PH shows off islands in NY Grand Central Terminal tourism expo

Swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK — New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal will provide the backdrop for showcasing vacation destinations in the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines.  With a launch by Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, the “Explore Islands Philippines” runs from Wednesday, May 9, through Saturday, May 12.

On May 9, Explore Islands Philippines kicks off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Secretary Teo will be joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr., President of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano, as well as other high-ranking officials from New York State and the Philippines.

Palawan, Philippines. CONTRIBUTED

Speakers from the Philippine Tourism will talk on May 9-10 about various tourism initiatives including beautiful destinations, students and millennial tours, diving tourism, cuisine, retirement, as well as Philippine arts, culture, and history.  The flagship carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, will also give a special presentation.

Explore Islands Philippines will celebrate arts and culture in the final two days, May 11-12, showcasing artists and artisans from the United States and the Philippines.  Day 3’s program will include presentations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Parangal Dance Company, Philippine martial artists, weavers, artisans, and fashion designers.

Manila Bay sunset. CONTRIBUTED

The expo is free to the public and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The event’s venue, Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall can be easily accessed by the Pershing Square, 42nd Street entrance. Grand Central can be reached by all major subways (4, 5, 6, 7 as well as the S train).

Explore Islands Philippines is presented by JS Productions, the Philippine Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board.

For more information, visit: ExploreIslandsPhilippines.com.

Video trailer: https://youtu.be/4flBvmpolXE