A10 April 2015
MetroVanIndependent.com
News
Philippines market itself as snowbirds paradise
From Left: Deputy Consul Anton Mandap and DOT Director Purificacion Molintas
Vancouver Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer
By Emmy Buccat
The Department of Foreign Affairs is
looking at Bicol Region and Palawan as the
next destination for the Winter Escapade
Philippine Tour in 2016 after the successful
travel experience in the Central Visayas
region joined by nearly 200 tourists from
all over Canada last February.
Organized by the Philippine Embassy
and consular posts in Canada, Ambassador
Petronila Garcia led the visiting Canadians
escaped the cold winter season and
travelled to Dumaguete, Siquijor, Bohol,
and Cebu.
The eight-day travel tour includes
various cultural and sightseeing activities
“We take away from this tour not
just photos and souvenirs but
lasting impressions of local communities that have taken ownership of local economic development through tourism."
in the countryside and concluded with a
wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park
monument and a visit to the Presidential
Museum and Library at the Malacanang
Palace.
Ambassador Garcia expressed her
gratitude to the participating FilipinoCanadians by turning this tour into a
journey of heritage rediscovery.
“We take away from this tour not
just photos and souvenirs but lasting
impressions of local communities that
have taken ownership of local economic
development through tourism. Everywhere
we went, we were welcomed and
entertained by the young and old from
both government and private sectors. Our
experiences in Central Visayas reinforce our
faith in our country and people. Already,
our participants are looking forward to
Winter Escapade 3 in the Bicol region and
other equally enjoyable destinations in our
beautiful country,” Garcia said.
Vancouver Consul General Neil
Frank Ferrer said they are already
preparing for next year’s travel itinerary
and tour packages in order to attract
more participants targeting not only the
balikbayan but the mainstream Canadians
as well.
The Bicol region is best known for its
perfect-coned Mayon Volcano in Albay;
whales’ sharks’ butanding in Donsol;
beaches for wind and kite surfing in
Daet; and its delicious spicy cuisine. The
American reality TV shows Survivor and
Amazing Race have likewise catapulted
this region into a must go to place for the
adventure enthusiasts.
The Winter Escapade 3 2016 packages
will be announced sometime in fall.
FIC initial Valentine fundraising raised $14,000
By Luisa Marshall
Fleetwood International Church hosted
a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Fundraising
recently the Pacific Academy IS Gym in
Surrey, British Columbia.
The successful event netted $14,000
in contributions from church supporters
who want to expand the church’s present
facilities.
FIC member and organizer Arlene
Nicanor told the Independent News
that they never expected a big turnout.
Volunteers added more tables and chairs
during the event when a sudden surge of
supporters arrived to help the cause. With
delicious food, exciting music and fabulous
people, the event was a big hit!
Membe r s and followe r s of FIC
plan to build a multi-purpose facility to
Fleetwood International Church
vision is to “to glorify God
through worship, to reach our
generation with the message of
Christ by presenting the Word of
God with unconditional love to all
people and to develop a caring
family of believers.”
Fleetwood International Church multi-purpose facility plan.
accommodate the growing number of
worshippers. The new church facility will
be connected to their present building.
“We are seeking to raise commitment and
pledges for $450,000. We will challenge
donors to contribute gifts towards the
short-term goal of a