Last night I was scrolling through some TikTok videos while waiting for “snooze clues” to come in, but something magical happened. I came through this campaign by the Philippine Tourism Board account, and it somehow hit me right in the feels.
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Turquoise waters, majestic landscapes, endemic faunas, and most importantly, the welcoming smiles of people flashed across my phone screen. It features foreign tourists—a family and a few solo travelers—indulging in the mouth-watering “budol-fight” recipes, dancing with locals, and enjoying some vibrant festivities. Not only were they embraced by the beauty of Mt. Mayon or the crystal-clear waters of Coron but also by the warmth and genuine hospitality of the Pinoys. Then, I felt my homesickness had been bottled up and unleashed all at once.
The caption of the post read: “Have you experienced a love story in the Philippines? Share your story and inspire others to discover their own.”
Suddenly, I felt that I wasn’t just watching a campaign. I was witnessing a collection of stories unfolding against the backdrop of my home country. This video made me realize that the Philippines isn’t just a destination but a catalyst for connection, adventure, and love. Then I thought, Why not take part in that narrative? Hence, this feature.
This blog started as a humble passion project. My goal was simply to create an online diary where I could share my love for the Philippines with the world. Then, I dreamt bigger—being recognized as one of the go-to personal travel sites, all things Pinoy. Unfortunately, there comes the hiatus.
While life has taken me to some incredible places around the globe, this dream has never faded. And this tourism campaign made me realize that even though I’m away, my heart belongs to the Philippines. Indeed, it reignited my burning desire to explore every corner of my beautiful country.
The pact I made with myself, a few years back is never forgotten. I am still optimistic that one day I’ll become that “Certified Pinoy Traveler,” visiting the green plateaus, blown by the Pacific winds, in Batanes down to the incredible floating stilts in Sulu. I’ve been into a few of them, but my goal is to conquer all the 82 provinces. I want to dive into the depths of Tubataha, feast on the authentic Bicol Express, and dance the night away at the vibrant festivals of every region. I’ve met with locals in some cities and provinces that I visited. I heard some of their stories, but I still long to experience more of the legendary Filipino hospitality that makes my country so unique.
It isn’t easy, of course. I started my blog over a decade ago, and I’m still halfway through fulfilling my pact. I’ve experienced delayed flights, long and tiring drives, and a few bouts of food poisoning while trekking up a mountain (it’s normal, no worries!). But I know the memories I made (and will make), those stories I told (and will soon be telling), and the sense of pride I’d feel are priceless.
Perhaps, along the way, I’ll even find my “love story in the Philippines.” It doesn’t need to be with just one special someone. It may be an encounter with a group of travel enthusiasts on the secluded beach in Camarines Norte, a shared laughter with locals over a plate of original Pampanga sisig, or a deep connection formed with the community while weaving a T’nalak in T’boli, South Cotabato.
So, to my fellow Pinoys, whether at home or abroad, I encourage you to celebrate our incredible country. We may have too many issues here and there, but our resilience and positivity should still be within us. If able and willing, let’s explore. And not to mention, let’s laugh, let’s eat, let’s love, and let’s show the world (the universe rather) what it means to be truly Pinoy.
Kudos to the marketing team in charge of the TikTok campaign and, of course, to the Philippine Tourism Board. I know you’ve also been through a lot of criticism before. But this time, I think you’ve got one more traveler ready to answer and back you up. I’m not just letting this video be scrolled past.
Because in the Philippines, whether it’s love for its landscapes, its people, or the unexpected connections we forge along the way, it will always be the love that welcomes everyone with open arms. Love, the Philippines.
