The Department of Foreign Affairs is looking at Bicol Region and Palawan as the next destination for the Winter Escapade Philippine Tour in 2016 after the successful travel experience in the Central Visayas region joined by nearly 200 tourists from all over Canada last February.
Organized by the Philippine Embassy and consular posts in Canada, Ambassador Petronila Garcia led the visiting Canadians escaped the cold winter season and travelled to Dumaguete, Siquijor, Bohol, and Cebu.
The eight-day travel tour includes various cultural and sightseeing activities in the countryside and concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park monument and a visit to the Presidential Museum and Library at the Malacanang Palace.
Ambassador Garcia expressed her gratitude to the participating Filipino-Canadians by turning this tour into a journey of heritage rediscovery.
“We take away from this tour not just photos and souvenirs but lasting impressions of local communities that have taken ownership of local economic development through tourism. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed and entertained by the young and old from both government and private sectors. Our experiences in Central Visayas reinforce our faith in our country and people. Already, our participants are looking forward to Winter Escapade 3 in the Bicol region and other equally enjoyable destinations in our beautiful country,” Garcia said.
Vancouver Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer
Vancouver Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer said they are already preparing for next year’s travel itinerary and tour packages in order to attract more participants targeting not only the balikbayan but the mainstream Canadians as well.
The Bicol region is best known for its perfect-coned Mayon Volcano in Albay; whales’ sharks’ butanding in Donsol; beaches for wind and kite surfing in Daet; and its delicious spicy cuisine. The American reality TV shows Survivor and Amazing Race have likewise catapulted this region into a must go to place for the adventure enthusiasts.
The Winter Escapade 3 2016 packages will be announced sometime in fall.
