Table of Contents Messages Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano
Department of Foreign Affairs
Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo
Department of Tourism
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Consul General Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega 8 Philippine Consulate General in New York Chief Operating Officer Cesar D. Montano 9
Tourism Promotions Board
Ambisyon Natin 2040 and Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022
10-14
Supporting Agencies and Partners
15-16
List of Delegates
18-23
Tour Itinerary
24-28
Briefing Sheet
29-31
Hotel Information
33
General Information about the Philippines
35
Important Contact Numbers
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On behalf of the Department of Tourism, my warmest welcome to our returning Filipino kababayans and Filipino-American guests of the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour in the Philippines! Thank you for choosing the Philippines once again as your destination of choice. We are very pleased to bring you around some of Manila’s and Davao’s premier destinations from 11 to 16 July 2017. From music, arts, lifestyle, and entertainment, to cuisines, sports and adventure; history and culture, expect to discover and rediscover a thousand and one reasons why it is more fun in the Philippines. Diverse attractions await all of you— from a treasure trove of sites to some of the world’s unparalleled natural wonders, and most fun activities from islands to highlands. Not only will you witness the rich culture and tradition of the Philippines, you will also experience the world renowned warmth and innate experience of the Filipinos. Again, I wish to welcome all of our FIlipinos and Filipino-American guests to the Philippines, and may you all have a FUN-filled stay here! Mabuhay!
SEC. WANDA CORAZON TULFO-TEO Department of Tourism
AMBASSADORS’ MESSAGE MABUHAY! After a year of absence, the US Ambassadors’ tour is back to thrill visitors eager to experience the sights, tastes, sounds, and wonders of the Philippines. The 11th Ambassador’s Tour, formerly known as the Ambassador, Consuls General, and Tourism Director’s Tour (ACGTDT), will be held from 11 to 16 July 2017 featuring key tourism destinations in Manila and Davao, the King City of the South. With a surge in tourism arrivals of 631,639 in January 2017, the highest volume recorded in a single month, the Philippines is experiencing a golden age of tourism. The country’s tourism prospects are buoyed by the unstinting efforts of the Department of Tourism as well as glowing reviews from international media, travel bloggers, and visitors from all over the world. In the last few years, many of the country’s premiere island destinations and eco-tourism sites have received multiple Best of awards and recognition. The Philippines is likewise proud of our man-made and natural World Heritage sites such as the Colonial City of Vigan, centuries-old churches, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and subterranean river systems, The Philippines is ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving international tourism clientele with a wide range of tourism options from culinary, historic, adventure, sports, marine/diving, ecotourism, to shopping/retail, entertainment, and heritage tours. But I am sure you will agree that what truly makes a visit to the Philippines memorable are our people – friendly, warm, welcoming, vibrant, hospitable, and caring. This major project would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, Rajah Tours, and project supporters. We warmly welcome all the participating delegates to the 2017 Ambassadors’ Tour. You are in for a truly unique and wonderful experience, and in so doing, now belong to the team of Ambassadors for the Philippines and its people. Maraming salamat!
Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega Consul General and Ambassadors Tour 2017 Coordinator New York
MESSAGE The Tourism Promotions Board offers the warmest welcome to all participants of the 11th Ambassadors Tour! We are pleased to call on our Filipino Ambassadors to experience the country’s expansive and rich culture through a 4-day trip from the north to the south. This year, we are highlighting Manila, the Philippines’ capital, and Davao, encapsulating a distinct flavour of Filipino dynamism at opposite ends of the country. Bring your best smiles, large appetites and cameras along for a truly inspiring take on experiential tourism the Filipino way! This opportunity intends to present the country as a safe and beautiful Southeast Asian destination packed with new activities for every sort of traveller. We expect to generate exposure for local communities and leverage the goodwill our participants will surely learn from Day 1 to bring in more warm bodies to the islands, significantly contributing to attaining our targets for 2017. In the same breath, the country is championing sustainable development through projects on ecotourism, with models found in both Manila and Davao, as well as the rest of the country. The Philippines is committed to maintaining and saving our resources for the enjoyment of the future generation. Have a spectacular time in the country, and remember that it is More Fun in the Philippines! Mabuhay!
CESAR D. MONTANO
Chief Operating Officer Tourism Promotions Board
PHILIPPINE EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES IN THE UNITED STATES
Patrick A. Chuasoto Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Philippine Embassy Washington D.C.
