- The Hall of the Stars has been unveiled by AirAsia Philippines, reinforcing its position as the Airline of the Stars.
- 100 members of the media, celebrities, and industry leaders pledge to promote air travel and tourism in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Manila, Philippines, March 22, 2022— At the inaugural AirAsia STELLAR AWARDS, the country’s first and only aviation award giving body, AirAsia Philippines honored more than 100 media, celebrity, and industry partners.
Ana Patricia Non, who received the STELLAR OF THE YEAR AWARD, ignited hope, inspiration, and appreciation among Filipinos under the rigorous lockdowns, through her community pantry program, which began with a bamboo cart full of veggies and food supplies made available for the less fortunate. This Bayanihan mentality spread throughout the Philippines, allowing Filipinos to share whatever excess food they had with those who were 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 Inc., DZBB, DZRH, DWIZ, Radyo Pinas, DZAR, DZME, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Daily Tribune, Malaya, Business Mirror, Business World, Journal Group, 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.
Several brand and industry partners were also honored for their important contributions to the aviation and tourist industries’ survival. The Departments of Transportation (DOTr), Tourism (DOT), and 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, and travel partners Expedia Travel Services, VIA Philippines Travel Corporation, and VIA Philippines Ltd. (CAN) and Nawaloka Air Services (HRI) were also recognized with a STELLAR award.
“Stellar Awards is the conclusion of all the hard work we have done over the past two years to keep not only AirAsia Philippines afloat, but also to support the tourism industry, which was very, very badly struck by the pandemic,” said AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricardo “Ricky” Isla. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our media and celebrity friends, who have always been supportive of our programs and projects. Also, the tremendous assistance we received from our industry partners illuminated this route, and they shone brightest today as we beat them to the STELLAR AWARD.”
The ceremony, which took place at the AirAsia Philippines Red Point Headquarters at NAIA Terminal 3, also marked the revival of the aviation and tourism industries two years after the global pandemic began.
The Hall of the Stars, which is akin to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was also unveiled earlier that day, shining as brightly as the STELLAR AWARDS. The Hall of the Stars, a brainchild of AirAsia Communications and Public Affairs Head Steve Dailisan, has been a collection of photos of celebrities and influencers along with the AirAsia aircraft livery since 2020. Its goal is to boost confidence in air travel and inspire everyone to travel and rediscover the Philippines once more.
Celebrities who are members of the Hall of Fame were also honored at the Stellar Awards. Catriona Gray was named Stellar Travel Ambassador and Allstars Choice Award by Filipino Allstars (workers) for her tireless efforts in encouraging safe travel and assisting local economies in recovering from the pandemic’s impacts.
Meanwhile, Vice Ganda was named the first-ever Stellar Youtuber of the Year for his role in bringing AirAsia and its causes to a wider audience through vlogging on YouTube.
Meanwhile, Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina, the trendiest pair in Philippine cinema, were named the Stellar Travel Couple for pursuing their #TravelGoals with AirAsia while supporting the mission of rebuilding confidence in air travel and tourism.
On the other hand, Arci Munoz was named the Stellar Trendy Traveller, and Kim Chiu was named the #AirlineoftheStars Trending Photo. Sofia Pablo earned the Youth Stellar Award, while Beks Batallion and Donekla in Tandem received the Stellar Fun Traveler 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.”
Mr. Eddie Monreal, General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Atty. Mr. Isla and Super App Philippines Country Head Ray Berja were joined by CAB Deputy Director General for Administration John Estabillo and Tourism and Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones in unveiling the Hall of the Stars. Sofia Pablo earned the Youth Stellar Award, while Beks Batallion and Donekla in Tandem received the Stellar Fun Traveler Award.
