Wordless Wednesday # 1

Let's Travel to the Philippines! (Tara na, Biyahe tayo!)

I'm a bit surprised that Jay Lagat said it was only the first time he saw the "More Than Usual" video when I posted it the other day. I was complaining that there's not much exposure for the Philippines as a tourist destination here in Singapore.

So while I'm at it, I'm featuring another video.

"Tara na, Biyahe Tayo!" is another not so old promotional video aimed at encouraging us Filipinos to explore our own country, highlighting the beauty, cuisine, culture, and attractions of the Philippines. It features top Filipino artists, (in order of appearance) Freddie Aguilar, Sharon Cuneta, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Rey Valera, Joey Ayala, APO Hiking Society's Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo, Francis Magalona, April Boy Regino, Jessa Zaragosa, Rico J. Puno, Nina, Paolo Santos, Rico Blanco, Mike Villegas, and Lea Salonga. They are members of the Artists for Philippine Tourism. The video is a domestic travel advocacy campaign of the Deparment of Tourism, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation and Pfizer's Bonamine (para sa biyahilo *wink*), as part of the WOW Philippines program.

I'll be keeping this video for a while and will replace Black Eyed Pea's "Bebot" in "Maestro....... MUSIC!" in my sidebar.

This video gave me goosebumps and even made me cry. I don't know why...

Have you been to the Philippines? Have you seen these places?

Intramuros and Luneta
Palawan, Vigan, Batanes
Subic, Baguio and Rice Terraces
Basco, Jolo and Zamboanga
Taal Volcano, Mayon Volcano

Have you tried...

the beaches at Boracay and La Union,
the white water rapids of Pagsanjan,
diving in Anilao,
or surfing in Siargao?

Have you tasted...

the sisig of Pampanga,
the durians of Davao,
the milkfish of Dagupan,
the Bicol Express,
or the lechon of Balayan?

Have you ever joined any these Philippine feasts?
- Pahiyas and Masskara
- Moriones and Ati-atihan
- Sinulog and Kadayawan
- Penafrancia in Naga
- Antipolo Feast
- Street dancing in Obando

It's a pity that most Filipinos never get to see much their own country (that includes me, sigh..).

There's another set of "Biyahe Tayo!" videos sponsored by SMART which features Regine Velasquez.



Also, I found a lengthy "Biyahe Tayo! behind-the-scene" video. Enjoy!

Seoul Far Seoul Good, Extreme Japan and ...Fantabulous Philippines?!?

The first two are TV shows, the third one is just me. Singapore's Mediacorp Channel 5 aired Seoul Far Seoul Good and Extreme Japan a few months back. Now people can still catch them while they're on the bus on TVMobile. These shows are for fans of anything Korean and Japanese, be it the traditional culture, scenic sights or colourful pop culture. The two shows are a big hit for holiday-loving Singaporeans. Other Asian countries have also made their presence felt to attract Singaporean tourists. Malaysia Truly Asia is just across the Causeway. Also, there's Amazing Thailand and Incredible India. Nearby Australia is a top destination, no ads required.

How about the Philippines? If not for the small ads one can see on the MRT coaches from Chan Brothers (a travel agency), I won't be able to find any other advertisement promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination. The newspaper section on holiday destinations don't usually mention Manila nor Cebu. I wonder why?

I still enjoy watching the More than the Usual video we have.


More than the Usual Philippines? Fantabulous!