Consulate promotes July tour of the Philippines

The Philippine Consulate General is inviting interested community members to take part in the 7th Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour to the Philippines on July 11 to 15.

Consul General Medardo Macaraig said yesterday that he will lead the CNMI delegation during the event, which is a flagship tourism project of Philippine embassies and consulates in the United States and Canada conceptualized in 2004 to lure balikbayans, Americans, and Canadians to the country every summer—around July in North America.

“The highlight of this tour is a visit with the President and a tour of the Malacañang Museum, which is usually not open to the public,” Macaraig told Saipan Tribune.

Last year’s tour saw over 500 delegates from all over the United States and Canada, the biggest turnout in six years. Macaraig noted that there were no representatives from the CNMI at the time.

According to Macaraig, the estimated cost for this year’s tour is around $1,800 per person. This includes a four- to five-night stay at a hotel in Manila with daily breakfast buffet; lunch at the Malacañang Palace [presidential palace similar to the White House]; three dinners with special entertainment; choice of out-of-town day tour; cultural, religious, social, business seminars and immersion activities; numerous reasonably-priced post-tour options; and surprise gifts.

Macaraig said event organizers are inclined to feature in the day tour either a visit to the country’s colonial heritage such as old churches and other structures or a culinary tour.

Organizers are also considering a visit to the Coconut Palace, which serves as the residence of the Philippine Vice President.

“There is already an expression of interest in this event. At least four individuals have already informed me that they would like to be part of the tour,” said Macaraig.

He said the Consulate will coordinate this event until they turn over the task to a travel agency on island.

“The usual deadline to sign up for this tour is toward the end of May or until June,” he added.

Macaraig encouraged Filipino workers in the CNMI and the rest of the community who have not been to the Philippines in a while to take advantage of this opportunity to explore the country and get a chance to meet the President and other delegates from the United States and Canada.

For more information, call 234-1850.