20 November 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said today that the Philippines was cited as "Asia's Most Tourist-Friendly Country" by the Top 10 of Asia magazine during its Corporate Ball 2013 at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur last 15 November.

The magazine made its ranking on the basis of survey and in-depth research on the subject. The country ranked first among 30 short-listed countries.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya received the award on behalf of Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., from the Crown Prince of the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhrizd.

Ambassador Malaya thanked the Top 10 of Asia magazine and the event organizers for the recognition.

"When it comes to Philippine tourism, what we are promoting are not merely our attractive tourist destinations, but also the renowned hospitality of our people. This award affirms it and we are grateful to Top 10 of Asia magazine", he said.

Top 10 of Asia is an English language magazine in Malaysia which is owned and published by the RHA Media Sdn. Bhd. The magazine showcases Asia's excellence in all its diversity, and reaches up to about 100,000 readers each month both online and print.

The other countries given recognition were Korea ("best in medical tourism"), Taiwan ("best food"), and Malaysia ("most popular tourist destination").

Filipino artists such as singers Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez and ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde are among the artists and personalities who were earlier featured in the Top 10 of Asia magazines.

Three of the best hospitals in the Philippines, namely, Makati Medical Center, the Manila Doctors and St. Luke's, were also cited in an online survey for the Top 10 Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Asia.

The Corporate Ball 2013 hosted some 900 distinguished CEO's, business owners and personalities, mostly Who's Who across Malaysia and Asia. END