A grand welcome for Fil-Ams

Members of the Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program

World-renowned Filipino hospitality greeted the Filipino-American delegates of the 10th Ambassador, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) gala dinner held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the event served as a formal welcome for the delegates who came from different parts of the United States of America (USA) to reconnect with their Filipino roots and experience the best of the Philippines.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III

An annual excursion program for Filipino-Americans, ACGTDT organizes a special tour to popular Philippine destinations that would allow the participants to savor the foods, see the beautiful sites, learn more about the history, and experience the hospitality that Filipinos are famous for. This year, the delegates will be travelling to Cebu and their itinerary includes visits to Cebu City, Carcar, Argao, Sibonga, and Mactan Islands. 

 

DFA Usec. Evan P. Garcia, Ambassador Jose L. Cruisia and Generoso D.G. Calogne

Welcoming the excited guests were TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, Jr. and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia.

TIEZA Business Development Manager Bing Francisco, TIEZA Asst. COO Jetro Nicolas Lozada and Nanding Mendez

“We are pleased to welcome you back to the Philippines. You’re the best ambassadors in promoting the country’s tourism abroad. May this event not only deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Philippines, but also inspire your foreign friends and loved ones to come and visit the country,” says Enerio.

Lyle Cummings, Marie Cummings, Sen. Michael San Nicolas and Lynn Baker

Amidst refreshing cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and sumptuous dinner, the delegates were treated to a live jazz entertainment led by renowned Filipino saxophonist Vince Lahorra and world-class performances by Asia’s Got Talent finalists Gerphil Flores, Gwyneth Dorado and Junior New System.

James and Rose Marie Knaus

With warm vibe and friendly faces around, it was so easy for the delegates to feel at home, even for the first-timers. “I just want to see the Philippines. I think it’s a beautiful country,” says Jon Paul Puno, a US-born rising classical crossover singer. For those who have been on the tour many times, meanwhile, it’s an experience worth reliving. “We’re excited to be back,” says Rose Marie Knaus who came with her husband, James. “We’re blown away by the execution of this event. Aside from visiting beautiful places, we’re also planning to sell properties. We believe the country is rich in potential.” 

Panfilo Vallejera and Gina Berida

 Warren Gilbert Steele, Samantha Rose Steele and Aurea Steele

Welcoming as it was meant to be, the gala dinner was only the start of Philippine rediscovery for the Fil-Am delegates. Their journey will continue in Cebu, where they will experience more of the country’s grandeur and the innate warmth of the Filipinos.

Jenny Yang-Fang and Edward Lu

Gwyneth Dorado

The ACGTDT is a featured event of the Visit the Philippines 2015 campaign.

Catch more fun and exciting events happening this year at www.visitph2015.com.