GOSSIP GIRL: Meet the sexiest action heroine in PH

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Jul 18, 2023 01:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Meet Jennifer Lee. Jennifer started as a sexy singer when she joined the all- girl-group Viva Hotbabes. She then became a sexy actress for Viva Films but promised her parents that she will finish a degree. After graduating Culinary Arts in Enderun College and setting up The Healthy Cheffy, an online food delivery service that caters to healthy food, she decided to accept the Movie “Maria” where she plays “Miru” a Filipina assassin. To be honest, she was so good that her scenes were my favorite parts of Maria. 

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Jennifer Lee

I am sure you have never met a female action star in the Philippines. While you may recognize Hollywood Asian action icons like Michelle Yeoh and Lucy Liu, finding a Filipina who can genuinely "kick-ass" has been quite scarce - until this moment.

Meet Jennifer Lee. Jennifer started as a sexy singer when she joined the all- girl-group Viva Hotbabes. She then became a sexy actress for Viva Films but promised her parents that she will finish a degree. After graduating Culinary Arts in Enderun College and setting up The Healthy Cheffy, an online food delivery service that caters to healthy food, she decided to accept the Movie “Maria” where she plays “Miru” a Filipina assassin. To be honest, she was so good that her scenes were my favorite parts of Maria. 

This is probably the reason why Blu Arts Production director Bona Fajardo chose her to play the lead role in this new movie entitled Babaylan, “This is my second time working with Direk Bona Fajardo. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing experience in Japan when I worked on the film Steal. Now, I am once again creating something extraordinary with Babaylan.It is truly an honor to work with Direk Bona, as I greatly admire his creativity and hard work. He also maintains a calm and patient demeanor on the set. During the shooting of Babaylan, I just recovered from Covid. I am grateful for the encouragement and inspiration I received from Direk Bona and the team.

In this movie, I portray the character of Josefina Baliwag, who comes from a lineage of shaman warriors known as Babaylan. She served as a spiritual leader of the rebels during the Filipino-American war. During this time, she fell in love with Manuel Guerrero, who betrayed her and shot her. Despite being wounded, Josefina summoned her remaining strength to communicate with the forest and requested its protection from the enemies. Not only did the forest shield her body, but it also resurrected her, granting her immortality. She lived a long life until the present day, when she encounters someone who bears a striking resemblance to Manuel Guerrero. To discover what happens next, watch the movie!”

I asked our singer-turned-DJ how she felt being given a break to portray a lead role after almost two decades in the business. “Portraying an action heroine has always been a dream of mine. I consider myself blessed to have been given this project, which allows me to showcase my talent and fighting skills. I have always been involved in athletics, having been a part of the high school and collegiate taekwondo varsity teams. Additionally, I received training in PUMA Sikadsu (Philippine Union Martial Arts Association), which provided me with a background in arnis fighting and helped me land the role of Josefina. Aside from my fighting skills, portraying a Babaylan is an honor. I firmly believe that Babaylans existed in the past, and there may still be modern-day Babaylans today. These include empowered and influential women in our community who are dedicated to assisting and supporting those in need.

The world premiere of Babaylan is scheduled for July 26, on Viva One, an All-in-One Entertainment Streaming Platform by Viva! This exciting action movie stars Marco Gallo, Andrew Muhlach, and Fabio Ide, and is directed by Bona Fajardo of Blu Arts Production.

DOH-Davao monitors diseases brought by El Niño

 

(SunStar File Photo)

ROJEAN GRACE PATUMBON

THE Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) warns people of possible diseases during El Niño season.

After the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that the El Niño phenomenon will hit the country around the months of July to September, DOH-Davao notified the public of the emergence of diseases due to the sudden change in the weather.

Some of the diseases that DOH-Davao is expecting are diarrhea, skin infections due to lack of supply of water; food poisoning, difficulty in breathing, vomiting because of the consumption of fish affected by the red tide; diseases that are usually caused by the high temperature such as exhaustion, heat cramp or even heat stroke.

Aside from these types of illnesses, cholera, typhoid fever, and even vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are also expected during this season.

To combat these emerging diseases, DOH-Davao released some tips and guidelines that Filipinos should do to remain healthy especially, with the intense heat that we will be experiencing.

