REISEN BILDET 2016

Lakbay Aral sa Luzon (Program as of 14 April 2016.  Subject to change.)

1. Objectives and  Target Participants
   

Lakbay-Aral is a Filipino term which literally means “travel study.”  It is a two-week cultural immersion program in the Philippines. The Lakbay-Aral program aims to enable second-generation Filipino-Germans overseas to rediscover their Filipino roots and appreciate the richness and diversity of their heritage.

It combines exposure to Philippine politics, business and social issues with guided tours to scenic and historical landmarks and a chance to immerse in the local culture.

The program seeks to provide 18-25 year old Filipino-Germans or Germans with Filipino heritage with opportunities to have a better understanding and appreciation of the Philippines and its people.

Participants will also be part of an alumni network that links them with fellow Filipino-Germans in their cities and across Germany.

1. Proposed Program

DAY 1-2: MANILA

• Arrival of participants
• Registration and Opening Ceremonies
• Orientation
• Manila Intramuros Tour

Session 1: Philippines: the Land and Its People

Overview: Intramuros is the historic center and oldest district of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. Also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district.

Sites:

• Intramuros
• American Cemetery
• Fort Santiago
• San Agustin Church
• Casa Manila
• Luneta Park

Session 2: Philippine Leadership and Governance, Culture and Arts

Overview: The Government of the Philippines, also known as the Philippine Government is the national government of the unitary state of the Republic of the Philippines. It is a presidential, representative, and democratic republic where the President of the Philippines is both the head of state and the head of government within a multi-party system.

On the other hand, the arts of the Philippines reflect a society with diverse cultural influences and traditions. Most modern aspects of Philippine cultural life evolved under the foreign rule of Spain and, later, the United States. By expressing the cultural richness of the archipelago in all its diversity, Filipino artists have helped to shape a sense of national identity. Many Malay cultural traditions have survived despite centuries of foreign rule. Muslims and upland tribal groups maintain distinct traditions in music, dance, and sculpture. In addition, many Filipino artists incorporate indigenous folk motifs into modern forms.

Sites:

• Trip to Senate of the Philippines
• Malacañang Tour
• National Musuem
• National Library Tour

DAY 3: CORREGIDOR ISLAND

• Travel from Manila to Corregidor

Session 3: Philippine History and Culture

Overview: Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. The island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heorism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during the World War II.

DAY 4: PAMPANGA

• Pampanga Cultural and Heritage Tour

Session 4: Filipino Cuisines

Overview:  While other provinces boast pristine beaches and breath-taking spots, Pampanga being a province that is almost land-locked, the province cannot brag much on nature-given wonders other than the province’s most famous terrain Mt. Arayat.  However, it is undeniable that Pampanga has a rich culture and heritage that every Kapampangan is proud of.   This pride comes from the Kapampangan’s way of cooking which made the province the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines. As the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is blessed with great cooks trained by the Spaniards during the colonial period. They have passed on their culinary expertise from generation to generation.

• Sites:
  1. Sunken Church
  2. Holy Rosary Church
  3. Pamintuan Mansion
  4. Bale Matua
  5. Lunch at Kusina ni Atching Lilian Borromeo
  6. Snacks at Museo Ning Angeles and Arayat’s famous Halo Halo at Kabigting’s
  7. Dinner at Aling Lucing’s Famous Sisig

• Travel to Manila

Day 5: SOCIAL AWARENESS

• Juvenile facilities and informal settlers home visit in Manila with Preda Foundation; or
• Project by Gawad Kalinga or another NGO / institution.
  

DAY 6: LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE

• Travel to Laoag (via Philippine Airlines)
  • 12:00PM – 1:00PM

• Check-in at Hotel

• Laoag, Ilocos Norte Tour

Overview:  Ilocos Norte is literally crammed with a lot of historical places, nooks for adventures, fine beaches and excellent cuisine that are indigenous to the region. Like the other provinces in the region, which is usually collectively known as Ilocos, Ilocos Norte shares a deep history with its neighboring provinces. The extensive region was renowned for its gold mines and merchants from ancient China, and Japan would visit and trade gold in exchange for beads, ceramic and silk. The widespread building of churches in Ilocos resulted in stunning architectural marvels that we still see today, the most famous is the gorgeous Paoay Church, built in 1704 (finished 90 years later) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Sites: Laoag

1. Marcos Musuem & Mausoleum
2. Batac Riverside Empanadaan
3. Paoay Church
4. Herencia Café
5. Paoay Lake
6. Malacanang of the North
7. Monica Church – Sarrat
8. Sinking Bell Tower
9. William’s Cathedral
10. La Paz Sand Dunes

