Cherished Travel

What is Wrong with Pilipinas Kay Ganda Slogan

Posted on November 17th, 2010 by Temujin.
Categories: My Philippines.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is trying to unveil a new slogan for the country’s tourism campaign. From the previous slogan, Wow Philippines, they will be replacing it with ‘Pilipinas kay Ganda’.

When I first heard this slogan my first reaction was to laugh. And then as it began to sink in I got depressed. Whoever thought of this slogan need to be shot by firing squad.

What is wrong with Pilipinas kay Ganda slogan?

For one, it is uses the local language so foreigners would not have a clue what it means. This is okay if the focus is now to put more emphasis on local tourism. But I think that is not really what the DOT really wants to do. You would always want a balance between foreign and local tourism.

Second, it sounds similar to local television shows. ABSCBN have several shows whose names are similar to this: Pilipinas Win na Win, Umagang Kay Ganda, Pilipinas Got Talent to name a few. I am also reminded of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza’s morning show at GMA7 – Maynila. Whenever the show would end, Lito Atienza would recite his famous line, “Maynila kay Ganda, Atin Sya”. But in this case you say - “Pilipinas kay Ganda, Atin Sya”.

It also kind of reminds you of some popular personalities. You have a Gandang Ricky Reyes by the famous hair dresser. And then you have a comedian named Vice Ganda.

Secretary Alberto Lim is saying this slogan was widely researched and studied. Infact, it took them four months to come up with it. Words are just words but there are certain words that if you put together they make a certain impact. They sound classy, cool, and easy to remember. This one sounds lame. It is something that someone can come up in passing. Four months to come up with this slogan? You got to be kidding me.

And then we come to the official logo. Below you will read a brief explanation regarding the word Kay Ganda. It explains that it is an adjective that means So Beautiful. I mean where in the world would someone create a logo that includes an explanation? If you have to put an explanation as part of your logo then you are already lost. That is just weird and funny.

Finally, a lot of money have already been spent to promote Wow Philippines, which I think is the best slogan that DOT have come up with. People already remember it. Starting over would waste all the promotions done before. I think in this case the government should concentrate more in improving the facilities and making sure that our tourist attractions are clean rather than spending hundreds of millions of pesos to fix something that is not broken.

I am sure this is not the only rant you will read as long as they are trying to push Pilipinas kay Ganda slogan. People are so worked up by this issue because they care about promoting the Philippines as a major tourist destination. And you want to do it in a way that has impact and class. Having someone come up with a slogan that is just flat and lifeless undermines all the efforts of the people who care.

This campaign was planned for four months? Then why do BeautifulPilipinas.com has a similar website that promotes porn?

Please DOT, we can come up with something better than this.

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