The newly unveiled tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines†by the Department of Tourism (DOT) received mixed reactions from Filipinos. First, the lack of originality was again highlighted after social networking pundits discovered that Switzerland used the exact same slogan in 1951. What shocked and annoyed some Filipinos is that similar accusations of blatant copying of ideas were already the cause of the collapse of the current government’s first attempt at reviving the tourism industry back in November 2010. It was alleged that the design used in the said marketing campaign plagiarized Poland’s campaign.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and other officials were quick to deny the new copycat allegations. In a news report, Jimenez insisted, “BBDO, the advertising giant hired to come up with the campaign, would never resort to copying another country’s campaign.†To quote:
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“They’re not like that, hindi po sila ganun. You have to meet [BBDO chairman] David Guerrero to realize that [the] guy would [rather] slit his throat than copy something, you obviously dont know him,” he said.
Of course the people behind the new tourism slogan will deny that they copied Switzerland’s old slogan. After all, it’s their reputation that’s on the line. For argument’s sake, let’s say that those behind the new marketing slogan came up with It’s more fun in the Philippines on their own; it highlights a failure in basic research — even just a quick Googling.
If a regular schmoe was able to dig up the old tourism advertising slogan of Switzerland on the Net, then why weren’t the people from the advertising agency hired by the DOT just as savvy? It makes sense for a big advertising agency or anyone for that matter, to check that an idea hasn’t been used before prior to using it.
It took over a year for the DOT to replace the failed slogan in 2010 but it seems like the new one is already going to be hard to sell. It’s quite ironic that a slogan whose purpose is to sell the Philippines outside the country needs to be sold first to the Filipino people. When something like It’s more fun in the Philippines doesn’t sell well even to some Filipinos, it’s a good sign that there are still Filipinos who still prefer honesty and sincerity to the use of exaggeration. Just like what former Senator and DOT secretary said, “Tourism is a story, it’s not just “wow” or “fun”, we have to justify it. The product should sell itself. We don’t want to advertise tapos pagdating dito, wala. We have to improve the countryâ€.
Mr Gordon is spot on. You don’t invite guests to your house without cleaning your house first. Unless you didn’t like that guest in the first place and your intention was to ensure they did not to come back after their visit, you wouldn’t likely bother to clean up. But if your idea is for your guest to like you and to make him come back and visit you again, you’d do everything to make your house more inviting and welcoming.
It’s not that tourists from all over the world wouldn’t have fun in the Philippines. But realistically speaking, the words “more†and what kind of “fun†are what make people ask a lot of questions. The inclusion of the word “more†can be interpreted as a bit trying hard. Why couldn’t they settle for “It’s fun in the Philippines†for example? And “more†fun as compared to which country? I’m sure there are a lot of countries that can offer the same and even more for the money without experiencing the difficulties in traveling in and around the country.
If it is indeed more “fun†in the Philippines, the millions of Overseas Contract Workers (OFWs) who were forced to find alternative livelihoods all over the world including war torn and unstable countries like Iraq and Libya would feel even more displaced and homesick. I wonder if the advertising agency and the DOT officials even thought about the effect this new slogan might have on the OFWs’ morale?
Having fun is personal. Someone’s idea of “fun†may not be the same as another person’s idea of fun. Being stuck for two hours in Edsa on your way to Quezon City may not be someone’s idea of having fun but locals have lived with it for so long and shrug it off as “ganyan talaga dito†as they laugh it off; something tourists would find baffling. Eating the favorite delicacy called “balutâ€, which is a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell may be “fun†for some but those who have no taste for such might find it disgusting. In the same manner, forcing the issue that certain things are “fun†won’t work.
Indeed, Filipinos who live locally know how to have fun because they manage to find a way around the poor infrastructure; rampant corruption and poverty that has become a way of life in the country for most of its inhabitants. You can even say that those who have no choice but to reside in old graveyards still manage to have “fun†despite their wretched existence. But someone with a higher standard isn’t likely to find the idea of living with the dead fun at all.
If you expect the same level of convenience and standard of living found in First World countries, you need a lot of money in order to have “fun†and lead an enjoyable life in the Philippines. A servant that will answer to your needs 24/7 is mandatory; otherwise, you wouldn’t have time to do your household chores after spending two to three hours stuck in traffic coming home from work. Likewise, a driver can make up for the lack of convenient and reliable public transport. These are the things that most moneyed Filipinos who agree “it’s more fun in the Philippines†tend to take for granted. They do have more “fun†than the average Filipino because they can take advantage of the cheap labor.
Like what I’ve been saying over and over, Filipinos in general are too obsessed with projecting an image that we are fun loving and happy creatures despite our circumstances. Unfortunately, this national obsession with being “happy†or having a good time instead actually leads the Filipino people into a permanent state of misery, because the majority’s pursuit of happiness is shallow and misguided. We pride ourselves in being perceived as a “happy-go-lucky†people, but we also come across as a people who do not take things too seriously even in times of crisis; which is why much of the social ills that beg obvious solutions remain unresolved.
So the question is, how would tourists from around the world have “more†fun in the Philippines? Let’s face it, it’s more of the beautiful scenery that can still be found in the countryside that would make tourists come and visit the Philippines. Our wonderful beaches, the flora and fauna found in Philippine jungles still untouched by illegal loggers are indeed things that shouldn’t be missed. There are places in Mindanao that are truly breathtaking for example. Unfortunately, kidnappings by local bandits can be a problem. In fact, the U.S. renewed its travel advisory of the risk of terrorist activity for the Philippines. Obviously, American tourists would heed the warnings of their government more than the marketing gimmick of the Philippine government. Even in Manila, it is not too far-fetched for disgruntled ex-military police officers to hijack a tourist bus and take tourists hostage. So therefore, fixing the law and order situation in the country can help.
Fixing the country’s infrastructure should also be a priority for the government. They can start with the international airport. The airport is where visitors get their first and last impression of the country and its people. Like I said in my previous article, “as of this writing, the construction of the new international airport NAIA-3, which is mired in controversy hasn’t been completed due to the lawsuits filed by its private investors against the Philippine government regarding their compensationâ€.
My experience travelling has taught me that riding the local public transport is one of the best ways to immerse myself in the local culture. Riding the bus and the trains is better compared to being driven around by a relative or friend because you actually feel like one of the locals when you are using their facilities.
It’s actually the little things that matter most to tourists anywhere in the world. Sometimes we don’t even have to try too hard to entertain them. The best way to entertain a visitor is to keep the house clean and make them feel at home. If we can work on the basic necessities an individual would need during his travels, we won’t even need a fancy tourism slogan to attract tourists.
In life, things are not always what they seem.
Bull’s eye!
My European friends travel to exotic places not only to see their natural beauty but also to experience the local culture.
I sought for their comments after they visited the Philippines.
– “Manila was a big disappointment. Other than huge, crowded shopping malls, there is nothing else to see.”
– The best selling point of the Philippines is its natural beauty which are all in the countryside. Infrastructures are not well-developed unlike in Thailand.
– “It’s not cheap in the Philippines! Some people will try to extort money from you.”
– Philippine culture is too Americanized. There is almost no trace of Hispanic legacy.
– Not everyone understands and speaks English.
To be fair, they said they had fun during their visit. They qualified however that Philippines is not their favorite exotic destination.
I get the same feedback from people I know. They’d rather go to Thailand.
It wasn’t right for DOT to exaggerate. Like what I said in the article, the uproar is a good sign that there are still honest Filipinos around.
go to thailand okay be jailed for critisising the king
Well, that is something that they admit to, what does the Philippines admits to in its fault with regards to how the world thinks is “normal”?
@chaingang
Is that your only problem with Thailand? Since it’s not your country you just have to avoid criticising him then. You follow the rules of the land.
You go to a place for the scenery not the people. The problem with the DOT slogan is that they make it look like Filipinos are the best in world. If that were true then our country wouldn’t be “kulelat” in the first place.
well, just criticize any aspect of the Philippines in the social media, you then get a flood of hate messages that you would think an incarceration to a Thai jail might be a better idea.
The number 1 problem in the partial list of problems connected to tourism is seen in the growing dictatorship. The international community is becoming aware of the local political situation.Tourists will evade a banana republic. Investors will also refuse to do business or fly away to a more secure and stable country. Mr. Aquino does not have the intellectual capacity to assess a situation. Yet he helped in the design of the mat logo with the yellow map of the Philippines. Whoever the Rasputin is who whispered in his ear must have said everything is peachy and sustainable.
Yes, it seems like the instability was created by the Aquino government. His obsession with GMA and her so-called cohorts is taking too much of his time away from the real issues facing the nation.
PNoy is apparently surrounded by incompetent staff. This is what happens when he chooses to hire friends who are not necessarily fit for the job.
Before I Was your Fan but after this, you just base you opinion only because you hate the Government. You get real you’re not really for Filipinos you’re just someone you wants to throw anything you can blame on the Governmeny. MInd you can always say the truth hurts, well thats the truth about you. I don’t like P-noy but it doesn’t mean i should hate everything about the our government. You just have same obsession, being bias against the Government. You get real, we both hate P-noy but I have an open mind I give credit even if I don’t like the person where credit is due.
A little less emotion and more on facts there Greg. Ilda seems spot on about the real problem with the current tourism campaign; all the flash, no substance.
WOW Philippines under Dick Gordon worked. Of course leave it to the incumbent to change a new leaf and try their best to come up with a slogan. But that is not the point. How are you going to sell the country if there aren’t any new ways to sell the tourism besides the pastiche stuff already known?
Facts yun bro. Haters kayo hindi kayo movers. Get real man don’t be bias. Hindi lang makitid utak ko.
What are the facts? It seems you are the one exhibiting “hatred”.
Funny WOW was done by the same Agency and It was successful. Why not this? Because we all hate Pnoy? And for us itsalready crap? Get real man it just started and you already scraped it. This campaign will be succesful with the help of Filipinos who really love the Philippines. do you love the Philippines or you just hate evetything Pnoy?
@Greg
First of all, former DoT secretary Richard Gordon coined the “Wow Philippines!” He said he did not use an Ad agency for that. He said he did not have to pay anyone for the slogan. So you are wrong to say that it was the same agency. I don’t know where you get your information.
