Los angeles: Filipinos and Filipino-Americans residing in the United States and Canada are being urged to reconnect with their roots through the 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour: Winter Escapade Edition. This initiative is part of the Philippine government's efforts to promote tourism in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the VIP Tour is a key tourism project led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Rajah Tours Philippines. It aims to invite overseas Filipinos and their friends to visit and explore the Philippines. The 2027 tour, scheduled from February 7 to 17, will start in Manila, offering participants several day-tour options before they proceed to one of five destinations: Leyte, Legazpi-Naga, Siargao, Camiguin, or Bohol.

Participants will have the opportunity to choose between two itineraries for the latter part of the tour. The Iloilo-Bacolod itinerary will focus on the cultural and culinary experiences of Western Visayas, while the El Nido itinerary will provide island experiences in Palawan. At the launch event in Los Angeles on August 25, Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz expressed gratitude to the community in the US Southwest for their support and encouraged participation in the tour.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez highlighted that next year's edition will gather participants from the U.S. and Canada, contributing to the Philippines' efforts to enhance its tourism industry and boost economic growth, regional development, and international engagement.

The VIP Tour not only aims to support the tourism sector but also seeks to help Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, strengthen their connection with the Philippines. Meg Ilagan, a past participant, emphasized the lasting impact of the tour, citing a sense of fulfillment from reconnecting with her heritage and encouraging others to join.

Interested Filipinos in the U.S. and Canada can find more information and register for the tour on its official website, www.viptourphilippines.com. Tour packages are priced between USD1,658 and USD3,205, with the registration deadline set for October 15, 2026.