PH Consulate General in Honolulu Officially Launches 2025 Very Important Pinoy Tour
Acting Head of Post Durian-Bailon delivers her welcome remarks during the launch of the 2025 Very Important Tour.
HONOLULU 21 January 2025 – Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon led the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu during its official launch of the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour held at the Dillingham branch of Max’s of Manila last 17 January 2025. The Consulate’s partners in media and the travel and tourism industry in Honolulu attended the event.
Formerly known as the “Ambassador, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour” and then as “The Ambassador’s Tour”, the VIP Tour serves as the flagship tourism program of the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States led by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, particularly its Tourism Promotions Board, the local government units of the featured destinations, and the tour handler, Rajah Tours. The program was first launched in 2005 under the leadership of former Philippine Ambassador to the United States and later Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario.
The 2025 VIP Tour, which will take place from 6 to 15 July 2025, will bring participants on an adventure-packed and culturally-enriching vacation experience to Manila, Laoag in Ilocos Norte, Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. A novelty to this year’s iteration is the option to embark on the VIP Next Gen Tour, which caters to participants with a more active lifestyle. VIP Next Gen participants will visit Manila, Siargao and Puerto Princesa.
The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu is the lead coordinator Foreign Service Post for the 2025 VIP Tour.
In her welcome remarks, Acting Head of Post Durian-Bailon described the VIP Tour as “a bridge connecting Filipinos and friends of the Philippines across the world to the wonders of our homeland.” “It is more than just a travel package but rather a celebration of our shared heritage, a showcase of the beauty and diversity of our islands, and an opportunity to strengthen the bond between our kababayan and their roots,” she added. She thanked the Consulate’s partners for their support in playing a vital role to promote the Philippines “as a premier destination for cultural exploration, adventure, and meaningful connections,” ultimately contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the country’s tourism.
In a video message, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez invited participation in the Tour, which he promised will be “a memorable adventure that will allow participants to experience the best of the Philippines and create unforgettable moments.”
Ms. Genesis Renos, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Los Angeles, which has jurisdiction over the State of Hawaii, briefed attendees on the inroads in the country’s tourism industry, and the Love the Philippines tourism campaign. She invited attendees to use and promote the TravelPH app, which serves as a comprehensive guide to exploring the Philippines.
Providing the details of the VIP Tour were Mr. Jose Clemente, President of Rajah Tours, who explained in the itineraries and package inclusions. Ms. Soledad Solleza, Area Manager of Philippine Airlines Honolulu briefed participants on the comprehensive package which the Philippines’ flag carrier has to offer for the tour.
Information on the VIP Tour may be accessed on www.viptourphilippines.com. END
(Above) In a video message, Ambassador Romualdez invites participants to take an immersive journey to the Philippines through the VIP Tour. (Below) Ms. Renos informs guests of developments on the Philippines’ tourism industry.
Travel and tour operators and media attend the 2025 VIP Tour launch of the Consulate.
For more information, visit https://www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinHonolulu/, https://twitter.com/PHinHonolulu or https://www.instagram.com/phinhonolulu/.