The Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) has launched the 2027 edition of a government-supported heritage travel program that will bring Filipino Americans, Canadians and friends of the Philippines on a two-week journey across the country.
Known as the Very Important Pinoy Tour, or VIP Tour, the Feb. 7-21 program will combine for the first time with the Winter Escapade travel initiative, offering participants organized travel options in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
The itinerary will begin in Manila before participants choose from five pocket-tour destinations: Leyte, Legazpi-Naga, Siargao, Camiguin or Bohol. For the final leg, travelers may choose between an Iloilo-Bacolod itinerary and a trip to El Nido, Palawan.
The launch was held Aug. 19 at the Philippine Center in New York. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, in a video message, encouraged Filipino Americans to join the program and experience the Philippines’ destinations, culture and heritage.
Consul General Senen Mangalile described the program as a chance for participants to reconnect with the Philippines.
“It is a journey into the heart and soul of the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao, an opportunity to celebrate our diverse and dynamic culture, and above all a reconnection to our roots,” Mangalile said, according to the Consulate’s release.
Tourism Attaché Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo presented an update on Philippine tourism and discussed the U.S. market’s role in inbound travel. Rajah Tours Philippines President Jose C. Clemente III and the company’s sales and marketing director presented the itinerary, rates and registration procedures.
Philippine Airlines’ North American regional head, Jose Maria “Chema” Alvarado, and Shed Syahid also announced promotional fares for participating travelers departing New York, according to the release.
The VIP Tour is organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and Rajah Tours Philippines, in coordination with Philippine foreign-service posts in the United States and Canada. The program promotes travel to the Philippines among overseas Filipinos and other interested travelers.
