I GOT interesting e-mail from readers, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos from here and abroad, all of them male, who reacted to last week’s column piece, “10 things that make PH ugly.” One thing I’ve known all along: when you make a list, you are likely going to be swamped with items to add to it.
I GOT interesting e-mail from readers, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos from here and abroad, all of them male, who reacted to last week’s column piece, “10 things that make PH ugly.” One thing I’ve known all along: when you make a list, you are likely going to be swamped with items to add to it.
Last week’s column was a reaction to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) much-heckled campaign come-on, “Pilipinas, kay ganda” (Philippines, how beautiful) and unoriginal logo that looked similar to Poland’s. I also listed 10 things that I thought made beautiful Philippines not so “kay ganda.”
Well, see what I got. First I must say that the editor in chief pirated one of the letters—a touching one, really—for publication. It came from Ben Fairbank, an Australian who has been working and living here for the last two years. So I am not sharing his letter here. But thank you, Mr. Fairbank, for seeing so much goodness and beauty in this country. You love us, you really love us!
From Jojo dela Cruz in Beijing: “… [A]t the time I read your article I had just finished listing almost the same things: top 10 Boos (ugly) in the PH, as well as my top 10 Wows. In less than five minutes I was able to come up with my top-of-the-mind list. I am an expatriate working for a multinational FMCG company, previously based in Switzerland and now posted in Beijing. Often I would chat with my non-Pinoy friends and it is inevitable that they ask about PH. I often advise them, ‘Don’t stay long in Manila and head immediately to the beaches/islands.’ In the end most would go to Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia if they want to have a Southeast Asian experience. Only after they have covered these countries do they start considering PH. And they say it’s not only because of the spate of bad news, but also because they hear very little positive ‘touristy’ information and advertisements about us. Sad.”
De la Cruz’s top 10 boos: airport (inside and outside), security, traffic, poor public transport, billboards of politicos, floods, corruption, garbage, toilets. His top 10 wows: beaches, diving, swimming with whale sharks, Philippine mangoes, shopping, entertainment, English, island hopping, Spanish quarters (starting with Intramuros), the weather (lots of sun), smiles.
From Dave Bowles: “I am a Brit married to a Filipino, and a permanent resident in beautiful Philippines… I have worked overseas in excess of 40 years around Europe, Asia, the Middle East, India, North and South America, the Arctic Circle and the Far East. Many countries have appealed to me as places to live and retire in, the UAE and Bahrain, wonderful and safe places with friendly people… but I was introduced to the Philippines only in 2003 although I had worked with Filipinos for many years overseas. It was LOVE at first sight (the country, that is!) and that love has not diminished or faded since despite having lost money in a failed business. The reason I love the Philippines? The people!!!!! I have more true friends here than anywhere else in the world, including the UK.
“I agree with your statement that a slogan which is only understood by Filipinos is ridiculous. I thought the cartoon visuals that went with that were very poor and did not display the beauty that is the Philippines, its hospitality and culture…
“You can add ‘blatant corruption’ to your list as well… The first view of the Philippines is rather shabby, the journey through Para?e and Sucat from Naia does rather resemble a slum area… More articles of the same type please. The so-called authorities need to have their cages rattled.”
From Mike Saycon’s list: “opportunistic locals, especially taxi drivers and terminal porters, the countless surge of hookers and transvestites waiting to be sold out in places that expatriates and foreigners frequent, street children who peddle sampaguita, beg for alms or sell their bodies… Please let me qualify that this note is not Philippine-bashing…”
Willy Arcilla of Business Mentors sent an impressive PowerPoint presentation on how to sell Philippine tourism plus a proposed campaign logo and slogan. “‘Wow, Only in the Philippines’ can be a strong tourism slogan because it is simple, memorable, relevant and unique, timeless and universal, local and global. In plain language, it builds upon a successful ‘Wow! Philippines’ campaign, but most of all, it turns the negative into a positive.”
I say, it should be fun making an “only in the Philippines” list. Yes, it is inclusive and all-embracing and it goes well with the old “Wow” (world of wonders). It also put a naughty smile on my face.
From Leo Padilla: “It is only in PH that maps are not available at the airport. Maps at the bookstores are always outdated because of the propensity of politicians to rename streets almost every year. Nobody seems to plan things in PH. Fort Bonifacio—roads leading to it look like they are only afterthoughts. Instead of lining up the roads straight, they go around with nowhere to go… Airport taxis are run by mafias… Naia 3—the road leading to it is again an afterthought. Some bright boy decided to install a rotunda, instead of an overpass/interchange to access Naia 3 and on to Naia 1 and 2. And an idiotic building at the center—what is it for?”
Manny Melgar added eight to my list. One of them: “Embarkation forms—just a few weeks ago President Aquino removed his face from the forms. When I arrived today from Vietnam I was shocked and embarrassed to see the face of Ms. Vicki Belo on the first page. Whose face will be next?”
Too bad there is not enough space for more. I should forward all the e-mail to the DOT.
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