El Nido Resorts in Palawan won Best Destination, Islands and Beaches category at the first Choose Philippines Awards at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theatre on Thursday. Photo courtesy of El Nido official website

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s best tourism offerings — from food to vacation destinations — were recognized in the first Choose Philippines Awards at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theatre on Thursday.

Cebu bagged the most trophies, winning Best Accommodation for solo travelers (Plantation Bay Resort and Spa) Best Water Form (Kawasan Falls) and Best Festival (Sinulog).

City government officials, tourism officers, industry experts, celebrities and establishment owners graced the awards ceremony hosted by Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza and Ai dela Cruz.

From August to September, netizens from throughout the country and around the world submitted their nominations for categories such as Best Destination and Best Accommodation. From there, a shortlist was drawn by a panel of industry experts and travel bloggers.

Here's the complete list of winners:

BEST ACCOMMODATION

For Families: Villa Escudero (Quezon)

For Couples: Stilts Calatagan Resort (Batangas)

For Barkada: Balesin Island (Quezon)

For Solo Travelers: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (Cebu)

BEST DESTINATION

Heritage Sites: The Ruins (Negros Occidental)

Islands and Beaches: El Nido Resorts (Palawan)

Mountains and Volcanoes: Mayon Volcano (Albay)

Water Forms: Kawasan Falls (Cebu)

Recreational Spots: Picnic Grove (Tagaytay)

BEST DISH

Poultry Dish: Max's fried chicken

Beef Dish: Rodick's beef tapa

Pork Dish: Buffalo Bros baby back ribs

Vegetable Dish: Kuya J's Restaurant's lumpia presko

Seafood Dish: Shrimp Bucket's salty eggsperience

Panghimagas (dessert): First Colonial's Grill sili ice cream

Fusion: Lars buko batchoy

Native Delicacy: Barrio Fiesta's kare-kare

BEST FESTIVAL: Sinulog (Cebu City)

BEST PINOY ADVOCATE:

Zosima Acuram (Banduria teacher, Bohol)

BEST PINOY AT HEART

Kyle “Kulas” Jennerman from Canada