Travels and Tours

For one week, AFICS members and friends traced the historic route of ancient Chinese traders along the legendary Silk Road, visiting six key stops: Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Xining, Lanzhou and Xian.

Along this ancient trade route, the group imagined joining caravans carrying precious goods such as silk, tea, porcelain, paper, jade and lacquerware, in exchange for Western products including warhorses, gold, silver, glassware, wool and exotic spices.

Cultural Heritage, Arts and Cuisine
Beyond commerce, the journey revealed a rich cultural heritage, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Dunhuang, the group marvelled at the Buddhist art, murals and artifacts of the Mogao Caves, while in Lanzhou they explored the spectacular cliffside Bingling Temple Grottoes. In Zhangye, the group was awed at the surreal sandstone formations of Danxia National Geopark which appeared like painted rainbow mountains.

Explorations continued at the historic Jiayuguan Fortress and sections of the Great Wall that connected them to the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall; the giant indoor Reclining Buddha Temple in Zhangye, the Tibetan Ta’er Monastery, and the natural beauty of Qinghai Lake and the Yellow River. In Xian, the final stop, they encountered the magnificent Terracotta Warriors —thousands of life-sized,  individually sculpted soldiers, horses and chariots buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.

The journey also offered a taste of local traditions and cuisine such as the Lanzhou Biangbiang beef noodles as well as opportunities for last-minute shopping at the Muslim Street and the dazzling Everbright City. The group capped the experience with Legend of the Camel Bell, a spectacular live show depicting the hardships, cultural exchanges and triumphs of the ancient Silk Road traders.

More Than a Trade Route
Far from being merely a network for exchanging silk and spices, the Silk Road also served as a sacred pilgrimage route where Buddhist sanctuaries such as the Mogao Caves and cliffside monasteries provided weary travelers with shelter, medical care, secure storage for goods, and places to pray for safe passage.

In return, wealthy traders helped fund theIn return, wealthy traders helped fund the construction and decoration of these temples and grottoes. In this way, the Silk Road became not only a channel for trade, but also a powerful conduit for the spread of faith, art, culture and philosophy across Eurasia

The second AFICS-Philippines tour for 2026 brought 22 members, families, and friends to the enchanting island of Kyushu, Japan, from April 1–8, during the height of the country's celebrated cherry blossom season. Renowned for its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, active volcanoes, hot springs, and historic sites, Kyushu offered an unforgettable springtime experience.

The group was captivated by spectacular displays of sakura in full bloom at Ohori Park, Kushida Shrine, and many parks, temples, castles, and city streets throughout the island. A meaningful visit to Nagasaki Peace Park served as a poignant reminder of the 1945 atomic bombing and humanity's enduring hope for peace. The tour also featured visits to the revered Yuutoku Inari Shrine and Takachiho Shrine, as well as renowned porcelain and pottery villages where members admired centuries-old craftsmanship and purchased unique souvenirs.

Among the highlights were a relaxing Yanagawa Canal Cruise, the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge with its towering basalt cliffs and waterfalls, and the famous "Hells of Beppu," showcasing Kyushu's remarkable geothermal wonders. Many participants also enjoyed the therapeutic hot spring baths of Kurokawa Onsen, one of Japan's most picturesque spa towns.

The journey concluded in the charming town of Yufuin, where members strolled along Yunotsubo Street and explored the storybook-like Yufuin Floral Village, bringing to a close a memorable tour filled with natural beauty, cultural discoveries, and the timeless charm of Japan's cherry blossom season.

A group of AFICS-PH members took a cultural immersion tour of Bhutan, aptly described as a journey to unlock the mysteries of the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Held from February 24 to March 3, the tour brought together 19 travelers eager to experience the unique heritage, traditions, and way of life of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

The tour provided a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, where ancient traditions continue to thrive amidst breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Participants explored the country’s deeply rooted Buddhist philosophy, which influences every aspect of Bhutanese life, from governance and education to architecture and environmental conservation.

A highlight of the journey was the exploration of Bhutan’s vibrant arts and crafts traditions through visits to its handloom weaving centers where skilled artisans create intricate textiles and colorful silk fabrics and the Arts and Crafts Academy, where young Bhutanese are trained in traditional wood carving, sculpture, embroidery, and the intricate art of mandala and thangka painting—sacred forms of Buddhist artistic expression. Members of the group were given the rare opportunity to try their hand at the delicate craft of creating mandala, an elaborate geometric design composed of millions of grains of colored sand.

