Yes, It's more fun in the Philippines, indeed!

So what’s the new Tourism campaign of the Philippines?

-“It’s more Fun in the Philippines”

“What?? It’s more Fun in the Philippines?? Watta funny campaign... I still prefer WOW Philippines”

These are the words came out in my mouth about this new campaign we’ve been all hearing lately.

But when I started visiting the official website of the campaign–www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com– I began to love the new campaign. It’s far better than last year’s Pilipinas kay Ganda.

What amazed me most is that when the new DOT secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said that "What differentiates the Philippines from every [other place] in the world, is the Filipino. It's his special gift for transforming what is already a beautiful place into an unforgettable special place. You take two identical islands, put Filipinos in one, it’s going to be more fun there."

Apparently, it's also more fun in Switzerland, if one believes that country's tourism slogan from 1951. But Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez promptly pronounced it a "coincidence." Ang hirap kase sa’ting mga Pilipino, kapwa Pilipino pa natin, binabatikos pa natin. For me coincidence or not, A good imitation will always be the most perfect originality. : P

As a Tourism student, there were several questions playing on my mind. How will this new “Fun” branding and campaign of the Philippines fare in attracting the international travel market? Are we going to attract more foreigners and investors to come visit the Philippines? Can we improve our standing vis-a-vis our Asian neighbors especially the front-runner Thailand? Can the new slogan be as memorable as those of other countries like “Incredible India”, “Sparkling Korea”, and Malaysia Truly Asia?” What will be the impact of this new tourism effort on the life of Juan de la Cruz? Hmmmmm...

"Haller, Baler!" "Wheee. Tawi-tawi!" "Walang aayaw sa Apayao!

Meron ba silang tuyo?

Sinangag?

Pandesal?

Kapeng barako?

Chicken Adobo?

Dinuguan?

Lomi?

E balot?

O di kaya naman pampaseherong Jeep o trycicle?

Wala! Sa Pinas lang..

Ika nga, Only made in the Philippines. :)

We Filipinos are world class! We have Manny Pacquiao, Maria Aragon, Shamcey Supsup, and Venus Raj to name few.

We Filipinos define our country. Our smiles, our hospitality, our faith, our kindness, our creativity and even our craziness! Filipinos have time and again been counted as among the happiest people on the planet. We are resilient! No matter how bad the situation is we can still manage to smile and laugh about it.

Being the only Christian Nation in Asia is a blessing. We have been so blessed in terms of our natural resources, beautiful spots and sceneries.

Why don't we make an action?

Let’s unite and make Philippines "fun" literally.

Nurture it. Stand for it.

Transform this Nation.

Make an Impact.

I believe that the happiness of each and every Filipino can never be taken away from us -- It's irreplaceable..

In the end, it’s a Filipino that will make a difference. A big, big difference...