My social networks were agog yesterday with the new slogan unveiled by the Department of Tourism to attract foreign visitors: It’s more fun in the Philippines (official website here). What can I say :time to bring our national pride out of hiding! Am proud to say am a living embodiment of this slogan. In my twenties, I lived and worked in Western Europe…. I could have chosen to marry an English chap and stay there. Destiny brought me to marry an American and people are always egging me to grab that green card at the first opportunity. Still, we choose to stay in MY homeland (not his) for one reason other people don’t realize: it’s more fun in the Philippines! 🙂
If you’re a foreigner reading this entry, it’s hard to love the Philippines just by seeing Manila (for you will really love it less!) In this country of 7,107 islands, I’ve seen beautiful places like Cebu, Leyte, Davao, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Zambales,Pampanga, Boracay and I still feel it’s not enough. That’s because the Philippines is one big natural vault with many hidden gems.
Take for example the vibrant Batanes Islands in the North which we had the good fortune of visiting in 2007. My husband said it reminded him of Hawaii. I thought it was more like the hills in The Sound of Music 🙂
Or the Banaue Rice Terraces. Truly a majestic wonder but how many Filipinos make the effort to see it in their lifetime?
As a true-blue Filipino, I can count the many ways it’s more fun in the Philippines 😉
1. Eating is more fun in the Philippines. Especially in Manila which is turning out to be a great culinary melting pot.Cuisines from all over are thriving. Or you can choose to stay home and do it the local way…eat with your fingers!
3. Shopping is cheaper in the Philippines. You don’t need to go to Hong Kong or Bangkok if you discover the local bargain havens.
3. Having household help is one comfort of living in the Philippines. This aspect is a bit overrated, but you can still find a few good ones if you keep looking
4. Life is more lonely in other countries where people keep a fast-paced schedule to get the life they deserve. I’d like to believe that in the Philippines, we enjoy life itself …. the simple pleasures of being with friends, family & extended families….. sharing many meals, trips & experiences…. is life itself!
How about you… why do think it’s more fun in the Philippines?
“If you’re a foreigner reading this entry, it’s hard to love the Philippines just by seeing Manila (for you will really love it less!)… That’s because the Philippines is one big natural vault with many hidden gems.” – Couldn’t agree more.
i like your use of the term ‘natural vault’ as the philippines has so much riches. the dream of many filipinos is to go abroad, either to work, or when they can, visit other countries on their vacation. but if we explore our country first, there is a lot more places we can go to. some foreigners go here and wish they never have to leave. yes, it’s a natural vault, but it’s unlocked!
We are launching Its More Fun Slogan Contest! http://morefuninthephilippines.ph/?p=24 Promote Ph tourism! 🙂