Launch of the 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour

By: Veronica Leighton

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago invited the Chicago Fil-AM leaders for the Launch of the 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on August 13, 2026, at the Community Room – Seafood City, 5033 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60630.
For the first time, the VIP Tour will be held in conjunction with the 2027 Winter Escapade Tour, its Canadian counterpart, bringing together participants from across the United States and Canada for a larger and more enriching North American travel experience. The 2027 edition also comes at an opportune time, with Philippine Airlines now offering direct flights between Chicago and Manila, making travel to the Philippines more convenient and accessible for participants from the Midwest and neighboring states.
The 2027 tour will take place from 7 to 17 February 2027 and offers participants an immersive cultural and travel experience featuring Manila, with a choice between Iloilo-Bacolod or El Nido as the main destination. Participants may also choose from optional pocket tours to Leyte, Legazpi-Naga, Siargao, Camiguin, or Bohol.
Ms. Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in New York, and Mr. Jose Clemente, President of Rajah Tours, presented the tour and provided detailed information on the itinerary, tour packages, registration process, and other important travel details.

Representatives of Philippine Airlines (PAL), led by Mr. Jose Maria Alvarado, Regional Head for North America, paid a courtesy call on Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano at the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago on 03 August 2026.
Joining Mr. Alvarado were Mr. Romeo C. Javier, Jr., Assistant Vice President, Go-To-Market/Marketing Department; Ms. Ma. Iana Kariz I. Arriesgado, Global Corporate Sales; and Ms. Ma. Teresita L. Romilla, Activations and Sponsorships, Marketing Department. Consul General Diano was joined by Consul Ella Karina R. Mitra-Yeager during the meeting.
The meeting focused on PAL’s preparations for the launch of its direct Manila-Chicago service in November 2026, as well as the airline’s planned initiatives and stakeholder engagement activities to support the new route, strengthen its presence in the US Midwest, and promote greater connectivity between the Philippines and the region.
The discussion also covered opportunities for collaboration between PAL and the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago in support of the 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, which the Consulate will coordinate.
The Consul General welcomed PAL’s initiatives and reaffirmed the Consulate’s support for efforts that enhance connectivity between the Philippines and the American Midwest, promote tourism and business, and strengthen Philippine-US ties. END