Ricardo “Cano Gwapo” Tan and his wife, Nenita, (5th and 6th from left) at the awarding rites*
Businessman Ricardo “Cano Gwapo” Tan and his creation, the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, won two awards at the 43rd People’s Choice Excellence Awards.
The awarding rites took place at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel on Sunday, July 20.
Tan and his wife, Nenita, the founders of Campuestohan Highland Resort, were honored with the People’s Choice Excellence Award for the Best Theme Park and Recreational Luxury Resort in the Philippines, as well as the Dangal Ng Bayan Award.
The People’s Choice Excellence Award, established in 1980, is the Philippines’ leading consumer recognition program, honoring outstanding companies, products, and services based on quality, contributions to consumer well-being, public opinion, and pricing.
The Dangal Ng Bayan Award celebrates exceptional individual achievers in the Philippines who have made significant contributions in various fields.
Amelia “Amytony” Sunio-Abarquez, the Awards Chairperson, expressed the event’s significance, stating, “We gather to celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication in business. Every awardee has made meaningful contributions, showcasing resilience and creativity.”
She emphasized that these awards “symbolize excellence and reflect the hard work of individuals and teams pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
Abarquez encouraged attendees to “Let the spirit of innovation and excellence inspire your own endeavors,” reminding them that “great achievements stem from hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks.”
In response, Tan said, “I am humbled to receive these prestigious awards. This recognition is a crowning achievement for my wife, Mrs. Nita Tan, and me, following more than ten years of hard work to establish the resort as the crown jewel of tourist attractions in Negros.”
He also highlighted a notable achievement: “Our very own Manok ni Cano Gwapo was adjudicated and recognized by Guinness World Records in 2024 as the largest structure in the shape of a chicken in the world, standing at 115 feet tall in our resort in Negros Occidental.”
Looking ahead, he said “Modesty aside, you will soon hear about more world records for our resort, as we aim to achieve up to five records, with God’s grace, by the end of this year or at the latest, the first quarter of 2026.“*