Take a brand new and unique tourism experience in Manila and its environs through the iconic Volkswagen vehicles. 

A brainchild of the Tourism Promotions Board and the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines Inc., a Domestic Tourism Invitational Program to boost the importance of family and barkada getaway and the use of the Volkswagen vehicle brand for various trip activities. On the morning of December 6, 2023, three groups represented by Volkswagen Club of the Philippines, trusted Tour Agencies and Media/Influencers gathered at the iconic Manila Bay as the culmination of the tour. 

FORMAL WELCOME TO ALL

The Incumbent President, Mr. Ildefonso “Boy” Tronqued expressed his gratitude for this well-attended tourism event and extended appreciation for the efforts of pooling the cars and vans together. Mr. Tronqued also stressed the added efforts of the Volkswagen owners for the stringent maintenance of their respective bugs and Kombis. Meanwhile, Mr. Alberto Gadia of the Tourism Promotions Board thanked everyone present who would be joining the tour. Mr Gadia stressed that this is the first project with the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines and I can feel his enthusiasm and energy exuding. 

The tour began when each Media Team member and Travel & Tour Operators were welcomed on each Volkswagen vehicle and the convoy began its march around the National Capital Region. 

THE FIRST DAY TOUR – HISTORIC MANILA

Our First Stop is at Lakbay Museo in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Upon arrival, the team was given early access to the different galleries where we marveled at curated displays about food and culture per region. Interactive programs such as games, dance, and cultural performances delighted the team. 

A quick lunch is next at the legendary Aristocrat Restaurant on Roxas Boulevard and their quintessential Chicken and Pork Barbecue with Java Rice, atchara, and peanut sauce was ours to gobble down. The Aristocrat Restaurant is one of the 150 Legendary Restaurants of the World by Taste Atlas with Lumpiang Shanghai being its iconic dish. 

The remaining afternoon was spent at the National Museum of Social of Natural History. A guided tour to different galleries where we began with an elevator ride to the topmost floor through the trunk of “The Tree” – an architectural marvel. We are whisked to the Gallery of Philippine Biodiversity where the taxidermied skin of the famous saltwater crocodile – Lolong – is a classic example of animal maltreatment. We moved next to the Gallery of Philippine Rainforests where we learned of the different bird species and the gloomy current state of our forestry. Next is the Limestone Karst Gallery where we marveled at the unique plant species. One of the most pictured spots is the skeleton of a Huge Sperm Whale. The National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited and frequented destinations for educational tours. 

The day is capped at the emblematic Manila Hotel. The three teams were treated to a glorious buffet dinner and breakfast at Cafe Ylang Ylang and a quick splash at their pool. Each enjoyed a lovely staycation at the iconic rooms where we experienced the legendary hospitality of Manila Hotel. 

THE SECOND-DAY TOUR – NORTHERN METRO MANILA

The following day, we made a quick visit to the Rizal Park Complex and took quick group shots. Museo de San Agustin inside the famed Intramuros was our next stop and we got a guided tour around its museum halls and church aisles. The tour narrative began in the gallery featuring the arrival of Spanish Friars on the Philippine soil and moved forward to other galleries featuring Catholic Faith replicas and original ornaments inside glass displays. I am amazed by a sample of a Spanish archetypal retablo with different statues completing the details. 

Our Intramuros tour ended at Barbara Restaurant where we enjoyed a scrumptious buffet lunch featuring Filipino heritage dishes such as Ox Tail Kare Kare, Adobo, and Papaitan. Live serenading entertained the crowd with songs upon request. 

Before proceeding to the Luxent Hotel, the Volkswagen Club convoy toured around Intramuros then passed through the picturesque Binondo-Intramuros Bridge to the intricate labyrinth of Binondo until we reached the Museo El Deposito in San Juan City. The convoy enjoyed warm attention from the pedestrians and commuters with majority of the their smartphones aimed at us. 

The narrative of El Deposito silently transcends deep within the National Capital Region’s History. It is one of the most unspoken yet crucial utility structures that speaks to the horrors of the World War and the preceding main function it paid. The El Deposito is a large underground water reservoir that quenches the desire and need of the archaic Metro Manila – feeding fountains and spouts for public consumption. In San Juan, the museum complex has three parts – the two-story museum dedicated to the water reservoir, the KKK museum, and the unprecedented access to the underground portion where a dedicated walkway is installed for the visiting public. 

Luxent Hotel in Quezon City is our final destination for the day. After checking in and a brief rest, we enjoyed another round of scrumptious Filipino cuisine dinner at Dapo Restaurant. Served are seafood platter, pinakbet, and sisig. Before calling the night, some did a quick dip at their rooftop swimming pool at the 17th level. 

It was another relaxing stay at the Luxent Hotel and I truly loved our stay, thanks for the 4 pillows per bed available. 

