JourneyingJames Has Moved to

July 30, 2010

#helpDOT: HELP Department of Tourism

#helpDOT
If you're on Twitter, you would recognize this hashtag. This is the Filipinos way of helping the Department of Tourism. By spreading the beauty of the Philippines through Twitter. This blog is also inspired by Carlos Celdran's post.

This is a blog post is done out of impulse. A week ago I was comparing Malaysia's Tourism Website with the Philippines' and the hard fact is that ours is behind 20years. Yes, you can check it out yourself. I watch National Geographic daily and it always amazes me to see tourism adds by Malaysia (Truly Asia), Incredible India and Thailand. I haven't been to India or Thailand (well, almost) but I've been to Malaysia for a week and I can tell that Philippines is way better than the country called "Truly Asia." 

Philippines is just underrated. Its a destination at par with others in Asia. I repeat, "Philippines is a destination at par with others"
BUT, you cannot agree to this if you haven't been to scenic places in your own country or have traveled outside the Philippines. So goes the drive and encouragement for you to explore your country. If you are doing that good. If not, its never too late.
For starters, begin on your own place. You can always go to the Tourism Office and you will be surprised on what your city/town offers.

Just this past week, I found myself (again out of impulse) walking on
Intramuros by TeamManila 

just observing people. Taking some photos and enjoying part of the Old Manila. Intramuros has always been our doorstep but we just choose to forget it. I bet more people wants to go to Mall of Asia or TriNoMa than in Intramuros. Dude, I encourage you to have your own walking tour. It's free and educational too!

Then I tried it here in my home town Los Banos. I realize that I wasn't able to blog something about Los Banos so I need to make up for this. 
For the love of caffeine, I visited every coffee shop near UPLB. I learned a lot- like where their coffee beans come from, their best sellers, prices and some stuff. I will blog about this soon.

My point? SIMPLE. Let's help our country- the Philippines. Let's be positive on this and spread the good vibes. 
1. If you're on Twitter you can start by sharing your favorite travel destination and adding #helpDOT. Twit now!
2. I know you have a Facebook and you can use it too by putting something like "I heart the Philippines" or "____________(favorite place in the Philippine) rocks!" on your status. As simple as that. Let's get our message across. 
3. Start with your own city/town. Pay a visit to your city's tourism office and be amazed on what they've got. C'mon don't assume you knew it all. After all, we pay taxes for them to get their job done.

Oh, one thing more, when you see tourists/backpackers around, why not give them a smile or say 'hi' 'good morning' 'how may i help you?'

Look at how @TeamManila volunteered to #helpDOT

I've been here:

and here:

and here:

not yet here:

saw this one already but I want to return

Thanks @TeamManila and @carlosceldran for the efforts! Let's continue to spread the word.

So you're not yet inspired??! This is my last try:
Drop Dead Gorgeous Philippines!

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