Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer, along with Consul and Economic Officer Vanessa Bago-Llona, joined the annual Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour from 21 to 30 July 2024 — which brought participants to Metro Manila, Bacolod and Northern Mindanao.
The 2024 VIP Tour kicked off with a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Monument in Manila last July 22.
Participants then went to their tour of choice in Metro Manila with the following options: Charms of old Manila, consisting of Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and National Museum; Chinatown walking tour, consisting of Binondo Church and Ongpin Street; and Ayala Museum, featuring its pre-colonial gold collection.
The Tourism Promotion Board then hosted a dinner at Sheraton Hotel Manila after the Metro Manila day tour.
On 23-24 July 2024, VIP Tour participants flew by plane to Bacolod, the “City of Smiles,” for day tours of ancestral houses, the heritage town of Silay, and sugarcane plantations. Participants also rode the boat to Lakawon Island and enjoyed its pure white sand and water sports activities.
The Bacolod City Government, led by Mayor Albee Benitez, hosted a dinner for participants, highlighting the vibrant Masskara performances.
VIP Tour participants then proceeded to Northern Mindanao, the first time the VIP Tour has included the region in the tour’s itinerary, where they were immersed in natural wonders, indigenous cultures, and unique cuisine.
Last July 25-26, participants began their tour of Northern Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro, the “City of Golden Friendship,” where they enjoyed city tours and activities such as whitewater rafting at Cagayan de Oro River, sunset viewing at Amaya View Park, ziplining at Dahilayan Adventure Park and indigenous eco park at Alomah’s Farm.
Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy co-hosted a welcome dinner for the tour participants.
Last July 27, participants traveled to nearby Bukidnon, where they were treated to a mini version of Kaamulan Festival—celebrating the seven tribes of Bukidnon, and featuring the province’s indigenous music and dances.
Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Roque, Bukidnon 4th District Representative Laarni Roque, and Malaybalay Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran hosted the Kaamulan Festival along with the various local officials and tribal leaders of the province. Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee Marife Ganahon, known for Higaonon mat-weaving, also welcomed the travelers.
Participants also visited the Abbey of Transfiguration in Malaybalay, which houses a museum featuring a collection of liturgical vestments made of indigenous materials and designed by Dom Martin Hizon Gomez, OSB.
Last July 28, participants proceeded to Iligan, the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” and experienced facets of the Maranao Muslim culture.
The participants visited the ancestral house of former President Diosdado and former First Lady Eva Macapagal, where their daughter and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo spent some of her childhood years. The travelers also enjoyed Iligan’s Mimbalot and Tinago Falls.
Consul General Ferrer, Philippine Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile, and other officials of Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States who participated in the VIP Tour also called on Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo last July 30, the last day of the tour, at the Department of Foreign Affairs Main Office in Pasay City.