THE THIRD-DAY TOUR – ABOARD TO CLARK THEN UP TO BAGUIO

After an early checkout, we pushed far north via the NLEX for our next stop via Clark for lunch. We made a quick bladder break and that is where I met Cyril who owned a hippy Beetle named “Baj“. It sparked an interest and luckily I am allowed to join him. What caught my attention is his artistic and creative impression highly evident on his Beetle – with his own rendition of a red-nosed reindeer. 

We made a visit to the Comercio Central beside the Clark Parade Ground and had a Kapampangan buffet lunch featuring the buro, sisig, hito, and Caldereta. We capped our quick Clark sojourn with a free coffee to pick up our long Baguio drive. 

The ensuing conversation with Cyril dominated our afternoon drive to Baguio to kill the boredom. We had a reggae sound trip coupled with a glorious sunset on our left side. Driving with Volkswagen required periodic stops and luckily there are strategic rest points for us to relieve the call of full bladders and to exhume heat from the rear motors of the bugs. Albeit the stops, I find the experience nostalgic, since it has been more than a decade since I traveled at NLEX with open windows. What Cyril made during his drive is that he turned on his fairy lights which transformed his beetle into a hippy wonderland. 

Dusk welcomed us when we were about to cross officially to Baguio City. The flickering lights from the hillsides came to life and a colder breeze whisked through the windows. Still, we received the same treatment from NCR, the Baguio locals paid the same attention to the beetle convoy. 

We finally arrived at Ion Hotel where we spent our first night in the City of Pines. Thankful for our tour guides, our keycards are ready for checking in after a quick dinner at the in-house cafe. Heading straight to our designated rooms, we are invited by their modest-sized beds and a quick hot shower. 

THE FOURTH-DAY TOUR – ATOK & NATIONAL VOLKSWAGEN NATIONAL GATHERING PLUS CAR SHOW

A 3:30 AM wake-up call began our Fourth Day of the Volkswagen tour to visit the famous Northern Blossoms Flower Farm in Atok of Benguet province which requires an approximate two-hour drive at the winding Halsema highway. Most of our sleepy heads led us still to dreamland. I felt a nudge and momentarily, we were about to park at the front yard of the flower farm. As soon as our doors slid open, the chilly mountain breeze swept inside and I instantly wrapped myself for warmth. The pitch dark sky above momentarily reigned above us until shades of warm hues blazed from the horizon unveiling the majestic layers of the Cordilleras. Few moments the glorious sunset snatched the crown of the sky from the darkness and the colors of the flower farm blazed right before our eyes. A portion of the ranges was cloaked with the thick sea of clouds offering another breathtaking view for the guests to marvel. 

A weekend visit means a crowded destination, luckily, we headed out early and were one of the early groups who could enter the flower farm complex. Upon descending to more steppes and terraces, more and more species of flowers were unveiled. Patches of yellow, orange, purple, and green drape the hillside part of Atok. Part of the ticket is a free cup of freshly brewed coffee and their local baked goodies which you can consume after your tour around the flower farm. 

Another buffet lunch is set for the team at the Newtown Hotel and we got a culinary treat featuring the regional and international cuisines on their spread. 

The afternoon is set for the 36th National Annual Meeting of the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines. At the ground-level parking area of SM City Baguio, more than hundreds of Volkswagen Beetles and Kombis congregated coming from different chapters of Luzon celebrating their strong brotherhood. Active members were awarded per chapter to recognize their efforts and support of their group’s cause. The locals and guests got a nostalgic trip while marveling at the different models of different colors and styles. The night is capped with a light dinner buffet at Casa Vallejo.

THE FIFTH DAY – RETURN TO THE LOWLAND PLAINS 

The fifth and final day marks our descent back to our respective realms. After a group photo, we regrouped and proceeded to the famous Lion’s Head marker for a video shoot. Soon, we found ourselves for lunch at Dagupena in Calasiao, Pangasinan – a homegrown restaurant featuring heirloom dishes of the province. Afterward, we visited the Monarch Hotel and got sweet treats of Halo Halo and their famous Ube Ensaymada. A quick property tour is given for the tour operators and media where we can see their exquisite rooms.

Before the sunset, we left the hotel and headed back South. I had the privilege to ride with Mr. Adreane along with his distinguished Morus beetle. He named it after a bird with almost the same plumage. I had another insightful discussion with Mr. Adreane about his appreciation for Volkswagen vehicles and learned a lot from him. At a young age, he built a business revolving around restoration services for the vehicle brand.

Tourism experience made nostalgic and unique by riding Volkswagen vehicles truly triggers nostalgia. The engine roar, the unique window panes, and the feel of the dashboard are just a few of the many unique encounters you would opt for. 

 To have a seamless Volkswagen Tour experience, you can contact Travel Experts Inc. through their official Facebook page.