Say hello to tourism hero
Makati-born resident and PUP BS Architecture and MA Filipino alumnus Dante Balboa or Elmer Anisco in real life was awarded as Philippine Tourism Hero of the decade at the 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards held last June 26 at the Okada Hotel, Paranaque City.
Dante was a former actor and was also college professor.
His undying efforts to visit, discover, document, and photo shoot waterfalls, islands, churches, landmarks, all over the country for the past 2 decades or equivalent to 21 years was cited and honored by the said prestigious award giving-body.
“I am very grateful because all the efforts and sacrifices for our country are being recognized and honored. Actually, it’s a very long overdue because it took 21 years for an award giving body to recognize my advocacy for our tourism- for our country.
“I’m doing this advocacy selflessly even without anyone knowing or noticing it, I’m doing it sacrificially. I have received many awards and recognitions but this one is the most precious for me because I have been doing this for 21 years and I will continue doing so after the pandemic,” said Dante.
Dante took upon himself to take on this advocacy to visit, research, discover, document, and photo shoot Philippines’ natural and man-made wonders, especially undiscovered waterfalls, caves, islands, Spanish churches, heritage houses and villages, historical and significant places without the help or support from any government or private agencies.
This is his humble way of serving our beloved country and of becoming a hero in a different perspectives. This is his way of saying Mahal ko ang Pilipinas, hindi sa salita… kundi sa gawa.
“Surely I am doing my best but God will do the rest for me. This is my future legacy for our country that is why believe God will protect me every time I go to different provinces,” Dante added.
Asia Pacific Luminare Awards is a prestigious Award-Giving body that honors and recognizes individuals with great contributions and accomplishments in their own fields or has a great contribution for the country.
Recipients of the awards are carefully selected by the awards council headed by Dr. Eleonor Calayag, Mr. R.H. Khokan Lohagara, Mr. Macaslang Nalagon Jr., among others.
Asia Pacific Luminare Awards are now on its 4th Year. The 1st Asia Pacific Luminare Awards was held at the Robinson’s Place in Las Pinas City.
The 2nd and the 3rd one was held in Vivere Hotel at Alabang, Muntinlupa City with its overall chairman in the Philippines- Mr. Jose Vicente Mapa III.
“I hope that there are more award giving bodies that will recognize individuals who have advocacies related to nature, tourism, education, heritage, culture and arts because in one way or the other- awards such as this is truly self-rewarding, I mean nakakataba ng puso,” he added.
Other awardees includes Boy Abunda as most accomplished TV host of the millennium, Ms. Snooky Serna as favorite actress of all time, Ms. Catriona Gray as most influential beauty queen of the year, and no less than Ms. Nora Aunor as the hall of famer of Philippine Cinema, etc. The said event was hosted by Mark Milky Lagdameoand Lea May Panisales.
If there may be LGUs or private Tourism based agencies who may want to partner with Dante and his advocacy, you may contact him through his FB account Elmer Anisco and Cellphone number 09178968287.
