A promising 'old' face of Philippine tourism

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE PHILIP CU UNJIENG

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Having reached the ripe old age of 70, I acknowledge there may be some irony, and unintentional humor, in my writing about the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority), and referring to it as one of the faces of Philippine Tourism that has promise, and a bright future.

If anything, given the demographic that the agency caters to, it's about sunset years, and being put out to pasture - and not about "bright futures." But that's just conventional thinking, and Bob Zozobrado, general manager and CEO of the Authority knows better, and is busy plotting his own version of the PRA's "golden age."

The media event organized by the PRA was held at the Microtel by Wyndham at the Mall of Asia, and it was an eyeopener in terms of track record, current accomplishments, and maximizing the potential of this specific Tourism segment. An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the PRA's mission is to provide an attractive, responsive, and nurturing retirement program to global retirees. It's been doing this since 1985, and as of November 2025, has issued 83,863 SRRV's (Special Resident Retiree's Visa).