PRESS RELEASE NO. 85-2024

Consul General Fernandez invites the Filipino community in Hawaii to encourage their friends to experience the Philippines’ renowned hospitality. 

15 July 2024, Honolulu - The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu collaborated with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board in the successful launch of the Love the Philippines campaign and Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) program held yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.

The BBMG campaign encourages Filipinos to invite their foreign friends or family members to visit the Philippines. In her presentation, DOT Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno shared the special prizes that await Filipino participants and their invitees, with the next raffle draw this December. These include condominium units, holiday packages and round-trip airline tickets.

In his remarks, Consul General Emil Fernandez underscored the valuable contribution of overseas Filipinos in the socio-economic development of the Philippines and encouraged the Filipino community in Hawaii to be tourism ambassadors of the country. Setting the country apart, he stressed, is the Filipino’s renowned hospitality, which is “second to none.”

The event was attended by over 200 guests, who were treated to lively performances from Filipino singers and dancers, raffle prizes and giveaways, as well as a sumptuous buffet of Filipino dishes. (END)

DOT Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno provided details of the BBMG tourism campaign.

Local talent from the Filipino community entertain guests with Philippine folk dances.

Community singing and dancing provided guests with a glimpse of Filipino warmth and hospitality.

Consul General Fernandez shares a photo with the two winners of round-trip airlines tickets to Manila courtesy of Philippine Airlines.