2 Alaska State Legislators Visit Aklan

by MEGS S. LUNN

Rep. Bob Herron (D), House District 38-Bethel, Juneau, Alaska.

Rep. Catherine Nora E. Muñoz (R), House District 4-Auke Bay, Juneau, Alaska.

The Trade and Tourism Mission (TTM) to the Philippines will visit Aklan on November 15–19, 2012. Its itinerary includes the world’s No. 1 Resort Tourism Site in the World – Boracay Island. Hon. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo and Governor Carlito S. Marquez of the Province of Aklan jointly announced their visit. 

Representatives of the State of Legislature of Alaska, Hon. Cathy E. Munoz and Hon. Bob Herron jointly head the entourage. Margaret Herron, Jenny Gomez-Strickler - President of Juneau Filipino Community, Inc. and Honorary Consul General of the Philippines for Alaska, Vicky Roldan – In-Country Coordinator and Deborah Gomez – Photographer will accompany the TTM. 

The TTM will embark on a Trade and Tourism mission in the Philippines specifically in Aklan. “We are expecting everyone to reflect the brand of Aklanon hospitality that will open opportunity for a productive relationship between the Province of Aklan and the State of Alaska,” Vice Gov. Calizo-Quimpo said. 

During their visit, they will be hosted by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan members at the Provincial Guesthouse, a business luncheon-meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry officials, members of the Aklan’s business sector, tourism organizations and members of the Aklan Tri-Media at the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc (KASAFI) Office, 2nd Floor, Capt. Gil Mijares Bldg.,Kalibo, Aklan on Nov. 16. A brief press conference will follow.

Welcome dinner will be tendered in their honor at Nenette’s Garden on Friday evening,Nov. 16 dubbed: “A Night of Philippine Cuisine, Music and Dances”. The invited guests are requested to wear their formal Barong and Filipiniana Gown. 

The Aklan Segment of the Trip will include visits to Akean Museum, Dela Cruz House of Pina showroom, Enchanting Belete Festival and Aklan State University, among others. They will then proceed to explore Boracay Island, of which they will also be received by the Boracay Chamber of Commerce, Boracay Foundation, Inc. and other business and tourism organizations officials hosted by the Municipality of Malay. 

After the group’s visit to Aklan, they will be proceeding on November 19, 2012 at the Batasang Pambansa where Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores will be welcoming them to join the regular session of the House of Representatives. /MP