DoT launches Luv Bug Run

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon recently launched the 1st LUV BUG RUN, a caravan to promote inter-regional domestic travel and tourism slated Feb.14-16, in Clark Field, Pampanga.

The sales pitch tapped owners and collectors of vintage Volkswagen cars to drum-beat the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) WOW Philippines campaign to showcase the best regional spots, said Director Ronaldo Tiotuico of DoT-Region III.

On the front line are members of the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines-Pampanga chapter led by its president Jun Cruz, an avid collector of Volkswagen cars.

The caravan kicks-off on the midnight of Feb. 14 in Clark Field and will lead through the scenic northern Luzon and stop at various natural attractions and places of interest.

Covering a total roundtrip distance of 1,000 kilometers, the caravan will highlight well-known regional charms such as La Union’s beaches and museums, Vigan’s heritage village and Laoag City’s old churches. The final destination is the alluring seascape of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Dubbed the Valentine Run, the caravan will be lead by a 1957 Beetle owned by businessman Louie Benipayo of Angeles City.

Joining the caravan are a hundred participants from all over Pampanga. It will also be a running exhibit of the best 50 vintage Volkswagen cars.

Some of the featured cars include the most popular Beetle, Tradback, Fastback, Combi and vanagon.

After the caravan, a car show will be held in one of the towns where the caravan will pass through. A program to be graced by local chief executives will be held in honor of the participants.

The Volkswagen National Club with its president Juan De Leon Bondoc has more than 2,000 member-collectors and enthusiasts nationwide.

Ten similar clubs across the country are expected to mount more caravans during the year to keep the Volkswagen line running and to endorse the WOW Philippines campaign in various regions all over the country.