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Press Release
CHICAGO PCG LAUNCHES 2026 VIP TOUR AT KAPIHAN SA KONSULADO
Photo 1: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her remarks.
21 November 2025, Chicago - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago successfully held its Kapihan sa Konsulado on 20 November 2025 at the Kalayaan Hall, marking its second Kapihan event for the year and serving as the official Midwest launch of the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano emphasized the significance of the annual VIP Tour, which reconnects Filipino communities abroad with the homeland while supporting tourism, cultural appreciation, and national development. She also highlighted the important role participants can play in helping support the rebuilding and recovery of Cebu, noting that their visit carries added meaning following the devastation experienced by the city and surrounding areas.
Joining the event virtually, Tourism Attaché Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo of the DOT Office in New York presented an overview of the Love the Philippines campaign and introduced the 2026 VIP Tour itinerary. Next year’s tour, taking place on 12 to 21 July 2026, will bring participants to Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu, with optional day trips to Siquijor and Bohol. She was joined by Mr. Michael Kipping, Director of Sales & Marketing of Rajah Tours Philippines, who provided an in-depth walkthrough of the itinerary, participation mechanics, and travel arrangements.
Consul General Diano, who previously joined the 2025 VIP Tour - Next Gen, shared her own insights, describing the experience as deeply memorable for its cultural immersion, community engagement, and the opportunity to experience firsthand the natural beauty and vibrant spirit of the Philippines.
For the second half of the Kapihan, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, the Consulate’s Overseas Voting (OV) focal person, delivered a brief presentation on the upcoming Overseas Voter Registration and encouraged the audience to register for overseas voting and participate actively in the upcoming national elections.
Guests were later invited to stay for dinner and fellowship, in keeping with the Consulate’s commitment to nurturing strong ties with the Filipino and Filipino-American communities across the Midwest.
For more information on the 2026 VIP Tour - including full itinerary, participation requirements, and registration details - please visit the official website at www.viptourphilippines.com. If you have any questions or would like to request additional information, you may email the Consulate at chicagopcg@att.net.
Photo 2: Tourism Attaché Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo of the DOT Office in New York and Mr. Michael Kipping, Director
of Sales & Marketing of Rajah Tours Philippines present the details of the 2026 VIP Tour.
Photo 3: Consul Ma. Theresa Alders delivered a brief presentation on the upcoming Overseas Voter Registration
Photo 4: Close to 40 members of the Filipino community in IL attended the Consulate’s 2nd Kapihan for the year.
Photo 1: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivers her remarks.
21 November 2025, Chicago - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago successfully held its Kapihan sa Konsulado on 20 November 2025 at the Kalayaan Hall, marking its second Kapihan event for the year and serving as the official Midwest launch of the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano emphasized the significance of the annual VIP Tour, which reconnects Filipino communities abroad with the homeland while supporting tourism, cultural appreciation, and national development. She also highlighted the important role participants can play in helping support the rebuilding and recovery of Cebu, noting that their visit carries added meaning following the devastation experienced by the city and surrounding areas.
Joining the event virtually, Tourism Attaché Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo of the DOT Office in New York presented an overview of the Love the Philippines campaign and introduced the 2026 VIP Tour itinerary. Next year’s tour, taking place on 12 to 21 July 2026, will bring participants to Manila, Dumaguete, and Cebu, with optional day trips to Siquijor and Bohol. She was joined by Mr. Michael Kipping, Director of Sales & Marketing of Rajah Tours Philippines, who provided an in-depth walkthrough of the itinerary, participation mechanics, and travel arrangements.
Consul General Diano, who previously joined the 2025 VIP Tour - Next Gen, shared her own insights, describing the experience as deeply memorable for its cultural immersion, community engagement, and the opportunity to experience firsthand the natural beauty and vibrant spirit of the Philippines.
For the second half of the Kapihan, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, the Consulate’s Overseas Voting (OV) focal person, delivered a brief presentation on the upcoming Overseas Voter Registration and encouraged the audience to register for overseas voting and participate actively in the upcoming national elections.
Guests were later invited to stay for dinner and fellowship, in keeping with the Consulate’s commitment to nurturing strong ties with the Filipino and Filipino-American communities across the Midwest.
For more information on the 2026 VIP Tour - including full itinerary, participation requirements, and registration details - please visit the official website at www.viptourphilippines.com. If you have any questions or would like to request additional information, you may email the Consulate at chicagopcg@att.net.
Photo 2: Tourism Attaché Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo of the DOT Office in New York and Mr. Michael Kipping, Director
of Sales & Marketing of Rajah Tours Philippines present the details of the 2026 VIP Tour.
Photo 3: Consul Ma. Theresa Alders delivered a brief presentation on the upcoming Overseas Voter Registration
Photo 4: Close to 40 members of the Filipino community in IL attended the Consulate’s 2nd Kapihan for the year.