What makes you think we don’t love the Philippines? It seems we love it more than the other people who turn a blind eye to the truth. We don’t want the Philippines to receive any more negative feedback after the tourists find out that it’s not really more fun in the Philippines.
Funny indeed Greg. I can think of some possibilities:
1. The ad agency can’t be consistently excellent with its output. Quite possible considering it’s been years since WOW, and they may have new people with them now.
2. The ad agency is just one part of the whole tourism drive. It’s the DOT that’s commissioning them, so the DOT would have the final say. While I can’t be sure on the changes in the ad agency, the DOT has changed leadership and certainly in other positions down the hierarchy.
But hey, you seem to be more knowledgeable about the entire thing. You even know for certain this would be successful.
Di lang ako bias bro. Open mined lang we hate Pnoy. But hating everything Pnoy just for the sake of bieng a hater? I’m giving this a chance? I may hate the present government. But for me I love the Philippines. And I can say to the world It’s more fun in the Philippines and I’m proud to be a Filipino.
@Greg
Ang labo mo. Did I even mention PNoy in the article? Isa-isahin mo yung sinabi ko and tell me if they are not true. Please lang.
Greg: Isipin mo ito. You can never be proud of what you can’t ACHIEVE. You were born a Filipino, much like I was. Hence we both cannot take ‘pride’ in something we were put into.
@Greg
Well, if you were really a fan of GRP to begin with, you’d know by now that even if it were someone else sitting in Malacanang, I/we would be criticising him too if he were doing something wrong.
It’s not PNoy per se that I do not like but the celebration of mediocrity. PNoy just happens to embody the word mediocrity.
Which part of the article is not true anyway? Please be specific.
@Ilda
The concept of being critical of OUR OWN GOVERNMENT through the exercise of democracy is escaping them and they simply want to label it as Crab Mentality and an attack on a person not OUR GOVERNMENT.
It is a fact that escapes most when someone is simply being critical of our government.
This is an idea I could not help Pffft! understand through our dialogues.
Their idea of patriotism is misguided.
So sad you are missing DOTs endeavor just because we are againsts Pnoy. Don’t bash DOT bash other department to be sincere. Dahil tunay na seryoso ang kampanya ng DOT maipagmalaki ang Pilipinas sa tulong ng mga Filipino na naniniwala na maganda ang Pilipinas.
er…are you sure you read the article?
Madam it’s not on your article but it’s so obvious on you’re comments that all of PNoy’s staffs are incompetent and you always want to believe that they are all not fit for the job. All your are of other department and not DOTs which what this campaign is for. You don’t even know how DOT will execute the campaign what you only know is the slogan and you already bash! The idea and your suggestions are other departments concern not Dots. Do you even know that it is an innteractive slogan? Asocial solgan for Filipinos to empart thier love for the Philippines? It’s for us Filipinos to complete the sentence and tell the world why we love our country and why it is more fun here in the Philippines. And as a democratic country I too have the right to my opinion. If you hate Philippines this much because of our government then use the slogan and interact get a picture of the tourist bus massacre and add the slogan Tourism is fun in the Philippines? Sure you will be successful in your hate campaign. for me I may hate the Government but I will empart to use the slogan to tell the world I still love the Philippines and still a Filipino even If don’t like Pnoy
You are not making any sense. If I didn’t love the Philippines, I would be one of those people who think the slogan is great.
There is something wrong with the slogan because it exaggerates. Even if it’s interactive, like I said in the article:”Having fun is personal. Someone’s idea of “fun†may not be the same as another person’s idea of fun. Being stuck for two hours in Edsa on your way to Quezon City may not be someone’s idea of having fun but locals have lived with it for so long and shrug it off as “ganyan talaga dito†as they laugh it off; something tourists would find baffling. Eating the favorite delicacy called “balutâ€, which is a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell may be “fun†for some but those who have no taste for such might find it disgusting. In the same manner, forcing the issue that certain things are “fun†won’t work.”
Sabi mo pa:
What makes you think I hate the Philippines? Your interpretation is wrong.
Madam contradicting po kayo. You said the slogan is great? but It won’t work? Why? It’s your opinion that it wont work from the start because you never even gave it a chance. You don’t even know the whole concept the whole campaign. Baka you really want DOT to fail. if you really think the slogan is great why not give it a chance? And bash other department to align with the campaign. Thats patriotism, because thats what this interactive slogan is for. to encourage Filipinos to use the social network that they are Proud of the Philippines and proud to be a Filipino.
I just have to say, I love this thread of comments! I agree with Ilda’s write-up. So spot on. Mr. Greg, nalito ka na sa English. About giving the slogan a chance to take off, it’s like a situation with a suitor you really don’t like, and he pleads you to give him a chance.. Wag pilitin kung ayaw!
Thanks, Samantha. Sablay talaga yung arguments nila.
Coincidence lang ang nangyri, hnd naman ganyan ang DoT ngayon. Ilang araw nila pnagisipan yan. Magbago na nga kayo bagong taon na. #itsmorefuninthephilippines
Meet and greet Vincenzo B. Arellano. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Ang mga tao talaga, gagawa at gagawa nang butas maipakita lang na mas magaling sila sa iba. Bat hindi ka na lang tumulong kesa mamuna.
Joey, its not finding butas… You read something true that struck you… Hindi nag mamagaling yung writer, he is just pointing out the obvious that most Filipino cant take…
Bosing aboy your opinion isn’t always the truth, you just want to believe na yun ang truth kasi opinion mo yun sayo lang truth yun di sa lahat. I hate Pnoy pero hindi ako bias. After this. For me (i don’t care about what you think kasi opinion ko to) Hindi kay open minded at kayo ang obssess manira against the Government. You don’t love the Philippines you love your ego.
Bosing aboy your opinion isn’t always the truth, you just want to believe na yun ang truth kasi opinion mo yun sayo lang truth yun di sa lahat. I hate Pnoy pero hindi ako bias. After this. For me (i don’t care about what you think kasi opinion ko to) Hindi kayo open minded at kayo ang obssess manira against the Government. You don’t love the Philippines you love your ego.
Sorry Greg, but can you point out in the article which is not true about the Philippines? I know my opinion may not be true for the others like you, but the facts stated in the article are the things you can’t deny about the Philippines.
The article’s message is simple. Sell the product correctly. But before you sell it, make sure you have the right product. Ayaw naman natin Lemon yung produkto natin. And please stop with your antiPNoy, open minded comments… You’re getting to obvious.
Sir aboy you are the one who is obvious barking the wrong tree. DOT is doing its Job its other department you should bash and ado thier Job. You don’t even know the whole concept of the slogan. Philippines is a beautiful country and Tourism campaign wants to show it to the world. Why not support then remind erring department to be sincere with thier goals. Don’t blame DOT for other departments flaws, DOT is sincere promoting our country’s tourism and bash other departments to do their job. That’s real patriotism. Unless you dont want to take part because Its Pnoy’s Government.
DOT didn’t do their job. If they are the marketing arm, sellers of the Philippines, they should have known better that they don’t have a product to sell… Agencies, gov’t branches works together Greg. So based from their (DOT) slogan, they didn’t do their homework… Bogus companies sells bogus products… Not to offend Chinese people, pero dba nga minsan when we’re buying things we tend to joke around “naku made in China yan”… ganun din dapat attitude natin towards selling the tourism of our country… Ayaw kasi namin maging joke line yung “its more fun in the Philippines” in an opposite way…
🙂 now who’s bias? You are going out of the issue. DOT is doing its job, yes you are right agencies should work together. Don ‘t bash DOT because they are doing thier Job bash other department to do thier job. People like you are the ones thinking the opposite which makes the campaign a smear opportunity. gladly tell me why you dont want to give it a chance before you say it will fail? Because you want it to fail and thats the truth. DOTs job is to entice tourist, infrustructure, peace and order are of other departments. Bash them if you think they are not sincere with thier jobs not DOT.
Well, may butas daw.. Ang tanong, totoo ba? =)
Kung hindi man totoo na kinopya, it was still done with bad timing while our countrymen are still suffering down south. Or perhaps, you could say this was their perfect opportunity to cast a smoke cloud downsouth and change the mainstream sights on the slogan? Hmm.. curious…
Pero still, WOW Philippines was a simpler and straightforward compaign. It didn’t have the exageration of being more than something else (meaning it needed a comparison with another)
But hey, I find it fun weaving through traffic as I squeeze my way through the gaps of illegally parked PUJs and PUBs while I hope that none of them will hit me in the process. Yeah, good times, good times.
i think this is ilda’s way of helping the filipinos. if pinoys don’t get it, it’s most likely because they have already closed their minds.
the best friend you will ever have will be the one who will not hesitate to point out your flaw. knowing one’s imperfection is the first step in being a better person.
ps: hello commgroup! hehehe
Hehe! Natawa lang ako sa post.
Agree na siguru ako dito sa isang part ng post ni Vincenzo… ILANG ARAW nga naman nila pinagisipan yun, kahit na sabihin nila MATAGAL NA, ILANG ARAW LANG PALA IBIG NILA SABIHIN DUN. For once, baka nagsasabi ka nga ng totoo Vincenzo.
Paalala ulit, iwas MSG, baka maubus ang braincells natin =)
Grabe. Ang tagal pala nilang pinag-isipan. Sana ako na lang ang na hire to come up with a slogan. I’ll just tell them to fix the Philippines and we won’t even need a slogan.;)
Mas Grabe Ka. You will eat your words, DOT’s campaign will be successful because of us Filipinos who truly care for the Philippine, even without your help. We both hate Pnoy but I love the Philippines. Be more open minded masyado ka kasi bias you hate everything about hte Government.
Galing mo naman? Aber gawa kanga slogan? And fixing the Philippines? By bieng bias? I doubt? Being a know it all is more fun in the Philippines. Masyafo tayo magaling. I Hate Pnoy. Pero di uunlad Pinas on negativity and bieng bias. Get real do you love the Philippines? Or you just hate evrything government related?
@Greg
I already gave suggestions on how to fix the Philippines. It’s up to you whether you will accept them or not. If you don’t accept them, then you can go somewhere and be happy with your decision.
And we are not being negative. Just look at the title of the article: “Why we don’t need to emphasise that it’s fun to be in the Philippines”.
