VIP Tour 2025: A Journey Of Heritage, Adventure, And Discovery Across the Philippines

Consul General Arman Talbo together with the Consuls General of the Foreign Service Posts of the United States along with some of the VIP Tour participants during the welcome dinner hosted by the Department of Tourism Promotions Board. (Photo credit: Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) Philippines)

HONOLULU 07 August 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu celebrates the successful conclusion of the 16th Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture, heritage, and hospitality that brought nearly 200 participants from across the United States back to amazing places in the Philippines.

Held from 06 to 15 July 2025, the tour was organized in collaboration with the U.S. Foreign Service Posts led by the Philippine Embassy, and in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Tourism Philippines Board, Rajah Tours and the local government units of select destinations in the Philippines, the tour provided Filipino-Americans and friends of the Philippines a rich, multi-sensory journey through some of the country’s most stunning and historic destinations.

This year’s lead coordinator for the Tour is the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu,  where more than 80 of the participants came from. Led by Consul General Arman R. Talbo, the VIP Tour 2025 embraced innovation and inclusivity through two distinct itineraries:

• Main Tour: A heritage-focused route through Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and the natural wonders of Palawan.
• Next Generation Tour: An innovation introduced this year, providing a youth-oriented experience combining culture and adventure across Manila, Siargao, and Palawan.

The tour kicked off at the Rizal Park for the wreath laying ceremony, which was led by Consul General Talbo along with Capt. Jonathan A. Salvilla of the Philippine Navy and Ms. Cecille A. Lorenzana-Romero, Executive Director of the National Park Development Committee, as the civilian host. From there, participants explored the historic streets of Intramuros, savored Binondo’s culinary gems, and visited the National Museum and Yuchengco Museum.

A lively welcome dinner at Dusit Thani Manila, hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), officially opened the tour. Consul General Talbo expressed gratitude to all partners—including the DFA, DOT, TPB, U.S. Foreign Service Posts, Rajah Tours, and Philippine Airlines—for their collaboration. The evening was also graced by the Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano of the DFA-Office of American Affairs, Director Zeny Pallugna from the Department of Tourism, and Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nogralez of the Tourism Promotions Board. 

In the north, the Ilocos Norte leg offered a chance to engage with local leaders and explore areas for collaboration. The delegation met Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and other officials during a warmly hosted dinner in Laoag. Consul General Talbo extended an invitation for further engagement in Hawaii, home to a significant Ilocano community, while Consul General Adelio Cruz of Los Angeles invited the Governor for a visit in October.

In Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the group was welcomed by Vice Mayor Glendale Benzon and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod. They walked the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, visited the Juan Luna Shrine, and witnessed traditional pottery-making at Pagburnayan, all while deepening their connection to their cultural roots.

Across the country, each group enjoyed immersive activities reflecting the Philippines’ cultural and geographic diversity. In Palawan, the Main and Next Gen Tours united to experience the UNESCO-listed Underground River, visit the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, and connect with the Batak indigenous community—a heartfelt highlight for many.

Throughout the 10-day journey, the tour reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the Philippines and its global diaspora. Each destination reminded participants of the richness of Filipino identity and the shared stories that transcend oceans and generations. END

A showcase of Tinikling dance  during the welcome dinner of the VIP Tour participants hosted by DOT-TPB. (Photo credit: Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) Philippines)

VIP Tour 2025 participants during the tour on the Underground River in Palawan - a  UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature. (Honolulu PCG photo)

VIP Tour 2025 participants together with the Batak Tribe Community in Palawan. (Honolulu PCG photo)

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/.