Fun in the Philippines

In its latest campaign, the Department of Tourism said, “Whenever you go in the Philippines, it’s the Filipinos that will make your holiday unforgettable. Just ask anyone who’s been here. In fact, Lonely Planet guidebook calls us ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’

Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines.

Ask banca riders, and they’re going to tell you why (Commuting. More fun in the Philippines). Ask Northern Luzon farmers, and they’re going to make you see (Getting upstairs. More fun in the Philippines). Ask divers, and they’re going to help you reach (Status updates. More fun in the Philippines).

But the campaign, developed by BBDO Guerrero/Proximity Philippines, was somewhat similar from the 1951 ad of the Swiss National Tourist Office. It is currently sold in vintage ad websites, and read: "It's more fun in Switzerland!"

So Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. went on to defend himself through—guess where?—Twitter.

"No one can own the expression 'it's more fun' but it's very true for the #Philippines so it becomes ours.”

"'FUN' is a fusion of place and people. A place is not fun if there is no fun people in it.

"This Switzerland coincidence only makes our line truer. Sun tanning IS more fun in the Philippines.

"The line isn't a manufactured slogan. It's simply the truth about our country. Don't be swayed by people who are trying to punch holes in it.

"If you look hard enough, you might even find an old ad that says 'it's more fun in Alcatraz!'"

Actually, Pilipina Ako could not but agree. The word fun, which is used as an adjective here, has been used since 1846. To accuse the Department of Tourism of copying the Swiss’ style is like telling there is really no reason why it is ‘more fun’ in the Philippines.

Other slogans

Mountain bikes? It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Catching the breeze. More fun in the Philippines.
Getting lost. More fun in the Philippines.
Taking a break. More fun in the Philippines.
Tailgating. More fun in the Philippines.
Social Climbing. More fun in the Philippines.
Home Improvement. More fun in the Philippines.
Stargazing. More fun in the Philippines.
Staring contests. More fun in the Philippines.
Getting high. More fun in the Philippines.
Geometry lessons. More fun in the Philippines.
Schools. More fun in the Philippines.
Larping. More fun in the Philippines.
Tweeting. More fun in the Philippines.
Planking. More fun in the Philippines.
Jumpshots. More fun in the Philippines.
Basketball. More fun in the Philippines.
Cardio Workout. More fun in the Philippines.
Kisses. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Roadtrips. More fun in the Philippines.
The Dark Side. More fun in the Philippines.
Prison. More fun in the Philippines.
Flying without wings. More fun in the Philippines.
Island hopping. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Skate boarding. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Street surfing. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Time travel. More fun in the Philippines.
300. More fun in the Philippines.
Yoda. More fun in the Philippines.
Men. More super in the Philippines.
Change of address. More fun in the Philippines.
Bathtub. More fun in the Philippines.
Meditating. More fun in the Philippines.
Mornings. More fun in the Philippines.
Seeing stars. More fun in the Philippines.
Waiting in a restaurant. More fun in the Philippines.

"We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. 'More fun in the Philippines' is true. Keri natin ito." ~Ramon Jimenez Jr., DOT Secretary

Note: This is not saying that the country doesn’t have to improve its infrastructure and connectivity.


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