BravoFilipino | Taal Vista Hotel Designated as UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub in Celebration of UN@80 | Tagaytay City, Philippines — October 21, 2025
In a landmark celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, Taal Vista Hotel—one of the Philippines’ most iconic heritage landmarks—was conferred as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub, solidifying its role as a beacon for culture, sustainability, and community-based peace initiatives.
The conferment, led by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a civic partner of the UN founded to promote peace, education, and diplomacy, and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), carries the theme “Building the Future Together.”
Quote – UNGC President
“By anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls alone—it begins where history, culture, and community meet. The SDGs are not just policies; they are a living promise to humanity.” — Direk JP Ninalga, UNGC President
The World Changer Award is presented to Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy, President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, for her leadership in elevating Philippine heritage through hospitality, for advancing sustainability as a way of life, and for her enduring support to communities and peace-centered initiatives. She’s honored as a builder of pathways for global citizenship with a medal and citation to her representative, Ms. Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, handed by UNAP Pres. Ric Cruz. Joining them are Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, Carlos P. Romulo Awardee and Director at the Department of Education, and Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Commissioner CHED and Former Director of SEAMEO and UNESCO-UIL Governing Board Member.
Likewise, Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy, President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, was honored with the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment through SMHCC.
The Path to the Future
The Path to the Future is a philosophy and movement anchored on Philippine Agenda 21 (PA21) and supporting the UN SDGs. Co-developed by Direk JP Ninalga and the late Filipino visionary Nicanor “Nick” Perlas, it calls for regeneration through the Four Capitals: societal, economic, human, and spiritual.
In Memory of Nicanor “Nick” Perlas
This movement is lovingly dedicated to the legacy of Filipino visionary Nicanor “Nick” Perlas — whose work in peace, governance, and human awakening continues through all who dare to build the future.
SMHCC
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) integrates sustainability, culture, and community stewardship across its hospitality properties, including Taal Vista Hotel.
The conferment, led by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a civic partner of the UN founded to promote peace, education, and diplomacy, and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), carries the theme “Building the Future Together.”
Quote – UNGC President
“By anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls alone—it begins where history, culture, and community meet. The SDGs are not just policies; they are a living promise to humanity.” — Direk JP Ninalga, UNGC President
The World Changer Award is presented to Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy, President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, for her leadership in elevating Philippine heritage through hospitality, for advancing sustainability as a way of life, and for her enduring support to communities and peace-centered initiatives. She’s honored as a builder of pathways for global citizenship with a medal and citation to her representative, Ms. Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, handed by UNAP Pres. Ric Cruz. Joining them are Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, Carlos P. Romulo Awardee and Director at the Department of Education, and Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Commissioner CHED and Former Director of SEAMEO and UNESCO-UIL Governing Board Member.
Likewise, Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy, President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, was honored with the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment through SMHCC.
The Path to the Future
The Path to the Future is a philosophy and movement anchored on Philippine Agenda 21 (PA21) and supporting the UN SDGs. Co-developed by Direk JP Ninalga and the late Filipino visionary Nicanor “Nick” Perlas, it calls for regeneration through the Four Capitals: societal, economic, human, and spiritual.
In Memory of Nicanor “Nick” Perlas
This movement is lovingly dedicated to the legacy of Filipino visionary Nicanor “Nick” Perlas — whose work in peace, governance, and human awakening continues through all who dare to build the future.
SMHCC
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) integrates sustainability, culture, and community stewardship across its hospitality properties, including Taal Vista Hotel.
