Honestly, I am not at all sure how to react. I don’t know if I’m gonna feel amused or pissed off with all the 
“It’s More Fun in the Philippines” brouhaha after it was launched by the Department of Tourism. True, it went viral all over. In fact, it’s now an internet meme and everyone is free to join. It’s now a craze at Facebook and everyone wants to show off their creativity and ingenuity.
So would it mean less budget spending by the government for sloganeering as it has now gone widespread? 
I find it rather strange that instead of joining the bandwagon to help the country in promoting this new thrust by the government across the world, some crabs simply love to poke fun and in turn, kills the thrill on the tourism campaign.
Let me show you some proofs:
Photo Crab #1
Photo Crab #2
Photo Crab #3
~Photos NOT Mine
Well, it might be that the owner of these photos have other description of fun. But to give him the benefit of the doubt, it does speak volumes with regards to the ailing living conditions of most Filipinos. The truth will always hurt. So what’s the government gonna do with these truths staring them in the face?
We all know that these photos won’t help at all in boosting further the government’s campaign. I say, if you can’t help, better not be a burden.
I’ve heard all the negatives. In fact, hearing it from a non- Filipino like Windy, I feel more challenged to help promote DOT’s thrust.
Here’s what Windy has got to say:
Lainy,
Question: The “its more fun in the Philippines” presupposes that fun is the common value sought by the majority of tourists. Is that really what tourists seek?
My Answer: Definitely NO.
Why NO? : It casts childishness about the purpose of tourist in general.
Tourists set on their destinations for reasons of rest and relaxation and the pursuit of new experiences or to rekindle fond old memories of a past visit.
Question: Does fun truly exists in the Philippines?
Answer: In a decadent sense, it does with the flesh trade in the Philippines. In a more legitimate sense, it is hidden from most of the tourists as they get to see the glamor and glitter but hardly get to know the inherent beauty of the Philippine culture in their homesteads and villages.
Crucial Question: Is there more fun in the Philippines?
Answer: NO. It does not it, in the first instance, show on the faces of the majority of the populace and in their daily lives?
Conclusion: An idiot made that slogan for the Tourism Industry in your country.
Honestly, I have my own initial misgivings on this. But I figured the solution deserves an opportunity to prove itself. I won’t even try to argue with what has been said and done. In fact, Windy had it spot on! But to be perfectly fair, even if things doesn’t look nice as they are now in my country, I have to say that this slogan deserves a chance to get to work, regardless if it’s a copy cat from another country.
As we all can see, we have found a brilliant ad campaign in “It’s More Fun”. Everyone is now taking part. Its success lies not only in the hands of the government but to each and every Filipino as well. Let us not try to always nitpick. Let us NOT allow the notorious crabs to ruin its beauty.
W I N D Y
First commenter for this post…
My Share For:
Blog Photo Challenge
General Santos Time
Lainy,
You said, “But I figured the solution deserves an opportunity to prove itself. ”
I say: What are we discussing here. Rather what is the Department of Tourism saying to their own nationals and to the World at large?
What solution may I add to my query?
Let me be blunt.
Even the streets in Manila isn’t safe for tourists. A tourist has to constantly keep looking over his shoulder, left and right and across the street if he is in the path of being accosted soon.
Even the Filipinos themselves are wary about the honesty and safety in reaching their intended destination when hiring a taxi.
Even when riding inside a taxi, the Filipino passenger has to shut the window and lock the door for fear of street boys making a daring theft at traffic light junctions.
So what kind of belief can a Tourist have in the genuinity of that misplaced and idiotic slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines”?
The slogan is not the solution. The solutions have not been applied BEFORE the arrival of tourists.
Those are just a few examples that I offer. I have more but heck! I don’t wish to waste time and space here.
You cannot give this idiotic slogan a chance to prove itself good when the basic rules and guardianship is absent in the Philippines.
Even where you live, foreigners have been kidnapped and still being kidnapped. That indeed must allude to the MORE FUN in the Philippines I presume because even the Police get a slice of the booty.
Windy´s last [type] ..Rise If Possible
[Reply]
Lainybelle Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@Windy,
Geez! You sound too serious. I say you better be the President of the Republic of the Philippines. These DOT peepz can’t go scathe-free, LOL!
