Page 48 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

48 January to June
2017

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11 Ambassadors’ Tour Launches in New York
The Philippine Ms. Charisse
Consulate General in New Arboleda of Philippine
York and the Philippine Airlines invited community
Department of Tourism in New members to consider
York (PDOT-NY) with the taking PAL in travelling to
support of Philippine Airlines the Philippines as it offers
(PAL), encouraged the public competitive airfare rates,
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to join the 11 Ambassadors’ flies four times a week,
Tour during the official launch and provides free shuttle
of the 2017 Tour edition at the transportation from key
Philippine Center in New York, points in Southern New
24 April 2017 Jersey and Philadelphia to

In her remarks, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De JFK Airport
Vega said that the Philippines is experiencing a golden age During the program, several community members
of tourism with a surge in tourism arrivals of 631,000 in who had joined previous Ambassadors’ Tours gave
January 2017 - the highest volume recorded in a single testimonials of their experiences. Ms. Carol Tanjutco, a
month. She added that the Philippines’ tourism prospects are financial adviser, artist, and community advocate based in
buoyed by glowing reviews from international media and New York City, along with Edward Santos and Steven Raga
savvy travelers on social media, including recognition of the delegates to the Filipino-American Young Leaders Program
country’s islands as among the world’s best. (FYLPRO) were on hand to encourage people to sign up for

PDOT Tourism Representative Azucena Pallugna the tour.
gave a presentation on the Ambassadors’ Tour itinerary The launch was attended by over 50 tour and travel
which runs from 11-16 July 2017 in Manila and Davao and operators and members of the Filipino Community.
post-Tour packages for those who wish to spend extra time
in the Philippines.

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New York Delegations Gets Ready for the 11 US Ambassadors’ Tour

Ms. Azucena Pallugna, Tourism Representative in
New York briefed the delegates on the Tour Itinerary, other
logistical arrangements as well as administrative reminders.

The delegates present were provided with an
opportunity to ask any clarificatory questions about the tour
arrangements and logistics. Some delegates who had
participated in previous editions of the Tour wholeheartedly
endorsed greater participation in the tour as it provides a
unique glimpse of the Philippines and allows Filipino-
Americans to reconnect with their Philippine heritage.

The US Northeast delegation with close to 40
Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega (5 from left) and Tourism
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Representative Azucena Pallugna (4 from right) with some of the 2017 delegates is the second largest delegation after Hawaii for
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delegates . this year’s Ambassadors’ Tour. The 11 Ambassadors’ Tour
took place from 11-16 July 2017 in Manila and Davao.

The Philippine Consulate General and the
Philippine Tourism Office in New York held a pre-departure
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briefing session for delegates to the 11 US Ambassadors’
Tour from the Northeast Region.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega thanked
the delegates for signing up for what is expected to be an
exciting touristic experience for all the participants in the
Philippines. She reiterated the readiness of the tour
organizers, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism
Promotions Board and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Consul General Dizon-De Vega and Ms. Pallugna brief participants on the latest
ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone. itinerary and other tour arrangements.