PRESS RELEASE NO. 28-2023

13 March 2023, Honolulu – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism – Los Angeles, Philippine Airlines, and Seafood City, participated in the Honolulu Festival last 11 to 12 March 2023 at the Hawaii Convention Center, through an information booth which displayed tourism promotion materials, cultural and food products.

During the festival, consular officers and personnel interacted with approximately 180 Filipino, local, and foreign guests. The Tubbataha Reef, Palawan, Boracay, and Vigan were among the destinations of interest to booth visitors. Meanwhile, several visitors shared their favorite Filipino food and expressed curiosity to try new flavors. A few also showed their appreciation for Philippine weaving traditions.

The Consulate also took the opportunity to promote the 2023 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour which will bring tour participants to Manila, Iloilo, and Boracay this July. Philippine Airlines (PAL) Area Manager Sol Solleza shared with booth visitors the preferential rates offered by PAL for the Tour.

Philippine culture was also well-represented during the festival, through the performances of Filipino groups, including BIBAK Hawaii, Dabawenyos Community Foundation, Karilagan Dance Society and Tekniqlingz.

Vice Consul Leizel Caasi (center) and Cultural Officer Elaine Aldaya (left) pose for photos holding Pamana food products with Via Van Bokhoven of Seafood City.

Vice Consul Jomar Sadie (left) handing over “Rekindling Travel” to Ms. Su Lazo, Chairperson of the Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu.

Booth visitors pose for photos.

BIBAK Hawaii (top photo) and Dabawenyos Community Foundation joined the Honolulu Festival Grand Parade last 12 March.

Karilagan Dance Society (top photo) and Tekniqlingz during the Honolulu Festival Grand Parade last 12 March.