I just learned that the Sec. Ace Durano of Department of Tourism (DOT) has tapped HappySlip (or search “HappySlip” in youtube), a.k.a. Christine Gambito, as ambassadress for the North American market. The decision to use blogs and the internet could be attributed to the fact that Sec. Durano is relatively younger and, therefore, is presumably more updated to the potentials of the internet than the older bureaucrats. Whatever the reason is, I believe that tapping bloggers, and the internet in general, to promote the Philippines is a wise move for the DOT. It is, after all, much cheaper than other forms of promotions.
I also believe that every Filipino blogger, and all Filipinos for that matter, should make an effort to promote the Philippines because, whatever our differences are, we are all Filipinos. Maybe I’m entitled to say that because I have done my share. Visit Philippines, from a mere category in this blog and at Pinoy Entrepreneurs, has grown into a separate blog – Visit Pinas. It’s more convenient to just keep everything here, but it’s better, from the reader’s perspective, to place all travel matters in a single blog. Just a thousand pesos for the entire year to maintain the blog. That’s not expensive, and it doesn’t cost anything if you use free blogging platforms.
You could watch the presentation of Sec. Durano. Here’s the interview of HappySlip by Inquirer.net:
Related Posts:
- The Philippine blogging scene: iBlog3 and 2007 Blog Awards
- Visit Pinas
- Blogging Students of Law
- An invitation to write at the Philippine e-Legal Forum
Tinkering with internet tools comes with the bonus of better understanding how existing laws apply to the third wave - that of technology, particularly the internet. This is also a great medium to disseminate and discuss ideas across borders, time, color or creed. 
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You could definitely see your expertise in the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
The Filipinos can really show their support and even become ambassadors by encouraging more tourists to visit the country. The launch of “Its more fun in the Phillipines” by the DOT became a hit in the social media. Every blogger, facebook user or twitter user can help promote the different tourists spots in the Philippines.