Vanessa Hudgens named Global Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines

Vanessa Hudgens has been named a Global Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines in a ceremony at the Malacanang Palace on Thursday.

The ambassadorship was given to Vanessa in partnership with Secretary Paul Soriano and his office, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications, and is supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The honorary title is given by the government to recognize outstanding individuals who help promote the Philippines as one of the best tourism destinations in the world.

Present at the ceremony were President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and Soriano.

Also present at the event were Vanessa's mom Gina and her sister Stella.

The "High School Musical" star is in the country to film a travel documentary, slated to be directed and produced by Paul.

She was recently in Palawan, where she went hiking and enjoyed the beach.

—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA Integrated News