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Title: Marketing Agency Owner Launches Tours to Connect Young Filipino Americans with their Heritage

Los Angeles – Shaina Renee Manlangit, the head of a prominent marketing agency, has dedicated herself to elevating Filipino American talent and culture. However, despite her efforts, she realized that she had never set foot in the Philippines, the birthplace of her heritage. Determined to bridge this gap, the 28-year-old entrepreneur decided to take matters into her own hands and reached out to the Philippine Department of Tourism via email. This bold move led to her first-ever visit to the Philippines in March.

Manlangit’s trip served as a cultural awakening, leaving her hungry to explore more. She indulged in regional delicacies, experienced the vibrant city life and breathtaking beaches, and discovered that the Philippines is a premier diving destination. Struck by her journey of self-discovery, Manlangit teamed up with the government to create specialized trips for young Filipino Americans.

Traditionally, the Philippines has primarily attracted retirees and immigrants looking to reconnect with their roots. However, the tourism industry is now targeting a younger generation of Filipino American professionals who are active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As part of their new strategy, two Filipino American influencers were recruited to join a VIP tour in July. Additionally, Manlangit has planned an eight-day tour for 2024, endorsed by the government, which will cover the capital city of Manila and the islands of Cebu and Coron. This trip aims to provide a vibrant introduction to the Filipino American community.

The Department of Tourism expressed their enthusiasm for collaborating with Manlangit, emphasizing the strengthening of cultural bonds and creating “reasons to love the Philippines” as part of their ongoing tourism campaign.

For many young Filipino Americans, planning a trip to their parents’ homeland can be overwhelming due to unfamiliarity with the country and its language. However, their upbringing has instilled in them a cultural pride that motivates them to seek a connection to the Philippines. Manlangit is hoping that her peers will consider exploring their family roots through travel, especially this October, which is Filipino American History Month.

Alexander Martin Jr., a 31-year-old entrepreneur from San Leandro, California, is one of the first participants to commit to Manlangit’s tour. Having only seen the Philippines through family photos and stories, Martin’s busy schedule had previously made it impossible for him to visit. The thought of planning a trip to the Philippines on his own seemed daunting, making the group tour with fellow Filipino Americans even more appealing.

Martin’s mother couldn’t be happier about his decision. She is excited that her son will be able to experience the Philippines in its entirety, rather than just visiting relatives.

Efforts to integrate Filipinos in America date back over a century. The Pensionado Act of 1903 allowed exchange students from the Philippines to study in the United States, with the goal of furthering their education and promoting American governance upon their return. More recently, the Balikbayan Program, introduced in 1973, aimed to attract Filipino Americans to work part-time in the Philippines. Dual citizenship was also granted to Filipino Americans born in the U.S. after 1973, allowing them to benefit from this legislation.

Evelyn Ibatan Rodriguez, a sociology professor at the University of San Francisco, believes that the tourism efforts targeting young Filipino American adults are a game-changer. As Asian Americans become a significant presence on college campuses, many express interest in learning about the Philippines beyond visiting relatives or being typical tourists. They strive to explore sites with historical or contemporary significance, engage with Filipino peers, artists, and leaders, and learn from their experiences.

Manlangit’s upcoming tour in 2024 promises a diverse range of activities, including snorkeling, hiking, and visits to historically significant sites such as Fort Santiago in Manila. Her aim is to cater to both the desires of the tourism officials and the preferences of her Filipino American peers.

As Manlangit forges ahead with her mission, she envisions a future where these specialized tours will not only cater to Filipino Americans but also to individuals from all walks of life who yearn to discover the beauty of the Philippines and reconnect with their own heritage.