It is time to show some love for the Philippines once again as the country is in the running to win several categories at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2024.

The Philippines aims to win as the World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024, the World’s Leading Dive Destination 2024, and the World’s Leading Island Destination 2024. The country is defending champion as the World’s Leading Beach and Dive Destination, with awards won last year.

Also, popular tourist destinations across the country are among the nominees in various categories.

The historic walled city of Intramuros is nominated as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2024, trying to beat 21 nominees from the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, United States, China, Ireland, Vietnam, Peru, Tanzania, Canada, South Africa, India, Japan, Greece, and Australia.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ capital Manila is defending its title of World’s Leading City Destination for this year, which it won in 2023. It will try to win again over rivals from various cities in Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Hong Kong, United States, Portugal, England, France, Morocco, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Ecuador, and Chile.

The world-famous Boracay Island, home to one of the world’s finest powdery white sand, eyes the prize of the World’s Leading Luxury Island 2024. It will compete against Jersey in the United Kingdom, Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and The Bahamas.

Cebu, a popular destination for heritage with its centuries-old churches and other structures and a haven of natural wonders, will vie for the World’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024 award alongside Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Bali in Indonesia, Barbados, Jamaica, Mauritius, Saint Lucia, and The Bahamas.

Also among the nominees are the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the World’s Leading Tourist Board 2024, and the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign as the World’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024.

The Department encourages the public to support the Philippines win these awards by logging on to https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.

Netizens must create an account to vote for the Philippines in the various categories.

Voting is open until October 20, 2024.

The winners will be declared during the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024 to be held in Madeira, Portugal on November 24, 2024.

During the award-giving body’s Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 held in Parañaque City last September 2024, the Philippines won a total of eight awards.

The Philippines clinched the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination awards for 2024.

Also, Intramuros was recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2024, Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024.

In addition, the Love the Philippines campaign bagged Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 award, while DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco was honored with the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance.

The Philippines has won in past editions of the World Travel Award, being Asia’s Leading Beach Destination in 2013, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024, as well as the World’s Leading Beach Destination in 2022 and 2023.

It is also consistently the best destination for diving in Asia from 2019 to 2024, and the best in the world from 2019 to 2023.

The DOT has won as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board in 2019 and 2020.

Secretary Frasco expressed gratitude to the World Travel Awards – one of the most esteemed award programs in the travel industry that recognizes excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors since 1993 – for recognizing the “breathtaking beauty and rich culture” of the Philippines.

She hopes the winning streak of the country at the World Travel Awards will continue this year.

“The Philippines' unique attributes are a constant source of pride to every Filipino. I encourage everyone-—both here and abroad—to cast their votes and help us reveal to the world the many things there are to Love the Philippines,” she said.

With a brand new set of nominations for the World Travel Awards 2024, Secretary Frasco encouraged travelers, local and foreign alike, to visit the Philippines as it “can’t wait to welcome travelers from around the world to discover more of what there is to love in our country’s diverse regions.” 

The Philippines has long been a favorite destination for wanderers, dreamers, and adventurers – from those looking for heart-pounding and adrenaline-filled expeditions to those seeking solitude and serenity. The country’s unique blend of breathtaking beauty, colorful cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for exploration have positioned the Philippines as one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations.

Among the country’s multitude of destinations, two gems consistently stand out: Cebu and Palawan. While both are immediately recognizable for their popular tourist spots—white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes—these islands offer far more than the usual attractions. If you’re looking to feed your wanderlust and uncover unique, unforgettable experiences, it’s time to delve deeper into the wonders of Cebu and Palawan.

Discover Cebu’s Rich Heritage and Hidden Gems

Cebu, the oldest city in the country, was the entry point of Christianity in the Philippines. One of the most notable, yet lesser-known, historical sites is Museo Sugbo, which offers a deep dive into Cebu’s past. The museum is housed in what was once the provincial jail and showcases various artifacts dating back to the Spanish and American colonial eras. Colon Street, recognized as the oldest street in the Philippines, is another testament to Cebu’s historical significance. While often overlooked in favor of more modern attractions, taking a stroll down this street offers glimpses of the past through its centuries-old architecture and cultural landmarks.

And while Cebu’s coastline and beaches are stunning, its highlands are just as awe-inspiring. A day trip to Balamban allows travelers to reconnect with nature. Offering panoramic views of Cebu’s landscape, the ecotourism and adventure parks in Balamban boast mountain ridges, hiking trails, and rich biodiversity. For a more immersive experience, hike to Mt. Kan-irag, also known as Sirao Peak.  A trek to the summit will reward you with breathtaking views of Cebu City, Mactan Island, and the surrounding seas.

Cebu’s lechon is legendary, but the province’s culinary offerings extend far beyond this savory dish. Explore the local flavors by visiting Taboan Public Market, where you can buy the region’s famous dried fish and dried mangoes. For a unique twist on Filipino cuisine, head to Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant in Cordova, where you can savor seafood dishes prepared with a local touch, all while dining atop a floating platform with scenic views of mangroves and the sea.