Sabi ko nga diba, we don’t even need a slogan as long as the basic needs of a traveller is met.
there’s no way this greg guy ever understood what grp stands for.
and there is no way he even remotely has any criticism of pnoy’s wrongdoings (never mind that it wasn’t the subject of this post). if anything he’s turning out quite the apologist.
lying troll, sige pa hirit pa.
A true GRP fan would not see this as an anti-PNoy article or bashing of Filipino culture.
Madam It’s so obvious on your comments. It may not be in your articles. And a true Filipino is Open minded and not one sided. he is for the Philippines and not for any other public figure.
It’s so obvious in my comments that I don’t like mediocrity.
Madam your suggestions are notof DOTs concern ibang department po yun! DOT is doing Its job promoting love for country hindi lang slogan. Interactive social slogan po yan na you complete the sentence and show how you can tell the world that Its more fun here. You can use it negatively lagay mo tourist bus ng tagline Tourism during Pnoy is fun in the Philippines. Tapos post mo sa social media mo. Kung ganyan ang fun na gusto mo empart sa mundo. For me I will use it constructively. I may not like Pnoy but I still love the Philippines.
@Greg
A point I’d like to raise with you is that the DOT through it’s supposed tourism campaign, can in fact form a team with other departments or agencies to ensure the success of it’s so-called campaign. But upon launching it, it is only a DOT campaign and as such, you can already know where it is headed.
The parties that are involved or affected should have been part of the campaign development, be it peace and order, cleanliness, infrastructure etc.
As such, it would be a campaign with a big picture in mind and execution as a whole, and not simply a simple marketing campaign that is not backed up by action in other areas.
Now, you may say, who’s to say they are not doing it right? Well the question also goes around with “Who’s to say they are doing so in aid of the campaign?”
It is simply lacking in my opinion sir and I see no direction in it other than expense in print ads/media campaigns with no definite solutions to support it.
sir every department has its own goal which is aligned with the vision. You are bashing DOTs campaign because you think other departments are not doing thier part? Is that fair? Why not help promote tourism help the campaign and contuinously remind that all other departments to be sincere with thier job. That’s patriotism, not unless you don’t want to contrubute because this is part of Pnoys Government.
@Greg
Well, what am I selling actually?
I sell for sake of selling, or I sell because I believe in the product I’m pushing because I have actions put forth that help the product be sellable?
I believe the second option (big picture and long term) is the more proper option and not the first one.
So how can I help if I believe it is just a marketing campaign?
I can’t tell foreigners to “Come on down to Mindanao, enjoy what our country has to offer you. But I can’t assure your safety, so please be vigilant as you can’t expect our government to do ensure public safety and security.”
Or “Come to Manila, if the International Airport hasn’t given you an idea, then I’m sure as hell you would in our congested streets. These streets do offer quite a lot of opportunities of sight seeing, just not the sights you wished to see because you are stuck in traffic, staring. Don’t bother cracking open the window as our air will beat a second hand smokers problem any day of the week.”
I am not bashing because I just hate Pnoy, I am criticizing the campaign as it is simply just a marketing campaign, a new slogan for the same old product. So what now?
It should focus on the change first before even bothering with a new marketing campaign that sells a new revamped product anyway. That is a smart move/campaign.
tamaan ang tatamaan:
actually marketing has to do with persuading your potential customer to decide on transacting with you on the agreement that you will DELIVER on your promises.
marketing is not the same as FALSE ADVERTISING, which is clearly what you butthurt filipino emos out there want. as adam carolla said, pinoys get your shit together!
madam Just clear that you dont want DOTs campaign! Shows your true color. During WOW and now wala ba yang problemang sinasabi mo? Plastic ka pag sabihin mo na perfect na tayo nun. lumabas din totoo mo kulay.
this greg’s comment would be a lot nicer if it actually had a point. it’s buried in here somewhere. i mean all i see is whine whine whine about people not wanting dot’s campaign. whine whine whine, as if there was NOTHING to fix first before (mis)leading tourists to come here.
greg, please. have a point. i mean, a kitkat.
Sorry above comment was for sphinx!
@Greg
Hi, didn’t know your comment was directed to me.
Okay, the logic here is this then. If WOW was already OK then as a marketing campaign, why even bother changing it if no change has been significant in terms of the tourism front (or those that affect it)
Change for change’s sake while still trying to appeal to consumers to buy our product without any form of justification other than our slogan?
C’mon, consumers are smarter than that if it really was aimed to be sold that way right?
So the campaign itself is a FAIL, not because of the issues of copying which are not proven, but because of the fact that it was an expense we didn’t need to make to begin with.
DOT is not limited to only making marketing slogans/campaigns. Couldn’t their energies/resources be used more efficiently in improving/upgrading existing services (and this is not limited to NAIA) and the related areas like addressing mass transit concerns as it directly affects it.
Don’t tell me the DOT should just go, “OH! That’s roads/public transportation and that’s the DPWH’s job. Never mind then.”
As a department, they can be an initiator of these programs yet not be the only one taking action as it is of course related to other agencies.
Mr. Greg is a manifestation of a typical Pinoy.
His arguments are repetitive, he doesn’t even acknowledge the rebuttals and keeps on whining the same issue. True that it’s not just DOT who should be blamed at the shameful state our country is in, in fact, it is doing its obvious job: sell the Philippines.
But, unfortunately, how I see it, DOT has only re-ignited the Pinoys monkey pride: I perceive those people who proudly say It’s more fun in the Philippines blah blah blah are the representation of some flee market sellers who would tell you their products are of high quality but in fact they’re not.
And why say it’s “more” fun in the Philippines. It’s almost saying we are a far better country than any other tourist destination in the world. False monkey pride. What are you so proud of? Of slums and garbage? The slogan is so full of marketing and exaggeration.
Isn’t the humble words “there’s more to Philippines (than what meets the eye)” more appealing than that proud “It’s more fun in the Philippines?” The former begs the foreigners to reconsider any negative notions they would hear about our country. The latter, it just boasts of what we really do not have, or half-wittingly have but not really that remarkably world-class.
Coincidence?? Sobrang gunggong ka talaga.
Since 1951 pa ung slogan na ninakaw nila gunggong.
Ikaw dapat ang magbago at nakakasawa na ang pagiging tanga mo.
@Nutzi Vincenzo
Coincidence? They should have done their homework. No research…”it’s more fun in Switzerland.” You are still the poor manipulated, brainwashed mind that we all love to probe.
yeah…di na natuto dun sa “pilipinas kay ganda” that when googled would lead one to porn sites.
I think IKAW mismo ang magbago ngayong Bagong Taon because it’s still the same SH*T all over again, mind you. 🙂
surely before you advertise something you have to at least make sure you’ll be able to follow through on the “promise” that’s IMPLIED in the advert? there’s also the issue of timing. we’ve just had a major flood and a landslide that claimed thousands of lives. how does that reflect on the FUN factor?
have a look at this report from cbs: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501712_162-57353629/its-more-fun-here-philippines-tells-travelers/
a U.S. travel warning cites the risk of terrorist activity.
the slogan is false advertising. plain and simple.
Maybe their idea of fun is thrill seeking, and the biggest thrill you’ll ever get here is an abduction that may lead to death or damage to life/limb.
If after the “fun” you experienced and you eventually managed to opt out, they will just tell you, you bit off more “fun” that you can chew and tell you to walk it off and try again. DoT’s Manual/Protocol to be submitted as leaflet prior to landing anywhere in the Philippines.
And you will see a symbol there showing NO SMOKING in MOST PUBLIC AREAS in the PHILIPPINES. This leaflet was sponsored by (insert tobacco company and/or affiliate name here)
Oh and by the time you leave the Philippines, a different leaflet will be given to you. It will read:
Should have any experiences you care not to remember, you must keep in mind the statements of our dear leader’s family members.. “LEARN TO MOVE ON and LIFE GOES ON…”
Hope to see you with us again, we surely enjoyed your visit more than you could have(possibly).
Our government should have a waiver form at airport arrivals instead of those “arrival forms” from Belo Medical Group.
Yeah, I read that warning. So of course this new slogan will be useless to Americans because they would listen more to the US government.
Honestly, how can these people sleep at night? They must really think it’s fun in the Philippines.
It’s actually more fun in the Philippines. Just avoid Metro Manila, Tarlac, and Moroland by all means.
Are you kidding me? Maguindanao is great! As long as you don’t make yourself out a journalist and start snooping around. Lots of open land, of course until you start smelling something that isn’t cow dung off the fields.
And I love how the DoT will probably deny the sex tourism, but it certainly exists. If IMBESTIGADOR and all those shows have a weekly crackdown on illegal activities that happen in manila, you can be damn sure they still get away with the lawless and illegal stuff anywhere in the country. Just people trying to make a living you know.
Corruption is still a major tourism connected problem. Mr. Aquino cannot afford to say that he and his official family are all sincere, honest and squeaky clean. Accountability does not attach to the KKK personality types. What is the going kickback rate for contractors? I remember a long time ago it used to be 10%.
The straight and wide path(matuwid at maluwag na daan)leading straight to hell sure is fun for him and the KKK.
Well I know it was dependent on which part of the food chain of kickbacks you fell under.
If you were the top, maybe the ten percent, but the downline is smaller than the 10%. And succeedingly, their downlines are smaller compared to them.
I’d say a guess-timate would be minimum 25% more or less would be for kickbacks and “facilitation” fees.
Slogan Variations:
1. “it’s a Funny Farm in the Philippines.”
2. “Ouch(Aray)is fun in the Philippines.”
3. “shock and awe is fun in the Philippines.”
4. “underwater writing is fun in the Philippines.”
Create your own…
So the DOT copied the Swiss? I suppose the late Steve Jobs also did that when he said “it’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the navy….” And when Barack Obama used “Yes, we can” as one of his tag lines during his run for presidency, we could suppose that he didn’t exercise due diligence in doing his research. After all, an old Philippine bank had that as its slogan for years.
These days, it’s just too easy for someone to accuse another of plagiarizing an idea. It’s about as easy as heckling/bitching/criticizing as opposed to actually doing something constructive.
It is just too easy to plagiarize period.
Amen 🙂
Thank you, for being a fine example of what I was talking about.
How about we look at what is being done differently than your views?
You say it and treat the “Philippines” as a different entity altogether, but are we not part of the Philippines and therefore criticizing and/or commenting that where we find fault/problems in.
