EXCITING TOUR PACKAGES FOR 'VISIT PHILIPPINES 2003'

Manila, May 13, 2003 -- 2003 is Visit the Philippines Year! And to help 
ensure the success of this important international event, the Philippine 
Tourism Authority (PTA) has launched affordable tours to the country's 
famous destinations that would delight the hearts and senses of every 
traveler and student.

These novel tour packages are the "VPY 2003 Tour", specifically 
conceptualized for foreign and domestic tourists and the "Barkadahan Campus 
Tour", exclusively designed for students.

Highlighting Philippine culture, adventure, nature and history, "VPY 2003 
Tour" offers exciting trips to Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao; 
Balicasag Island in Panglao, Bohol; Tagaytay City in Cavite and Mac Arthur 
Park in Palo, Leyte.

Reasonable rates for a minimum of two persons (except Mac Arthur Park), 
with full-board accommodations at PTA resorts and hotels plus corresponding 
tours are as follows: Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel (3D/2N) is at P5,575; 
Tagaytay Picnic Grove (Overnight), P1,980; Balicasag Island Dive Resort 
(3D/2N), P4,800; Mac Arthur Park Beach Resort (3D/2N), P3,760 (min. of six pax)

Tourists coming from Cebu can avail of the Mac Arthur Park package for 
P3,760. Air or land transportation are, however, not included.

"Barkadahan Campus Tour" meantime, aims to heighten the youth's awareness 
in terms of cultural heritage, ecology and tourism-oriented concerns 
through affordable trips to Banaue in Ifugao, Hundred Islands National Park 
in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Tagaytay City and Mac Arthur Park in Leyte.

Students with the required minimum number in a group will have an enjoyable 
stay in standard rooms (quadruple sharing), set meals and tours in four PTA 
properties. The rates (without transportation) are as follows: Banaue Hotel 
& Youth Hostel (3D/2N) min. of 4 pax, P4,030; Hundred Islands National Park 
(Overnight) min. of 7 pax, P960; Tagaytay Picnic Grove (Overnight) min. of 
6 pax, P1,235; Mac Arthur Park Beach Resort (3D/2N) min. of 8 pax, P3,320. 
The "Barkadahan" package for Mac Arthur Park is only available to 
Cebu-based students.

For more information, call the PTA Marketing & Sales Department at 5242502 
or 5242495. E-mail: sales@philtourism.com.