By Rene Ciria-Cruz INQUIRER.net US Bureau 9:47 am | Thursday, February 14th, 2013 LOS ANGELES—Philippine diplomats and tourism officials are offering a modestly priced tour package that includes an audience with President Benigno “Noynoy” III at the presidential palace. The 8th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines is set for July 9–15, 2013. For just $1,933 per person on double occupancy, the package features “a grand welcome and reception,” visits to onsite bazaars and mini-trade fairs, introductions to business and investment opportunities and a photo-op with President Aquino at the Malacanang Palace. Since it was first launched in 2005, the Ambassadors, Consuls General andTourism Directors Tour to the Philippines has attracted thousands of participants from various cities in the United States. Also included in the basic tour package are the following: • Round-trip ticket from U.S. departure points to Manila via Philippine Airlines (departing on July 7, 2013) • 3 nights stay at the EDSA Shangri-la hotel in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City • Daily buffet breakfast and two lunches; dinners with cultural show and entertainment • Historic wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park • Intramuros Tour (Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and Bahay Tsinoy) • Pasarap (Spa treatments), Paganda (Beauty Salon) and Pasaya (Studio Tour and Audience to Variety Shows) • Out of Town Day Tour to Tagaytay with lunch and fun activities For those who want to experience more of the sights and other adventures in the Philippines, optional extension tours are also available Read More …
INQUIRER.net U.S. Bureau 10:25 am | Friday, February 8th, 2013 SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco women’s rights supporters will join activists in193 countries on the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. “One Billion Rising,” began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. On February 14, 2013, the City of San Francisco will welcome One Billion Rising to the steps of City Hall from 4-6 p.m. Joining them will be Mayor Edwin M. Lee, District Attorney George Gascón, Board of Supervisors president David Chiu, V-Day executive director Susan Celia Swan, Commission on the Status of Women president Julie Soo, Filipina Women’s Network president Marily Mondejar and other city leaders. The Event will feature DJs spinning, flash mobs dancing, and special guests (to be announced). To support One Billion Rising to end violence, signing up online:www.onebillionrisingsf.org/join . Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: flash mob , San Francisco officials , V-Day , Valentine’s Day , violence against women , Women’s Rights Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Read More …