09 October 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto proudly launched the 2nd Winter Escapade Tour of the Philippines (WE2) on October 03 at the public hall of the Consulate General, with around 140 guests composed of leaders and members of Filipino community and media organizations, as well representatives of travel and business groupings in Ontario. Early registrants and confirmed participants in WE2 were also present, with WE1 participants inviting others to WE2 with their testimonials.
To highlight the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” ambience during the launching night, Philippine Consul General Junever Mahilum-West and the personnel of the Consulate General welcomed the guests in summer outfits composed of colorful DFA and DTI shirts and casual jeans. The Consul General’s opening remarks underscored the success of the first Winter Escapade in January this year. She stated further that Team Philippines-Canada, composed of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa as well as career and honorary Philippine Consulates General throughout Canada, has once again put together a very special travel itinerary to major tour destinations in the Philippines. The Tour Coordinators for Toronto, Ms. Beth Vasquez and Mr. Rolando Mangante, were introduced. Ms. Vasquez and Mr. Mangante were once again made partner-coordinators for WE2 after they volunteered their time and effort in recruiting participants for the first Winter Escapade tour.
Vice Consul Bolivar Bao presented a power-point “production” on WE2 which elicited interest among the guests. The WE2 five destinations—Dumaguete, Siquijor, Bohol, Cebu and Manila—were showcased in the presentation, along with the basic package inclusions, rates, and booking advisory. Testimonials were shared by WE1 participants Teresita Palatino, Candace Mallari-David, Merlie Raqueno and Nieves Mangante about their enjoyable personal experiences during the first Winter Escapade tour with stops in Kalibo, Boracay, Roxas City, Iloilo City and Guimaras. The OPM (Original Pilipino Music) numbers performed by the talented Isagani “Bong” Castillo, a Filipino-Canadian singer, added more fun to the launching. Additional WE2 participants were recruited by the Tour Coordinators as the event concluded. END