While most hotels strive to be seen, some prefer to let their guest experiences do the talking. That’s exactly what catapulted Winford Resort and Casino Manila (WRCM) to the international spotlight when it was named Trip.com’s Top Engaged Hotel of 2025—a prestigious global recognition that turns the spotlight on hospitality done with heart.
The award was formally presented at Trip.com Group’s Envision.2025 Global Partner Conference held last May 26, 2025, at the iconic Shanghai Museum East in China. In a ceremony that gathered the world’s top-performing hotels and travel leaders, WRCM stood out not for sheer scale—but for soul.
What Makes an “Engaged” Hotel?
The term “engaged” might sound like digital jargon, but in the world of global travel, it’s a badge of trust. Trip.com, one of the world’s largest online travel platforms, selects its
Top Engaged Hotels based on a mix of measurable and meaningful metrics – consistent 5-star guest reviews, repeat bookings, excellent response rates, and the emotional resonance behind every stay.
So what does that mean in real life? It means Winford Manila doesn’t just answer reviews—they remember guest names. They don’t just welcome you in—they remember why you came. It’s hospitality that lingers longer than your check-out time.
In a sea of hospitality giants across Metro Manila—where hundreds of hotels compete for digital attention—WRCM has quietly carved a niche as a hotel that connects deeply, both online and onsite.
And that didn’t go unnoticed.
“This award is more than a feather in our cap—it’s a mirror of who we are,” says Jeff Evora, President and COO of Winford Resort and Casino Manila. “We’ve always believed that true hospitality isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about quiet consistency and being present in the moments that matter. This recognition affirms that.”
And with Winford Manila’s renewed focus on elevating its guest journey—from upgraded rooms and premium gaming to carefully curated culinary experiences—it’s clear the team isn’t slowing down.
A Team Fueled by Purpose
Behind the property’s polished service and glowing online reviews is a team driven by something greater than performance targets: pride.
“This award is both humbling and motivating,” shares Justine Anne Vergara, Assistant Director for Hotel Operations. “It tells us that what we’re doing—no matter how small it may seem—matters deeply to our guests. It pushes us to go further, to innovate more, and to lead with heart.”
From the soothing spa experiences at the Winford Health Club to the heritage-forward dishes at Winford café and the Copa de Manila and the high-stakes fun of its newly upgraded gaming floors, the property offers more than a place to stay—it offers a story.
Why This Win Matters
In a time when hotels are rapidly evolving to keep up with AI, automation, and trends, WRCM is proof that engagement still begins—and ends—with people.
In a fast-changing industry that often prizes aesthetics over authenticity, Winford Manila’s win reminds us all that what makes a hotel exceptional isn’t what’s seen—but what’s felt.
And that’s a story worth telling.
