HAWAII, TAHITI PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE UNIQUE PHILIPPINE HOSPITALITY AT 9TH ACGTDT 28 August 2014 - Not even the threat of a tropical depression in the Philippines dampened the high spirits of the delegation of Hawaii and Tahiti participants headed by Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin to the 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) in the Philippines held from July 28 to 31. A yearly tourism project organized by Philippine Posts in the United States, in cooperation with Department of Tourism (DOT), is now on its 9th year. The 65 participants from both Hawaii and Tahiti, French Polynesia, were part of the total number of almost 300 participants from all over the United States, together with the Philippine Ambassador to the United States and Philippine Consuls General in Hawaii, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Agana. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, DOT and Rajah Tours officials greeted the participants with warm smiles, friendly handshakes and sampaguita leis. On the first day, the participants had whole day tours of their choice such as the Corregidor tour; Manila and Makati City Tour with church visits and museum tours (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Metropolitan and San Agustin Museum); and studio tours of GMA Network and ABS-CBN TV noontime variety shows. In the evening, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Tourism, hosted a Mindanao-themed welcome dinner with live entertainment at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-la Hotel. On the second day, the participants witnessed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park which was led by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. This was followed by a luncheon at Malacañan Palace. President Benigno S. Aquino III was represented by Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who welcomed the delegates. A tour of the Palace Museum ensued after the luncheon. In the afternoon, participants had free time to go shopping. The day was capped by an “All White” themed Fellowship Dinner hosted by Western Union at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Thani Hotel. On the third and last day of the 9th ACGTDT, the participants were treated to an all-day tour of Pico de Loro in Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu Batangas. A festive rondalla and band performance from Nasugbu’s locals greeted the participants’ arrival. The welcoming party was headed by Nasugbu Mayor Charito Apacible. The participants were treated to an eat-all-you-can buffet lunch, cultural performances and a free tour of the resort’s features and amenities. Rajah Tours, the official tour ground handler, also arranged optional out-of-town tours for participants who wish to have additional tour experience in other renowned Philippine travel destinations. The Hawaii and Tahiti participants had a great time and said that are looking forward to the 10th ACGTDT in 2015 and committed to inviting their friends, family and colleagues to consider joining this unique and exceptional tour of the Philippines. END
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 08:13:48 +0000
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