Phnom Penh – The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh successfully organized the first Philippine Tourism, Trade and Education Fair entitled “Experience the Philippines!” on 23 November 2019 at the Sunflower Ballroom, Himawari Hotel.  Travel agencies offering tour packages to the Philippines, language schools, Filipino restaurants and companies were on hand to introduce their products to the visitors.  

The Fair also showcased various cultural presentations, such as Philippine folk dances, rendition of kundiman or love songs, popular English and Filipino Christmas songs, and Filipino martial arts. Visitors also enjoyed the all-time favorite “lechon” or roast pig through a free food tasting.

A short demonstration on how to wear banaca wraps rafted by world-famous Filipina designer Ms. Ditta Sandico was also conducted and was followed by a fashion show to introduce Philippine traditional attire to Cambodians.

The Oslob photo wall was also a hit for many visitors. One person remarked, “I want to visit the Philippines now as there are a lot of interesting and beautiful destinations and activities to do there!” Some were amazed at the elaborate Christmas nativity display in one corner of the ballroom.

Raffle prizes were also given away to lucky individuals who visited the Fair. Two (2) individuals won one (1) roundtrip economy ticket each to the Philippines, courtesy of Thai Airways and the Philippine Airlines.

The Fair was organized by the Philippine Embassy in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism to further promote the Philippines as a tourist and education destination.

A business matching and networking reception was held prior to the Fair to enhance collaboration among Philippine and Cambodian tour operators, as well as Philippine English schools and college and Cambodian education consulting agencies.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy Myca Magnolia M. Fischer, in her remarks at the opening of the Fair, emphasized the prospect of increasing Cambodian tourist arrivals in the Philippines especially with the recent launch of direct flights between Manila and Phnom Penh. She also remarked that the Philippines has much to offer to Cambodians for its natural attractions, such as active volcanoes and pristine white beaches. The Philippines is also becoming a famous destination for education, shopping, and fashion.  END.