Philippine tourism promotion in the US gained momentum in August, with a series of activities targeting general travel consumers, trade, and Filipino-American audiences.
From a media gathering in New York, the crowning of Miss Philippines USA 2026, destination showcases for travel advisors, and the launch of a winter travel campaign, all reflected a multi-pronged approach to one of the Philippines’ priority long-haul markets.
Key highlights from the month are detailed below.
THE LATEST IN TOURISM EVENTS
Philippine Consulate General Hosts Media Hour in New York
The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted a Media Hour with Filipino-American media on August 7th at the Philippine Center, highlighting upcoming initiatives and opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment between the Philippines and the United States.
Lilith Brielle Crowned Miss Philippines USA 2026
Congratulations to Lilith Brielle, crowned Miss Philippines USA 2026 at the pageant’s 15th Anniversary Coronation Night at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Celebrating Filipino culture, talent, and heritage, this year’s “Philippines Meets Hollywood” celebration brought the community together for a memorable evening.
Zamboanga City Showcases Tourism & Business Opportunities in Los Angeles
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso joined a town hall meeting in Los Angeles on August 12th to highlight the city’s latest developments, business opportunities, and tourism potential. The event was organized by the City Government of Zamboanga through its City Tourism Office in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.
Zamboanga City Showcases Tourism and Business Opportunities in New York at the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Promotion Event
The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York hosted the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Promotion Event and Zamboanga City Business and Tourism Mission on August 13th at the Philippine Center. The joint event promoted the Philippines as a prime destination for retirement, business, investment, and tourism.
2027 VIP Tour: Winter Escapade Edition Launches in Chicago
The 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour: Winter Escapade Edition was launched in Chicago on August 13 at Seafood City, bringing together Filipino-American community members and tourism partners.
2027 VIP Tour: Winter Escapade Edition Launches in New York
The 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour: Winter Escapade Edition officially launched in New York on August 19 at the Philippine Center.
2027 VIP Tour: Winter Escapade Edition Launches in Los Angeles
The 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour: Winter Escapade Edition had another successful launch, led by Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, at a packed town hall meeting. This event was held at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles on August 25, 2026.
Thanks to our Filipino community leaders and friends, Honorary Consul Jenny Ho-Vijungco of the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Arizona, business network and media supporters, ground handler Rajah Tours, official carrier Philippine Airlines, and other travel trade partners from Starlux Airlines, GTT, and Innovative Tours and Travel.
2027 VIP Tour: Winter Escapade Edition Launches in San Francisco
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco officially launched the 2027 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour: Winter Escapade Edition on August 28th at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center. This event brought together members of the Filipino-American community, tourism stakeholders, and private-sector partners for another exciting journey to the Philippines.
Team Philippines at the ASEAN Day Celebration in Los Angeles
Team Philippines joined the 59th ASEAN Day Celebration on August 8 at the Indonesia Consulate Parking Lot in Los Angeles. Organized by the ASEAN Consulates-General in Los Angeles (ACGLA), the one-day cultural festival brought together the local community to celebrate the diverse heritage, culinary traditions, and arts of Southeast Asia. Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito Soriano Cruz officially opened the event.
The celebration featured traditional cultural performances, an open-air culinary and craft bazaar, and ASEAN film screenings highlighting contemporary stories from across the region. The Philippine delegation showcased traditional dances, including Subli and Pandanggo sa Ilaw Wasiwas, while Filipino food, coffee, and other local products were featured among the event’s culinary and cultural offerings. The celebration also promoted cultural exchange, tourism, and economic ties among ASEAN communities in Los Angeles.
Cerritos Jeepney Tour – Taste of the Philippines Experience
The Philippine Department of Tourism Los Angeles joined the Cerritos Jeepney Tour – Taste of the Philippines Experience on August 22, led by host City Mayor Lynda Provido Johnson. The event celebrated Filipino culture and cuisine while showcasing the vibrant community and landmarks of the City of Cerritos.
Participants enjoyed a variety of Filipino dishes and experienced the camaraderie shared among members of the Filipino-American community and Cerritos friends. The event provided a lively opportunity to celebrate Filipino heritage, promote the Philippines through its food and culture, and strengthen connections within the community.
PDOT Los Angeles at the International Asian American Business Expo
The Philippine Department of Tourism Los Angeles participated in the International Asian American Business Expo, organized by the Chinese Overseas Friendship Association of California (COFACC), on August 7–8 in Torrance, California. PDOT Los Angeles joined the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Los Angeles to showcase the Philippines and highlight opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment.
The two-day expo brought together Asian American businesses, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and industry representatives. The Philippine delegation engaged with attendees and promoted the country’s diverse tourism destinations and experiences, while strengthening connections with the business and Filipino-American communities.
