Page 43 - 2017 JUL -DEC KAAKBAY

43July to December
2017

Philippine Tourism Promoted at 4th Brooklyn International Day of Friendship

The Philippine Consulate General upon the
invitation of Brooklyn, New York Borough President Eric L.
Adams participated in the 4th Annual Brooklyn International
Day of Friendship held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall and
Columbus Park on 26 July 2017.

Philippine Consulate General personnel carried
the Philippine flag and joined the day’s Kickoff Event, the
Unity Parade of Flags, which marched from the Brooklyn

Long Island University, passed through Fulton Mall and
ended at the Columbus Park Main Stage. All the flags of
about 150 countries, arranged in alphabetical order, were
then hoisted at the Columbus Park during the celebration.

A Philippine booth, with a very attractive Banaue Mr. Ryan Compendio (leftmost photo) of the Consulate General carried the Philippine
Rice Terraces banner, was set up at the Global Village and flag along the parade route in Brooklyn. Messrs. Eric Silao and Ryan Compendio, and
manned the whole day by NY PCG personnel who Ms. Lisette Vasquez man the Philippine booth where travel and tourism to the
distributed tourism brochures and replied to queries mostly Philippines and Philippine cuisine were promoted to the mainstream market
on places to visit in the country, and Philippine culture and (rightmost photos).
cuisine.

Brooklyn Borough officials and several Consuls General gave speeches at the beginning of the ceremony which was
followed by cultural performances and a cultural conversation “Brooklyn Fusion”, where selected youth representatives talked
about their culture and own experiences visiting their respective countries of origin.

Due to the huge number of participants in the activities, and the limited time and space, the organizers aim to extend

opportunities to all and invite new country representatives per regional grouping each year to participate in the events. New

(Continued from page 42...World’s Best Island) York City is host to the largest Consular/Diplomatic Corps in
the world numbering about 150 Consulates General.

Also garnering attention are the “dramatic” Philippine Tourism Office in NY Hosts American
limestone formations rising from the turquoise waters of El Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Meeting
Nido; the “warm and friendly” locals; the 600 species of
birds that make the province a popular destination for bird

-watchers; and the “delicious” food highlighted by a variety

of seafood and the melting pot of Filipino cuisine that

blends Indian, Spanish, Chinese and Malay influences.

According to the magazine, most readers
described Palawan as “rustic,” “romantic,” “affordable,”
and “relaxing” that is why it is often singled out from other
islands in other countries. “It’s the single most beautiful
place on earth,” one reader was quoted by the magazine.

“We are truly proud of our country’s Last Frontier Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega with ASTA President Ralph Vasami
for the accolades gained and we enjoin the community, (photo by NYPCG)
industry and local government leaders to continue
preserving this valuable travel jewel for our future The Philippine Department of Tourism New York
guardians and visitors to enjoy,” Philippine Tourism (PDOTNY) co-hosted the American Society of Travel
Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said. Besides Palawan, Agents (ASTA) monthly meeting at the Kalayaan Hall of
another top tourist destination in the Philippines which the Philippine Center last 10 October 2017.
made it to the list and landed on the third spot is Boracay.
(Continue to page 44)
The Philippine Consulate General and the
Philippine Tourism Representative in New York have
actively pursued initiatives such as the holding of the
annual US Ambassadors’ Tour and the month-long
celebration of Philippine Independence to promote
these tourist destinations to Filipino-Americans as well
as to mainstream American travelers.