Press Release

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO JOINS 2026 VERY IMPORTANT PINOY (VIP) TOUR; LAUNCHES 2027 TOUR

MANILA, Philippines, 20 July 2026 – Philippine Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano led the U.S. Midwest delegation to the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, which brought together 274 participants from across the US, including Hawaii and Guam, for a 10-day journey showcasing the Philippines' rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Midwest contingent, composed of 18 participants including Consul General Diano, represented Illinois and neighboring states. Nebraska State Senator Rita Sanders also joined the delegation.

Now on its 18th year, the VIP Tour is the Department of Foreign Affairs' flagship cultural heritage program for overseas Filipinos and friends of the Philippines. The program is a joint initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with Rajah Tours. This year's tour was coordinated by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, led by Consul General Adelio Cruz, on behalf of the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the US.

As in previous years, the tour officially commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila, paying tribute to the country's national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Following the ceremony, participants explored destinations of their choice through a variety of pocket tours, including Tagaytay, Pagsanjan Falls, Hidden Valley Springs, a Project PEARLS community immersion in Tondo, the historic districts of Intramuros and Binondo, and the Antipolo Pilgrimage with a visit to Pinto Art Museum.

The following day, participants traveled to Dumaguete City, where they were warmly welcomed by the gentle people of Dumaguete and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental led by Governor Manuel "Chaco" Sagarbarria. The delegation visited Silliman University and its Anthropology Museum, the National Museum-Dumaguete, St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, and the historic Dumaguete Belfry.

On the fourth day, participants crossed to the island province of Siquijor, where they experienced some of the island's most iconic attractions, including the picturesque Cambugahay Falls, the centuries-old St. Isidore Labrador Church and Convent in Lazi, the famous Balete Tree, and the white sands of Paliton Beach.

Day five featured an unforgettable excursion to Apo Island, highlighted by dolphin watching at the Manjuyod Sandbar, where participants witnessed playful dolphins in their natural habitat against the breathtaking backdrop of Negros Oriental's pristine waters.

The tour then continued to Cebu, where participants selected from various immersive experiences showcasing the province's natural wonders, cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and faith tourism. Activities included the Oslob whale shark encounter, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, the Moalboal sardine run, the Southern Cebu Pilgrimage, and the Southern Cebu Culinary and Heritage Tour.

On the seventh day, participants embarked on a Cebu Island Hopping Adventure, exploring the marine sanctuaries of Hilutungan and Nalusuan Islands before attending a Barrio Fiesta Dinner hosted by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, where they experienced Cebuano hospitality, local cuisine, and cultural performances.

The following day featured another round of optional excursions, allowing participants to choose among an Olango Island adventure, a Cebu City heritage tour, a Visayan culinary experience, a full-day Bohol tour featuring the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, and the Philippine tarsier, or a relaxing wellness retreat.

The 2026 VIP Tour concluded in Manila with a farewell dinner celebrating the friendships, memories, and shared appreciation for the Philippines formed throughout the journey.

During the farewell dinner, Consul General Diano formally launched the 2027 Very Important Pinoy Tour, with the Consulate General in Chicago serving as the coordinating post for next year's program.

Scheduled for 7 to 17 February 2027, the 2027 VIP Tour will be held alongside the Winter Escapade, the cultural tour program for participants from Canada, led by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa. Together, the two programs are expected to bring an even larger delegation of Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, Filipino-Canadians, and friends of the Philippines to experience the country's diverse destinations and rich cultural heritage.

Next year's itinerary will feature Metro Manila, with participants choosing between Iloilo and Bacolod or the world-renowned paradise of El Nido. They will also have the opportunity to join pocket tours to Leyte, Legazpi and Naga, Siargao, or Camiguin, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

In her remarks, Consul General Diano encouraged participants to return to the Philippines and continue rediscovering their heritage, while inviting overseas Filipinos and friends of the Philippines to join what is expected to be the largest VIP Tour to date. END.

Photo 1: Wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument

Photo 2: Consul General Diano (3rd from left), with some members of the U.S. Midwest contingent, including

Sen. Rita Sanders (4th from left), during the Welcome Dinner hosted by the Tourism Promotion Board

Photo 3: Visit to Dumaguete where the delegates were welcomed by Provincial Government of Negros Oriental

led by Governor Manuel "Chaco" Sagarbarria. The delegation visited Silliman University and its Anthropology Museum,

the National Museum-Dumaguete, St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, and the historic Dumaguete Belfry.

Photo 4: Delegates enjoyed the fun island adventure in Siquijor with a visit to Cambugahay Falls,

St. Isidore Labradore Church and Convent, visit to local faith healers and Safagdaang beach.

SPhoto 5: Dolphin watching at Manjuyod sandbar

Photos 6 and 7 : Kawasan Falls Canyoneering in Cebu

Photo 8: Cebu Island Hopping and Barrio Fiesta Dinner with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro

Photo 9: Consul General Diano with some of the participants at the 2026 VIP Tour Farewell Dinner