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6 March 2024, Ottawa – The Winter Escapade (WE), on its eighth season, brought more than 260 snowbirds from Canada, the United States, and Germany to experience Philippine summer in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu and Bohol in a 10-day all inclusive tour, from February 18 to 27, 2024.

Led by the Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria and Philippine Consuls General Zaldy B. Patron (Calgary), Arlene T. Magno (Vancouver) and Angelica C. Escalona (Toronto), the tour kicked off with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Manila followed by visits to historical sites at Yuchengco and Sinigang Valley, Walled City of Intramuros, and Chinatown.

Upon arrival, the participants were treated to a welcome dinner accompanied by performances of GMA Sparkle artists Bianca Umali, Jessica Villarubin, and Julie Anne San Jose. The Philippine Tourism Promotions Board also greeted the snowbirds with a welcome dinner on the second day  held at Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

The first leg of the tour was in Iloilo City where the WE participants visited the historical sites in Oton and beautiful churches in Tigbauan, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Miag-ao Church, and had a seafood feast at Breakthrough Restaurant. The group spent the next day visiting the island of Guimaras, home of the sweetest mangoes in the world. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas hosted a dinner for the group.

In the second leg of the tour, snowbirds visited Cebu City’s historical sites and landmarks and were welcomed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. From Cebu City, some WE Participants travelled to the town of Oslob and joined the whale shark tour, while others joined the Moalboal Sardine Run, and Pilgrimage tour.

Moving to the last tour venue, the Canadian snowbirds had a full day tour of the scenic countryside of Bohol. Another day spent for tours at Balicasag Island, Cadapdapan Rice Paddies, and food tour, concluded by a dinner attended by Bohol Governor. During the farewell dinner, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria expressed hope that the adventures during Winter Escapade will inspire the participants to recreate the experience by continuing to buy Philippine products, visiting Philippine restaurants, and planning another visit.

For ten days, Winter Escapade 8 participants were treated to eco-adventures, cultural excursions, and gastronomic treats and experienced the unique charm and hospitality of the Filipino people.

Winter Escapade is the flagship tourism project led by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada, in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, and Tourism Promotions Board. This year’s Winter Escapade was organized by Rajah Tours Philippines, Inc. Started in 2014, it had this year’s comeback after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Since the tour’s maiden run, Winter Escapade has brought together more than 1,500 visitors to the Philippines. END