THE North Philippines Growth Circle composed of the four regions of Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon are set to launch the 3rd North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo on November 14 to 16 at SM City Clark, Pampanga.

Ronaldo Tiotuico, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), said the travel expo, organized by the combined forces of the Central Luzon Tourism Council, Incorporated led by regional chairman Lydia Co and event manager Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation or Petco, is the largest, most festive event of the year.

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It is aimed at providing the traveling public an awareness of the tourism products and attractions available in the northern part of Luzon. A final briefing on the details of the exhibitions and trade fair was held on October 30 at Paskuhan Village.

Among the activities to be undertaken during the event include Sayaw sa Obando (Fertility Dance) of Bulacan, Serenata by the City of San Fernando Brass Band, Malatarlak Festival of Tarlac City, Pawikan Festival of Bataan, Kundiman by Zambales and Olongapo City contingents, Manikling Festival of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, Novo Ecijano Cultural Dance Group, Caragan Festival of Mabalacat, Pampanga, Central Luzon Tourism Council Fashion Show, Comedia de Baler, Game Show by Pampanga Agents Travel Society, DOT Regions 1, 2 and CAR presentations, among others.

The event promises to be an exciting one for the tourism public as more than 100 booths have been reserved for the three-day travel mart with most of them putting up various activities like craft demo on making local products parol, pastillas wrapper, singkaban (arches), and the likes. A mega sale at drop-dead prices will also be offered.

A host of "manghuhula" (fortune tellers) from Nueva Ecija will highlight the presentation at the pavilion of Central Luzon. They are expected to foretell the future for a minimal fee thru palm reading and playing cards.

The much-awaited event is the awarding of expo awards for the Best Destination Pavilion, Best DOT Pavilion, Best Booth plus special awards for Best On-site Promotions and Marketing, Best Booth Staff Award and Early Bird Award. (Press Release)

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(November 4, 2008 issue)
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