(Updated: 12:00 p.m., June 12, 2017)
“Life feels better when with Filipinos.”
The statement sums up the new 60-second tourism campaign video that the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially released on June 12. The promotional video was shown simultaneously in different locations across the country during flag-raising ceremonies in the commemoration of Independence Day. It will eventually be launched globally.
The 1-minute video is part of the tourism department’s new campaign and tagline “Experience the Philippines,” which also succeeds the first tourism campaign under the Duterte administration (released in January 2017 in time for the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Manila) that carried the slogan “When you’re with Filipinos, you’re with family.” Selected members of the local press got the chance to preview the video on June 7 during a press conference organized by the government agency. DOT revealed that a shorter version (lasing 30 seconds) of the promotional video will also be released.
The “Experience the Philippines” tells the story of a blind Japanese retiree named M. Uchimura who had experienced the warmth of Filipino hospitality as he toured various provinces across the country. The video showcases top tourism spots in the country, including the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Paoay Sand Dunes in Ilocos Sur, and Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon-Teo said she hopes the new campaign will continue to entice more tourists into the country despite the recent safety issues that include the Resorts World Manila casino attack and the ongoing siege in Marawi City.
Watch the 60-second video here: