Manila Cityscape (photo by ALEX ROBINSON)

Acclaimed media group British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World News once again shone a light on the country’s tourism with a 3-segment feature on its high-rating program entitled “Fast : Track."

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano acknowledged the program which enjoys worldwide viewership as a valuable impetus to the country’s thriving tourism.   Presented by renowned hosts Carmen Roberts and Rajan Datar, the show featured the local people, culture and various destinations.      

In the first segment, Datar discussed the “Filipino factor,” – what it is in the country that could lead to a more positive global image, and encourage more visitors to come.

The Tourism Chief, in an interview, shared that the industry’s principal strategy in enticing more in-bound travel is to “build credibility through consistent and continuing good performance.”      

Durano added, “As marketers of the country, we have to be realistic as well. At this point in time, it’s easier to sell our destinations than the country as a whole.  We are like a mother company that is more known for its products.”

The lengthy feature further raised the question about the Filipino’s distinction over other Asians.  Durano remarked that creativity, spontaneity, and being passionate make up the Filipino’s uniqueness.

Proof of the Filipino creativity was the recent international accolades received by local filmmakers.  Film director Remton Zuasola spoke briefly about this fresh wave of award-winning indie films.

“We commend these movies which also serve to promote the country’s unique culture which tourists look for in a destination,” shared Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr.        

Datar also introduced the international audience to a teacher who served as local guide.  Joel Sibayan shared his ‘Five free things to do in Manila,” which included visits to a century-old church and a forest park, mall-hopping, watching the sunset at Manila Bay and exploring the wet seafood market more popularly known as dampa.

Jarque said, “The Philippines, as a destination, is consistently expanding its international reach with feature opportunities like these. They complement our local initiatives to boost, as well as to sustain, travel growth in the country.”

Carmen Roberts, on the other hand, shared her island-hopping adventures across a few of the 7,107 islands of the country.

Among the Filipino pride she shared in the program were local transportations such as the jeepney and outrigger boats or bangka, and sites such as the El Nido resort in Palawan, and the natural wonders in Bohol.

In a span of one week, Roberts was able to finish 9 islands, which she noted was quite a feat.  Her brief visit to the country also got her wishing to come back and see the rest of the destinations.

Datar closed the show with a call to the Filipinos “to embrace, celebrate and promote its country’s diverse origins.”