A List of Why It's More Fun in the Philippines

The new tagline "It's more fun in the Philippines" does not have that "wooaahh" effect at first hearing.  But whatever it lacked in cleverness, it more than made up for in the clarity of its mesage.  I mean, you cannot be more straightforward than that -- We have more fun here. Period.

I believe in the guys running the Department of Tourism, not because Secretary Jimenez is an advertising man like me, but because I feel  that they really are sincere in making tourism work for our country.  So regardless of what others may say about the new campaign (and it can't be helped that there would always be naysayers), I am writing down a list why we, the people of the Philippines, and our unique culture would make for a more fun experience for our guests.

It is my intention not to include facets of our culture that, while still very interesting, have become cliches already.  This is a work in progress so I will be updating it when I have something new.  You may also add your input into the list should you find a gem why we are more fun.

1. There is a singer/entertainer in every family, who may be shy at first (very Filipino) but with some prodding would gladly showcase Filipino talent.

    Our Country is a Talent factory.



2. Gather a group of Filipinos, take a piece of banana leaf, scoop in mounds of cooked rice, throw in any form of viand -- dried fish, adobo, bagoong, laing -- eat with bare hands.

   Camaraderie and bonding Filipino-style.



3.  Kids can play basketball barefooted, on a makeshift hoop in the middle of the road, using anything that resembles a ball that will fit inside the ring.

    Hoop dreams, Pinoy-style.



4. The average height of the Filipino male is 5'7" but this does not stop us from making basketball -- a tall man's sport, our favorite.

The Filipino is bigger than his limitations.



5. Tapsilog / Longsilog / Bangsilog, and any Silog permutation.

   We start the day right.



6.  Tutong na kanin plus leftover adobo flakes, or kaning lamig swimming in sweet coffee plus tuyo.

  We are food connoisseurs of the most resourceful kind.



7.  Beer is cheap, and a bar may be just a bench on the side of a street.

 We celebrate year-round Octoberfest.



8.  Everyone smiles at a foreigner though the local may not understand a word that the guest is saying.

  We are a smile paradise.



9.  The toughest man in boxing sings "Sometimes when we touch," duet with another man.

We're tough but we have a soft heart.



10.Our elderly gets old in the home, not in some institution for the aged.

  We grow old gracefully and thankfully.



11.  A family car maybe a motorbike.

  We know how to travel light.



12. There is gambling during a wake.

  We acknowledge that there is life after death.



13.  We have family reunions in the cemetery.

  Our love extends beyond the grave.



14.  Mc Donald's is second to Jollibee.

  Sweet spaghetti is for sweet people.



15.  Gays do not only have a set of slang and jargon, but an entire language all to themselves.

  Fun is another word for gay.



16. We are a disaster-prone country, but when you watch the news you will always find people smiling and waving at the camera.

  Floods may destroy our lives and property, but they can never take away our smile. --- Ms Maricel Agonia


17. A balikbayan will experience these stages in a homecoming. First:  A welcomer will tell you "Parang kailan lang." (Translation: It's been so long but the wait is worth it now that you are here.)  Second: Hanggang kailan ka dito? (Translation: Please stay a bit longer). Third: Days before you leave, Kailan ka babalik ulit? (We will miss you dearly, but we will wait, just like we have done before.)

  Though your presents are nice, it is your presence that we love       the most.


18. In places where bread is not readily available, pan de sal, the local bun usually consumed in the morning, is literally delivered to the doorstep by bicycle-riding vendors.

  We have breakfast express delivery service.



19.  In the State University, young men run nude as a sign of protest of an issue or in support of a cause.

  We got balls.



Got something to add? Come on, let's make this list longer. Thanks -- the Curious Biker