You actually can go on and on but every country has its dark sides. Who doesn’t have? You’ve been here in the 1970′s but too many things have changed since then. Try to revisit the country and I’ll show you that it’s indeed more fun in the Philippines despite all the negatives you hear and see in the news.
[Reply]
Windy Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@Lainybelle,
Hardly anything has changed much for the better in the Philippines since I was last there in 1980.
Fact is, those who are empowered to “rule” the masses have found MORE FUN in the Philippines filling up their Bank Accounts, acquiring more possessions and scratching each other’s back for self preservation.
Those who are not empowered have empowered themselves with guns.
Even the Catholic Nuns who take the Vows of Poverty, Obedience and Chastity are seen having MORE FUN at expensive Malls in Manila City.
And the Bishops and prelates have become jaded in their ministry but find it MORE FUN in the Philippines by getting themselves into any political, social and condom issue.
I am talking about the MORE FUN in the Philippines TODAY and I am not talking of three plus decades ago,.
Windy´s last [type] ..Rise If Possible
[Reply]
Lainybelle Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@Windy,
I just know that you will never stop till you have me cornered, hahahahaha!
I have to admit that everything has gotten worse since you’ve left the country.
But please don’t dwell on the negatives, Ok? If there are a lot more negative stuff about the Philippines, the positive side are twice as much. You will know once you’ve set foot in my beloved country again:D
[Reply]
Windy Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@Lainybelle,
You said: “If there are a lot more negative stuff about the Philippines, the positive side are twice as much.”
I say: You’re a poor mathematician.
Firstly, you do not discourse with facts and figures. It is sweet nothings like when humans make love and say things impossible to each other.
Secondly, two wrongs don’t make a right so how is it possible that with so many negatives the positives can be twice as much?
Please go back to school and when you think you are ready to discourse, buzz me.
Windy´s last [type] ..Rise If Possible
[Reply]
Lainybelle Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
@Windy,
Like you said: “There’s no freaking way you will win this one”
. Hahahaha!
Windy, Windy, Windy. It’s an open book that I hate numbers so you can never expect me to be good at it.
Try to see the other side of the coin. If we have a good government system, everything will be beautiful. My country is blessed with everything except for the crooks that ran the country and the notorious crabs who would always want to pull each Filipino down.
I won’t be going back to school because I’ve had enough of it. But if you’re the teacher, I might give it a second thought
[Reply]
Windy Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
@Lainybelle,
You said: “If we have a good government system, everything will be beautiful.”
I say: Please UNDERSCORE IN BOLD FONTS for IF.
Because IF is achievable and succeeds, I would applaud your hare-brained hope.
Good governance and transparency is obliterated in your country which perpetuates corruption, cronyism and convicts who even have the gall for re-election to govern at high levels.
BUT proverbially or is it paradoxically in this matter that every cloud has a silver lining…
The only positive thing that I can see in the abyss of woe in the Philippines is that the Philippines has one BEAUTIFUL, UNADULTERATED, VIRGIN who goes by the pen name of LAINYBELLE.
Windy´s last [type] ..Rise If Possible
[Reply]
Lainybelle Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
@Windy,
I said IF because even if I say for the umpteen times that I have lost hope for my country, the other side of me, the “beautiful, unadulterated, virgin” Lainybelle still believes that everything will work once we get to unite and aim for the betterment of my country.
Huh! And you think I’ll surrender? Bwahahahaha!
[Reply]
Windy Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@Lainybelle,
You said: “Huh! And you think I’ll surrender?”
I say: I am being diplomatic since you can’t answer or dispute all the examples I have given.
For sure, Filipinos and Filipinas will unite when there is Balut, Beer and Food.
Some find even that is not good enough to unite them so they become another digit in the population of the diaspora because life if better on the other side of the land. And the Filipino Filipina diaspora runs in the millions of them.
The brain drain is so huge that one can imagine the quality that is left behind in the motherland.
Not even the remittance of billions of dollars to their motherland can turn the tide because those left behind unite again for Balut, Beer and Food.
And tomorrow is none the better than yesterday.
Windy´s last [type] ..Rise If Possible
[Reply]
Lainybelle Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
@Windy,
I thought you hailed me as the Queen of Diplomacy? I didn’t know that I’ve lost the crown to you, hahahahaha!