Marciano R. De Borja Generoso D.G. Calonge Consul General Consul General
Gina A. Jamoralin Consul General
Philippine Consulate General
Philippine Consulate General
Philippine Consulate General
Agana
Chicago
Honolulu
Adelio Angelito S. Cruz Ma. Theresa D. De Vega Consul General Consul General
Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. Consul General
Philippine Consulate General
Philippine Consulate General
Philippine Consulate General
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM NORTH AMERICA
Azucena C. Pallugna Administrative Officer and concurrent Officer-in-Charge New York
Purificacion S. Molintas Tourism Attache’ San Francisco
Richmond Patrick L. Jimenez Tourism Attache’ Los Angeles
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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Roberto P. Alabado III Regional Director Region XI
Katherine Anuta Marchieza Bicong
TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD Cesar R. Villanueva Michelle S. Alcantara Susan J. del Mundo Officer-in-Charge Domestic Promotions Department
Rona Jean N. Olaivar Mark Nicole M. Evangelista Abigail B. Francisco Alberto B. Gadia Arielle O. Yambot Jonathan P. Bravo
RAJAH TOURS
Atty. Dading Clemente Chairperson
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Jose Clemente III President Michael Kipping Director of Sales
LISTS OF DELEGATES
agana 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Agar, Danny Agar, Rosanna Angeles, Mary Anne Byers, Louis Conrad Byers, Clotilde Dolores De Borja, Marciano Diamzon, Francisco
8. Fracassini, Roberto 9. Gulac, Penmer Carado 10. Gulac, Leonida 11. Milan, Nilfa 12. Milan, Juanito 13. Park, Yeon Sook
NEW YORK 1. Acosta, Rodolfo 2. Amarga, Segundo 3. Barilea, Emiliana 4. Blaza, Emelita 5. Caliolio, Fe 6. Carreon, Myrna 7. Caturan, Annabelle 8. Cruz, Norma 9. David, Olivia 10. David, Roland 11. Davis, Griffin Pauline Denise 12. De Vega, Theresa 13. Diala, Alberto 14. Flores, Holge 15. Garcia, Laura 16. Ghan, Rufina 17. Jampayas, Ismael 18. Jampayas, Josephine 19. Llido, Frank 20. Llido, Leticia Acosta 21. Lopez, Betty 22. Magat, Nilda
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23. Magno, Eileen 24. Mendez, Fernando 25. Olimpo, Edilberto 26. Pallugna, Azucena 27. Pallugna, Don 28. Pallugna, Gregorio 29. Pallugna, Zeny 30. Perez, Vicenta 31. Rafael, Vitalino 32. Rafael, Josephine 33. Rafael, Virtrudes 34. Reyes, Antonio 35. Reyes, Lolita 36. Reyes, Romeo 37. Smyth, Cherry 38. Streit, Rainer Rudy 39. Villanueva, E. Gary 40. Villanueva, Imelda 41. Wheeler, Maria Luisa 42. Wheeler, Geoffrey 43. Wu, Louis
LISTS OF DELEGATES
HAWAII POST 1. Ablan, Gloria 2. Agnes, Rick 3. Alcubilla-Lee, Mater 4. Amian, Romulo 5. Ardiente, Bernardita 6. Barnachea, Delia 7. Castillo, Andrea 8. Castillo, Flor 9. Dahilig, Natividad 10. Dahilig, Richard 11. Daligcon, Norma 12. Daligcon, Adriano 13. Dalo, Ruth 14. Dayrit, Lydia 15. De Mesa, Jeffrey 16. Dichoso, Eugene Agduyeng 17. Dichoso, Dolores Domingo 18. Domingo, Anacleta 19. Domingo, Felix 20. Esmeralda, Felicitas 21. Esmeralda, Orlino Herra 22. Esmeralda, Flordelza Gonzales 23. Esmeralda, Reynaldo 24. Esteban, Jean 25. Esteban, Veronica 26. Farina, Maria 27. Farina, Jasmine 28. Ganiko, Claire 29. Heu, Valerie 30. Isidro, Aida
31. Isidro, Rogelio 32. Jamoralin, Gina 33. Jamoralin, Elisea 34. Lazaro, Myra 35. Malabed Jr, Geronimo 36. Mariano, Gloria 37. Mariano, Jose 38. Martinez, Florante 39. Mercado, Lina 40. Munson, Gloria 41. Negranza-Leano, John Glenn 42. Ordillas, Alex Sales 43. Ordillas, Editha Rinas 44. Pascual, Joey 45. Pascual, Quincy 46. Robiniol, Minda 47. Saban, Leticia 48. Strona, Proserfina 49. Tamayo, Lydia Domingo 50. Tamayo, Pompey 51. Tesoro, Fe 52. Tesoro, Pureza 53. Torino, Digna 54. Torino, Daphne Haddasha 55. Torino, Richard 56. Torino, Melchora 57. Torino, Michah Ynez 58. Vocalan, Chuchi Gicana MD 59. Vocalan, Leopoldo Unidad MD 60. White, Lei
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Rene Cinco USA: +1(213) 596-5970 Philippines: +63 (917) 824-1555 Email: Info@PremierAsiaPaciic.com
LISTS OF DELEGATES
LOS ANGELES 1. Andrews, Purita 2. Banta, Dante 3. Banta, Zenaida 4. Castillo, Gregoria 5. Cube, Milagros 6. Cruz, Adelio 7. Cruz, Catherine 8. Delfin, Benita 9. Duterte, Paul 10. Fradejas, Ethel 11. Gonzalez, Cameron 12. Luib, Catherine 13. Mabanta, Catalina 14. Mallari, Elna 15. Mercado, Ethel 16. Mercado, Gus
17. Morrison, Ronald Joe 18. Navarro, Norma 19. Oriel, Christina 20. Pax, Rillea 21. Perez, Andrew 22. Perez, Dante 23. Perez, Renante 24. Pizzaro, Florentino 25. Pizzaro, Priscila 26. Poblete, Roselie 27. Reyes, Myrna 28. Soriano, Arvin 29. Soriano, Isidro 30. Umayam, Dolores 31. Valverde, William
CHicago 1. Calonge, Generoso 2. Calonge, Gloria 3. Gomez, Sandra 4. Gomez, Kenny 5. Knaus, James 6. Lukes, Michael 7. Millush-Knaus, Rose Marie 8. Romero, Roberto 9. Sanders, Rita
