Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco sent a warm welcome to celebrate the San Francisco-Manila maiden flight of United Airlines (UAL).
Philippine Department of Tourism-San Francisco (PDOT-SFO) sent off passengers, pilot, and crew with “Love The Philippines” tote bags and destination brochures during an intimate ceremony on Sunday (Oct. 29, USA time).
They were treated to some Filipino folk dances, including the Tinikling, performed by dancers dressed in traditional Filipiniana.
As a treat, passengers took turns for a photograph at the United Airlines jeepney standee, while enjoying Filipino snacks and treats available at the “sari-sari” store.
Among the passengers on this historic United Airlines nonstop flight from San Francisco to Manila was Marjorie Villanueva, a medical assistant and caregiver who eagerly anticipated the said flight.
“It truly made me feel that the US and Filipino people are ‘united’.”
“I am delighted and proud of the send-off we received in San Francisco; it truly made me feel that the US and Filipino people are ‘united.’ I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome from our fellow Filipinos at NAIA,” Villanueva shared in a mix of English and Filipino.
Upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila early Monday morning (Oct. 30), the 325 passengers experienced the same Filipino welcome with a reception orchestrated by the DOT-National Capital Region, led by Regional Director Sharlene Batin.
Each passenger aboard flight UA-191 was greeted with Filipino smiles and welcome leis, plus some Filipino snacks and dried mangoes, while a suite of rondalla serenaded them after their 15-hour direct flight.
“I Love The Philippines for its rich culture and traditions that are preserved and celebrated, no matter where we are.”
“I Love The Philippines for its rich culture and traditions that are preserved and celebrated, no matter where we are. The enthusiasm of the people in embracing our Filipino costumes, such as the Barong Tagalog, is truly heartwarming. It brings back memories of my work as a teacher in our homeland. I genuinely miss these patriotic activities,” Villanueva reflected on the send-off and welcome reception.
Meanwhile, PDOT-SFO Tourism Attache Soleil Tropicales, shared plans for a familiarization trip next year with United Airlines to further promote the new route.