We don’t go out and say (Insert country here) this, (insert country here) that! We are reflecting on ourselves (the Philippines) and the course of action it is taking (which quite frankly, is not favorable in my mind).
The false sense of nationalism of simply supporting whatever the government dishes out will be the end of us.
“The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.” (just change that to the Filipino public) – Theodore Roosevelt
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” – Thomas Jefferson
“You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” – Abraham Lincoln
“If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.” – Bill Clinton
“Recognizing and confronting our history is important. Transcending our history is essential. We are not limited by what we have done, or what we have left undone. We are limited only by what we are willing to do.” – George Bush
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism” – George Washington
Quotes from another nation, but they resonate well if all intents and purposes are pure as mentioned. =)
Was this in response to my comment? My apologies for asking because that long-winded post completely lost me (especially that last paragraph which looked like it cancelled itself).
This is in response to your statement.
“These days, it’s just too easy for someone to accuse another of plagiarizing an idea. It’s about as easy as HECKLING/BITCHING/CRITICIZING as opposed to actually doing something constructive.”
Well I can not help you there, if you just don’t want anyone to point out what is in front you for convenience of simply following whatever government tells you is, then you believe in a flawed democracy.
@Sphynx
RE: “You say it and treat the “Philippines†as a different entity altogether, ”
I did? Where?
RE: “Well I can not help you there, if you just don’t want anyone to point out what is in front you ”
If you’re referring to my disagreement about the notion of the Swiss slogan being copied, then that’s because I don’t see it “in front of me.” Since you are so convinced that DOT did (copy the slogan), then please enlighten us (who choose to give others the benefit of the doubt) by showing irrefutable evidence (instead of TOOYA).
And since you so lovingly quoted George Bush, “WMD” ring any bells? I bet that was “in front of me”, too.
@Pffft!
Point 1, when I say it that you treat the Philippines as a different entity, I mean it as us “as part of the Philippines” using self-criticism on the country or what the government that represent us does.
As such, telling what we think their actions entail in the present/future or how it affects/reflects on us as a country is in fact an act of self-critiquing of the Philippines by the Philippines (through some of its people). And doing so is part of what it meant to have a responsible democracy. This is why I mentioned what I said after reading your comment.
Point 2 – I am not saying that they did intentionally copy. But rather, as mentioned, a quick lookup on the internet/online would have resulted in a query that shows what the Swiss government had for their slogan. Meaning, it was irresponsible of them to do so. I have never said that they did copy. Look at my comments. I did not mention they did, but what they did in releasing it without researcing makes it irresponsible, and the timing of release of the campaign was still done in bad taste. Again, irresponsible, and now they are in defense mode after their apparent failure of doing simple research. If they released the slogan and said during the launch, “Some of you may stumble upon the old Swiss slogan back in the 50s with similar wording, but this (we believe) is different in nature.” At least I believe, that showed being responsible in research and facing what the government believes is a non-issue from the onset of the campaign (instead of what it is now).
Point 3 – If you did not read my ending statement after the quotes, I will show you.
“Quotes from another nation, but they resonate well if all intents and purposes are pure as mentioned. =)”
Again, the essense of the statement is what I am after which is why I posted those quotes from previous leaders of a country/government which I believe should be kept in mind for its significance.
It is not detracted by the WMD claims they pointed towards Iraq. (as I again pointed out, I am after the essense of the statements).
I hope that clarifies your confusion.
Cheers!
@Sphynx
In response to your Point 1
“you treat the Philippines as a different entity,”
I ask again – where did I supposedly do this? It’s one thing for you to speak about your opinions and clearly another to claim that I said/did something. Go read my original comment – then tell ME (you know, the “YOU” in your earlier post) where I “treated the Philippines as a different entity.”
Regarding your Point 2
“I am not saying that they did intentionally copy.”
So what was “in front of you” all about?
Regarding your Point 3
“Again, the essense of the statement is what I am after which is why I posted those quotes from previous leaders of a country/government which I believe should be kept in mind for its significance.”
How is it essential and significant if you have to add a disclaimer like “if all intents and purposes are pure” at the end?
Thanks, Sphynx, for the good laugh. Seriously!
Regarding “I hope that clarifies your confusion.”
Well, it certainly clarifies that you are quite confusing. And I don’t mean Einstein confusing.
Cheers to you, too.
@Pffft!
Point 1:
Hi Sir. Well, you stated example such as Steve Jobs and Barrack Obama, in essence someone else. So it is what I got from that comment. =) Hope that’s clear now.
Point 2:
In front of you means, doing research. =)
Point 3:
Well, the disclaimer is for people who may intentionally bring up stuff like the WMD Issue you (or someone else) raised/could possibly bring out for the sake of arguement only. It was a possible scenario I considered so I went ahead and posted my last line of being after the essense of the statements that were contained.
Well, I am sorry if the point(s) I try to raise do not convey well to your end. I do not know how to do it better to help you understand me but I hope this post adds more clarity.
Cheers sir =).
@Pffft!
Point 2:
I would like to make a correction on that.
I used in front of you (or something in the same concept) in this article in another of my comments so I apologize if it did not make any sense to you.
I meant in front of you in response to your complaints in the context about people criticizing instead of doing something constructive.
Criticizing stuff like action/inaction of the government/president is what is in front you. <- I am sorry though if that strayed away from the article and focused more on your comment though.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.†– Thomas Jefferson
and…
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.†(just change that to the Filipino public) – Theodore Roosevelt
So as citizens, we must criticize the government for what we believe is not right. It is our responsibility to ourselves and to our country as well.
So it is in fact an effective democracy and doing something constructive as you put it.
Of course, the critique should be constructive/helpful and not just plain bashing etc.
Hope this adds more clarity. =)
“Point 1:
Hi Sir. Well, you stated example such as Steve Jobs and Barrack Obama, in essence someone else. So it is what I got from that comment. =) Hope that’s clear now.”
It’s now also clear to me that you missed my point. Sorry if that took a while for me to realize. As I’ve mentioned, I always give people the benefit of the doubt. Even you.
“Point 2:
In front of you means, doing research. =)”
I now have to remind myself that you’re like light – faster than the speed of sound.
🙂
“I do not know how to do it better to help you understand me”
Don’t worry – I won’t even attempt to. You’ve convinced me the latter is futile.
@Pffft!
Well, have a good day sir.
We can not meet in what you or I try to convey to each other in our concept/ideas.
Cheers sir!
@Pfft!
They should be honest about it if they did copy it. Aren’t you a bit concerned that they are still denying it? The taxpayers paid them to come up with something original. That was wasted money if they did copy it.
None of us know whether or not they copied it. Your use of the word “if” twice on that reply are proofs of that. So everyone saying (with absolute certainty) that they did (copy it) are just talking out of their asses.
@Pffft!
Until they admit to copying it or until something has been proven in court, I will use the word “if“.
You somehow missed this part of the article:
“For argument’s sake, let’s say that those behind the new marketing slogan came up with It’s more fun in the Philippines on their own; it highlights a failure in basic research — even just a quick Googling.
If a regular schmoe was able to dig up the old tourism advertising slogan of Switzerland on the Net, then why weren’t the people from the advertising agency hired by the DOT just as savvy? It makes sense for a big advertising agency or anyone for that matter, to check that an idea hasn’t been used before prior to using it.”
no if about it.
it was copied.
not just the strapline but the whole concept.
shameful and shameless
bbdo should be blacklisted for being incompetent and unethical.
the continued lies to try and save face simply adds to the farce
They should admit their mistake if they did. Buko na eh.
@Ilda:
“Until they admit to copying it or until something has been proven in court, I will use the word “if“.”
Thank you for making my point for me. The “fact” that many of the hecklers are claiming is anchored on a stellar IF. The very first comment I posted was aimed at everyone saying that DOT copied it. If you are not one of them, then there is no need to be defensive.
“You somehow missed this part of the article:”
I didn’t. Please don’t assume.
“If a regular schmoe was able to dig up the old tourism advertising slogan of Switzerland on the Net, then why weren’t the people from the advertising agency hired by the DOT just as savvy? ”
Good question. But it doesn’t prove that they copied it, does it?
a politicians dream.
if you saw a car heading towards you, you wouldnt believe it was going to hit you until it did.
logical or dumb scmuck.
“if it quacks…. its a duck”
@Pffft!
I’m not really out to prove they copied it. I’m just highlighting their “failure in basic research — even just a quick Googling.” After all, “It makes sense for a big advertising agency or anyone for that matter, to check that an idea hasn’t been used before prior to using it.”
And you are equating responding to a comment as being defensive. Don’t forget that you are the one providing lame excuses for the use of an old slogan.
@Ilda
“Don’t forget that you are the one providing lame excuses for the use of an old slogan.”
Really? Where did I do that (providing excuses)? You’re starting to sound like Sphynx. All I said was that people are too quick to accuse others of being copycats (my original comment) because it’s easier than actually doing something to improve the situation. If you see that as me “making lame excuses”, then you need to take those dark glasses off.
🙂
Providing real solutions to the country’s problem is what I consider doing something. That along with paying taxes and obeying the rule of law.
I gotta go coz life’s too short.
PS. “It makes sense for a big advertising agency or anyone for that matter, to check that an idea hasn’t been used before prior to using it.â€
Your use of two examples, Steve Job’s use of “it’s more fun” and Obama’s use of “yes we can”, to prove that similarities doesn’t matter is a lame excuse. Among other things, it implies you accept mediocrity by using something already there; tried and tested, sure, but then it’s generic. Besides, those examples only show how catchphrases can be used in different contexts. Also, can you give me the name of that bank?
If you are to use examples to prove that similarities in slogan and marketing gimmicks doesn’t matter, give an example of two companies in the same industry with the same marketing concepts. Did that turn out good for both companies? Doesn’t it defeat the purpose if your marketing reminds people of something else?
@jay
“if you saw a car heading towards you, you wouldnt believe it was going to hit you until it did.”
So the supposedly swiped slogan is like a car heading towards me? That’s your logic? Thank you for that peek at your thought process. Here’s an advice – keep it to a minimum.
🙂
@Peste
“Your use of two examples, Steve Job’s use of “it’s more fun†and Obama’s use of “yes we canâ€, to prove that similarities doesn’t matter is a lame excuse.”
I never said it didn’t matter. What I said was people find it too easy to accuse others (the present government) of being copycats and plagiarists.