One is to ensure that the source of the water supply is clean. Two, conserve and use water properly. Three, do not forget to drink enough water and stay well-hydrated. Four, do not stay under the sun for too long, use sunblock or sunscreen if it is unavoidable to leave the house. Five, wear clothes that have thin or comfortable fabrics. Six, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours of the sun.

DOH-Davao is keeping a close eye on all emerging diseases, primarily water-borne diseases, and has issued an advisory to healthcare facilities, hospitals, and local government units in case there will be a shortage of water supply.

“We are continuously monitoring on a weekly basis and even on an event once na ma-detect na may ano, hala ba’t biglang dumami ito so nire-report kaagad yan ng mga health facilities sa Department of Health through the province and through the City Health Office (We are continuously monitoring every week and even on an event once we detect that there is a sudden increase in the number of reported diseases by the health facilities and the City Health Office), ” DOH-Davao Assistant Regional Director Gerna M. Manatad said.

El Niño is a weather phenomenon that is characterized by the unusually warmer than average sea surface temperature which is characterized by the limited amount of rain, which can cause negative effects such as drought and increased illness related to heat. (RGP)

Pagasa: Trough of LPA bringing cloudy skies, rain in Mindanao.

1,694 views Jul 18, 2023

Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers will be experienced across the Philippines due to the trough or extension of the low pressure area off Mindanao and the southwest monsoon, said the state weather bureau on Tuesday.

IHeartPH shows how to love the country

 BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Now on its 8th season, the magazine show continues to deliver its promise by showcasing more inspiring stories and aspirational features.

• "We really want to showcase the beauty of our country," explains Executive Producer Vanessa Verzosa. "The Philippines is really blessed with natural resources. And that's what we want to highlight in the show, inspiring Filipinos to appreciate and love our country."

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Long before the "Love the Philippines!" campaign of the Department of Tourism has become controversial, there is already one magazine show that promotes love for the Philippines, titled IHeartPh.

Now on its 8th season, the magazine show continues to deliver its promise by showcasing more inspiring stories and aspirational features.
"We really want to showcase the beauty of our country," explains Executive Producer Vanessa Verzosa. "The Philippines is really blessed with natural resources. And that's what we want to highlight in the show, inspiring Filipinos to appreciate and love our country."

Piloted in 2018 on CNN Philippines, IHeartPh spreads good vibes here and abroad. In fact, it has been chosen by the Taiwanese government for its tourism promotion.

Serving as a regular TV program partner for Philippine promotion, the beauty of Taiwan has been showcased several times. The most recent of which is the "Love Fun Taiwan" campaign.

"We are proud that our show is appreciated outside the country," beams Verzosa. "Maybe, the reason why the Taiwanese government trusts us is that they see the direction of the show, which is really to promote inspiring stories and aspirational features. The show is aligned to their goal."

IHeartPH has gained the trust and support of big and small companies, global and local brands as well as famous and ordinary personalities in sharing their stories.

"Every story we do is unique and there's always a good takeaway, not only for the viewers but also for me!," shares program host Valerie Tan.

Tan gets to immerse herself in the many stories featured in the program. She enjoys every feature. One of the features she immensely enjoyed was her visit to the Amis tribe, the largest indigenous ethnic group in Taiwan.

There she got a glimpse of how they live, fish, cook, and even dance! "It's interesting to note that just like us Filipinos, they love to sing and dance!"

"Another memorable feature is the rags to riches story of a member of an essential oil company. This proves that your past doesn't define your future, and you can use the challenges you encountered to fuel you for success."

Tan adds that iHeartPh highlights these positive features with that Filipino touch.

"I love experiencing new things and going to new places," shares Tan. "But more than that, my most favorite part is meeting people from all walks of life, connecting with them, and sharing their stories to our viewers."

Eight seasons and counting, IHeartPh is here to stay in the heart of our Filipino viewers. True to its core, the program has been consistently uplifting the image of the Philippines and the Filipinos - spreading good vibes. The program advocates the love and appreciation of our country, helping the government to amplify its tourism campaign.

"There are way too many reasons why I love the Philippines!," volunteers Tan. "First, our beaches are the best in the world. We have a lot of natural resources and wonders.

Undoubtedly, there's still so much to explore. Second, Filipino cuisine! Anthony Bourdain himself said it when he referred to Cebu lechon as the 'best pig, ever'.