One of the great adventures of the AFICS fund-raising  travel programme was the Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai tour from November 4–11, 2025. This trip was timed to coincide with the enchanting Loy Krathong Festival, which offered the participants a chance to witness thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky and beautifully decorated floats drifting along the waterways.

In Chiang Mai, travelers explored ancient temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, ascended Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest mountain) and its stunning King and Queen Pagodas, browsed vibrant night markets and the Hmong flea market, and savored the local flavors of a traditional Lanna Kantoke dinner.

Chiang Rai promised equally stunning sights, including the dazzling, one-of-a-kind White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the serene Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), the mysterious Black Temple, the beautiful Royal Villa and Gardens, and the historic Golden Triangle where three countries meet. The itinerary also included a unique opportunity for cultural exchange with the Karen Long Neck hill tribe people.

The first tour of 2025 brought members to the exotic landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco. Held from May 14-24, the Morocco trip gathered around 20 members and friends who explored 12 of the country’s most iconic destinations.

The 11-day tour of Morocco travelled to Rabat, Chefchaouen (the Blue City), Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, Erhoud, Merzouga, Tinghir, Quarzazate, Marrakech, Essaouira,and Casablanca. These places offered beautiful landmarks such as ancient mosques, memorials, palaces, and madrasa; fortress cities (casbahs); traditional markets (souks) with all sorts of exotic spices, produce, and colorful and intricate handicrafts;  and traditional workshops (of potteries, metalworks, argan and rose oils).  The tour also took the members on a dessert trip with camel ride and tents for accommodations; amazing gorges and views of the Atlas mountains; and the wondrous botanical Majorelle garden, former residence of Yves St. Laurent.

The trip to Morocco was nothing short of enchanting — a rich tapestry of ancient history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and dramatic landscapes. From the winding alleys of medinas to the golden dunes of the Sahara, every destination offered a sensory feast and unforgettable experiences.

In 2024, AFICS-PHL launched its Travel and Tours program for fundraising, designed both to enrich our understanding of other cultures and to strengthen the bonds of our friendships.

The first of these tours was in Central Japan (Nagoya Prefecture) from October 27 to November 2, 2024, participated by 29 AFICS members, families and friends.  It was held in time of the wonderful colors of autumn foliage of Japan. Exploring the off-the-beaten-track gems of Nagoya, Takayama, Toyoma, Tateyama, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, and Gokayama, it was an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan's autumn beauty!

The tour explored many UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way, including the open-air museums of Gassho-zukuri farmhouses at Gokayama and Shirakawago villages. The members had a cultural immersion in these two villages while at the same time enjoying many opportunities for  photo ops to capture the traditional farmhouses.

The tour also immersed the members in history with visits to castles, Samurai districts, Ninja temples, geisha houses, and tea houses from the Edo period. They wandered through old towns and folk villages through a picturesque walking route passing by temples, shrines, former castle ruins, beautiful Japanese gardens, natural ponds and scenes of rural Japanese towns.

Through the ropeway or gondola, the group witnessed the spectacular mountain scenery and breathtaking autumn foliage of the Northern Japan Alps and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (known as the roof of Japan). Climbing up the mountain revealed the stunning spectacle of autumn colors that paint the landscapes in vibrant hues.

Some 25 AFICS members (and prospective members) enjoyed a one-day outing to three towns of Laguna. The itinerary included visits to Pakil, Sta.Cruz, and Pila. In Pakil, considered Laguna’s pilgrimage center (and where two AFICS lifetime members,  Ces Adorna and Delia Barcelona hail from) included a visit to  the centuries old Spanish parish church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch of native cuisines ( ginataang hipon , rellenong bangus, adobong manok , salad, local okoy , homemade buko juice and ice cream as well as preordered kesong puti ( to take home) for all to enjoy at the beautiful resort-like residence of the Adornas.

The Municipal Town Mayor, Mr. Vince Soriano, dropped in informally and engaged the group in dialogue about local politics and his development initiatives. Immediately after lunch, the group proceeded to Sta. Cruz and experienced ANILAG which showcased some of Laguna towns; best products and culture

The day ended with a brief stop in Pila, to visit another historic church, the Shrine of San Antonio de Padua, and some ancestral homes . To cool down after a long hot day, the group enjoyed the old-time favorite summer treat, halo- halo, before boarding the bus that took them back to Metro Manila. It may have been exhausting, but truly a day well spent.