The Health & Wellness Conference & Expo (HWONFEX) 2025 officially set its course toward promoting holistic living and regenerative tourism with a grand media launch at Newport World Resorts’ Vestibule in the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Carrying the theme “Go & Get Better: Regenerative Tourism Recharges All,” the event positioned the Philippines as a rising hub for wellness and integrative health practices.
The launch brought together leaders from the health, wellness, and tourism industries, underscoring the growing global demand for holistic travel experiences. Guests were welcomed through immersive activities such as indigenous sound healing, chair yoga led by Nurture Wellness Village, and interactive wellness showcases from partners including PITAHC, IAM Worldwide, MWell, Urban Farmers, Nanyang, Enjoy Health, Shinagawa, and Zynergia.
Newport World Resorts Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas opened the program with a warm welcome, followed by HWONFEX Co-Founder Noel Dichoso Soriano, who emphasized the expo’s mission of uniting wellness and tourism for social impact. WeTAP President Catherine Turvill added that regenerative tourism is not only a trend but also a vital opportunity for the Philippines to establish itself as a wellness destination in Asia.
Government officials also lent their support. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong and PITAHC Director General Dr. Ma. Teresa C. Iñigo highlighted the role of integrative medicine in nation-building, while Department of Tourism (DOT) Director Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang reiterated the country’s potential to become a leading global wellness destination.
During the “Healing the Filipino Way” segment, a live ritual that combined traditional healing arts such as hilot, chiropractic, and acupuncture with modern wellness practices. The program also featured lively performances, including a 360 Fitness showcase and a Zumba session by MWell, encouraging guests to experience movement as part of holistic well-being.
Industry experts further explored the role of wellness tourism in economic development during a panel discussion titled “Wellness Nation: Empowering Lives, Transforming Futures.” Panelists included Dr. Edwin Bien, MAP Health Committee Chair Racquel Cagurangan, Philippine Association of Nutrition President Hector Maglalang, and Urban Farmers PH President Louie Gutierrez.
The event culminated in the symbolic activation of a Digital Wellness Tree, representing the collective commitment of government, private sectors, and advocates to cultivate a healthier, sustainable future for Filipinos. Each branch and leaf signified collaboration in strengthening the country’s wellness ecosystem.
HWONFEX 2025 is co-presented by the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WETAP), in partnership with the DOT and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), with the support of the DOH, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and PAGCOR. The expo is organized by Mblessed Travel and Marketing, Inc., alongside a broad network of sponsors, event partners, and media allies.
With its strong government backing and private sector collaboration, HWONFEX 2025 aims to put the Philippines at the forefront of the global wellness movement, merging tourism, technology, and health for a transformative future.
For updates and participation details, visit www.wellnessconfex.com and follow HWONFEX on Facebook.
