10 March 2016 – With spring just around the corner, Filipino-American young professionals trooped to the Philippine Center Gallery lobby on March 07 for a fellowship night hosted by the Philippine Consulate General New York and Philippine Department of Tourism New York. While enjoying Filipino food and drinks by Maharlika Jeepney and music by DJ Norman Dalager, some 55 attendees learned about the NOW PH Tour, an eight-day tour specially designed for the Fil-Am millennials.

During the brief program, Philippine Consul General to New York Mario De Leon, Jr. spoke to the guests, noting the many initiatives the Consulate has done to engage the young community members, such as the Leadership and Mentoring Seminar series, the FYLPRO Town Hall, and the Philippine Graduation (PGRAD). He hailed the NOW PH Tour for its unique itinerary and the valuable lessons it can teach the young: appreciation for their heritage and history, understanding of the government and business situation in the Philippines, fun and friendship during the adventure tours, and most importantly, a spirit of giving back through the many opportunities to join social enterprise programs in the country.

Ms Zeny Palugna, Department of Tourism-New York Administrative Officer discussed the details of the eight-day tour, which arrives in the Philippines on April 08, and highlighted the sights and experiences featured in the NOW PH Tour: a visit to Malacanang Palace, meeting with Business Leaders, tour of Intramuros and nightlife spots in Manila, heritage tour of Dumaguete, swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, and gastronomy and tour of traditional industries in Cebu City.

NOW PH Tour is a project of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. with the support of the Department of Tourism, US-Philippines Society, and the Philippine Consulates General in the U.S. More information may be found at the NOW PH website: www.justgoph.com. END