Lastly, the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people are unrivaled. Pinoys are usually kind and warm, and always carry a smile on our faces."

"Our commitment is to showcase world-class visual narratives to our viewers," says program director Jallawee Beritan. "We listen to our viewers because they deserve a program that does not only feed their senses but their soul."

"You can be assured you'll feel inspired after each episode," quips Tan. "No matter where our show takes us; at the end of the day, the Philippines will always be home," And IHeartPh will always be at the heart of every Filipino.

Produced by TV8 Media Productions, IHeartPh Season 8 airs this coming Sunday, July 16, 7 PM on CNN Philippines. Fresh episode every Sunday at 7 PM, with replays on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM.

Mayday Parade to hold show in Davao

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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American rock band Mayday Parade will be heading to Davao in October to hold a show. 

Mayday Parade will have their “Live in Davao 2023” show on Oct. 30 at the SMX Convention Center. 

The acclaimed alternative/emo icons are slated to perform their biggest and best hits, and favorite live anthems including “Jamie All Over,” “Miserable At Best,” “Jersey,” “Oh Well, Oh Well” and “Piece of Your Heart.” 

Mayday Parade (Instagram)

Mayday Parade will hold a show in Davao on Oct. 30 (Pulp Live World)

Davao is the latest addition to shows in the Philippines after Manila and Cebu. 

Mayday Parade’s members are lead vocalist/pianist Derek Sanders, guitarists Alex Garcia and Brooks Betts, bassist Jeremy Lenzo and drummer Jake Bundrick 

“We are extremely honored to have worked with Mayday Parade over so many years - the band and Pulp have been partners for over a decade now and we truly treasure the trust the band has given our company,” said Vernon Go, CEO of Pulp Live World.  

He added, “And again it is wonderful to serve the band and their fans after all these years and now bring them to a new city in the Philippines for the first time.”

The upcoming shows will be their sixth visit to the Philippines, their second in Cebu and first time in Davao. 

Showbiz glitz and glamour are back at 38th Star Awards for Movies

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jul 18, 2023 07:05 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The country's Filipiniana also proves to be fashionable, fun and creative. Award hosts Claudine Barretto, Sunshine Cruz, Christian Bautista, and QC Councilor Alfred Vargas came in their snappy best. In her black sophisticated Marc Bumgarner terno, Cruz won The Face of the Night while, Baretto, in her shimmering white princess modern terno was named Female Star of the Night. Christian Bautista in his modern barong ensemble was chosen Male Star of the Night while Coun. Vargas was hailed Darling of the Press.

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FROM LEFT: Alfred Vargas, Claudine Barretto, Sunshine Cruz and Christian Bautista (Images by Allan Sancon)

Held at the iconic Manila Hotel, the glitz and sophisticated night of the 38th Star Awards for Movies signals glamour and exciting days ahead for the Philippine entertainment industry.

The country's Filipiniana also proves to be fashionable, fun and creative. Award hosts Claudine Barretto, Sunshine Cruz, Christian Bautista, and QC Councilor Alfred Vargas came in their snappy best. In her black sophisticated Marc Bumgarner terno, Cruz won The Face of the Night while, Baretto, in her shimmering white princess modern terno was named Female Star of the Night. Christian Bautista in his modern barong ensemble was chosen Male Star of the Night while Coun. Vargas was hailed Darling of the Press.

With almost all nominees and awards night attendees garbed in Filipiniana and modern barong, the much awaited 38th edition is one Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc (PMPC) event worth remembering. Thanks to MJ Gutierez of Gutierez Celebrities and Media Productions for mounting such a memorable experience at the country's oldest and most revered hotel, The Manila Hotel.

The Company, Daryl Ong, Marlo Mortel, and Concert King Martin Nievera belted out their best to lighten up the night.

Helen Gamboa

Showbiz veterans and industry icons Ms. Helen Gamboa and Director Chito Roño honored the event with their presence to personally receive the Lifetime Achievement Awards accorded to them. Gamboa, with the current MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto in tow, received the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award. Direc Roño, accompanied by Streetboys members namely, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Meynard Marcellano, Joey Andres, Christopher Cruz, Danilo Barrios, and Nicko Manalo, got for himself the Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award. Roño founded the dance group in 1993 and he was totally surprised with the presence of its members as he accepted his first lifetime achievement award ever.

