From “Wow Philippines,” to “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” and now, “Bisita Be My Guest.”
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is drawing criticism online for trying too hard to use President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initials for tourism promotion.
At the DOT’s budget briefing before the House appropriations committee Wednesday (August 31), Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared that the department will soon launch the “Bisita Be My (BBM) Guest” program. BBM also happens to stand for Bongbong Marcos, the President’s nickname.
Under the program, Filipinos overseas will have a chance to win prizes and enjoy perks by inviting other people to visit the Philippines.
“Through the BBM guest program, we will be offering raffle prizes to those that bring guests into the Philippines. We will be providing them with a travel passport they can use across destinations, get stubs and claim a prize at the airport. This will also give them a privilege card that would provide them with discounts in accredited establishments across the country,” Frasco explained.
Netizens cringe at the DOT’s lack of creativity and the perceived ploy to score brownie points with the President.
“THERE’S A CLEAR demarcation line between licking ass and “seriously” serving the interest of the country. If you decide to do both, please don’t do them simultaneously. You look so…cheap and undeserving,” Twitter user @ruminarist said.
Marketing-wise, this is one of the saddest application names I’ve ever seen. 😃 Singapore has their Singapore Travel Guide app and Korea has the Visit Korea app. This is a good initiative but fix the name. Bati sya. https://t.co/phGleVF7tg
— trina c. (@onetwotrinaa) August 31, 2022
Bisita na, guest pa. Fire your copy writer. pic.twitter.com/rbj3neF16G
— Knights of the Pink Table (@TommyHarderPLS) August 31, 2022
If this is the first step to their rebranding wala na turista pupunta sa Pinas. https://t.co/3JrldbSKVz
— Ate Czarot, a different Filipino (@smurfette017) August 31, 2022
