ASEAN Tourism Forum, Manado, Indonesia
The Philippines Department of Tourism unveiled its new slogan a couple of weeks ago – “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and while there is some controversy (The Swiss say they had it first) and some bickering on their official Facebook fan page (some images may not be suitable for minors), they rocked it during the dinner they hosted for the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF2012) delegates at the Sutanraja Hotel in Manado on January 13th, 2012.
Scrumptious food, splendid entertainment, and speeches just the way we like them – short and with oomph, were the order of the night.
The Honorable Ramon Jimenez Jr., Tourism Secretary for the Philippines, said the campaign highlights the country’s edge over other tourism destinations — the Filipino people.
“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” he said.
His speech capped off a delicious meal of local Filipino food and desserts. Too bad they ran out of the shrimp though – but I guess that was a testament to how good it was.
The speech ended with stellar performances from Filipino artists.
Including an outstanding performance from “show violinist” Jake Gacang — one of the finalists for Pilipinas Got Talent.
The Philippines certainly showed its hospitality this night.
If you have a moment, check out the It’s More Fun in The Philippines website and their Official Facebook fan page where you can submit your memes on what’s fun in the Philippines for you.
Here’s an example of what you’ll see over there…
And just for even more fun, here’s the original brochure from the campaign for It’s More Fun in Switzerland. Oh, and it’s from 1951.
So I’d like to hear from you!
Do you think “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” is a rip-off of “It’s More Fun in Switzerland”?
America 
Canada 
Oman 
I’ve never been to the Philippines, but the
ASEAN Tourism Forum sure knows how to have fun. The food looks awesome!
The food was very good — and this night was probably the most entertaining of the whole event.
I have sweet memories of Filipino food, I hope you enjoyed it! I don’t know if I’d say they ripped it off from the Swiss since it was so many decades ago. Unless of course the Swiss were planning a revamped campaign with the same theme. But, maybe they should have used something else.
I think the Swiss could use “It’s More on Time in Switzerland” or “It’s More Fun Laundering Money in Switzerland”, but fun? Hmmmm….
It must be difficult for a tourism agency to come up with a 4-7 word slogan that no other country, state, region or city has ever used!
That’s true — there are only so many words…
I’ve never been to the Philippines, but I want that guy’s red shoes! Looks like the food was delicious.
The food WAS delicious, as are his shoes.
Hah, love the poster of the pig “planking.” Never been to the Philippines, but hopefully we’ll be heading there in March!
You are going to have soooo much fun! I loved it there…
Indonesia and Philippines are the two SE countries I’m going to travel to next, I think about it so much, it’s becoming an obsession!
Well you know what you must do…just go!!
All you can eat buffets. Man, those things are amazing. I tend to embarrass myself at places like that…
I was surprised by the lack of sneeze guard, but thankfully, it was an orderly event.
Whichever way you look at it, Philipinas know how to make fun. With all those islands, there is no way you can say otherwise. The food and variety is another reason im going there.
Filipinos do know how to have a good time! And the food is awesome (except “balut”)
this post made me miss home… not sure if one country is better than the other because it always boils down to the experience that a traveller would get (which varies of course) but one thing i can say about my home country is that the people are very hospitable and warm especially in the provinces… and the beaches are so beautiful!!!
The beaches are beautiful, the food is excellent, and the people are so very hospitable — a great place to say you are from!
Looks like a great time! The campaign slogan is pretty generic – not that that’s a bad thing but I’d say it’s pretty hard for anyone to claim exclusivity with a tagline like that.
That is true, it’s what you do with that slogan. And if the video they played at the dinner is any indication — they own it!
WOW! What a party! Your photos of it are GREAT! I feel like I was there…almost!
Hey that used to be their old slogan — “WOW Philippines” (seriously!)
I saw the campaign and there has been much talk about it, good and bad. But what got me the most was a picture of a Cock Fight which had the tagline – Angry Birds? More Fun in the Philippines. That was funny!
Haha — I haven’t seen that one so will be a’googling it shortly! Thanks!
Philippines definitely is a lot of fun! Great nature/beaches, cosy little towns and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet! And the best part, it’s huge, you could spend a year just travelling Philippines! I need to go back there
I know what you mean. A lot of folks judge the Philippines by Manila. And love it or hate it, it does have its merits — but the real fun is out in the provinces.
I was just about to unveil a campaign called it’s more fun with Traveling Ted. Looks like it is back to the drawing board.
Damn, I was foiled too!
Tsk, tsk — everyone knows it’s more fun on the lam.
When I visited the Philippines a few years ago, I had some amazing and fun times, so I’d fully agree with the slogan!
Thanks Mark! I had a blast when I was there too…
I’ve never been to the Philippines, but have some Filipino friends who are always up for a good time. I like Swizterland, but the Swiss are not exactly known as “fun” people.
Oh the Swiss can have fun, in an organized, tick-boxed sort of manner.
annnnd now we’re drooling. We only spent a few days in the Philippines but we loved the excitement and enthusiasm that we felt while there. We’ve never been to Switzerland, but we can attest that it’s pretty damn fun in the Philippines!
You’re drooling over that Lechón aren’t you? (That’s the roasted sucking pig).
Go on, take a bite…I know you want to…
I have a friend who lives in Manila and whenever she talks to me about her adventures she always mentions the people being soo nice and cute. Even the food looks delicious!
They are ridiculously nice. So nice that it kinda makes you think they’re up to something (the no-good kinda something). But they’re not — they’re just wired that way.
Definitely not getting into the slogan debate, but have to say that food looked awfully good and has made me hungry.
I definitely love the new campaign by our tourism department. It’s indeed more fun here!
Had fun reading the comments.
Filipinos do know how to have fun. And the food is definitely yum! Enjoyed the post Mr. Man on the Lam! Salamat! 
The Shrimp looks fantastic! no wonder it went so fast
everything looks great, the food, the people, i bet it is a nice countru to visit. hope to be one day there
Here is the proof of why is more fun in the Philippines http://www.kozzi.com/free-photo/24747814/jeepney.html
The Filipino pride, public transportation.
Never been to Philippines but they sure gave you one heck of a party