Chito Rono

Despite the global pandemic hitting worldwide and badly affecting across all industries, the PMPC made sure to honor the country's best of the best movies, performers, and stakeholders for the year 2021.

Watch the 38th Star Awards for Movies at ALLTV Network on July 23, 2023, Sunday, at 9pm.Directed by Frank Mamaril.

The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC)

Here are the winners:

MOVIE OF THE YEAR - “On The Job 2: The Missing 8” (Reality MM Studios, Globe Studios, HBO Asia Originals)

MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR - Erik Matti (On The Job 2: The Missing 8)

Vince Tanada

INDIE MOVIE OF THE YEAR - “Katips” (PhilStagers Films)

INDIE MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR - Vince Tañada (Katips)

Janice de Belen (left) and Lotlot de Leon

MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - Charo Santos-Concio (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon) at Sunshine Dizon (Versus)

MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR - Vince Tañada (Katips)

Sunshine Dizon

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - Janice De Belen (Big Night!) at Lotlot De Leon (On The Job 2: The Missing 8)

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR - Johnrey Rivas (Katips)

MOVIE ENSEMBLE ACTING OF THE YEAR - The cast of “On The Job 2: The Missing 8”

INDIE MOVIE ENSEMBLE ACTING OF THE YEAR - The cast of “Katips”

NEW MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - Quinn Carrillo (Silab)

Quinn Carillo

NEW MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR - Sean De Guzman (Anak Ng Macho Dancer)

CHILD PERFORMER OF THE YEAR - Ella Ilano (The Housemaid)

Sean de Guzman

SHORT MOVIE OF THE YEAR - “Black Rainbow” (Sinehalaga, NCCA, Negros Cultural Foundation, Uncle Scott Global Productions)

SHORT MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR - Zig Dulay (Black Rainbow)

TECHNICAL CATEGORIES
(Mainstream and Indie Films)

MOVIE SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR - Michiko Yamamoto (On The Job 2: The Missing 8 )

MOVIE CINEMATOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR - Teck Siang Lim (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)

MOVIE EDITOR OF THE YEAR - Benjamin Tolentino (Big Night!)

MOVIE PRODUCTION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Whammy Alcazaren (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)

MOVIE MUSICAL SCORER OF THE YEAR - The Storyteller Project (My Amanda)

MOVIE SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR - Corinne De San Jose (On The Job 2: The Missing 8 )

MOVIE ORIGINAL THEME SONG OF THE YEAR -- "Umulan Man O Umaraw", performed by Rita Daniela, composed by Louie Ignacio, arranged by Bobby Velasco (for the movie "Huling Ulan Sa Tag-Araw")

INDIE MOVIE SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR - Lav Diaz (Historia Ni Ha)

INDIE MOVIE CINEMATOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR - Lav Diaz (Historia Ni Ha)

INDIE MOVIE EDITOR OF THE YEAR - Armando Lao, Peter Arian Vito, Ysabelle Denoga (Gensan Punch)

Alfred Vargas

INDIE MOVIE PRODUCTION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Lav Diaz (Historia Ni Ha)

INDIE MOVIE MUSICAL SCORER OF THE YEAR - Pipo Cifra (Katips)

INDIE MOVIE SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR - Albert Michael Idioma (Gensan Punch)

Christian Bautista (center)

INDIE MOVIE ORIGINAL THEME SONG OF THE YEAR - “Sa Susunod Na Ikot Ng Mundo” -- performed by Kris Lawrence, with saxophone solo by Nicole Reluya, composed and arranged by Von De Guzman (“Nelia”)

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award -- Ms. HELEN GAMBOA

Claudine Barretto (left) and Sunshine Cruz

Ulirang Alagad Ng Pelikula Sa Likod Ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award -- Director CHITO ROÑO

DARLING OF THE PRESS - Alfred Vargas

MOVIE LOVETEAM OF THE YEAR - Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano (Love Is Color Blind)

Martin Nievera

FEMALE STAR OF THE NIGHT - Claudine Barretto

MALE STAR OF THE NIGHT - Christian Bautista

FEMALE CELEBRITY OF THE NIGHT - Quinn Carrillo

MALE CELEBRITY OF THE NIGHT - Sean De Guzman

FACE OF THE NIGHT - Sunshine Cruz

New LPA likely to become tropical cyclone within 1 to 2 days — PAGASA

Record heat waves hit US, Europe, Asia

DRY COUNTRY Picture taken on Thursday, July 13, 2023, shows a field of pistachio trees growing in a very dry field in Daimiel, in the Castilla La Mancha region. With high temperatures, a lack of rain and being hit by several heat waves, Spain suffers from a severe drought, also due to the high water needs of agriculture. AFP PHOTO

By Agence France-Presse

July 17, 2023 

(UPDATE) ROME: Tens of millions of people battled dangerously high temperatures around the world on Sunday as record heat forecasts hung over parts of the United States, Europe and Asia, in the latest example of the threat from global warming.

