Image courtesy of Rina Bernabe De Alban
Filipinos and friends from all over the world feel energized by the new slogan of the Department of Tourism, which aims to invite tourists to visit the country.
Despite the controversies and criticisms we discussed in my column last Wednesday, many more kababayans are fired up to be the country’s best sales people, sharing why they believe it is really more fun in the Philippines!
Here are some of their testimonials:
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because the people are honest and friendly. In general, they may be one of the poorest, but would give the shirt off their back to a complete stranger. That is true hospitality!” — David Kudransky, California
“It’s more fun in the Philippines [because] you get more bang for your bucks!” — Rapha Elle RN
“Life …is simply more fun in the Philippines! Smiles in the Philippines are cheaper than any place in the world because we’re a bunch of easy to please and love to please people.” — Dr. Valerie de Leon, Millbrae Smiles California
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because of the good weather we have plus the beautiful beaches and warm welcoming faces of the Filipinos. I am from Quezon Province and I am very proud of our place, specifically Lucban. The famous Kamay ni Hesus and the Pahiyas ng Lucban are worth visiting. I am married to an American and he is decided to retire in the Philippines because of our warm climate.” — Helen Heidel, Kansas
“I come from Brazil, but the best beaches in this world are in Philippines! OMG,such a wonderful country.” — Maria Clara Delos Santos
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because Filipinos often smile without any reason and it’s contagious. They have the natural sense of happiness which makes tourists love the Philippines and the people as well.” — Blossom-kun Ekhsdi
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because we know how to go with the flow, and enjoy it. We spot current trends worldwide (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, fashion styles, etc. and put our Filipino twist into it.) The new tourism campaign certifies it – Filipinos are creative. Their submissions and memes for this campaign are nice, well-thought of and entertaining.” — Ithan Jessemar Dollente
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because of the Filipino’s innate faith in God. So whatever happens, God is still in full control. This is why we rise above our tragedies — we move on, we believe that in the end, we will triumph! It makes us one of the happiest people on the face of this planet. Add to that the incredibly, unbelievably beautiful coastline! Oh, and we just did the zipline in Agas Agas, Leyte! A must-do!” — Luchie S. Callanta
“It’s more fun in the Philippines. It’s where singing is not a talent, but a hobby. People who have less smile more, and a stranger is always a part of the family.” — Francis Erneth Mojado Lu
“It’s more fun in the Philippines, because it is the only place in the universe where the so called ‘Bayanihan’ spirit prevails, which no specific culture or nation could ever duplicate or surpass. Hail the Pearl of the Orient Seas!” — Maria Nanzee
“Going places, from town to town, is not a problem — colorful jeepneys are here [while you ride] with other people. You can ask drivers [how to get to] where you want to go. They are friendly.” — Orlando V. Lucero
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because we celebrate Christmas and New Year here with a bang. Dito sa Canada, pagkatapos ng holiday, parang walang nangyari. Hindi memorable ang celebrations.” — Rose Noveloso
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because we Filipinos have world-class talents and skills. — and that is our TRADEMARK.” — Eugene Ramos
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because the malls are alive and teeming with people at 8:30 on a Tuesday evening.” — Rita Sargadilos Balazo
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because Filipinos are hospitable.” — Catherine Gonzales Calumpad
“Definitely more fun in the Philippines! I’ve been to many countries as well, but I still prefer ikutin ang buong Pilipinas. ItÕs because of [the] good weather, best beaches especially my hometown Palawan! Cheaper to travel, friendly and helpful Filipinos and natural attractions. Here in Europe itÕs also nice but expensive to tour around and [it’s] always cold. Iba ang adventure, thrill at attractions sa Pilipinas. Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan! Simulang ikutin ang sariling bayan at masasabi niyo na kay ganda talaga ng Pilipinas.” — Sheryl C. Hansen
“It’s more fun in the Philippines kasi sobrang passionate tayo. Kung anti-DOT slogan, sige lang, banat. Kung pro-DOT naman, banat din. Definitely more fun in the Philippines to stand up for what you believe in! Gosh, I miss the motherland so bad.” — Sanctina Lxii
“Maybe we can also have some of these Philippine domestic tourism slogans: Boracay, You Sexy Beach! Haller, Baler! Bohol: Go To Hill! Be Cool, Bicol! Thank you, Camiguin! Maliit Navotas, Lumalaki! We Fly High In Capiz! Go Gaga In Naga! Kaibigan, Punta Na Sa Vigan! Virac, You Rock! Kamuning Get Me! Better Leyte Than Never! Whee! Tawi-Tawi! Walang Aayaw Sa Apayao! Maraming Gig Sa Taguig! Bongga Ka Day, Sa Norzagaray! Todong Todo sa Tondo! Hadang Hada sa Sagada! I wanna dance with Zambales, I wanna feel the heat with Zambales!” — Tito Glorioso