the next generation

THE Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines recently launched the 11th Virtus Awards, a milestone edition that elevates the prestigious program beyond recognizing excellence in hotel sales and marketing to champion the critical mission of empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

With the theme “Paths & bridges: Leading the way and building continuity,” this year’s Virtus Awards serve as both tribute and challenge: honoring the trailblazers who have defined Philippine hospitality while challenging today’s leaders to build new bridges of knowledge, mentorship and innovation toward a future shaped by younger professionals.

WOMAN POWER The photo shows the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines Board of Directors with event speaker Therese ‘Gang’ Badoy Capati (fourth from left), president of Rock Ed Philippines and trauma therapist. PHOTO FROM HSMA

“It’s a vision that aligns with HSMA’s core educational pillar and the industry’s broader goals of travel recovery, tourism growth, wellness and sustainable leadership development,” said Loleth So, HSMA president. As in previous years, the 11th Virtus Awards continues to seek individuals and teams who go beyond delivering results in order to influence genuine change. The coveted X-factor encompasses not only exceptional performance but also the courage to innovate, the ability to mentor, and the vision to lead with empathy and foresight.

The official launch coincided with HSMA’s general membership meeting at Fairmont Makati, featuring keynote speaker Therese Badoy Capati, president of Rock Ed Philippines and trauma therapist. Her presentation, “Rock the talk,” addressed the vital need for effective communication across multigenerational teams in today’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.