“Also, can you give me the name of that bank?”
If you were already alive in the 90s, you would have known that FEBTC used that as one of their tag lines. Or did you just hit puberty recently?
Ok, you agree that the similarities do matter. My point still stands.
Far East Bank, I see. Based on the measly Google results I got, the complete sentence was “In partnership, yes we can!” which was at the tail end of a paragraph. I say at least for me, that’s obscure, easy to miss, easy to forget. As I said, it was lame to use this example. Nice try at guessing my age, but I can only admit to not remembering everything from 20 years ago.
plagiarizing is easy. The problem is people act like its going to be the steroid shot needed to kick start the tourism program IN DA NAME OF PHILIPPINE PATRIOTISM. And anyone else who disagrees are haters or whatever sort of trip those people hooked on oxycontin are trying to rant about.
We’ll need more than just a slogan. A lot more. Much much much much much more. And those accusing others who aren’t helping by ‘finding butas’ are idiotic enough not to see where the real problem lies. ANd its not the part of trying to promote a rustbucket that its a ticket to the golden road.
“And anyone else who disagrees are haters”
Really? Is it not remotely possible that they just disagree with a certain opinion? Lumping up everyone who disagrees as “haters” is bigotry. And if you disagree with me, doesn’t that make you a “hater” as well?
🙂
The infiltration of the communist left into the corridors of power is an issue that will affect tourism. The dictator Mr. Aquino has such allies. Political adviser Llamas is with the socialist left. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is a relative of Juliet de Lima, wife of CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison. The Akbayan party is allied with Mr. Aquino. Even the father of Mr. Aquino had an informal alliance with the CPP-NPA. How many more allies of Mr. Aquino exist in the government?
http://www.josemariasison.org/?p=5114
Connecting the dots is fun as it leads to the communist links of the dictator Mr. BS Aquino. The red connection was not the only issue. Mr. Aquino’s father played both sides of the coin. He even networked with the U.S. even as he was dealing with the reds. One thing is for sure. It won’t be fun in the Philippines when he has a formal alliance with his communist friends.
Hero or double dealing opportunist?
A continuing connection.
http://www.josemariasison.org/?p=3225
Hacienda Filipinas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69gzCMqrWUo
That video was really informative. Kudos again to PMP.
God bless Philippines!
Stealing a slogan is as easy as ripping off mcdonalds. Chickenjoy to the world.
Advertising is being paid to lie.
Lets move on – to a chocolate bar called toblerone inspired by bohol. Swiss alps – never heard of them
One thing that is trending online is the support for the slogan is as shallow as the marketing ploy itself.
Hey Jay, it’s you!!! You found us! Nice to see you here. 🙂
jay what you know is just the slogan you dont even know the whole campaign. You’re such a know it all. Ego maniacs. its you who’s shallow blinded by your hate on Pnoy.
@Greg
Then I ask you this:
Why did we even need to change WOW Philippines as a slogan? What was the driving force behind it?
@sphinx-have replied it along with my other comments. We need to level up our marketing strst. it should be aligned with the Digital era, it should be interactive, so every Filipino can take part WOW was great but we need a new slogan where Filipinos complete slogan sharing to the world why for them Philippines is fun.
@Greg
I had a reply also to this in another comment/response for you. =) Haha! Sorry if we end up jumping up and down the comment section. It is just that you expressed a different idea here compared to another comment so I felt I needed to response here as well.
Cheers!
“We need to level up our marketing strst. it should be aligned with the Digital era”
So you want deluded pinoys such as yourself to convince foreigners that its not sh&t even if you paint it more colorful? That is still colorful sh*t and it still smells like it came from your butt.
“it should be interactive, so every Filipino can take part”
It still doesn’t fix how tourists will get to those spots the pinoys are clamoring about or convince them every other pinoy festival is uniquely different. First hand experiences mean more than word of mouth. I would know considering I DO go back to the country as a tourist myself.
“WOW was great but we need a new slogan ”
You also forgot to mention in your haste to be an idiot that WOW opened up tourism jobs and literally injected a jolt in the arm for the Philippine tourism, one that hasn’t been experienced in quite a while for the country. And it wasn’t just a slogan mind you, it was a PROGRAM that worked in physical changes for how the tourist spots will be marketed as an EXPERIENCE.
Get back at me when you graduated from your diapers in whatever marketing class in college you are sinking yourself into.
i told you to google it because you are so lazy and uninformed.
everyone else knows the facts/stories and actually reads the news.
if you dont have even basic knowledge of events then it is like trying to communicate with a jungle bunny. have a banana
you have shown your stupidity and lack of knowledge but worst of all any attempt to learn and no ability to debate/discuss
grow up.
your time is up. waste someone elses time
what’s the deal with going along with this phoney feel-good tourism campaign and completely ignoring the problems surrounding it? are you happy being sheep?
@pharalux – Every department has its own goal aligned with the campaign. DOT is doing the marketing job give them the chance to do thier part and bash other departments not doing thier part in charge with infrustructures, transportation peace and order etc. WOW era there surely have problems parallel like today but they did thier job well. New slogan is leveling up with the digital era it must be socially interactive.
when the dot spends millions of taxpayers’ money to use something phoney and contrived (and popular to pinoys but comes across as a blatant lie to foreigners) for a campaign, i don’t see them as “doing their job.” they’re wasting the taxes i pay, they’re party to the deterioration of philippine credibility to foreigners, and we just end up a laughing stock nation excited about a slogan that will actually TURN TOURISTS OFF for being deliberately misleading.
i really don’t care about how interactive the campaign is. the country has to get its shit together before it makes outsiders believe that it’s got its shit together. in other words, you can’t sell what you don’t have, like safety and security for foreigners.
@phalux – hehe it shows that you dont care. One sided ka and you’re only opinion is to bash the campaign. No sense convincing you nevertheless DOTs campaign will be succesful even without your share.
Triumphalist behaviour is behaviour in which an individual celebrate his perceived victory excessively even when there is hardly any evidence of success.
@greg: if calling me a couple letters short of phallus is your way of convincing me then you’re bound to fail my perineal friend.
good luck LYING TO FOREIGNERS. you are truly shameless pinoys na walang isang salita! 🙂
“jay what you know is just the slogan you dont even know the whole campaign”
Whatever this whole campaign is, it won’t reach its goal in realistic terms. You expect pinoys to social media whore the country’s tourism in an attempt to reach the numbers they want by 2016 with the same crap the country is perceived by foreigners? Gimme a break. Manila is still dirty as hell and is the GATEWAY CITY of the country to the ENTIRE WORLD. Tourists have to start there before using the ancient relics of transportation and state infrastructure to get to the ‘hidden’ gems the pinoys en masse are marketing. As much as you are deluded to think DOT is soley responsible for this, the next corrupt agency that handles roads and infrastructure can help them out in reaching those numbers they desire AND set up jobs for tourism on those hot spots.
So please, challenge me with objectivity and facts regarding how the tourism will work and not trying to convince me that this will be like that ICP song ‘miracles’ where the DOT casts a spell on the foreigners and *BOOM*, they get their numbers within the next 2-3 years doing the same old crap.
The YelowTards of the DOT, do not understand the connotation of the word : “FUN”. The “FUN” word to Americans or other people…It means having a one-night-stand. (Having sexual inrcourses, or carrousing wildly and sexually, without inhibitions)…These Idiots from the DOT, did not do their homeworks…Aside, from the ads being copied, and it cost 6 million pesos.
If I am a tourist from other developed county like America…knowing the reputation of the Philippines of having Boys and Girls prostitutes…Looking and reading such DOT ads, will confirm my suspicion that the Philippines, is indeed offering such “FUN” services…What an idiot these DOT people are…The Bugaws may be rejoicing now…
“FUN” has sexual connottions in the American or English language…What is your idea of Fun? What do you do for Fun?
It means the fellow is proposing to you some “Quickies” or one-night-stand…like “help me make it thru the night”…or “make my night”, Dude…or Dudette…
If you used the map in the ‘fun’ logo in the Rorschach inkblot test i suspect ‘ a horny old man with an erection’ would figure prominently
Appropriate since the design is based on a sleeping mat, and we all know what ‘fun’ is euphimism for.
Did harry thomas have input
More insights to the wannabe-profound mind? And what would the Rorschach test reveal about your avatar? A pair of Rocky Mountain oysters with a short phallus?
It’s fun to have corruption in the Philipines(KKKK viewpoint). Six Million big ones for a copied one-liner.
A very extravagant price tag which can be suspended or disallowed under COA auditing Rules and Regulations! KKKK in Malascanang and DOT sure appear pristine except for the putrefaction and its spreading very bad smell.
ITS ALL ABOUT SEX MY FRIEND. MORE FUN MEANS MORE SEX AND NOTHING ELSE. OK LANG UN UN GUSTO NILA EH. KASO CONFLICT KAY ABNOY KC MUKHANG WALA NA SEX UNG POOR GUY. HEHEHE
FUN can mean a lot of things. But the way you singled out SEX as it’s primary meaning says a lot about the kind of individual you are.
And you might wanna have that key pad/board fixed.
When I first heard of the new slogan, I thought “hey, they managed to make a comeback from the mess of 2010.” Then tweets started coming saying that this new slogan was a copy. made my enthusiasm about this whole thing drop to 0. then I realized, a slogan used to promote the country should describe the country itself, not just bits and places. Saying “more fun” then describing us as “easygoing” doesn’t really go well for me. Maybe because I’m more of a realist and I know that going around MM isn’t really “more fun” even when I have my own car. I know there are better places than MM but most of the time, MM is the first place the tourists see. But then again, what slogan is proper for our country? Maybe other agencies should follow the slogan and make the country “more fun” and start fixing the country. Then I realized, like that would happen. Though I hope it does.
“a slogan used to promote the country should describe the country itself, not just bits and places.”
So why don’t you give it a shot and share with us your best slogan to describe the Philippines?
I was actually trying to think of something and add it to my comment to make it a more constructive reply but I admit I failed.
Now I want to ask, why not use “Wow Philippines” instead? Too old? No more WOW but now more Fun? seriously, why the need to change it.
@j-slogan need to change to adopt with the digital era, this slogan was made to be socially interactive. If you can contribute how to execute WOW interactively by all means do so trends are on fb #1FORFUN sites. its an open slogan where Filipinos can share thier fun experiences here in Philippines.