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LISTS OF DELEGATES
SAN FRANCISCO 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
Abbas, Anwar Adi, Jeannette Aguilar, Rosa Jasmin Alfonso, Joseph Alfonso, Evelyn Arguelles, Carmela Jean Baldazo, Jeannette Bensurto, Henry Briones, Leopoldo Centeno, Evelyn Chien, Nathaniel Chien, Walter David, Fernando David, Luvy De Vega, Daniel Diaz, Maria Dolores Diaz, Ryan
18. Diaz III, Gervacio 19. Emerick, Linda 20. Fontaine, Adorada 21. Galicia, Lilian 22. Hernandez, Kathy 23. Moncerate, Luz 24. Ozoa,Arthur 25. Ozoa, Manuel 26. Ozoa, Roseminda 27. Pavone, Alessio 28. Pavone, Francis 29. Pavone, Rosary 30. Scannell, Toni 31. Verceles, Victoria 32. Villegas, Anthony 33. Woulfe, Richard
Washington dc 1. Chuasoto, Patrick 2. Copeland, Peter 3. Garcia, Michelle Helen 4. Garcia, Nelson
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General Information about the Philippines Time Zone GMT +8 Hours
Airports All participants will land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila; those flying via Philippine Airlines will be entering or exiting at Terminal 2 while those taking foreign carriers will pass through Terminal 1. Representatives of the organizers will be at the airport to provide reception and assistance at immigration and customs.
Entry Regulations Passports should be valid for at least six months. American passport holders may enter the Philippines and stay for 30 days without visa. Former Filipinos or Balikbayans may stay up to a maximum of one year without visa. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General for information on entry formalities. All outgoing Filipino citizens are required to pay travel tax.
Health / Water / Medicine A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required only for participants who have recently visited an infected area; otherwise, there are no vaccination requirements. Although water in Metro Manila and in key cities is potable and safe for drinking, participants are advised to take bottled water which is readily available in hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores. Do not forget to bring prescribed medicines and other handy emergency kits including sun block lotion and mosquito repellant.
Currency / Credit Card / Foreign Exchange The Philippine unit of curency is Peso. The exchange rate, as of June 20, is at around Php 48.85 to US$1.00. Major credit cards are generally accepted in most establishments. Participants are advised to exchange their dollar to local currency at foreign exchange counters located in hotels, banks and inside most shopping centers.
Tipping Tipping is expected for many services at a standard rate of 10% of the total amount charged; it is optional when a 10% service change is already added to the bill.
Electricity Electricity in the country runs in 220 volts AC at 60 cycles. Most hotels also have 110 volt AC 50-cycle outlets
Communication Facilities
The Philippines has a robust communication system. International and national direct dial phone and facsimile service, mobile phone sites, internet and e-mail services and worldwide express delivery service are readily available in most areas.
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Important Contact Numbers Department of Foreign Affairs Office of the American Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel. No. 632 834 3000
Tourism Promotions Board 4/F, Legaspi Towers 300, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel. No. 632 525 9318 to 27
Rajah Tours Philippines 470 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila Tel. No. 632 522-0541
Rajah Tours International 391 Sutter Street #801 San Francisco, CA 94108 Tel. No. 800 392 3345 | 415 362 0164
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Tel. No. 632 877 1109
Bureau of Customs Tel. No. 632 527-4517
Bureau of Immigration Tel. No. 632 3259
Department of Tourism 351 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati Tel. No. 632 5200 to 30
Department of Tourism - Region XI 148 J.P. Laurel Ave, Poblacion District Davao City, Davao del Sur Tel. No. 082 225 1940
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PARTNERS
Philippine Retirement Authority
Duty Free Philippines Corporation
Official Ground Handler:
Official Media Partners:
In Cooperation with:
Region XI
City Government of Davao
acknowledgment Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, Davao City, Davao del Sur Governor Antonio Raphael G. Del Rosario, Davao del Norte Philippine National Police Manila International Airport Authority Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Philippine National Red Cross Bureau of Immigration Bureau of Customs Malagos Garden Resort Hijo Resorts Philippine Eagle Center
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www.acgtdt.com