A powerful heat wave stretching from California to Texas was expected to peak, the US National Weather Service said, warning of an "extremely hot and dangerous weekend." Daytime highs were forecast to range between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in the west.

Arizona's state capital Phoenix recorded 16 straight days above 109 F (43 degrees Celsius), with residents facing temperatures of 111 F on Saturday, en route to an expected 115 F.

California's Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, was also likely to register new peaks on Sunday, with the mercury possibly rising to 130 F (54 C).

Authorities have been sounding the alarm, advising people to avoid outdoor activities in the daytime and to be wary of dehydration.

At a construction site outside Houston, Texas, a 28-year-old worker who gave his name only as Juan helped complete a wall in the blazing heat.

"Just when I take a drink of water, I get dizzy, I want to vomit because of the heat," he told Agence France-Presse.

The Las Vegas weather service warned that assuming high temperatures naturally come with the area's desert climate was "a DANGEROUS mindset! This heat wave is NOT typical desert heat." Southern California is fighting numerous wildfires, including one in Riverside County that has burned more than 7,500 acres (3,000 hectares) and prompted evacuation orders.

Further north, the Canadian government reported that wildfires had burned a record-breaking 10 million hectares this year, with more damage expected as the summer drags on.

Historic highs forecast In Europe, Italy faced weekend predictions of historic highs with the health ministry issuing a red alert for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence.

The weather center warned Italians to prepare for "the most intense heat wave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time." The thermometer is likely to hit 40 C in Rome by Monday and 43 C on Tuesday, smashing the record of 40.5 C set in August 2007.

The islands of Sicily and Sardinia could wilt under temperatures as high as 48 C, the European Space Agency warned — "potentially the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe." The Acropolis in Athens, one of Greece's top tourist attractions, will close during the hottest hours on Sunday, for the third day running.

In France, high temperatures and resulting drought are posing a threat to the farming industry, earning Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau criticism from climatologists for having brushed aside conditions as "normal enough for summer." This June was the second-hottest on record in France, according to the national weather agency, and several areas of the country have been under a heat wave alert since Tuesday.

There is little reprieve ahead for Spain, whose meteorological agency warned that a new heatwave Monday through Wednesday will bring temperatures above 40 C to the Canary Islands and the southern Andalusia region.

Killer rains

As torrential rains lashed northern Japan on Sunday, a man was found dead in a flooded car, a week after seven people were killed in similar weather in the country's southwest.

Parts of eastern Japan are expected to reach 38-39 C on Sunday and Monday, with the meteorological agency warning temperatures could hit previous records.

In South Korea, rescuers on Sunday battled to reach people trapped in a flooded tunnel, after heavy rains for the last four days triggered floods and landslides that killed at least 33 people and left 10 missing.

The country is at the peak of its summer monsoon season, with more rain forecast through Wednesday.

In northern India, relentless monsoon rains have reportedly killed at least 90 people, following burning heat.

Major flooding and landslides are common during India's monsoons, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.

China on Sunday issued several temperature alerts, warning thermometers could reach 40-45 C in the partly desert region of Xinjiang, and 39 C in southern Guangxi region.

Morocco was slated for above-average temperatures this weekend with highs of 47 C in some provinces — more typical of August than July — sparking concerns for water shortages, the meteorological service said.

River Tigris shrinking In Iraq, where scorching summers are common, 37-year-old Wissam Abed usually cools off from Baghdad's brutal summer by swimming in the Tigris river.

But as rivers dry up, so does the age-old pastime.

With temperatures near 50 C and wind whipping through the city like a hairdryer, Abed stood in the middle of the river, but the water only comes up to his waist.

"Year after year, the water situation gets worse," he told AFP.

