PRESS RELEASE - 93 - 2018 

Consul General Joselito Jimeno with Hawaii’s tour consolidators, partner airline representatives, media, and Filipino community members 

(19 November 2018, Honolulu, Hawaii) – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu (PCGH) launched the 2019 VIP (Ambassadors) Tour on 16 November 2018 at the Max’s of Manila Restaurant in Dilingham, Honolulu. The event was attended by various tour consolidators, airline representatives, media partners, and members of the Filipino community. Organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism, the annual VIP (Ambassadors) Tour seeks to showcase the best of the Philippines and the finest of Filipino hospitality to foreign visitors as well as returning Filipino migrants.

This year, the annual Ambassadors Tour is rebranded as the Philippine VIP Tour to emphasize the kind of treatment participants can expect from their participation to the tour. One of the highlights of the itinerary, which is not provided in regular travel packages, is a luncheon at the Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines. In their various stops, guests are given VIP welcome and security escort is provided for the whole duration of the tour. Participants shall also be accompanied by the Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States, the Consuls General from various US Foreign Service Posts, and officials from the Philippines.

The VIP (Ambassador) Tour will take place on 14-21 July 2018 with stops at Manila, Bataan, Clark, and El Nido. Land arrangement package starts at $1,110 (based on triple sharing) inclusive of hotel accommodation, domestic air and land transfers, tour guide, taxes, and service charges (international roundtrip airfare is not yet included). Package with airfare from Philippine Airlines starts at $2,184.00 based on triple sharing. Participants may also opt to join Filgrimage, an optional tour geared towards Millennials and Gen Zs, scheduled to take place on 22-24 July 2018.

For more information regarding rates and availability of packages, interested participants may contact the following tour consolidators: Aloha Travel, Everlasting Travel, Noble Travel, and Panda Travel. <END>

*Photos courtesy of Ms. Angie Santiago

Consul General Joselito Jimeno giving the opening remarks during the official launch of the 2019 VIP (Ambassadors) Tour

Consul General Joselito Jimeno (3rd from right) with the winner of the roundtrip airfare from Philippine Airlines (PAL), Ms. Maryann Alimbuyao (center), PAL Sales Manager Ms. Soledad Solleza, and members of the PAL Team and Philippine Consulate