Photo courtesy: Philippine Consulate General in New York
The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Department of Tourism–New York (PDOT-NY) formally launched the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Around 60 guests attended the event, including members of the Filipino American community, media representatives, and travel operators from the New York tri-state area.
The 2026 edition of the VIP Tour will take place July 12 to 21, 2026, featuring Metro Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu as key destinations.
In his remarks, Consul General Senen Mangalile invited Filipino Americans and the general public to join next year’s tour, emphasizing that it provides a meaningful opportunity to rediscover the country and witness its progress.
“This event is not merely a trip; it is a heartfelt homecoming for our Filipino Americans, a journey to reconnect with the heart and soul of the Philippines,” saidMangalile.
PDOT-New York Director Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo presented the “Love the Philippines” campaign and outlined the highlights of the 2026 tour, which include curated cultural, culinary, and heritage experiences.
The event concluded with a food festival showcasing specialties from the featured destinations- Metro Manila’s street food, Dumaguete’s chicken inato, and Cebu’s pancit Bisaya- offering guests a flavorful preview of next year’s journey.
The VIP Tour is a flagship initiative jointly organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, and Rajah Tours Philippines, in cooperation with Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, to promote travel to the Philippines among overseas Filipinos and friends of the country.
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