While it can be difficult to attribute a particular weather event to climate change, scientists insist that global warming — linked to dependence on fossil fuels — is behind the multiplication and intensification of heat waves.

The EU's climate monitoring service said the world saw its hottest June on record last month.

Are you feeling the love? Love the Philippines. Why not?

BY VINCE SOCCO

Jul 17, 2023 09:22 AM

  

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I think that the newly minted slogan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote the Philippines is a good one. But, of course, there will be 110 million opinions about it by as many Filipinos in our beautiful country. There isn’t really much to dislike about the slogan. It’s short, easy to recall, offers wide applications, it has a high emotional appeal and it captures the Filipino spirit of being a fun and loving people. But that’s just me. I suppose that the DOT and its partner agency did a lot more research and testing on the slogan before finalizing its choice.

But what’s in a slogan? Other countries in the region have adopted their own tourism campaign lines that, over time, have stuck - Amazing Thailand; Incredible India; Malaysia Truly Asia; Wonderful Indonesia; Singapore: Passion Made Possible; and Vietnam Timeless Charm. Our own “It’s more fun in the Philippines” held its own and I am reasonably hopeful that “Love the Philippines” will make its own mark.

Ultimately, a slogan is only one of several items in any country’s tool kit to increase the flow of foreign tourists to its shores. I think it would be entirely unfair to rest the success of tourism on a campaign line. Yes, it contributes to entice visitors but that is only part of the whole dynamic. But, for the sake of comparison, let’s look at how the numbers fall using campaign slogans as a baseline.

From 2002-2010, the Philippine slogan was “WOW Philippines”. The number of visitor arrivals to the country increased from 1.9 million in 2002 to 3.0 million in 2009. This was followed by “Pilipinas kay Ganda” from 2010-2012 which showed the tourist count rise to 3.5 million in 2010 up to 4.3 million in 2012. Then came “It’s more fun in the Philippines” from 2012 thru the first half of this year. Visitor arrivals grew to 8.2 million just before COVID slammed the brakes on tourism.

If my math does not fail me, the average annual growth rates were 7.9%, 7.1% and  9.6% for “WOW Philippines”, “Pilipinas kay Ganda” and “It’s more fun in the Philippines”, respectively. Simplistically, it would be tempting to say that it was the last slogan that had the most impact. Perhaps, it was a big contributor. Nonetheless, we cannot discount other factors like the general social and economic environment, geopolitical events and local peace and order conditions. It will be recalled, for example, that the period of 2012-2019 was a period of robust economic growth and political stability for our country. This was almost certainly a driver of increased tourist arrivals.

Post COVID, tourism is yet to get its mojo back. 2023 has so far been very encouraging for tourism in the Philippines. For the first six months, a total of 2.7 million visitor arrivals have been reported by the DOT. This is already more than the reported number of tourists for the whole of 2022.

However, if we take the helicopter view, our prospects for increased visitor arrivals to the Philippines still has a long way to go. Our ASEAN neighbors are, in fact, far ahead of us in tourist count – regardless the slogan. One report compares our peak count of 8.2 million visitors in 2019 to 39.9 million in Thailand, 19.1 million in Singapore, 18 million in Vietnam and 16.1 million in Indonesia. The struggle to return tourist arrivals to pre-COVID levels continues. Thailand is at around 45% recovery while Singapore and Indonesia are around 30%+, the Philippines at about 25% and Vietnam at 20%. With the practically full cessation of COVID travel restrictions, we hope that the “revenge travel” phenomenon starts to spike sooner than later.

While the buzz has been focused so much on the slogan, I think we ought to take this opportunity to shore up the challenges that get in the way of raising the desirability of the Philippines as a tourist destination. It is not for any shortage of sights or attractions, to be sure. It is more about providing a more seamless and convenient way around to, well, make tourists fall in love with the Philippines. Many pundits have pointed out the need to improve our airports, connectivity across the nation, safeguarding of tourist interests while in-country and a more secure experience altogether. Surely, there are those that prefer the more laid-back experience but the basics remain the same. The opportunities from a more robust tourism sector are definitely worth paying attention to.

Let’s give “Love the Philippines” a chance to showcase the many charms of our country – not only to increase visitor arrivals but also to raise domestic tourism among Filipinos. We have 7,641 islands to explore and, yes, to love.