Living in this (for me still wonderful) country named “The Philippines” as a journalist (asides some other commitments and businesses) allows me to receive a lot of press releases from different government agencies. I appreciate this very much, although several aliens let me doubting in such information. OK, hold on, I wouldn’t say, I doubt in such press releases, but sometimes I really start wondering myself…
Could this and that really be true???
For example this: the Philippine Tourism Secretary Ace Durano reported, “that the Philippines may once again be officially recognized as the world’s most preferred travel destination. The International Travel Expo in Hong Kong chose the country as a finalist for the ‘New Travel Route Competition’, where finalist countries will be put to popular vote as the most preferred destination for avid travelers.”
Wow, wow! Imagine, joining the Philippines in the list of finalists are Switzerland, Greece, Peru, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Japan. Not even my home country Germany… Ok lang…
Funny and amazing has been also, that the Philippine Department of Tourism also promoted the country as a wedding destination at the international expo. “Romantic Philippines” is set to captivate Asian couples (and not only them!), featuring unique getaways and exhilarating thrills in the country’s more than 36,000 kilometers of coastline, scenic landscapes and a myriad of natural wonders. No wonder, why I wanted to get married in the Philippines in 1982. On the other side, I am still wondering to read such press releases! Tourism Promotion?
Being a member of Rotary Club of East Davao, I enjoyed the 45th Annual Induction of Officers and Directors and the Turnover Ceremonies for the Rotary Year 2009-2010 last Saturday in the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. I was able to share some minutes with Secretary of National Defense Mr. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., being the Guest of Honor and Speaker. His speech and talking with him for a short while left my heart beating faster. Yes Sir, the Philippines needs people like you. But I was just wondering myself to hear so many ideas, so many wonderful expressions. I hope and pray, that all these things become true one day, for the sake of this wonderful country.
About Klaus
Hello my fellow Rotarian,
Thank you for your insights and thoughts about life in the Philippines. It just makes we want to emmigrate all the more.
I will be bringing a Rotary Dental Mission to the Philippines in Mar 2010 . We will be starting in some villages near GenSan and will be attending the 4-6 March District Conference
Will you be attending??? I would love to buy you a coffee or ??? and find out more about your life in the Phils and your experiences with Rotary.
If you want …ask Bob for my email address…he has it.
All the best to you and yours
Tyleen
Klaus, I believe it is just a promotion by DOT ( Dept of Tourism). However, if this is true, then DOT is putting their advertisement funds in the right direction. I still have not seen any TV ads in the major networks here in US, unlike Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand. DOT ads should not target expats or balikbayans by advertising in Filipino Channels here in US. The expats and balikbayans will visit the Philippines, with out bombarding them with ads about the beauty of the islands. DOT ads should target those who have never heard of the Philippines.
Another item, regarding tourism is attracting other South East Asian tourists such as Japanese and Koreans to visit the Philippines. I believe DOT has done a tremendous job on this, since Bellarocca Island Resort in Marinduque is currently filled with Korean and Japanese tourists. Bellarocca Island Resort was just completed last year. It has been touted as the most beautiful, expensive and luxurious resort in South East Asia. Only the rich Filipinos ( actors, businessmen, TV personalities),Japanese and Korean tourists can afford to stay in this resort. I know this for a fact, since last year, I meet a few of them at the Marinduque Airport on their way to the Resort. I was told that the cheapest room is $300 per night excluding meals and other amenities. The most expensive is a 3-bedroom villa with your own jacussi and pool for $753 per night excluding meals also. I am glad to hear this good news about tourism in the Philippines.
Klaus: This last trip to Europe, I noticed a number of adverts promoting the Philippines as a wedding destination… They were part of a series that included retirement ads and relaxation ads. Seems like they may have gotten the point.
Hi Klaus,
The Philippines would seem to be a great wedding venue alternative for people in the region wanting something different. I know the cost of a wedding is fairly reasonable, and there are many great beaches and resorts that could host weddings and receptions. On top of that, hiring a great band would be both ‘doable’ and ‘affordable’. Seems like a great opportunity.
Cheers!
Hi my fellow Rotarian friend Tyleen, thanks a lot for your comment. Great idea from you. We have had several dental missions also in some parts of Davao City. yes, I’ll surely attend the District Conference next year. You can also email me here by clicking CONTACT US/Klaus… . I would love to keep in touch with you. Take care.
Hi David, thanks for stopping by again. Sure, it’s a promotion from the D.O.T., and meanwhile I learned that the D.O.T. should go on like this. Interesting, what you wrote about the Bellarocca Island Resort. I always planned to go there. After reading about the prizes, I doubt.
Hi John, glad to know that. Yeah, it’s never to late, and I’d be also happy, if they really may have gotten the point… .
Hi Martin, thanks for stopping by again. Yes, you are absolutely right what you are saying. Hiring a great band? Yeah, that’s what the last newly weds did, where we have been invited. The 3 men band charged an affordable amount and preform a great mix of Oldies from the 40s, 60s and 70s.
Cheers!