The Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York recently participated in two major tourism events in New York City, namely the 2009 Adventures in Travel Expo held on 10-11 October 2009 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the 92^nd Street Y Festival 2009 held on 18 October at Lexington Avenue (from 79th to 94th Streets).

At the 2009 Adventures in Travel Expo, the Philippines put up four booths showcasing the various tourist attractions and diving destinations in the Philippines.  Three tour operators joined the Philippine booths, including the Marco Vincent Resort which offers travel and diving packages in Puerto Galera, Mindoro.

One of the expo’s highlights was the 30-minute Philippine Seminar on 10 October where Tourism Director Emma Ruth Yulo-Kitiyakara made a pitch for attending guests to travel to the Philippines and experience the exciting Philippine Adventure.

Joining the 92^nd Street Y Festival 2009 for the first time, the Philippine booth delighted the crowd as two members of the Philippine Chamber Rondalla of New Jersey Inc. - Mr. Nephtali De Jesus and Mr. Nathaniel Soliven - serenaded visitors with live traditional Philippine music using their bandurria and guitar. The Philippines was the only country booth that offered live musical performance at the event.  The Philippine booth also showcased the many tourism destinations in the country and displayed various Philippine dry goods, books, national dress, native jewelries, handicrafts and tourism promotional materials.