Honestly, I am keeping my composure and is trying to be optimistic despite all the sickening truths about my country. Have I not mentioned in the post that I won’t dare dispute coz what you have laid down were the hurting truths, thus adding more truths coming from me would add more insult to injury.
GOSH! You just had me laughing with your balut, beer and food description. You still haven’t gotten over with that stinking balut? LOL!
Please visit my country and I’ll serve balut for yah and you’ll discover how fun it is to eat balut in the Philippines.
Hahahaha! 
[Reply]
Windy Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
@Lainybelle,
You admit: “Honestly, I am keeping my composure and is trying to be optimistic despite all the sickening truths about my country.”
I add: That is what is causing you recurrent attacks of hypertension!
You should not suppress your hatred for what is not right in your Country. It is not doing any good for your health and least of all, it is not doing any correction to those whose conscience have become immune to the damage done to others.
Dreams do not turn into reality for those who are duped into wishful thinking.
In every Filipino/na there is a Jose Rizal. Unfortunately, the Jose Rizals have been beaten into submission or worse still, they have accepted that if I can’t beat them, join them.
The truth hurts cowards. For the brave and the bold, it elicits ACTION and not merely words or printed euphemistic words hoping that it will get others united.
Two thirds of the Philippine population are worrying about whether there will be food on the table. They do not have time to get united for a stupid thing like TOURISM in the country.
Not even the EDSA movement has changed the quality of leadership in the country. Not even that people power union had a positive impact.
The people do not want MORE FUN in the Philippines. They want MORE JUSTICE, MORE JOBS, MORE INCOME so that they can have MORE BALUT, MORE BEER and MORE FOOD. That is all that they really care about.
Windy´s last [type] ..Rise If Possible
Lainybelle Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 11:46 am
@Windy,
My hypertension is not caused by that, duh! I don’t bear hatred for anyone.
But I agree with the 5th to 9th paragraphs of your comment.
I hate to say it but yeah, you’re right. I hope you get elected to be President of the Republic of the Philippines.
[Reply]
Hi Lainz! Oh well….everything was already clearly explained in this post! Windy has a good point, too. To support or not to support, that decision lies on every Filipino. Hmmm…if I would be the one to make the slogan, perhaps…I would prefer putting, “The beautiful side of the Philippines”. At least, it’s safe coz with that, I do not discredit the fact that Philippines has a dark side, too. Well any country has it’s “ugly” side. To say that one is perfect will make my brows go up!
Have a nice day! Hugz…
KRIZZA´s last [type] ..Ambyanz Salon And Spa
[Reply]
Lainybelle Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@KRIZZA,
Hello Krizz.
Every Filipino must make a stand. In many developed countries, you can never hear their people getting too skeptical about the government’s thrusts. They willingly support. Only in da Pilipins lang na lahat ng tao puede maging Presidente, LOL!
“The beautiful side of the Philippines..” Nice. Too many to mention.
Thanks for adding your substantial input on this post.
Hope you had a great day!
Cyberhugs!
[Reply]
Hay naku! I saw a lot of these bubble bursting More Fun in the Philippines photos, and I honestly can’t help but mainis. I mean, ya, the reality is there that Philippines is a third world country, but why ruin the main objective of the campaign, which is to promote tourism, di ba? I’m sure may ibang government agencies na appropriate for those photo crabs and huwag na lang sana sirain yung DOT campaign – kasi if there’s anything in the Philippines we can showcase to the world, eh yun yung destination spots.
When we went to Jamaica, ang unang sabi ni Vince sa’kin, mas maganda pa din ang Boracay. I couldn’t believe kasi Caribbean na yun, hello naman di ba? Pero when we went to Boracay, grabe, walang walang panama ang Jamaica sa white sand natin. Ako na most of my life eh nasa Manila lang dati, hindi makapaniwalang may mga ganung lugar pala sa’tin sa Pinas. Kelangan mo lang palang libutin ang Pinas para ma-appreciate ang beauty ng bansa.
I just wish people would see this campaign more in a positive way. Here’s DOT trying to use the country’s best features to its advantage kaso naman marami pa ding nega-stars.
KM´s last [type] ..CARAMOAN ISLANDS. IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES.
