The Cebu Provincial Government is set to welcome over 280 Canadians and Filipino-Canadian tourists who will be arriving in the Province for the Winter Escapade 2024 on February 22–23.
This was Gov. Gwen Garcia’s positive response to a letter sent by Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Maria Andrelita Austria, requesting the Governor for Cebu’s hospitable reception of the delegates who will be coming over to explore potential business opportunities in the country.
Winter Escapade is an annual tour organized by the Philippine Embassy in Canada in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Tourism. For this year, it will be held from February 18-27.
Now on its eighth year, the Escapade will offer a carefully curated adventure that will take delegates to various destinations in Metro Manila as well as the picturesque provinces of Cebu, Iloilo, and Bohol.
The experience will allow them to gauge not only the country’s business and economic prospects, but also savor the warmth of Filipino hospitality while basking in the glory of a tropical paradise like the Philippines.
In a meeting on February 5 with Alejandra Clemente, president and owner of Rajah Tours, Gov. Garcia said she is even prepared to organize a mini-Suroy-Suroy for the Canadians, offering them the southern heritage trail that is also home to the gentle giant whale sharks of Oslob, the cathedral of corals and sardine run of Moalboal, and the scenic sanctuary that is the Lindogon Shrine in Sibonga.
On top of this, colorful festivals and authentic Cebuano culinary treasures will also be served the guests to compete their Suroy-Suroy experience.
Clemente expressed gratitude for the Governor’s all-out support for the tourism initiative. She was accompanied by Marissa Fernan, Vice President of SM Prime Holdings, and Marget Villarica, president of Destinations Specialists. | Babie Jane Revecoy