29 September 2014 – On the opening night of French travel fair TOP RESA on September 23 Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro hosted a Philippine soirée for French tour operators and travel trade press at the official residence.

Officials from the Department of Tourism as well as Philippine tour operators, resorts and hotels were also in attendance.

The French guests were welcomed with Don Papa cocktails and serenaded by the Musikmakers, a Paris-based singing group, with traditional folk songs such as Saranggola ni Pepe and Mamang Sorbetero.

A collection of images of Philippine landscapes and seascapes containing information about the country was also displayed.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Lazaro mentioned the recent visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in France as well as the country’s target to have 10 million visitors by 2016.

“We are already halfway from this target and we hope that with the Updated Air Services Agreement between the Philippines and France, which will allow direct flights between our two countries, as well as our campaign to make 2015 ‘Visit Philippines Year’, we will be closer to our goal”, Ambassador Lazaro said. END