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There is no place like home especially the Philippines. I can say my life here in America is great with everything, thanks GOD but yet going home is what I want to achieve this year. I just hope and pray that GOD will grant my request. Visiting from #10 of BPC, hope that you can return the visit too.
Jessica Cassidy´s last [type] ..Thank you Ms. D for this white pearl necklace
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I always love our country even it is like that hehehhe its more in the Philippines hehhehe. Mine is up too.
Momgen´s last [type] ..Pink Blueberry Flowers – #10 366 BPC
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great post Lainy! the truth hurts dyud.
emzkie´s last [type] ..Our New Year’s Banner
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Those photos should not be exposed. They’re not something to be proud of- it is a big turn off for all the people who wants to visit Philippines!
Visiting for #10 BPC!
Here’s my share- hope you can stop by:)
http://www.loveablecassandra.com/2012/01/10-366-blog-photo-challenge-the-pucci-pups.html
[Reply]
they’re just defeating their purpose… what a waste of time… maski asa ta, naa jud distractors… ONLI IN THE PHILIPPINES. hehehe. was here from BPC #10
Pinx´s last [type] ..11/366 Blog Photo Challenge – Dusk
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yaks.. ang walay mahimo nag pasaway..
Late Visit from BPC # 10 Lonely Bench and Fresh From Bed.
January´s last [type] ..Poor Little Thumb
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i hate those kind of people trying to put Philippines down, well in fact themselves and the place they are probably living has lots of nega compared to Philippines. grrrr!
Mel Cole´s last [type] ..Comment on A whooping $50 bucks and Pinay Mommy Online by JennyGreyson
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Yes Sis, destination-wise, it is definitely more fun in Philippines. But those photos are definitely NO fun!
Visiting for BPC #10, my name is my entry!
Rcel´s last [type] ..After Holiday Shopping
[Reply]
Hi Sis… How are you?
Sorry medyo dali lang akong paghapit diri ha kay medyo hinay pa connection namo karon…
I hope you are doing well….
God bless you. Hugs!
Rovie´s last [type] ..CDO Vacation: Lunch With My Bestfriends
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thats the problem with filipinos, instead of supporting and show to the tourist te good things they can enjoy in the country, sila sila ra sd magdaut, i guess part ni sa ilang advertising campaign waaaa LOL. good luck nalng im sure in two years time or so they will probably make up a new name slogan
Shydub´s last [type] ..Making Your Own Money
[Reply]
Hello,
I have learned that I am one of the winners in Nita’s giveaway.
http://www.nitasrandomthoughts.info/2012/01/9th-wedding-anniversary-blog-contest.html
Your blog is one of the sponsors for the 8th winner. I wish to coordinate with you, kindly email me at talesofablogger(at)gmail(dot)com.
Thank you so much!
Divine´s last [type] ..Earn dollars with your emails and get a chance to win Pre-paid load and Ipod touch!
[Reply]
How are you sis? I hope everything is fine with you especially your health…
Praying for you always…
Rovie´s last [type] ..A Treasured Friendship
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Kakainis talaga ang mga yan! Instead na bumangon ang Pilipinas dahil tourism, sinsira pa ng mga `to!
Lahat ng sinabi Windy halos tama lahat.. Sana nga eh siya nalang naging President!
Natuwa naman din ako sa comment ni Ate KM!
Haven’t been in Boracay pero alam ko, mas maganda talaga dun ! <3
MC´s last [type] ..What Am I Really Thinking When I Started Blogging
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Kumusta ka na sis? I miss you.
I hope everything is okay with you.Take care always…
Hugz!
Rovie´s last [type] ..A Treasured Friendship
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oh, i hate to say, but, i think i’m more on windy here
i guess, in provinces, where life is simpler, then “it is” really more fun in the Phils.
maybe, what windy’s trying to emphasize is, let the system heal its social affliction. kelan kaya?
pero sige na, bigyan ng pagkakataon ang sistema…
imriz2´s last [type] ..a card and a perfume from down under
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Yeah, the internet seems to love taking things and turning them into memes. Some hilarious, some in bad taste. But at least it’s getting the name of the Philippines into peoples’ heads and thus their thoughts?
Maybe?
I guess?
I hope, anyways.
[Reply]