The Health & Wellness Conference & Expo (HWONFEX) 2025 officially kicked off its highly anticipated journey toward promoting holistic well-being and regenerative tourism with a grand media launch at Newport World Resorts’ Vestibule in the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
With the theme “Go & Get Better: Regenerative Tourism Recharges All,” the event gathered leaders and innovators from the health, wellness, and tourism sectors, highlighting the Philippines’ emerging position as a global wellness destination.
The program opened with an immersive experience featuring indigenous sound healing, chair yoga by Nurture Wellness Village, and interactive wellness activities from partners such as PITAHC, IAM Worldwide, Mwell, Urban Farmers, Nanyang, Nurture Wellness Village, Enjoy Health, Shinagawa, and Zynergia.
Key speakers set the tone for the afternoon, Newport World Resorts Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas, who welcomed guests, followed by HWONFEX Co-Founder Noel Dichoso Soriano, who shared the vision behind HWONFEX 2025. WeTAP President Ms. Catherine Turvill also gave an insightful message underscoring the growing synergy between wellness and tourism. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong and PITAHC Director General Dr. Ma. Teresa C. Iñigo underscored the role of integrative medicine in creating a healthier nation.
The spotlight on wellness tourism was further amplified by a message from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Director, Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, emphasizing the Philippines’ position as a rising global wellness destination.
A unique highlight of the program was “Healing the Filipino Way,” a live ritual blending traditional healing arts like hilot, chiropractic, and acupuncture with modern wellness practices. The event also featured dynamic performances, including a 360 Fitness showcase and Zumba session by MWell, engaging the audience in movement for a sound mind and body.
Industry leaders came together in a panel discussion titled “Wellness Nation: Empowering Lives, Transforming Futures,” tackling the intersection of wellness, tourism, and economic development. 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, among others.
The launch culminated in a symbolic Digital Wellness Tree activation, representing the unity of government, private sectors, and wellness advocates in nurturing a healthier, sustainable future. Each branch and leaf symbolized collaborative efforts toward building a stronger wellness ecosystem for Filipinos.
With messages of support from key partners, including PHILTOA, represented by Maria Lourdes Japson, HWONFEX 2025 reaffirms its commitment to driving the wellness movement forward, integrating health, tourism, and technology for a truly holistic approach.
This pioneering holistic wellness expo is co-presented by the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WETAP) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippines Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).
It is likewise supported by the Department of Health (DOH), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The event is organized by Mblessed Travel and Marketing, Inc., and made possible with the support of the following private sector partners:
Sponsors: IAM Worldwide Corporation as Platinum; MWell and Newport World Resorts as Gold; Enjoy Health, Shinagawa, and Zynergia as Silver
Event Partners: Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), Philippine Tour Operators Association, Inc. (PHILTOA), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Ex-link Events, Urban Farmers Philippines JLT Travel & Tours, Digital Circles, Market Social, IQ Capture, Philippine Wild Raw Honey Corporation, SMX Convention Center, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), and St. Paul University.
Media Partners: Asian Dragon Magazine, Asian Journal, When in Manila, The Manila Times, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Balikbayan Magazine, Philippine Star, ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, and DOOH PH
For inquiries on how to participate, you may reach the HWONFEX Secretariat by email at secretariat@wellnessconfex.com or by phone at (+632) 82471049 or (+63) 09772861594, attention: Ms. Ann. Or message through its Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/WellnessConfex
For more updates on HWONFEX 2025, visit www.wellnessconfex.com
