I knew this since young. Having been part of a generation whose passion for learning via the long method cognizant of time constraints, enabled such generation to discover more in-depth treasure of knowledge in between those long routes.
In rare chances, the Philippines was hailed as Asia Pacific’s 2014 “Destination of the Year” at the 25 Annual Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Travel Awards held in Bangkok earlier this month (Thailand was 2013’s Destination of the Year). Consequently, our Province of Palawan was named as the World’s Top Island destination whilst Boracay positioned at No. 12 based on Conde Nast Traveler’s Poll also this month.
And after being voted as one of the Finalist earlier this month, our Province of Vigan is now gaining momentum for a spot to the World’s Top City as the voting results will come out this December (crossing my fingers with high hopes and prayers).
Citations for my country like these make me personally proud to be a true Filipino among many other notable reasons including wider doors for better and decent job opportunities for my countrymen who need it most.
Despite these recognitions, both foreign and local tourists still connote negative perceptions about the Philippines with typical global issues such as poor airport maintenance, corruption, crime, transportation inefficiencies and unpredictable natural calamities. One more obvious hindrance is the lack of direct flights between the European countries and the Philippines. I certainly cannot disagree on these aspects but it’s never a reason for me not to do my part in defending the land of my birth.
No country is perfect and not one will ever be. Just like an individual, each country has both deficiencies and adequacies given that life is a cycle and mystery. There are just so-called ‘more’ and ‘lesser’ privileged countries in terms of development, geography and size.
Time flies and I suddenly remembered that it’s almost a year now since the most devastating Typhoon Yolanda struck the City of Tacloban in November 2013. Assistance received from countries across the globe are so moving.
Being innately grateful, the typhoon victims and the entire Philippines will never forget the many heroic deeds extended by various foreign assistance and are at the same time sincerely apologetic on the occurrence of a mismanaged foreign-aided funds – an incident that is beyond explanation by ordinary citizens including the victims.
Some say, the Philippines is always at the mercy of great nations’ support during calamities like these. Perhaps it is because good hearts reign over selfishness on earth. And life has to keep on going.
Still, we are so humbled to the extent of acknowledging that it is tough to recover without the most valuable foreign assistance. And I do not need to elaborate because the world knows.
In spite of numerous misfortunes, it is poignant how many nations still continue to assist, believe and visit the Philippines. In particular, the Provinces of Leyte and Bohol welcomed not only the various assistance (financial and in kind) but also foreign tourists immediately at the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda ensuring not only the welfare of victims but also offering tourism advancement in these areas.
The first 8 months of 2014 achieved a total of 3,267,542 visitor arrivals based on the Tourism Industry Report of the Philippine’s Department of Tourism dated 16 October 2014. This figure poised a 2.72% increase from 2013 of the same review period. The Korean market consistently provides the biggest pie share. For the detailed report, I invite you to visit Philippine Tourism Industry Performance.
This tourism boost is a result of the continuing tourism infrastructure development. We are particularly delighted with the increasing foreign investors, a number of which have been present in the Philippine market for many decades now. They never stop believing in the immense potentials the Philippines have at stake. And with their continued support, it is never impossible to achieve economic stability at the least even if we cannot be at par with the tiger economies just so yet.
In recent and succeeding years to the present time, international events such as Pyro Olympics, Travel Expo, Business Conferences and on Fashion, Furniture, Motoring & Food were held in the Philippines with particular venue highlights in Clark, Cebu, Manila and the Bicol region.
In fact, the upcoming ‘Business Delegation to Manila’ on 17-20 November 2014 organized by the Philippine British Business Council is another strong indication of faith and hope to an emerging economy such as the Philippines. Details of this event are found HERE.
The Papal visit by His Eminence Pope Francis which is slated on January 2015 is another clear manifestation of a promising tourism in the country. We do not get this benefit every now and then since the last Papal visit was during the time of the great John Paul II (now Saint John Paul II) in 1995. That’s why it’s more than words can say when blessings like this pour about. You may refer to www.papalvisit.ph for more about Pope Francis’ approaching visit to the Philippines.
We have 7,107 prestigious islands in the Philippines. A dominant testimony why the Philippine Tourism continues to gain international recognition is so plain and simple. Since the ancient times, our local rural folks never stopped preserving and defending our history, traditions and massive abundant natural resources spread island-wide which are impressively unique.
Along with our instinctive features of hospitality, simplicity, low profile, endurance, diligence, multiple talents and adaptability which are proven and tested since our forefathers, it was easier for expats and tourists to navigate the Philippines. A number of them decided to get converted into Philippine citizenship and it’s impressive how most of them can speak the native language more fluently than the locals do.
This is why I encouraged tourists to take a detour in the Philippines in case you are planning and have planned to exclude my country when you visit the Asian region. It may seem a long and winding route with many skepticisms in between. But there’s no doubt it is in these tedious routes that we are able to explore a deeper knowledge of authentic beauty and gem which will be sealed in our lifetime more than learning and traversing via the instant path - a memory which can quickly fade.
The ample of favorable facts and outpouring of beneficial activities in the Philippines are persistently evident. By making my sentiments known to the public also displays my best effort in appealing to many great nations not to hesitate in sharing its best practices with the Philippines concerning the realization of a sturdy tourism market.
Every country needs to cater to the needs of each other according to its unique capabilities. We want to see the future succeed with all nations united as ONE knowing that divisions will all make us fall. Just by seeing the ordinary citizens and our rural folks, you will understand why the Philippines is truly a welcoming spot always ready to learn and to serve towards attaining a progressive economic stability.
Our popular tourism slogan is always loud and clear: “It’s more fun in the Philippines”. And I further quote, “There is more than 7,100 Fun to discover in the Philippines”.
My travel business https://www.facebook.com/Jitrrie-Travel-Tours is an expression of this strong passion.