Friday, January 6, 2012
It’s Fun to be Fun! On Becoming, Places, and the New Philippine Tourism Slogan
 |
| We are responsible in making our identity |
It’s the people that make the
place…
I totally forgot where I first
heard this but after watching DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. last night explain
about the new tourism slogan, this phrase popped in my head.
It’s more fun in the Philippines is our new tourism slogan which had its
debut yesterday, January 6, 2012. While issues of it being similar to the 1951 Switzerland’s
tourism slogan also made rounds in social media, the fact that the way “fun”
was presented is completely different. This made me love it more, the same way
why I am optimistic for this year. If we think about it (beyond the “similarity
issues”) the slogan is more than just a way to attract tourist—it’s a reminder
that what makes our place inviting is us—the people living in this country….
We, Filipinos have always been
known to be hospitable and hardworking. More than the talent and the ingenuity
many well known Filipinos worldwide already displayed, our ability to laugh at
problems, especially our spirit of bayanihan,
is what makes us shine in the eyes of those from other nations that there are
some who even decided to stay here. But with such a great concept, there are
still Filipinos who question this new slogan from how it was similar to
Switzerland’s to even how we say we are “fun” with all the said terrorism and kidnappings in some areas.
We are “fun” is an affirmation
that we can survive and rise from whatever problems we’re in…learn from our mistakes, cherish the
present, and look forward to the future. I am very aware that many will be
in opposition with what I just said especially with all the negative stuff we
keep on hearing, reading, watching from the media; but I guess I’m just one of
the many who wish to look for a solution rather than complain. After all we can
only be the change we wish to see in
the world...
Remember that in as much as we have
no control of many things, there are some which we still are and that is ourselves. We can never be in control of
other people’s feelings and thoughts, the same way we have no control over Nature.
But God gave us freewill to think, observe, and work with our present. OUR own present…
It is only when we commit ourselvesto be the person we want to be,rather that the type we do not wish to be,can we only influence those around us…
Take note: influence—not dictate, not
control and most especially not
live their lives for them…
Notice this: A person whom many
people wish to associate with is someone who usually gives solutions rather
than blame and question someone else. He is the “I can be” person rather than
the “what if” (since this simply means he’s living in the past). We call them understanding, mature, selfless, smart, but
actually they are people who don’t even care what others are saying behind
their backs. They are people who continue to live life happily, knowing that
they are working to be the best person they can be without causing harm to
others but rather help. They also have their downs but they know how to move on.
That what makes them fun to be with…because we learn from
them and because they are less stressful to be with…
The world is filled with
beautiful places, but what makes each distinct from the rest are its people. If
it’s more fun in Switzerland for the Swiss, then for me it’s definitely fun
here in the Philippines too…the same way others find their own countries more
fun as well. We enjoy a place not just because of the view but most especially
the people whom we learn from and become friends with. Now, with the new tourism
slogan, I claim to be a fun person as well, the same way I want to inspire many…
And as I end this writing I finally remembered where I heard my introductory phrase: It’s from a movie where the character is an alien who fell in love with an Earthling making him love this planet more….
And as I end this writing I finally remembered where I heard my introductory phrase: It’s from a movie where the character is an alien who fell in love with an Earthling making him love this planet more….
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
it's more FUN IN BICOLANDIA.....
ReplyDeletenature of human is to mimic and copy......there's nothing wrong with it.....it's fun in switzerland for those who love cold weather while it's fun in the philippines because of beaches / hospitality / the filipino smiles and the year round festivals all over the archipelago. even though we're branded sometimes as a corrupt nation still it's fun here in our country, of so many beautiful countries in asia we were chosen to be the location of the BOURNE LEGACY movie
it's fun here in the philippines, lalo na sa BIKOLANDIA
may isa pa atang Asian country but anways the filming started...and just as the news said let's use this as an opportunity to show them what makes Philippines worth visiting...
Deleteand yes it's fun here in Bicol!!! island hopping in Matnog Sorsogon is being endorsed! (enjoyed it before and it's so cool)
been a year since this post hehehehe well it's more fun in ALMASOR
DeleteThey should really give more emphasis on the slogan because of the issue. they should present it in a different way. and of course, DOT must strive hard to promote our country's tourist spots. we have a lot of tourist spots, some are still undiscovered, so they should work hard for that.
ReplyDeletefor the new Philippine Tourism slogan: LIKE!
ReplyDeleteActually I had a mixed thought about our slogan, I still love Gordon's slogan before na wow philipines which still pinoy na pinoy para sakin yung dating, if ever na dapat nalng sanang iimprove ay security, at beautification ng mga lugar sa pinas
ReplyDeleteDoes a slogan play a vital role in getting more tourists to our country? Maybe or maybe not.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the best tools for our country to attract more foreign visitors, tourists, world businessmen, among others are the following:
1. Peace and order
2. Foods, affordable and nutritious
3. Good attitude of the people towards the foreigners
4. Accessible transportations
5. Efficient means of communications
6. Beauty spots and wholesome festivals
More on my latest post: RandomThoughts!
may I add sir (it was suggested two nights ago in the news): accommodations for the tourist since if the Philippines target to attract a certain number of tourist we need to ready a place where they can stay.
