Come Visit My Philippines - A Novel Idea That Works!

A few days ago, my Facebook friend, JB Santos added my name to the e-group that changed the landscape of domestic and international tourism promotions. And I couldn't be more thankful to JB for adding me to COME VISIT MY PHILIPPINES.

San Agustin Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

I looked at the homepage and realized that it didn't need millions of dollars to get people interested in coming over to experience our beautiful country. Immediately I posted some of the photos I took of some of the country's tourist spots. Let's face it, our ASEAN neighbors get the edge on promoting their countries because they have millions of dollars to burn just so they can drum up interest for foreign buyers and tourists. We actually get a pittance from the number of tourists they get when some of them decide to include a side trip to the Philippines. True, we have yet to meet the 10 millionth mark as far as tourist arrivals are concerned. But as far as destinations are concerned, we have the goods!

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte

I can't go any further in my story without giving credit to the main man, er... woman... and friends who put up the group page. BESSIE BADILLA and her friends had this brilliant idea of making a profile page to highlight the beauty of the country through photos posted on the webpage.Taking her cue from a speech of newly appointed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Come Visit My Philippines was born. And now, there are about 24,000 members (and growing). 

Ms Bessie Badilla - image courtesy on image bucket

Being a UP alumnus and self-proclaimed fashionista, I commend Ms Badilla, who has re-invented herself anew as doyenne of Philippine tourism. Having been a fashion and commercial model, TV personality and the only Filipina to ever be Emperatriz in one of Brazil's Mardi Gras celebrations, she definitely proves she has more than just a pretty face. 

Pagudpud coastline, Ilocos Norte

It only goes to show, you don't need to spend half a million pesos to formally launch a botched up logo that's a "second rate, trying hard, copy cat" of some other country's tourism advertisement. Former Secretary Ace Durano started drumming up interest in the country by taking part in international tourism exhibitions and also by asking Filipinos living abroad to invite at least one foreign friend to tag along when they come home to Manila during the holidays (that's a simple idea too).  He also wanted to upgrade the standard of tourist guides in the country with the Mabuhay Guides (that's us).

Currimao coastline, Ilocos Sur

Needless to say, other tourism secretaries the likes of: Dick Gordon, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Mina Gabor and  Jose Aspiras (pardon me if I can't recall the others) have laid the groundwork for an ever-increasing number of visitors and for seeing the need for more infrastructure in line with their tourism programs. It seems like Secretary Jimenez will eventually be putting his indelible stamp on his tenure as well. His speech has already fired up the spirit in others... let's hope there's more...

Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez  (image from  Google)

 The simplest ideas sometimes are the best ones.