OK let’s try…
“it’s more fun in a banana republic.” No?
Again…”goodbye Philippines.” Too strong!
Another…”Adventure Philippines.” Not good.
Hmmm…”Escape and Evasion in the Philippines.”
Am too old for this. Why don’t we just submit it to the public in a contest instead of spending P6Million for one copied slogan and one mat and yellow map logo? It will be cheaper and there will be no accusations of graft and corruption.
Someone said… Fix the Philippines first, stupid! Truth in Advertising should prevail and reflect realities in the country.
@Pffft!
I have a slogan attempt…
Why didn’t they use..
“It’s NOW more fun in the Philippines.”
I added the “now” to give the viewers/target audience a frame of reference as to what more is being compared to (a past and the present Philippines)
Yet why couldn’t they do this. I mean, this is simple, and conveys a message of not just being fun, but being better as a whole country for tourists.
But we didn’t did we? Why? Well, I believe the main reason is quite simple, because nothing’s changed or can even be called change wherein tourists can appreciate it as better compared to the past.
That slogan wouldn’t give you ideas of Philippines saying you are better than another country, but it still sells you.
But we can’t use that. It’s just outright lying already on print media by the government.
I admit, there are fun stuff here in the Philippines depending on what your tastes are, but the experience is ruined by what the surroundings inject to it. Samples are traffic congestion, smoke/air pollution, fear for life/limb/property/safety, abuse. And that is just to name a known few.
So change what is needed to be changed/updated/fixed first before you even bother selling yourself.
Cheers!
@sphynx – you dont even know the concept and execution of the slogan and you pretend to know DOTs campaign but what you know is just the slogan, and you based your opinion on it you’re so bright you want to look like you know it all. Ego tripper!
@Greg
No name calling please. But since that is your comment, care to enlighten me what they are doing other than the slogan? =)
Links would be okay and we’ll go from there.
Cheers!
greg, don’t blame the target audience when any marketing messages fail to reach them. that’s like blaming someone for not seeing a commercial, which is lame.
@sphynx – DOT has a time table for this. Last Friday was just a soft launch of the slogan and this is not just a slogan its an interactive slogan where every Filipinos to take part in letting the world know what fun experiences they can empart to entice the tourist. Dont expect DOT to tackle infrustructures, transportations and peace and order. other departments takes care of that, they have thier own plan aligned with DOT and it is up to us to remind them not to waste DOTs campaign. WOW was great but we need to level up our marketing in line with the digital era thats the reason for the campaign. pardon for the name calling. Just want you to know that DOT is sincere in thier Jobs, they know thier strategy and they are doing thier part for our country and not for Pnoy.
@pharalx – take a second look its aleeady treading. The campaign just launch last friday.and it already start to reach the target audience.
@greg: i was talking about this comment of yours:
“@sphynx – you dont even know the concept and execution of the slogan and you pretend to know DOTs campaign but what you know is just the slogan, and you based your opinion on it you’re so bright you want to look like you know it all. Ego tripper!”
his opinion doesn’t make him an ego tripper.
@Greg
But Sir, why shouldn’t I expect DOT to initiate/bring to light infrastructure/safety concerns and a coordination plan with relevant agencies when it directly affects them?
Perhaps my belief on how government should work is not the same with you as well which causes our different views.
I view all departments or agencies as family members each with their own role. However, there are instances where their roles intersect/affect the other. As such, it is just proper for Family Member A to tell Family Member B of the problem and they jointly formulate a solution together as a way of addressing the problem that solves the concern of both.
No worries, at least the name calling is under the bridge.
I understand also the need to move the tourism campaign online and I just think WOW Philippines could have been moved to cyberspace properly as well without having a need to change it.
I am not emotionally attached to WOW Philippines but it was short, simple, effective and could be understand by almost all cultures/languages. Some may view it as a corny use of the word alongside Philippines, but hey, if corny is what sells right, use it.
@sphinx its your opinion to use WOW, however Marketing strats for change in line with the digital ers. Why not give it a chance let DOT work see #1FORFUN fb sites and try constructively interact if you really want to give the interactive slogan a try. Then after few months bash DOT if they are not sincere with thier goals. Have an open mind if you know how you can execute WOW interactively like what the trend is doi g right now feel free to air your insight maybe it will help.
@Greg
Yes, and I also respect those who have a different opinion to what I have. I have commented on how I think wow could have been migrated further to cyberspace in one of your comments. Ill paste it here.
”
I know the update/trending you mentioned is related to twitter (Sorry don’t use it). But I know it has a 140 character limit.
As such, wouldn’t WOW, the shorted slogan/campaign have been more effective there as well?
#1FORFUN is not exactly the slogan, which for me an alternative, hence the new slogan was not really used as a hashtag.
#WOWPhils uses the almost the same number of characters and at the same time, is merely a slightly short version of the campaign, hence no slogan was really lost.
And I just checked, DOT still owns/operates the domain wowphilippines.ca so it is technically migrated to cyberspace. You just needed to add facebook, twitter, google+ etc to the picture and it would have been updated (that is my belief). Buying any extension/domain with wowphilippines as the inquiry would simply require a auto-redirect to lead you to the actual webpage.
However, I did find it odd that someone else owns http://www.wowphilippines.com and he doesn’t even appear to be filipino. So I don’t know, maybe that was a reason also? Because they couldn’t buy all the wowphilippines domains of cyberspace?
”
I do wonder though, who owns the other wow philippines domains (if there is any). And if the government really is letting go of the wowphilippines slogan, the expense of paying for the domains related to it as well as the hosting services for it should be cancelled already.
But even for this new campaign, for it to be effective in cyberspace, the phil government also needs to buy all domains for itsmorefun. This includes .com, .ca, .cn, .biz etc etc. But they should not forget one important domain, the .xxx domain. Other companies have bought out their .xxx domains to avoid people from using their commonly known webadress and posting of improper photos/videos or what have (which could negatively impact the company/campaign).
Cheers! =)
@sphynx -in order for it to be succesful you must give it a chance first. Then after a few months bash if you think it failed. Nevertheless with or without your share DOT will continue with its goal. Results of the campaign will be the best and vindictive reply.
@Greg
Yes, you do say it right. I am speaking about it because the reduced costs of launching a marketing campaign as opposed to upgrading an existing one is that the existing one costs less while most likely having same/similar results.
The issue is the concept of efficient spending (why change/fix something that isn’t broken <- especially if it is upgradeable to suit the purpose)
=) Cheers! It's out there already and hopefully the results become positive.
“in order for it to be succesful you must give it a chance first.”
that’s like letting a blind person take the pilot’s seat (“give him a chance!!!”). but heck, do as you people will. it’s not like we’re stopping you. we’re just saying the slogan is false advertising. and sheep will always be sheep.
it seems copycat ads are prevalent in the advertising industry
the following website is dedicated to the ads and agencies which are guilty
bbdo already feature and will no doubt now merit another entry
http://www.joelapompe.net/
Oh thanks for the link. They didn’t do their homework. Tsk tsk.
As they say, one form of creativity is by hiding the sources. Too bad they got caught. 😀
But to be frank, I wouldn’t really mind if the slogan was a plagiarized line – and I believe there are others who wouldn’t mind either.
What I’m bothered with is the lack of substance to accurately express the image of Philippines. The line just doesn’t seem to fit well – and in lots of ways as described above by the author.
Logic, creativity and analogies are clearly a quantum leap for your intellect so just keep believing what you are told. Ignorance is bliss.
Have fun in your cocoon of naivete.
and dont stay up too late.
“Logic, creativity and analogies”
Your posts reveal you have none of those. Bumper sticker logic like “Quack, it must be a duck…”? Gimme a break.
i had to dumb down to your level.
weak and predictable riposte.
dont play out of your league.
i have enough students without another one.
guess you didnt take PEP
politics economics philosophy
for the uninitiated or uneducated
“i had to dumb down”
Probably didn’t take much effort for you.
An academe… figures. Those who can’t….
@pffffffftttt!!!!
i got used to it through your colleague vincenzo who also struggles with concepts.
analyse another 11 avatars and i’ll give you an analysis – pro bono.
obviously penis envy featured in your first one.
@jay
“i got used to it through your colleague vincenzo who also struggles with concepts.”
Who’s vincenzo? If you have to drag other people into our (yours and mine) discussion, then you are the one struggling.
“analyse another 11 avatars and i’ll give you an analysis – pro bono.”
Why would I want your analysis – pro bono or otherwise? I already found your your thinking process to be questionable – remember? Read back a few threads – it helps that limited memory.
“obviously penis envy featured in your first one.”
I’m not the one with that avatar. You are.
My last post
You are becoming predictable and less than challenging.
Never go into law.
1. No humour – vincenzo is the blog pet. Needs attention and training but harmless. A very late developer!
2. My avatar is assigned not chosen. Are you new to computing
3. You assume i teach. Wrong. So much for your logic of proof.
4. You like bumper stickers!! – put ‘ hoisted by your own petard’ on your car
5. Try to listen and learn.
6. Dont worry about having a small penis. Anything is possible. Ask chaz bono
7. Keep contributing. Its more fun
“My last post”
———Remains to be seen. But then again people with no brains usually forget what they say.
“You are becoming predictable and less than challenging.”
———Unlike you, who already is.
“Never go into law.”
———Why should I? Another pointless drivel from the wannabe-profound mind?
“1. No humour – vincenzo is the blog pet. Needs attention and training but harmless. A very late developer!”
———Personal insults. The only known defense of the feeble mind.
“2. My avatar is assigned not chosen. Are you new to computing”
———You can override that by registering for a real Gravatar account. Or did your computing lessons end with Wordstar?
“3. You assume i teach. Wrong. So much for your logic of proof.”
———I never assumed. You said “students”. What are you to “students” if not a teacher? Let’s see your logic now.
“4. You like bumper stickers!! – put ‘ hoisted by your own petard’ on your car”
———Read my post again. I said you had bumper sticker logic. Big diff. Of course, too complex for your simple mind to grasp.
“5. Try to listen and learn.”
———Try to read. Less blathering.
“6. Dont worry about having a small penis. Anything is possible. Ask chaz bono”
———First, the Rorschach test for the DOT logo reveals an old man with an erection. Now this. And I’m the one with penis envy? And your choice of celebrity names reveals more about you.
“7. Keep contributing. Its more fun”
———Not half as fun as pointing out your bumper sticker logic.
I’ll give you the courtesy of a reply even if island mentality has already set in.
Wordstar/ CP/M had its time and place and was a step change, in word processing in particular, but the world has moved on, and in a competitive global economy the other ASEAN countries are leaving the philippines behind.
If the philippines do not embrace a step change and become competitive then the future is very predictable.
Insularity and a lack of innovation is one of the factors which holds the country back, and deters investors.
See the bigger picture and only settle for total quality, not mediocrity
The issue was about creativity and originality and rather than reinforcing to the world a copycat culture the country had an opportunity to establish a new culture/identity but screwed up.
If people can only copy and be subservient so be it. Dont fight with pigs in shit. You get dirty and they like it. Have fun in the pig-sty
i was going to come on holiday to the philippines but after reading vincenzo’s posts i start to worry.
are all filipinos like that.
Fortunately, not all are like you.
i know. i come for culture! michelin restaurants!! and am not like the 60% who come just for cheap sex. still its fun seeing how the 3rd world lives.
What sort of culture do you belong to when you generalize a whole country as a mere “cheap sex” destination?
And the last time I looked, the term “3rd world” was no longer politically correct.
Do us all a favor and stick with what you said – don’t come here.
@rorschach aka jay
I see that the phrase “My last post” just became obsolete.
Nice another-last post. But it’s (again) pointless drivel to me since that’s nowhere near the basis of my original comment. Why don’t you submit that as a blog entry on this site and then open it for comments. I *might* even post my take on it.
it was harry thomas – us ambassador to the philippines who said 40% of tourists come here for sex.
the unchr estimates it higher at 50% and as the number 1 culprit for human trafficking in asia
the un classifies philippines as 3rd world and ‘ a flawed democracy’
if you have neither the facts nor wisdom then dont waste cyberspace with nonsense.
and if you are defending the status quo then you are part of the problem not the solution.
“if you have neither the facts nor wisdom then dont waste cyberspace with nonsense.”
You mean we should instead post Rorschach ink blot test results like you did? Don’t dispense advice about having wisdom – you are clearly not qualified.
Oh, and please share the sources of these stats. Something verifiable would be nice for a change. I’ve had enough of your “it’s obviously a quacking duck” rant.
“dont come here”
are you the webmaster!
my last post comment referred to your infantile comments not the blog itself
you are too transparent and simple minded as i notice others have seen/said.
a parrot without individual thought.
a parrot without individual thought.
repeat 10 times.
It was about your original post (and I quote):
“i was going to come on holiday to the philippines but after reading vincenzo’s posts i start to worry.”
Since you are worried about the “facts” you’ve been fed, then don’t come here – to this country.
Get it now?
“you are too transparent and simple minded as i notice others have seen/said.”
You base your opinions on me based on what you “notice others have see/said”?
“a parrot without individual thought.”
Read back and see who has the “individual thought” on this page. While everyone conveniently agrees with the author and trample on an opposing POVs, you choose to echo the views of the many.
Who’s the parrot now?
seriously if you are so uninformed as to items which made national news then it explains why any discussion really is a waste of time.
dont be lazy. just google it.
you really are a vincenzo clone. question everything and do/know nothing.
do your own research.
think for yourself. if brains were dynamite you wouldnt be able to blow your nose.
now we understand why the country has an average iq of 86 – just above trained monkey. google it for reference/validation
Speaking of Nutzi Vincenzo… I wonder where the critter has gone? I kinda miss his master’s style. Reminds me of the RCA Victor logo and slogan… “his master’s voice.”
Google it? That’s your answer? When you can’t show proof to support your claims, hide behind some made-up stats and tell people to Google it?
Bravo!
re-programming.
dont worry the dumb mutt will be back.
tail wagging and looking to be kicked.
i dont think any other site would adopt him and abuse him the way he likes us to.
its more fun with vincenzo – a perfect catalyst for comment and a perfect example of brainwashing
yep, its way way easier to counter troll that idiot and his idiotic dictator tito noy.
@you
Regardless whether we had a new campaign or not, we have a regular influx of visitors who brave our shores. These people chose the Philippines specifically because they wanted to be here. Even without the marketing campaign, I doubt there numbers would dip significantly.
Now, the purpose of having the campaign is to draw in MORE than the regular influx of tourists we already have/enjoy. However, you are selling them a product that has never changed. Which means, the idea of the Philippines never sold with them to begin with. As such, what is there to change their mind other than the campaign slogan/marketing?
Give me something then that can be said that the campaign is selling which is new in the Philippines and thus deserving of a NEW CAMPAIGN to begin with?
to the idiot sphynx is replying to:
what, can’t stand the truth?
it’s more fun in the philippines when you’re aussie and begging for your life, isn’t it?
@TROLL ALERT
Yup, her post was treated as spam and now disappeared.
Hope my comment is still valid to others when it comes to delivering a point.
your comments are more socially acceptable than mine, so i’m sure they’ll stay (and will prolly be better understood than mine).
Re: Parallax’s comment above:
“actually marketing has to do with persuading your potential customer to decide on transacting with you on the agreement that you will DELIVER on your promises.”
Let me add that marketing should be a CYCLICAL process. In other words you don’t just make people buy your product; you make them buy it AGAIN.
So how do you make people buy your product again? Simple: have a good product and excellent customer service.
perhaps those who’re acting butthurt on what we’re saying now are those who want the philippines to be a global fly-by-night. (parang yung “matuwid na daan” ni noynoy; nakuha na nya gusto nya (mga boto), kaya ayan lumalabas na ang katotohanang mas malala pa sya kay marcos.)
I admire DOT for trying to boost our tourism, di ko lang magets why is there a need to change the slogan? What’s wrong with it? Pero anjan na yan I hope they will execute well and produce results after the launch of that new slogan.
it’s phoney, and those hk nationals who survived last year’s hostage taking at the manila grandstand know that even the president of the philippines will bury his head in the ground while their lives hang in the balance.
safety? fail.
cleanliness? fail.
political stability? fail.
hey tourists! don’t mind these. we’ll just sweep them under the rug no problem.
@magda – WOW was great, but we need to level up our marketing strategies in line with the Digital era. last friday was just a soft launch of the slogan. This is nit just a tagline its an interactive slogan where all Filipinos can contribute on the social network. pleas check the #1FORFUN Fb sites. DOT has a timetable for the whole campaign. Rest assured DOT is doing its job and thier part for our country.
level up the marketing by plagiarism?
you gotta be kidding.
way to go for COPY&PASTE in the digital era!
landslides: more fun in the philippines.
@Greg
Sorry, I forgot to mention it in my response to you, but since you stated it here as well, I will respond here.
I know the update/trending you mentioned is related to twitter (Sorry don’t use it). But I know it has a 140 character limit.
As such, wouldn’t WOW, the shorted slogan/campaign have been more effective there as well?
#1FORFUN is not exactly the slogan, which for me an alternative, hence the new slogan was not really used as a hashtag.
#WOWPhils uses the almost the same number of characters and at the same time, is merely a slightly short version of the campaign, hence no slogan was really lost.
And I just checked, DOT still owns/operates the domain wowphilippines.ca so it is technically migrated to cyberspace. You just needed to add facebook, twitter, google+ etc to the picture and it would have been updated (that is my belief). Buying any extension/domain with wowphilippines as the inquiry would simply require a auto-redirect to lead you to the actual webpage.
However, I did find it odd that someone else owns http://www.wowphilippines.com and he doesn’t even appear to be filipino. So I don’t know, maybe that was a reason also? Because they couldn’t buy all the wowphilippines domains of cyberspace?
@sphynx – #1FORFUN is a hashtag intended for Filipinos here visit our own tourist destinations by telling the world thier fun experiences in the Philippines. The slogans are for foreigners and Filipinos abroad to visit the Philippines, two different market. http sites was 5 years ago. Now social media is the trend FB twitter etc. its free, fast and can reach more people. Its the other way around now from social media site will be the http link. interactive social media thats the logic of this campaign this interactive slogan.
@Greg
Yup, I am aware sir of the hashtag, but as my example showed, WOWPhils also had that capability with little or no loss to the actual campaign. The hashtag even contains the word Phils without needing explanation/descriptions.
I know these new mediums that have sprouted are free in one way or another, which is why a WOW Phils campaign could have been done through them as well sir.
I think that is also one of my gripes, if that is in fact their justification.
We had an existing http ecosystem. Granted, it maybe views by some/most as not “popular” but it does not stray from the fact that you would need these http domains later on. Especially when your marketing campaign evolves through the use of flash/html5 codes to show more interactive pages. FB can’t do that, and neither can twitter. They would eventually need to link to an http site or domain.
@sphynx – we are just running in circle here. its evident that you ‘re minds made up insisting with WOW. DOTs campaign will push with or without your share, and results will be our vidictive response.
@Greg
I am not arguing here.
The campaign is already out there, and the contracts/expenses related to it, are either signed/approved/spent.
Yes, I know results do matter and I do agree with you there.
My opinion that I am pointing out here, to you and to others is that, the objective of updating to the social media should not discourage anyone (even the DOT) from using WOW Philippine campaign. It is entirely possible as I have said, thus having reduced costs as the ecosystem already exists sir.
But hey, it’s out, it will run its course. I just hope whatever the results are it is better than what is already being averaged by the country in terms of actual tourists. (do they even have a way of separating business travelers here other than the arrival cards?)
@Greg
And that if there is an effect of this campaign, that no negative feedback returns pertaining to what is already known and that in fact, there are positive changes (i.e. security/safety/traffic/cleanliness etc)
Cheers sir! Have a good day. =)
@greg
you seem to be a dot employee so please enlighten me on the campaign and strategy.
target markets
primary activities/focus
jiminez tour of the world
budget etc.
i would be more impressed if there was a strategy but i know there isnt – and that is the bigger problem irrespective of the slogan/logo.
this is make it up as you go along.
a man and a dog of an agency and some failed advertising account manager.
you should also look at the other submissions and ask why an agency with a copycat approach got the job – as predicted back in july last year by those in the industry. no wonder they didnt put any effort into it.
1st year marketing guys would do better in a couple of days as would any intern at saatchi and saatchi.
Hi, Ilda.
