A New Vision for Philippine Hospitality: HRAP Convenes First 2026 Board Meeting, Elects New Leadership
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – On January 22, 2026, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) officially kicked off the new year with its first Board of Directors meeting at the historic Bayview Park Hotel Manila. The gathering marked a pivotal moment for the association as it transitioned into a new leadership term and set a bold agenda focused on member engagement and environmental sustainability.
Leadership for a New Era: 2026-2027 Board Officers
The highlight of the meeting was the election of the Board Officers for the 2026-2027 term. Mr. Eugene Yap was unanimously elected as President, bringing his seasoned expertise and vision back to the helm of the country’s premier hospitality organization.
Under his leadership, the newly elected officers and directors represent a powerhouse of industry veterans dedicated to navigating the evolving landscape of Philippine tourism. The full roster of the 2026-2027 Board includes:
President: Eugene T. Yap (Bayview Park Hotel)
Vice-President (Hotels): Robert John Horrigan (Acacia Hotel Manila)
Vice-President (Restaurants): Bonifacio V. Pimentel (Ilustrado Restaurant)
Secretary: John Patrick Chan (The Bellevue Manila)
Treasurer: Jose Mari S. Tanalgo (Bacolod Chicken Inasal)
P.R.O.: Lorna C. Ambas (LJC Restaurant Group)
(For a full list of Directors across the Hotel, Restaurant, Associate, and Allied divisions, please refer to the end of this article.)
Strengthening the Community: Future Events & Engagement
A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to revitalizing member engagement. The Board discussed a roadmap of "future and exciting events" designed to foster networking, knowledge sharing, and professional growth among its members. From high-level industry summits to intimate regional mixers, HRAP aims to provide more tangible value to its diverse membership base, ensuring that every hotelier and restaurateur feels the pulse of the association’s activities.
The "Green" Mandate: Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism
In a move that signals a major shift toward responsible hospitality, the Board placed a heavy emphasis on Green Tourism and Green Hotel promotion.
Central to this discussion was the impact of the industry-wide survey conducted by the HRAP Secretariat on January 12, 2026. The survey results highlighted a growing demand for eco-conscious travel and identified key areas where Philippine establishments can lead in sustainability
President Eugene Yap and the Board urged all members to actively participate in the "Green Campaign." The discussion highlighted several key benefits for members who embrace these initiatives:
Cost Efficiency: Implementing green technologies significantly reduces long-term operational costs in energy and waste management.
Market Competitiveness: Global travelers are increasingly prioritizing eco-certified destinations and accommodations.
Collaborative Growth: By sharing "Green" best practices, HRAP members can collectively elevate the Philippines' status as a premier sustainable destination.
The HRAP’s goal is not just to follow global trends, but to set the standard for hospitality in Southeast Asia. Green Tourism is no longer a niche; it is the foundation of our future. The leadership encourages every member to collaborate and innovate with the association.
Looking Ahead
As HRAP embarks on this new biennial term, the message is clear: the association is committed to a more engaged, more sustainable, and more unified hospitality industry. With a new board at the helm and a clear vision for a "Green" future, HRAP is poised to lead the Philippine hospitality sector to new heights in 2026 and beyond.
HRAP Board of Directors 2026-2027
Hotel Division Directors:
Stephen Steve Sasso (City of Dreams, Manila)
Gerladine Gaw (Hotel Lucky Chinatown)
Alfred Reyes (Bai Hotel Cebu)
Atty. Jose D. Lina Jr. (The Manila Hotel)
Richard Masselin (Sheraton Manila Bay)
Grace Kristine Meehan (Hotel Rembrandt)
Restaurant Division Directors:
Richard R. Gomez (Chad’s Cafe Bar &Grill Restaurant)
Chef Raoul Roberto Goco (Degustation Corporation/CYMA)
Richelene O. Celosia (Seafront SEPO Grill & Restaurant)
Raymund A. Reyes (Aristocrat Restaurant)
David Andre Sison (Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen)
Steve A. Tamayo (Tamayo's Group of Companies)
Associate Directors:
Dr. Lilibeth Aragon (LPU Manila)
Dr. Mark Irvin C. Celis (LPU Cavite)
Allied Directors:
Romuald Boyd E. Ponce (Hocheng Philippines)
Tomas T. Balete (Tosot Philippines)
Affiliate Directors:
Rodolfo E. Cabardo (COHREP)
Regional Chapter Directors:
Anthony de Leon (HRAB – Luzon Chapter)
Angel M. Abenir (IHRRA – Visayas Chapter)
Nicole Bian Hao Ledesma (DATA – Mindanao Chapter)
