24 January 2014- Some 240 tourists from all over Canada today wrapped up a six-day visit to the islands of Panay and Guimaras with their hearts warmed by Filipino hospitality wherever they went.
Led by Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan, the first Winter Escapade tour gathered Canadian snowbirds, mostly of Filipino heritage, for a journey of discovery in Kalibo, Boracay, Roxas City, Iloilo City and Guimaras from January 18 to 23.
Escaping Canada’s icy temperatures, participants hit the ground dancing to the beat of the Ati-Atihan drums in Kalibo on January 18. Many succumbed to the contagious revelry in the streets while others made their way to the St. John the Baptist Cathedral for the paepak healing ritual popular among Sto. Niño devotees.
Another fiesta greeted the group upon arrival on the same day in Boracay where the Ati-Atihan spirit conspired with the breathtaking white sand beach to animate even jet-lagged visitors to join a second round of vigorous dancing with the island’s children. After a whole day of wellness and recreational activities in the island, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) kept energy levels up with an overflowing buffet of Filipino dishes and delicacies alongside fire dancers and fireworks.
In Roxas City, the Canadian visitors were moved by expressions of gratitude for Canada’s help in clearing roads and providing emergency assistance in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
“The people of Capiz remember Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and did not want them to go. Canadian assistance was a big factor in helping us stand today. To commemorate that friendship, we put up a marker in the sports complex where DART stayed for more than a month. The people of Canada were among the first to help thousands upon thousands of Capiznons. In our time of need, the people of Capiz were helped by Canadians,” Capiz Governor Victor Tangco recalled.
Speaking for Congressman Antonio del Rosario, Mrs. Melanie Del Rosario Agoncillo’s poignant remarks pulled at the heartstrings of the Canadian guests. “We can never repay you for all that you have done for us. We wish you could stay longer to experience the warmth, affection and gratitude of our people. I wish there was a way more fitting than just saying welcome and thank you for everything. When you go home, please extend to the people of Canada our greatest gratitude and appreciation for the help that you extended when we needed it most and for being everyday a hope,” she said.
En route to Iloilo City on January 20, Winter Escapade participants were given a preview of yet another local tradition known as the Pintados festival in Passi City. The brief stopover also acquainted the guests with the city’s products such as pineapple wine.
Top provincial officials turned out for the WE-IMFIT PH Invest Fair on January 21 at the Royal Garden Hall and Convention Center in Iloilo City. Presentations were made on the business-friendly environment and competitive economy of the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras. The fair, which was organized by participating local governments, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Canadian Government, showcased tourism and investment opportunities as well as the best products of the featured provinces in addition to Leyte, Bohol, Naga and South Cotabato. In keeping with the province’s fiesta spirit, visitors were also treated to a special Dinagyang presentation later in the evening. Signalling a continuing partnership, Ambassador Gatan invited Mayor Jed Mabilog to keynote the first Filipino-Canadian Young Leaders Forum in Toronto from March 7 to 9 and for a Dinagyang tribe to perform during key festivals in Canada this coming summer.
A day trip to Guimaras on January 22 proved to be a fitting close to the hectic Panay island tour. From the port to the provincial capitol, school children danced for their Canadian visitors while some lined up the street leading to the Oro Verde Mango Plantation where participants eagerly picked the famed Guimaras fruit to bring home. Again, a mini-trade fair and crafts demonstration organized by the local government broadened the participants’ vista of potential investments in the Philippines.
Winter Escapade participants returned to Manila today for a farewell dinner hosted by Western Union and for their much-awaited courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañan Palace on January 24.
Praises for the tour and the people of Iloilo, Capiz and Guimaras abound. “I could not believe the quality of every reception. Extraordinary little souvenirs from our hosts were given non-stop. It would be fun to come back to learn more about the gentle nature of the Filipino people, especially since many Canadians have a misperception of peace and order in this country. This was an exceptional trip,” gushed Gwen Manning of the Toronto contingent.
Councilor Marvin Rotrand of Montreal, another first-time visitor, was keen to share his impressions. “When they say it’s more fun in the Philippines, they’re really on to something. The Philippines is open for business. It is more than a country eager to grow. It offers beautiful landscapes, crystalline waters, spectacular beaches, and a hospitable, warm and helpful people. Filipinos are noted for tolerance and friendship. They make you feel at home wherever you go,” Mr. Rotrand observed.
Writer Charles Lavoie of Victoria Island found more material for his next novel with a Filipino as main character. “Travelling with Filipino-Canadians and seeing them react to their memories are the best moments for me. I will never forget the smiles and all the helping hands everywhere. The time and resources spent in welcoming us are priceless,” he said.
Even hard-to-please Filipino-Canadians could not contain their joy. “The tour is worth every penny and more. The faces of those little children in Guimaras warmed our hearts. We were moved by the hospitality in each place we visited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” exclaimed Nora Arriola and Maura David of Ottawa.
Already, Ambassador Gatan is planning to institutionalize Winter Escapade as an annual tour with the next trip set for February 2014 in central Visayas. “On behalf of my tour group, I extend to Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Malay Mayor John Yap, Congressman Antonio Del Rosario of Capiz, Passi Mayor Jesry Palmares, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor and Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin my heartfelt gratitude for extending an exceedingly warm welcome to our Canadian guests. Our trip was an unforgettable rediscovery of the heart of the Philippines and an awakening of childhood memories for many. The unique tourist attractions and traditions, the gentle people, the potential investment and trade opportunities present convincing reasons for our participants to return to these islands hopefully with their families and friends or even to retire here permanently,” Ambassador Gatan declared. END