26 September 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa has launched its promotional campaign for the first-ever Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines (WE-IMFIT PH), a special group tour targeting snowbirds and balikbayans from all over Canada.
In a series of presentations kicking off in Ottawa and Montreal, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan rallied support for the winter tour taking place on 18-24 January 2014 in the Philippines.
Prefacing the presentations, Ambassador Gatan unveiled the five destinations covered by the package over six nights and seven days at incredibly attractive rates. Embassy presenters walked the audience through the highlights of the Winter Escapade itinerary which include the Paeapak healing ritual and Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo; a two-night stay in breathtaking Boracay, a preview of the Dinagyang Festival, historical tours and a tourism and investment fair in Iloilo; island hopping in Guimaras; and a planned courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Malacañan Palace in Manila.
Ambassador Gatan got the show on the road at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa on September 18 where members of the community immediately signified their intention to sign up for the tour. In Montreal, the Ambassador extended his Winter Escapade invitation to some 300 guests at the induction ceremonies of the Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs (FAMAS) on September 20. On the same evening, the Embassy team party hopped to the Kahirup Association of Quebec’s 22nd anniversary celebration to make the same pitch in Ilonggo. Another Embassy presentation was mounted before the Aklanon Association of Montreal on September 21.
Interested parties are advised to visit www.philembassy.ca, www.winterescapadeph.com or the Embassy’s Facebook page (Philippine Embassy Ottawa) for tour information. Booking assistance is just a phone call away with the Philippine Embassy, all consular posts in Canada and the Department of Tourism (DOT) offices in the U.S. ready to provide guidance.
“This first-ever Winter Escapade is Team Philippines-Canada’s spin-off from the Ambassadors, Consuls-General and Tourism Directors (ACGTDT) summer tour originating from North America. Because we are doubling the fun and hospitality this time around, participants from Canada will be treated to an unforgettable visit to the Philippines like never before. Please spread the word to your friends and relatives and avail yourselves of our special tour rates by signing up for the tour before the October 30 deadline. I look forward to keeping warm over winter with you in the Philippines!” Ambassador Gatan said.
WE-IMFIT PH is coordinated by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and Department of Tourism (DOT)-New York office with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, DOT, the provincial governments of Iloilo and Guimaras, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), and private sponsors such as Western Union. END