CEBU, Philippines – “Balik Cebu” events are now fully booked as more balikbayans from all over the world will be participating in this year's campaign owing to its credibility of providing VIP treatment for Filipinos coming home for the weeklong Sinulog Festival.
Organized by the Cebu City Tourism Committee and Ayala Center Cebu, "Balik Cebu" program holds red carpet welcome events and arranged itinerary packages for balikbayans and visiting tourists to Cebu such as "Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo", a countryside showcase of destinations around the province, and other specialized tours.
Now on its 15th year, "Balik Cebu" campaign has not only attracted the usual balikbayans from the United States, but also Cebuanos residing and working in other continents like Europe, Middle East and even Japan.
CCTC chairperson Tetta Baad said in an interview yesterday that even without extensive promotions of the program, "people just directly contact us, because we never changed the formula."
Baad said they even had to turn down more inquiries because events and tours are now booked to the brim.
"In the last 15 years, we carried the formula that worked for the program," she said. These formula include the arrival reception at the airport, welcome dinner and opening of the booth to cater the needs of the balikbayans for Sinulog related events and tours, providing VIP tickets for the grand parade, and others.
The "Balik Cebu" committee officially opened the Balik Cebu Booth located near the concierge counter of Ayala Center Cebu yesterday.
The booth, which is open from Jan. 6 to 17, allows balikbayans and tourists to purchase tickets for the Balik Cebu Homecoming Dinner on January 14 at The Terraces, seats at the Sinulog Grandstand during the parade, and other related services. (FREEMAN)