When I was growing up in the Philippines, our family did not have a Christmas tree during the holidays.

Named after the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, Sentro Rizal (Rizal Centre) was established by Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 to promote Philippine arts, culture and language around the world. To date, there are 31 Sentros Rizal scattered around the world, including two in Canada that opened in May 2018: Ottawa and Toronto.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” Norman Vincent Peale

Now on its sixth year, the Winter Escapade Tour will highlight the culture, heritage and history of Batangas and the natural beauty of El Nido in Palawan.