DeleteI'm watching Jessica Sojo when I was about to make a comment here. (same topic) I just hope that no matter the slogan, may it bring all the best for our country. Let's make it happen.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the slogan. nice slogan but if you will interpret it there is something missing .what fun? Anyway ,i hope they cns boost the tourism thru this slogan
ReplyDeleteIts more fun in the Philippines simply because it is the Philippines. We are who we are, bad and all. Even our preso has more fun :)
ReplyDeletewell said Ms. Kay! <3
Deletei just like the beauty of your thoughts, every line…
ReplyDeleteRead my Poem: Flair Connection
Thank you very much sir!
Deletewe can never please anybody...i might not like the new slogan but do i have a better idea? and if i have, sure ba ako na walang kokontra at mga nega? instead of blaming or critisizing why don't we try it first...love ur own ika nga...
ReplyDeleteits more fun to be positive...and Filipinos are known for that aspect...
Well said Yuuki! complaining without even trying is one of the reasons why progress is delayed (or doesn't even come to one's life)...
Deletekorek! and speaking of correction...you cannot please everybody ;)
DeletePeople who loves criticizing are the one's implicating negative spirits and they don't want others to prosper.
Deleteit's really more fun in the philippines. yes it is. but for a slogan? i don't know...
ReplyDeletewell let's give it a try but for now CONGRATULATIONS to you and your wife po Sir Ion!
DeleteThe slogan is ok for me. The only thing is that DOT keeps changing slogans. For it to be memorable and to work for branding, it should not be changed every so often. To be honest, we could've just retained Wow Philippines. What's important is that we improve our airports, security, infrastructures, transportation systems, etc.
ReplyDeleteVery well said about the need to improve Philippine airports, security, infrastructures, transportation system - may I add one to your list? I think there is immediate need to implement proper waste disposal awareness program nationwide.
Deleteno matter how beautiful the slogan is, if the government will not pay attention to maintenance and improvement of our famous tourist's spots bale wala din
ReplyDeleteTrue, I honestly don't like it when all people do is complain and complain. Take action and do what you think is right, at least you're being proactive rather than passing.
ReplyDeleteComplaining doesn't get you anywhere, doing something does. Be different.
Thanks Jonathan! complaining has become a habit to most people that they don't even realize that by doing it they are holding themselves back from progress the same way that they are trying to control other people's lives. it's destructive instead of productive.
Deletebeing proactive is productive--it's a simple strategy but definitely way effective in achieving progress :)
i am all for this new DOT slogan + i have to agree that it is the warm + hospitable filipinos that make the difference...it really is more fun here in the philippines ^_^
ReplyDeleteI love how a lot of photos with various contributions to enhance the slogan are going viral. Let's hope this helps bring in more tourists to the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, its the people who makes the place FUN. Cities are made up of steel and concrete but still the main element is its people. That's why #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines.
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Nasabi na nila lahat. Wala na akong masabi. Pero I have some sentiments about the new slogan sa blog ko. :)
I read it! Well done Hoobert! and cool blog. I love how you explained why you like the slogan. being generic really does mark easily to people's mind (and there are parodies of the slogan as proof of it).
Deleteit's more fun in the philippines... love our own... though we had a lot of obstacles, we never lose hope. God bless. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sir Gil it is more fun in the Philippines if Filipino would feel safe at all times
ReplyDeletehttp://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/2012/01/choco-late-de-batirol.html
Tourism in the Philippines is fast growing industry. The country is very rich in natural resources, fantastic scenery, lovely Filipinos and more. "there are so many things to do and to discover in the Philippines". It's more fun in the Philippines. Prostitution can be fun. It is more fun! That is one of the biggest tourism impact in the country. Another is safety and security. Noong una masasabi ko na panalo ang slogan, pero noong nabasa ko na ang detalye ay nako gaya-gay puto maya. Bulok na slogan at bulok na systema ay walang ka asensohan. Jenny- Qualified Tour Guide in the Philippines
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong. It's only my own opinion about the slogan. I have read your own opinion and explainations. It was great article. Keep writing, posting and sharing.
ReplyDeleteOkay lang po :). we're all entitled to our own opinions. thank you very much for visiting and yes I'll keep on writing...cheers :)
DeleteIts more fun in the Philippines and we can show it even from the simplest way.
ReplyDeletecheers to that Mona!
DeleteGreat post, proud to be Pinoy!
ReplyDelete