So what if DOT ad was copied from Switzerland?
IDON’T see anything wrong with DOT’S latest tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” So what if it was copied from a 1951 Switzerland ad? The Swiss should be honored. After all, imitation they say is the best form of flattery.
Tourism Sec. Ramon Jimenez Jr. couldn’t have explained it better. He said the line can be understood by everybody and it is highly competitive. It also attracts visitors to experience fun in the Philippines, and not just observe it unlike other countries’ tourism jingles.
Critics should just stop being crabs and pulling the country’s tourism down. If we Filipinos would be the first ones to destroy the Department of Tourism’s efforts, then how can we expect the rest of the world to believe that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines? If the muckraking starts at home, then how can we expect neighbors to come and visit?
I don’t know Sec. Jimenez personally. But I’m sure the man is really working hard to make the local tourism industry grow. The least we could do is give him a chance.
Telcos did good
Kudos to the government and the telcos for temporarily disconnecting services along the route of Monday’s Translacion as part of stepped up security measures.
As anticipated, the momentary “cut-off” drew flak from exasperated cellphone addicts who thought their world had ended. But the inconvenience was really worth it. Millions of lives were spared from what could have been a worst case scenario – terrorists bombing the procession.
It was a “better safe than sorry” decision for Pnoy. Ordering the telcos — or, as the telcos said, “requesting” them — to jam mobile signals was like dousing water on the supposed terrorists. For this move, the President deserves more Like votes.
Every year, millions of devotees join the Traslacion of the image of the Black Nazarene. This year, more came despite the threat of terrorists. They participated for a lot of reasons. Either they thanked him for blessings received or they asked for divine favors. Some even begged for miracles. Yet they had one unifying purpose — to reconnect with God.
People who have lost their path to righteousness — the real Daang Matuwid — find salvation by paying homage to the Black Nazarene. Amid the overwhelming poverty, despite the social evils, the image of the Black Jesus calms battered souls of millions of Filipinos. He gives unspeakable strength even to the frailest. And hope.
Viva Señor Nazareno!