Monday, January 9, 2012

It's More Fun in the Philippines!

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love where I live. But when thinking of a tropical holiday there’s no other choice for me but the Philippines.



The Philippines has suffered from bad press for the longest time. I don’t care to detail them here. You can read about them everywhere else. As a consequence, the country did not appeal as a holiday destination. The number of tourist arrivals lagged behind that of other countries.


The Department of Tourism (@DOTPhilippines) of the Philippines launched a new campaign to entice tourists to travel to that part of the world. It’s about time! I think it’s imperative! It’s high time to tell the world, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”


According to the DOT’s Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr:

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable.”


I absolutely agree! There are good food and nice beaches all around the world but “It is More Fun in the Philippines” because of the people.

I like it.

I believe in it.

I am getting involved.


This new campaign is not without its detractors. ‘Copycat’ accusations are rife. The Swiss apparently used the same slogan back in 1951. Yup, 61 years ago!




And what’s with this misplaced nostalgia for the ‘WOW Philippines’ campaign? Did it actually succeed?



In support of this new initiative I’ve edited some of my travel photos to the Philippines. Here’s the first set of them.





8 comments:

Tangled Noodle said...

Great post! I really like how this new campaign and slogan has elicited such excitement, particularly online. Many of the do-it-yourself banners like yours are so creative and some are just too funny in their irreverence! But even those have something of a positive vibe because they show just the Filipino sense of humor. It can be biting but it's always FUN! 8-)

I've got a couple of photos that I'd like to 'convert' to the new ad style, using morefunmaker.com but the pic I wanted to use has a white background so the slogan disappears... 8-(

Thanks for sharing your take!

Anonymous said...

I like your edited pictures. It definitely says "fun"! What's a vacation without a little gastronomical adventure? I do hope the Philippines will gain more visitors because of this new campaign.

The Beancounter said...

I totally agree Tracey! I've been bitten by the "#ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines" bug...i can't help but take part. Btw, I used just Windows Paint to edit mine. Download the Harabara font and you'll be on your way...even with a white background...

The Beancounter said...

Thank you Shiela (chilajem)! One thing i always seek out when i'm in a new place is what locals eat...

Like yourself, I do hope this new campaign will achieve its goal...

cusinera said...

I love all your pictures=) Na kakamiss tuloy ang Pinas....looking forward next year for my Tribe to go for a holiday there, need to save up a lot for the places I want the whole family to see and experience, totally agree it's more fun talaga in the Philippines!

The Beancounter said...

I love Brisbane Cusinera but there's nothing like Christmas in the Philippines...I'm hoping to spend Christmas once more in the Philippines...maybe this year...

I wish your family well...

Shaun@EverybodyLovesRamen said...

I love love love the Philippines. Been there two times for church stuff. Second time I went I stayed 2 months.
Can't wait to go back sometime!

The Beancounter said...

Like you Shaun, I can't wait to go back as well...and stay a bit longer...