DAY 7: ILOCOS NORTE-VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

• Vigan, Ilocos Sur Tour

Overview:  Vigan prominently established itself as the center of the Hispanic presence in the north and this is pretty much evident with the fine fusion of European and Asian architecture in the city.  This is best exemplified in the houses with their airy balconies, wide, open windows and unmistakable Iberian, Chinese, and Mexican air permeating the cobble-stone streets of Calle Crisologo in the Mestizo District. Vigan, unlike its sister cities of Manila and Cebu, survived the massive bombing campaigns of the advancing Americans during the second World War which left it relatively well-preserved and intact, went on to become the only Philippine city to become recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City- the best example of a European colonial town in Asia.

• Sites: Vigan

1. Bantay Church and Bell Tower
2. Plaza Salcedo, Cathedral of St. Paul
3. Archbishop Palace
4. Plaza Burgos
5. Empanadaan
6. Calle Crisologo
7. Syquia Mansion

• Travel to Pagudpud
• Check in at Resort

Day 8: PAGUDPUD

Mid-Program Evaluation

• Mid-program evaluation
• Free Day / Rest Day

DAY 9: PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS SUR

• Pagudpud Tour

Overview:  From fine, white sandy beaches to remarkable cliffs and hidden waterfalls, Pagudpud remains to be a vivid example of a true tropical paradise of Northern Philippines. Really excellent beaches, beautiful waterfalls, stunning sceneries, breathtaking coastal drives and a feeling of being away from it all should make anyone go to Pagudpud.

• Sites:

1. Pasuquin Salt Making
2. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
3. Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
4. Kabigan Falls
5. Agua Grande
6. Patapat Viaduct
7. Paraiso ni Anton
8. Bantay Abot

• Travel to Manila via Philippine Airlines
  1. 08:40PM – 9:40PM

• Check-in at Hotel

DAY 10: MANILA

• Meeting with German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GPCCI / AHK) on German-Philippine economic / business relations.
• Meeting with Kalibrr CEO on his experience as a Filipino-American starting a business in the Philippines
• Meeting with Zalora.com executives

• Travel to Puerto Princesa (via Philippine Airlines) in late afternoon / early evening

• Check-in at Hotel

DAY 11: PALAWAN

• Session on Sustainable Tourism with an NGO.

• Puerto Princesa City Tour

Overview:  Puerto Princesa City, a tropical paradise with a bustling urban center perfect for business with leisure trips. Lush rainforests and white sand beaches are simply hours away from the city proper. Historically, the place was named after Princess Asunción, born in 1864 to Queen Isabella II and her consort, Francisco de Cádiz. When the princess suffered an untimely death, the Queen changed the name to Puerto de la Princesa. Eventually, the name was reduced to Puerto Princesa as it is known today.

• Sites:

1. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
2. Rancho Sta. Monica
3. Puerto Princesa Baywalk
4. Plaza Cuartel
5. Crocodile Farm
6. Baker’s Hill
7. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral

DAY 12: PALAWAN

 Honda Bay Island Hopping

Overview:  Hop onto a boat and go around the islands at Honda Bay, which is just a few minutes away from the city proper. Take your pick from several Islands, enjoy the pristine waters and bask in the sun and sand. Go snorkeling at Pambato Reef where a short lecture about marine and reef ecology is conducted for tourists at the turtle-shaped “School by the Sea” platform by the boatman as guides. The tour interpretation focuses on the importance of marine ecosystem and in relation to the conservation of nearby ecosystems.

DAY 13: PALAWAN

• Underground River Cave Tour

Overview:  A World Heritage Site, A New 7 Wonders of Nature, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable Underground River, reputed to be the world’s longest that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the West Philippine Sea.

• Travel to Manila (via Philippine Airlines)
  • 05:30PM – -6:50PM

• Check in at Hotel

DAY 14: MANILA

• Free Day (shopping, other activities in Manila)

• Closing Ceremonies

• Departure for Germany (or optional extension of stay in the Philippines, outside of program)

Lakbay Aral Fee: Euros 1,500.00 for accommodation, food, in-land transportation, local airfare, travel/health insurance (while in the Philippines) and applicable entrance/tour fees.  Exclusive of return ticket from Germany to the Philippines.

Currency Conversation: Around 1,700 USD or 78,000 PHP

Click link for Lakbay Aral Program Fees.