While I agree with your points on fixing infrastructure and all our other problems, I am not with you 100% on the slogan.
I think it’s workable. I think I’ll observe for a while where and what they plan to do. Sounds like a lot of fun. =)
Btw, I picked this up from the press release: “Focusing on the country’s core strength, the campaign singles out what no other destination can offer – and that is the Filipino people.”
This country is oozing with that core strength. 😉
Hi Brianitus
In my opinion, ang yabang ng dating ng “it’s more fun in the Philippines.” I would have preferred, “There are fun things in the Philippines!” or something that won’t make us look like a narcissist.
I’m a Filipino and have friends from all over the world. I don’t want them to think na ang yabang ko. So therefore, I won’t be able to share that slogan on my Facebook.
Imho, I just hope they back it up. All claims are claims. If the experience doesn’t come up to par, then we’ll be in trouble. But still, I’ll give it a chance.
Cheers!
It’s easy to see that having a fancy slogan won’t translate to more tourists because 1)the infrastructure is still the same; 2) the law and order is situation hasn’t improved either. Even permanent residents like that Australian guy still get kidnapped.
Let’s fix the house first before inviting guests. That will surely help our tourism industry.
I’m just hoping they have something up their sleeves. Feeling optimistic lang for 2012. hehehe.
New leaf kuno, Ilda. =D
I agree with you on those points. Fixing the house first before inviting might be too much. Certainly, there will be those who will come here with or without the advertising hype.
Maybe tourism can be sold piece by piece. It doesn’t have to be the entire Philippines right away. Just an thought there. Sell what we can and not the things we can’t.
However, the basics have to be there. Like, as an example, fixing the airports muna is at the minimum of should be done. It’s the Welcome mat of the country, right?
Here’s to hoping we are wrong. Cheers!
PS. My track record of being right is high though.
“Maybe tourism can be sold piece by piece”
If that was the case, why didn’t anybody buy into imelda marcos’ beautification concept of manila? Sure she’s a prissy ass bit&h that many hated for her haughtiness, but look what singapore did by pouring money into its city beautification? Market it for TOURISM!
Sadly I’ve long been onto Pinoy’s tactic of selling. And usually the pro-pinoy product is subpar compared to its competitors overseas selling the same damn thing. I wouldn’t mind pouring money into some form of beautification or speedier infrastructure as a catchier way of selling the tourism. Its a process. You get the tourists but you also open up tourism jobs since the money is coming in. And you won’t reap the total benefits if you just half ass it.
I guess we have to address the peace and order situation in our country before we say that there is more fun that awaits our tourists unless of course if they consider ‘FUN’ running after pickpockets or being brought in the jungle victimized by KFR bandits.No amount of advertisement can overcome the fact that even our own people are not safe in the streets and even in their own homes.Tourism is no non-sense industry, it generates employment and revenues for the government, but mind you, let us not offer empty promises to our would-be visitors, it is grossly unfair.
Girl to mother: i have got a job as dancer in a bar in syria
Mother: that is a relief. I was worried you were goint to tell me you had job in advertising
it’s more fun in the Philippines… The gladiatorial spectacle and king of the mountain games is on again. The annual Feast of the Black Nazarene procession is not conducive to public safety or welfare. One sees otherwise sane adults pushing/pressing and even fighting each other in order to be able to climb the rolling platform. The object is to reach the top of the platform and wipe their white towels on the image. This is supposed to produce miracles.
I thought faith is believing without seeing? Does it say in the new testament of Christ that people should violently profess their faith in this manner? People get killed and injured when this happens. I prefer to practice faith in a quiet place.
The dictator Mr. Aquino warned of a possible terror attack during the long profession. Why doesn’t he just declare a ban on this false presentation of faith that is more of a danger to public safety, health and welfare? Only in the Philippines.
This is a good article from ABS :
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/01/08/12/some-think-itsmorefuntobash-i-disagree
isa lang ang nasisiguro kong tama
“Drinking beer is more fun in the Philippines”
hehehe
I’d have bought into that promoting tourism in the Philippines, but:
1. Manila is still not tourist-friendly, even for local tourists. And it is the first impression people get of the whole Philippines.
2. There is no real tourist infrastructure in the Philippines outside of hotels.
3. Any “tourist-friendly” claims are always to the prejudice of local tourists, and biased in favor of foreigners, especially white people.
I think DOT tried to do its job. It’s just that their priorities are f*cked up.
I believe all the taxes used in forcing that slogan/campaign should have been used for infrastructure and maintenance. DOT should improve the quality of everything first before they start advertising. They should further collaborate with DENR.
Being a diver myself, it sucks that our government is not prioritising these growing problems with our oceans:
http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/CoralReef.htm
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/8892/coral-reefs-twice-size-of-manila-destroyed
Unahin sana ang mga totoong problema bago magyabang na we are better than blah blah blah
Kelan kaya natin masosolve ang problema naten sa flashfloods. Mamaya ma de sensitize na tayo at masanay, magkaroon na ng FLASHFLOODS better in the philippines na slogans.
@Francis
You are right, of course. Instead of paying millions to the ad agency, they could have used the money for upgrading public toilets.
They can’t even remove the squatters staying at danger zones. They need to cuddle them for the votes during election.
I’m love snorkelling and I’d hate to see the coral reefs disappear one day.
Of course then you may get people who will argue against you saying the responsibilities of the DOT attempting to sell the tourism of the country and the fixing of infrastructure is different. And that their budgets aren’t related.
What is related however is where their money is stemmed from; the taxpayer’s money. Well, besides borrowing additional funds maybe but still. But the point being driven by you, me and others who believe in it is that tourism isn’t just driven by image. Chalk it up to the other countries competing in south east asian tourism like Singapore and Thailand who stuck to their slogans, but poured their funds for actual beautification projects or infrastructures to access these tourist locations for their benefit.
If anything, the slogan sounds like its best marketed to the locals considering its the pinoys who ate this up and trying their darnest to make it out like Philippines have no fault and is uniquely fun in the country. You don’t sell tourism with cultural photos, reputation (as if) or imagery. Hell if that was the case, theme parks in america would’ve made money off post cards with their pictures long time ago. Las Vegas has long marketed itself as the gambling capital of the United States and to some extent, NOrth America but in the last decade has convincingly made itself into a family destination as well. And they DID do things to the city to make it accessible for a family friendly experience than just clubs, peep shows, slot machines and hotels in the strip in the middle of the desert in Nevada.
DOT and the department that handles infrastructure are both responsible for making pinoy tourism accessible to its intended audience. But look for the latter to pocket in their budget and not care how their partners in DOT could use their help while the former as you’ve already seen, care more about their cliched slogan.
now we have bum boy abunda coming out! to support the slogan. surprise, surprise.
DOT are certainly on the defensive, and bum boy is doing what he does best – brown-nosing.
governor in 2013 is his plan!! god save us from more tv people in politics. is that the training ground?, and as manager of governor to be kris aquino it is just one big farce of a reality show – with as many product endorsements as possible.
wake up people. dont settle for dross and intellectual vacuums
@Jay
It’s a sign of desperation when they have to use celebrities. Another appeal to emotion.
“Unfortunately, this national obsession with being ‘happy’ or having a good time instead actually leads the Filipino people into a permanent state of misery, because the majority’s pursuit of happiness is shallow and misguided.”
true.
great article ilda.
bahala ka kung saan ka masaya
As far as I am concerned, it is not so much as whether or not the slogan was copied (although it is an issue especially as people behind it claim that it was their original idea), but it is more of the truth to the message that the slogan is trying to impart.
This is not to say that there is absolutely nothing fun to do here in the Philippines, of course. Kung ikaw ay pinoy na may mga kamag-anak dito syempre kahit pa walang ganda ang pasyalan e you will have fun. But from a foreigner’s perspective – one who has never been here and who is interested in the scenery or the culture, what do we have to offer?
And it shouldn’t just be hitting the target number of tourist arrivals and to hell with everything else – tama naman ang argumento ng post na ito – papupuntahin mo nga ang turista dito only for them to find out that nothing is in store, or that there are risks to them and their belongings that the police could hardly control, basta ang importante magpunta sila dito, ganun ba yun?
I am from the province and considering that I was born and raised in the Philippines I am deathly terrified of the commute in Manila. I have a problem with directions and many times, the cab drivers have taken advantage of this at pinaiikot ikot ako. During one flight to the US nakita ng isang airport personnel na bumubukol ang bulsa ko and realizing that it was full of peso coins, he stopped me in my tracks, hinarang pa ako ng baton at sinabing ibigay mo na sa akin yang barya sa bulsa mo di mo na yan kailangan sa Amerika.
Ganyan ba ang isasalubong natin sa mga turista natin? Hindi ba tayo nahihiyang ipakita sa mga bisita ang mga realidad na yan? Ano ba ang masama sa pag-amin na kailangan talaga naman muna nating umayos bago tayo magpapasok ng bisita?
leave it to flip gunggongs to care about the glitz and glam and not about the substance. I’d kill for new infrastructure, new beautification or something in order to easily promote the tourism for the country. If I have to slit the throats of the DPW or those handling the roads to do it, I would happily do so if it means sustainable clean toilets in the capital. But that is the problem. People are so deluded in correcting the image than the experience because they themselves don’t consider the tourist in this new social media charged campaign. Hell not all pinoys has ever easily gone to most of the 7,107 islands and ALL the tourist destinations so what would they know about the traveler’s experience? The campaign is as much more appealing to the locals who are forced to think of the fun than the foreigners.
Vicenzio, di yata alam ng iyong Uncle Obama na itsmorefunsapinas mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-11/obama-to-propose-tax-incentives-for-companies-that-keep-jobs-in-the-u-s-.html
I’d rather get real on this one than glorify the marginally founded over-tweeted exaggeration. Substance over style. We always try too hard to project an image because our realities are lack-luster and we can’t do something about it due to several crappy factors, the government to begin with and our myopic mentality, second. I think this campaign is along the tangent line but does not cut through…
I would agree with your post. We don’t need to emphasize “more”. The Philippines trying to endorse itself as the best place in the world may easily catch tourists at first but the testimonials will always beat the taglines.
Yes it’s marketing but having a tagline that’s not credible can kill. As said, if you want a continuous cycle… EVERYTHING COUNTS. Product, price, place and promotion.
And as said, what’s there to advertise IF everything is garbage right?