PH Consulate General in San Francisco Launches 2025 ‘VIP Tour’

PH CONSULATE GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO LAUNCHES 2025 ‘VIP TOUR’

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer delivers remarks during the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour launch at the Philippine Center in San Francisco on 21 January 2025 (San Francisco PCG photo)

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Over forty travel enthusiasts joined the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco during its official launch of the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on 21 January 2025 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer invited travelers to join this year’s iteration of the VIP Tour which will bring participants to historic and vibrant Manila, the rich and cultural heritage sites of Laoag and Vigan in Ilocos, and the white sand, clear water, and natural beauty of the coastal city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

Consul General Ferrer said, “As we launch the 2025 VIP Tour here in San Francisco, I wish to note that the Philippines continues to attract travellers worldwide. In 2024, the Philippines welcomed 5.4 million foreign visitors. A significant part of this growth is still the country’s globally recognized beaches, which cement the Philippine position as a tropical haven.” “I invite you to join us in this year’s remarkable journey, as we collectively fall in love with the Philippines all over again!”, he added.

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, through a video message, also invited the attendees to join the 2025 VIP Tour and celebrate the country’s rich heritage, diverse cultures and the undeniable beauty of the islands.

Tourism Attaché Ms. Soleil Tropicales briefly discussed the Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign and the Travel Philippines’ digital travel tool.

The 2025 VIP Tour packages and the itinerary covering Manila, Cities of Laoag and Vigan, and Puerto Princesa City, scheduled on 6-15 July 2025, was presented by Mr. Jose Clemente III, President of Rajah Tours.

Ms. Delia Merano, Philippine Airlines Area manager, introduced special airfare rates available for the tour, and additional discounts for the first 50 registrants and business class travelers.

The launch also introduced the VIP Next Gen Tour, which will take avid travelers with active lifestyles to Manila, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa. The detailed itinerary was presented by Ms. Shaina Manlangit, Founder of Industry’s Finest.

Ms. Elizabeth Espinda, a participant in the 2023 VIP Tour, delivered a testimonial on the trip describing her experience as exceptional and wonderful, and enjoined all the guests to consider joining this year’s VIP Tour offering.

Now in its 16th year, the VIP Tour has developed to be the flagship tourism activity of all the eight Philippine foreign service posts in the United States, which enables Filipino Americans and foreigners to visit the Philippines and experience Filipino culture and hospitality. Over the years, it has gained more following and more than 200 participants from across the United States join the VIP Tour annually.

For more details, including rates and registration, visit the VIP Tour website. END

Left to Right: Rajah Tours President Jose C. Clemente III, Industry’s Finest Founder Shaina Manlangit, Consul General Neil Ferrer, Philippine Airlines Area Manager Ms. Dell S Merano, and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (Photo courtesy of Rajah Tours)