“It’s More Fun in the Philippines” Department of Tourism’s New Campaign and Bourne Legacy Movie in Manila

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Prudence

Today, the Department of Tourism launched its new logo and campaign to promote tourism in the country. “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” is the new slogan and the logo looks like Philippines set in a banig weave. The slogan is printed in different, vibrant colors. Overall, the theme takes on a hip, and refreshing look.

What I don’t like, though, is the length of the slogan itself. As for now, I still do remember “Wow Philippines” and I think it’s the best slogan so far. Unique and concise, these two words already brings a lot of beautiful thoughts that our country’s tourism can capitalize on.

Though the slogan has received a lot of positive reviews, there’s a shade of doubt being cast over the newly launched campaign (as evident on some of the more negative comments about the slogan). It has been pointed out that the slogan seems to have been copied from a 1951 ad of Swiss National Tourism Office. Well, see for yourself. I’m not even sure who first took note of this.

It does seem a bit shady that the slogan was also from a tourism office. I wouldn’t have taken notice if these were just lifted from some magazine. Makes one think, no? I don’t quite agree that one cannot “license” or “copyright” a phrase as common as “it’s more fun…”. The thing is, it’s too similar. Both slogans taken from tourism campaign.

I don’t think the negativity are directed hatred against the Department of Tourism. I think it’s more of concern as to how other countries might react if they also know about the old swiss ad. It’s good that someone gave heads up regarding it, so that further damage may be prevented.

So, the new slogan is quite controversial. But does it have to mar the campaign too? I don’t think so. I just hope Department of Tourism has a fantastic campaign lined up so that people may just forget this little controversy. After all, the whole thing looks nice, no?

Let’s just support this new campaign and see where it can take us.

On the side:

And what more fun way to advertise our country than seeing it in an international movie? Some scenes of The Bourne Legacy Movie are set to be filmed in Manila, Makati, Navotas, Marikina and in beautiful Palawan.

For those quite ecstatic about this happening, take note of the following dates and places:

San Andres Street from January 11 to 15;
J. Bocobo Street corner Remedios Circle from January 18 to 19;
Leveriza Street (from Balingkit to San Andres) on January 15;
San Andres Street corner Quirino and Taft Avenues on January 14;
Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia Streets in Intramuros on January 25, and February 17 and 18;
Jones Bridge on February 5;
R. Magsaysay Boulevard from February 8 to 15.
Remedios Circle in Malate from January 18 to 19

Though I’m sure movie makers will not tolerate usiseros on the set, a chance to get a glimpse of their favorite movie stars, Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz (she’s rumored to be riding a jeep in one of the scenes), and Ed Norton is something that’s hard to pass.

Maybe Manila should start cleaning up the city right now. Unfortunate that it has to take a movie filming before people do their work. But, we just wouldn’t want a dirty Manila on film, right?

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Subscription Addiction

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Prudence

For my friends who are in the U.S. and are interested in subscribing to magazines (nothing beats printed matter) for cheaper rates, you may want to check out subscriptionaddiction.com. Those who are in the nursing field and want to keep up with the updates, you may want to check out nursing 2012 magazine. Keeping ahead is important in being true and professional in your chosen career. And in the digital age, where multitude of books can be compressed into a 10″ tablet, still being able to touch and turn paper pages can give some measure of satisfaction.

Subscription may arrive 4-12 weeks after payment. That certainly is a bit of a long while but, I guess, it’s just a little downside to paying slightly lower than the usual prices of these magazines. Also, another downside is that they just ship to U.S. addresses. Refund payments will also be only available within 48 hours of the order being submitted. But little perks are that you can send these magazines to different addresses of your choosing and you can send them as gifts too. Just indicate all those details when you order. No additional fees for shipment. But these magazines are only shipped through U.S. Postal order. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Paypal Payments are accepted.

So, overall, this website is an interesting find. How I wish there’s also something like that here in my country.

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A burden and a hope

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Prudence

I took the time to visit its grave again. Anyway, it’s New Year’s eve. The leaves of grass were moist and they’ve grown a lot around it, kissing the edges. But the grave itself, even with its marker destroyed, is still defined and gloomy , much in contrast to the green, happy color of the grassy field. And, of course, a lone tree with its branches hovering above, casting shadows. There will always be a lone tree. But no flowers. That little plastic flower I have left on its grave will still be there, though, even if the promise that came with it has already disintegrated into nothing but a lingering memory that maybe only I can remember.

As you have said, I should move on. And I did. I took unsure steps and perhaps, I felt a little envious that everyone seemed to know for sure how tomorrow will be for them. And maybe there will be a bright future for them and they feel it. But I don’t. Maybe it’s better that I should just resign myself to thinking that, just trying living everyday with no expectations. Pain, after all, is easier forgotten by those who have inflicted it. Those who have been inflicted with it…they’ll have to bear the burden of suffering but, at the same time, forgetting.

But I did bear this burden. Because nobody can do that for me.

Little grave, you’ll be there as long as I can remember. Perhaps, someday, the burden won’t be too heavy anymore I might think of it as just a figment of my imagination.

But forget? I doubt. Unless I develop some neurodegenerative disease. I choose not to forget because that’s how I’ll learn. And with what I have learned, maybe the creation of little graves in the future will be fully prevented. I’m not so sure, in your case, though. Seems to you that the loss of memory is better than to remember and learn. Ignorance is bliss?

I’m very much stubborn. And gullible. And trusting. But my hope is that events of the future will prove that it’s worth it. For now, loyalty and love unconditional, even from a small, living creature who treats me as his mom, shall help me heal.

And so I welcome this coming new year…with a burden and a hope.

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