Tourism

Pilipinas Tara Na! Logo

The Department of Tourism just launched the updated, expanded and probably more polished version of the 2004's tourism campaign, Biyahe Tayo (Let's Travel). Recorded by 57 of the country’s leading musical artists and entertainment personalities, the music video is just the first of three installments of songs and videos under this current campaign. While the video was mostly welcomed by most netizens, I know find myself (again) in an odd position. I expected more than a remake or a polish of an old campaign. After all the brouhaha of Pilipinas Kay Ganda and the hooplah of the current logo which looked like Batibot, I was still hoping they could somehow pulled it off. Something creative, new and innovative.

Don't Get Me Wrong

Before you stone me with Pan de Sal, I just want to make it clear that the video was good. Really! If you try to separate the video and the song from the campaign and it's horrible Batibot logo, it would really stand out. 57 music artists, that's a lot of talent there. I would probably give the video a 5-star rating if I own 5 stars.

Been There, Done That

So why all the negative comments? Ya heard of the line - polish a turd it's still a turd? Basically it means it's still the same. It's like the same old product with a new package. It's the same old idea with more stars. I don't know but I haven't read any blog posts about comparing the current music video to the last one. So far I've read this one guy's Facebook status that he prefers the original version the newer one. You know most part 2's don't do so well. The original version received such praise because it was the first time something like that was organized and recorded for a tourism campaign. Instead of focusing on how to get the attention of both local and foreign travelers to visit the Philippines you now have another problem which is trying to outpace the former with the later.



Creativity and Innovation

As I've said earlier I was expecting some kind of creativity and innovation. I believe DOT's got creative guys and gals within their fort but it seems they also too succumbed to the country's trend on advertising - entertainment. Instead of instilling people with an idea they go on to entertain, well with entertainers. Again, don't get me wrong most of these music artists are really good with their craft. It's just that it's now the trend these days. Why not create a video that both educates and inspire people to travel and at the same time maintain simplicity and elegance.



Let's Go

Anyway, if you like the video, well and good.  If you don't like the video, well deal with it.  If you're somewhere in between like me let's just enjoy the part where we like most.  Here's the latest video of the campaign Pilipinas Tara Na!  Enjoy.  You can hit the comments to have your say.