BAGUIO CITY – The CORDILLERAS Pavilion of the Department of Tourism-CAR is awarded the Best Regional Pavilion during the concluded North Philippines Tourism & Travel Expo 2015 (NorthPhil 2015) held November 13-15, 2015 at SM Clark Event Center, Clark, Pampanga. Dr. Toto Kalugdan of Ibulao-Ibulao Ecolodge in Kiangan, Ifugao assisted in the conceptualization of the design of the Pavilion.
North Philippines Tourism & Travel Expo 2015 is annually participated in by the Department of Tourism-Regions CAR, I, II & III with the support of the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon and Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation (PETCO), Event Organizer. The travel and tourism event showcases the destinations, products and services of North Philippines and other regions in the country.
The event was opened by Guest of Honor former TIEZA COO Mr. Mark Lapid assisted by RD Marie Venus Tan, DOT-Region 1 RD Martin Valera, DOT-Region 2 OIC Lelia Blancaflor and DOT-Region 3 RD Ronaldo Tiotuico. Other guests during said event are DOT-VI OIC Atty. Helen Catalbas, Mr. Valentino Cabansag , GM Philippine Retirement Authority and DOT-IV A Ms Marites Castro, Chief Tourism Officer.
DOT-CAR Regional Director Marie Venus Tan, National, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator for North Philippines, gave the Opening Remarks and emphasized the need to unify the regions with complementary offerings making the North Philippine destination more competitive and marketable for both domestic and international travels.
2015 marks the 10th year anniversary of NorthPhil Expo, making it a special edition as the exhibit showcase the memorabilia comprising of photos of the tourism expo for the last 10 years and milestones in the North Philippines’ tourism development.
The Cordillera Pavilion featured the “Fresh Garden Salad” sponsored by the Provincial Government of Benguet. Mr. Gerry Beltran of Albergo Hotel initiated the Toss Salad animation which was sampled by visitors to the CAR Pavilion.
NorthPhil Expo 2015 also saw the participation of the City Government of Baguio, Baguio Country Club and Albergo Hotel. Several tourism establishments in Baguio also supported the exposition by providing brochures for distribution during said event. Gift Certificates from Albergo Hotel, Amare La Cucina Wood Fire Brick Oven Pizza and Ridgewood Hotel were also given away during the event.