Officials and community members gather at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles for the official launch of the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour. The event featured cultural exhibits and travel information booths highlighting next year’s tour destinations—Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles instagram page)
LOS ANGELES — The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles formally launched the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, the government’s flagship homecoming and cultural immersion program for overseas Filipinos, during a community event on October 14 at its Wilshire Boulevard office.
What the VIP Tour is all about
The VIP Tour, formerly known as the Ambassadors’ Tour, is organized by the Philippine foreign service posts in the United States in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its overseas offices. It aims to reconnect Filipino Americans and friends of the Philippines with the country’s cultural, historical, and tourism landmarks through a curated travel experience.
Consular announcements from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and other posts confirm that the 2026 itinerary will cover Metro Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu, combining heritage exploration, leisure travel, and community engagement.
When and where the 2026 tour will take place
According to the Embassy’s official advisory and the registration site, the VIP Tour 2026 will run from July 12 to 21, 2026. Participants will experience guided tours, cultural showcases, and opportunities for interaction with local leaders and entrepreneurs.
Organizers said the trip will highlight the best of Luzon and the Visayas — from Manila’s heritage landmarks to Dumaguete’s coastal charm and Cebu’s vibrant tourism scene.
Why Los Angeles was chosen for the U.S. launch
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Filipino communities outside the Philippines and remains a key hub for diaspora engagement. By launching the tour here, the Philippine Consulate General underscores the West Coast’s role as a gateway for Filipino-American travel and cultural exchange.
What participants can expect
According to the official website and Embassy advisory, participants can look forward to:
- Immersive destinations across Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu, offering a mix of urban, cultural, and coastal experiences.
- Inclusive travel packages that cover airfare, accommodations, tours, and special events.
- Cultural exchanges and networking opportunities with local officials, artists, and business communities.
- Exclusive programs for Filipino Americans seeking to rediscover their roots or introduce the Philippines to their families.
Connecting communities through travel and heritage
Organizers emphasize that the VIP Tour is more than a travel package, it is a continuing partnership between the Philippine government and overseas Filipinos aimed at strengthening cultural awareness and community ties.
The 2026 edition also reflects the country’s growing focus on sustainable and heritage-based tourism while highlighting the diversity of regional experiences.
Registration now open
The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and participating consulates have confirmed that registration for the 2026 VIP Tour is now open through the official website www.
How to stay informed
Philippine Consulate General – Los Angeles
3435 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90010
losangeles.pcg@dfa.gov.ph | losangelespcg.org
Official updates are also available at philippineembassy-dc.org.
