Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Sunday, 17 September, congratulated the first set of winners in the online referral tourism program, “Bisita, Be My Guest” (BBMG).

“On behalf of the Department of Tourism, I extend my congratulations to the first batch of winners of the Bisita, Be My Guest program. Thousands of Filipinos responded to the call of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to become Tourism ambassadors for The Philippines by inviting foreign visitors to come and experience the warmth and love of the Filipino people and discover the many reasons to Love The Philippines. A unique and memorable Philippine experience awaits you. Be our guest, you will love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said in a video message.

The tourism chief further emphasized that the referral program, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), specifically caters to the Filipino diaspora, with a particular focus on overseas Filipino workers who have been exceptional global ambassadors of the Philippines’ beauty, wealth, and diversity. She expressed her hope that this incentivized program would motivate more Filipinos worldwide to participate.

In response to the referral incentive program, sponsors, and invitees secured holiday packages to select Philippine destinations:

CAMIGUIN:

Ralph Regie Llosala (sponsor), a government employee from Mandaluyong City, invited his Filipino-American family friend, Victor Paulo (invitee), a retired civil engineer from Las Vegas, Nevada (represented by his daughter Rebecca Feria), both won a travel package to Camiguin Island.

SIARGAO:

Joyce Marie De Castro (sponsor), a Filipina ceramic artist in Tutzing, Germany, invited her German stepdaughter, Sophie Kölling (invitee), and they were both awarded a holiday trip to Siargao Island.

BOHOL:

Faith Cabiles (sponsor), a government employee from Davao City, sponsored her uncle, Fernando Montero (invitee), a New Jersey, USA resident and retired engineer, and will now visit Bohol together.

LEYTE:

Faith Cabiles (sponsor) likewise invited her aunt, Angelita Montero (invitee), also a US resident working as a nurse; both won a travel package to Leyte.

As one of the platinum sponsors, Cebu Pacific Air generously provided overseas winners with free round-trip international air tickets to and from their origin countries, along with domestic round-trip air tickets to and from local destinations for all winners.

The winners will enjoy complimentary accommodations and dining experiences at premier properties, including the Nouveau Resort in Camiguin; Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao, as well as Conrad Hotel in Pasay City; Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort and Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol; and The Oriental Hotel in Leyte.

For a detailed breakdown of the BBMG winning packages, visit this link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ig3JwUTkhLsEYuRyZE7ECmqgowshwcniLdMteYb51jWZG8LKLK95NLHudtk2HQS2l&id=100064864171029&mibextid=qC1gEa

Secretary Frasco also paid tribute to the late DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, recognizing her enduring legacy in the program’s inception.

“As we celebrate the achievements of the BBMG program, we fondly remember the late Secretary Toots Ople, whose vision for fostering connections between Filipinos and the global community has paved the way for this remarkable initiative. Her dedication and love for our country and the welfare of the Filipino labor force abroad continue to inspire us,” Frasco added.

The winners were selected through an electronic raffle draw conducted on 11 May this year, held at the DOT central office in Makati City. DOT officials and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), and BBMG partner establishments witnessed the said draw.

A special draw will be held on 10 October, while the second raffle draw is scheduled for the upcoming Christmas season in December 2023, with exciting prizes such as shopping vouchers and holiday packages awaiting participants. Lucky winners of the BBMG grand raffle draw will have the chance to win a brand new house and lot, and a condominium unit.

To register and join this initiative, visit https://www.bbmg.philippines.travel.