Explore Islands Philippines Expo at Grand Central Terminal. 5/9-12

New York's iconic Grand Central Terminal will provide the backdrop to showcase the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines, which is promoting its vacation destinations, along with its appeal as a trade and investment hub. With a launch by Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, the Explore Islands Philippines runs from Wednesday, May 9 through Saturday, May 12.

On May 9, Explore Islands Philippines kicks off at 10am with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Secretary Teo will be joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin, Jr; President of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano, as well as other high-ranking officials from New York State and the Philippines at the opening.

In addition to promoting the white-sand, palm-lined beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and volcanic mountain vistas of the South East Asia nation, Philippine government officials and other experts will discuss trade and Investment at the Expo. A Panel on "Why Invest in the Philippines" features Manuel A.J. Teehankee, Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Dept of Foreign Affairs; Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations, along with award-winning journalist Ramy Inocencio of Bloomberg Television and Radio News.

Explores Expo promotes ties between the Philippines and the world, and this year's event follows a year of dynamic economic growth of 6.7 percent in 2017, one of the fastest paced economies in Asia after China's 6.9 percent and Vietnam's 6.8 percent. Business Insider ranked the Philippines as the top country to invest in 2018.

"I am confident that the Expo will successfully present the Philippines as a premier tourism and investment destination, and New York certainly offers an unparalleled international stage to bring people together whether as prospective tourists or investors," Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement after a briefing with the Explore Islands Philippines Team in Washington, DC.

Also scheduled on Day One are business panel discussions with professionals in real estate, engineering, biotech, technology and finance. Panel discussions will include:

· Nick Medrano (Skidmore Owings and Merrill) and Vram Malek (Skidmore Owings and Merrill) with Hank Hendrickson moderating the discussion on sustainability and infrastructure.

· Smart Cities / Technology Building our Future Cities featuring Rhonda Binda (Smart Ventures) and Chris Maliwat (Artnet).

· The effects of BioTech and Life Sciences on businesses in the Philippines and the U.S. will be discussed by a panel that includes Andrea Bartzen (Impactiv BioConsult).

On Thursday, May 10th, the Department of Tourism will speak about various tourism initiatives including Beautiful Destinations, Students and Millennial tours, Diving Tourism, Adventure, Cuisine, Retirement, as well as Arts, Culture and History. The flagship carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Air Lines, will give a special presentation.

Explore will celebrate arts and culture on the final two days, Friday and Saturday,

May 11-12, showcasing artists and artisans from the U.S. and the Philippines. Day 3's program will include presentations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a performance by the Parangal Dance Company, cuisine tourism, Philippine martial arts, weavers, artisans and fashion.

Explore Islands Philippines is free to the public and is open from 9am to 6pm each day. Vanderbilt Hall can be easily accessed by the Pershing Square, 42nd St. entrance of Grand Central Terminal. Grand Central can be reached by all major subways (4, 5, 6, 7 as well as the S train).

The Expo is presented by JS Productions, the Department of Tourism of the Philippines and the Philippine Tourism Promotion Board.

For more information, please visit: www.exploreislandsphilippines.com

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @ExploreIslandsPhilippines #ExploreIlsandsPH