MANILA, Philippines ( The Adobo Chronicles) – ‘Give Peace A Chance.’ That’s the theme of the newest campaign by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote tourism to this peace-loving nation of 100 Million people.

The campaign will be officially launched on July 4 this year with a grand ‘reunion’ among former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos and the surviving Beatles Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney.  The launch date happens to mark the 49th anniversary of the Beatles’ first and only visit to the Philippines.

Forty-nine years ago, the Beatles arrived in Manila for two sold-our concerts, considered the Liverpool band’s most attended live performance ever.

But the euphoria that met Paul, John, George and Ringo immediately turned sour when the quartet failed to show up at a reception arranged by Marcos at Malacañang, the presidential palace. Marcos complained that she was stood up, but the Beatles have always maintained that no one ever told them about the scheduled visit. The media and the Filipinos rallied behind Marcos, resulting in an ugly send-off for the Beatles who vowed never to return to the country.

The DOT campaign hopes to inspire people around the world to visit the Philippines this year as the Aquino government continues to negotiate with Muslim separatists  for peace and unity.

The historic July 4th meeting between Imelda and the surviving Beatles will be held during a musical concert at the Philippine Arena, considered to be the world’s largest indoor arena. It is owned by Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ), the second largest religious denomination in the Philippines, next to the Catholic Church.

‘Give Peace A Chance’ happens to be a song composed by another Beatle, John Lennon. It has been, and continues to be, a favorite theme song for peace movements all over the world.