MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – After receiving a lot of flak for its re-branded tourism slogan (‘Love the Philippines’) , the Department of Tourism withdrew the new design and replaced it with a more appropriate messaging.

The re-issued slogan takes its cue from the popular noon-time TV show, ‘EAT BULAGA,’ and highlights both the country’s exquisite cuisine and the amazing beauty of its natural sites and resources.

Be fed! Be surprised! EAT BULAGA!

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – From “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” to “Love the Philippines.” The new tourism branding was recently unveiled aimed at luring foreigners to visit the country.

But the new slogan tries to hit two birds with one stone, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

“It’s a message to foreigners as it is to Pinoys who spew hate for the country, its government and people,” Garcia-Frasco said.

The Tourism Secretary pointed out that Pinoys — especially government critics and naysayers — often say that it’s so hard to love the Philippines, a message repeated over and over by the likes of Leni Robredo and Maria Ressa.

DOT hopes that the new slogan will inspire them to love their own country, regardless of which side of the political spectrum they identify under.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Baguio City Bureau) – American architect Daniel Burnham designed the City of Baguio as an R&R for U.S. military personnel stationed in the country. As such, the blueprint was for a maximum of 30,000 people.

Today, Baguio City’s population has ballooned to almost 400,000, not including the hundreds of thousands of tourists that flock to the city during festivals and the Christmas and Summer seasons.

Of course, as a result, the traffic situation has become a nightmare.

Well, if Metro Manila can ban provincial buses from plying the EDSA route, why can’t Baguio ban tourists from bringing their private vehicles when vacation in the city?

That’s exactly what Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong did through an Executive Order.

Effective June 1, 2023, tourists visiting Baguio will be prohibited from driving their private cars. They have to take public buses.

“This will significantly ease the traffic situation all year round,” Magalong told The Adobo Chronicles.

The mayor said that with the number of taxi cabs and the new modern jeepneys plying routes in the city, it will be easy for tourists to navigate the tourist spots in Baguio. He added that Baguio is a “walking city” so it’s not necessary for tourists to bring their cars just to congest traffic.

So welcome to all tourists. Come to Baguio… as a friend!