BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The seven Lucky Summers Visitors of Baguio City during the Holy Week are grateful to the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) and its partner local government units and sponsors, for the red-carpet treatment they received during their 4–day stay here in the summer capital.
“Thank you very much! We did not expect this, I am at a loss for words,” said James Soriano from Negros Occidental, who was with his four children.
We did not expect that we will be chosen as Lucky Summer Visitors. It is very overwhelming, we did not expect the very special treatment. We fell like celebrities. We learned about the cultures and traditions here, and we met new friends. We really enjoyed the four–day experience given to us. Thank you so much, said March Karen Ugdaman and Jay Mea Bee Baling from Davao City.
They added that they will cherish this once in a lifetime experience, and will share to their families, friends and co–workers back home.
The Lucky Summer Visitors (LSVs) is an annual activity of the BCBC to help promote Baguio City as a major tourist destination. This is for tourists visiting Baguio for the first time.
On Holy Thursday, March 28, the BCBC team headed by club president Thom Picaña of the Amianan Balita Ngayon, in coordination with Pugo La Union Mayor Kurt Martin and with the assistance of the Land Transportation Office, motorcaded down to a gasoline station along Pugo for the LSV selection from Baguio bound public utility buses.
On the 16th bus that was flagged down, selected were couple Baling and Ugdaman, both 33 years old, and government workers from Davao City. The two were in a do-it-yourself travel to Baguio with no billeting reservation and tour plans.
On the 23rd bus, chosen were James Soriano, a seafarer, with his four children – Rezia Joy, 21 years old; Ryza Jane, 17; John Reube, 12; and Sophia Marie, 10, natives of Negros Occidental.
After the selection, the seven LSVs were ushered to the bus of the City Government of Baguio, and motorcaded along Marcos Highway going to the Tuba, Benguet municipal grounds for a welcome program hosted by the municipal officials headed by Mayor Clarita Sal–ongan, and Vice Mayor Maria Carantes.
After lunch, the LSVs were welcomed by the other BCBC officials and members at Camp Peppot, the Holy Week camp of the media club at Burnham Park, then they were brought to the City Hall for a courtesy call to Baguio officials.
They were then toured to the Kennon Road View Deck , and the famous Lion’s Head before they were billeted at the Hotel Supreme for their free staycation.
Aside from the tour covering Baguio scenic destinations, the LSVs also visited other tourists attractions in Baguio and nearby Benguet towns of La Trinidad and Tublay and had courtesy calls with local officials. i
The free tour, food and accommodation for the LSVs lasted until noon of Easter Sunday, then the BCBC held a send – off program for them at Camp Peppot before they were escorted to the bus terminal for their ride home, which was also shouldered by the media club.**JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