Uncover Palawan’s Hidden Caves and Tranquil Escapes

While the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is a popular attraction, the province is home to other extraordinary caves. One such hidden gem is the Tabon Caves in Quezon, often referred to as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization.” These caves are not only a geological marvel but also an archaeological site where some of the oldest human remains in the Philippines have been discovered. Visitors can take guided tours through the cave systems and learn about the fascinating history of human habitation that dates back tens of thousands of years. The views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and clear waters make this trip even more unforgettable.

Palawan is home to the  Batak tribe, the smallest tribe in the Philippines and one of the oldest indigenous groups. Located in the foothills of Cleopatra’s Needle, the tribe welcomes visitors and teaches them about their way of life, traditional crafts, and deep connection with nature. Coron is also home to the Tagbanua people, who have called the island home for centuries. A respectful visit to these communities provides an opportunity to support sustainable tourism while gaining insight into their rich cultural heritage.

Palawan is known for its iconic lagoons, but beyond El Nido’s Big and Small Lagoons are lesser-known yet equally stunning spots. Cadlao Lagoon, often overlooked by tourists, is one such destination. A short boat ride from El Nido, Cadlao Lagoon offers the same towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters but with far fewer crowds, a perfect destination for a more tranquil and intimate experience.

For those looking for serene and unspoiled beaches, head to Linapacan Island. The water is so clear you can see the ocean floor. Snorkelers and divers will find the marine life here to be just as abundant as in the more popular spots, just without the bustling crowds.

As Cebu and Palawan continue to enchant travelers worldwide, it is no surprise that the Philippines has once again been nominated in the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 by the UK’s longest-running travel magazine, Wanderlust Travel Magazine.

Cast Your Vote and Discover the Wonders of the Philippines

Indeed, the Philippines offers endless opportunities to satisfy your wanderlust. From rich cultural experiences to untouched natural wonders, every corner of Cebu and Palawan beckons travelers to explore beyond the usual and uncover something extraordinary.

So, pack your bags, set your sights on the road less traveled, and feed your wanderlust with the incomparable beauty of Cebu and Palawan. And don’t forget to cast your vote for the Philippines in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 until October 28! Vote for the Philippines as the Most Desirable Country (Rest of the World), Cebu as the Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World), and Palawan as the Most Desirable Island (Rest of the World). 

Visit Wanderlust Travel Awards to cast your vote and help showcase the best of the Philippines! 

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), was recognized as the Best National Tourism Organization (NTO) during the 32nd TTG Travel Awards ceremony and gala dinner in Bangkok, Thailand last 28 September 2023.

In accepting the award, TPB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, expressed her gratitude to all members of the institution as well as its various tourism stakeholders, partners, and organizations for their participation and support of TPB’s tourism projects and initiatives.

“We receive this award with a deep sense of gratitude and pride for our organization and our beloved country, The Philippines. Your votes have honored us and reaffirmed our commitment to excellence and your support is the cornerstone of our mission to elevate the Philippines as a world-class destination for leisure, MICE, and investment,” TPB COO Nograles declared. “Know that this award only motivates us to work even harder for our shared goals ensuring that every traveler experiences the Philippines at its very best.”

Taking the opportunity to highlight TPB’s top priorities, Nograles mentioned that the country has the finest products and services to offer to travelers from around the world and the agency’s commitment lies in both skillfully and genuinely showcasing the Philippines’ beauty through its people, culture, natural resources, and destinations.

At the 32nd TTG Travel Awards 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. (L-R): Mr. Michael Henssler of Centara, Mr. Puripan Bunnag of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Ms. Parichart Boonclai of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mr. Darren Ng of TTG Asia Media, H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines in Thailand, Ms. Supatra Chirathivat of Centara, COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles of Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Mr. Vincent U of The Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mr. Korakot Chatasingha of Thai Airways (TG), Mr. Kittiphong Sansomboon of Thai Airways (TG) and Mr. Michael Chow of TTG Asia.

To date, TPB has actively organized, participated in, and supported various projects nationwide and across the globe generating over Php3.9B combined sales leads and Php654.7M media value in country promotions.

Nograles encouraged fellow Filipinos to embrace their own cultural heritage and locally crafted products, drawing inspiration from the wonders and achievements that echo the nation's rich heritage, exceptional creativity, and unparalleled resourcefulness.

Over the past decade, the Philippines has earned several notable accolades from the esteemed award-giving body, including the Best Marketing & Relationship Effort in 2015. Last year, the country was awarded the Best Destination of the Year for the second time after being granted the same title in 2014.

The TTG Travel Awards, an established annual awards ceremony renowned for celebrating excellence in the travel industry across the Asia-Pacific region, draws the attendance of the industry’s most acclaimed personalities who pioneer proactive steps and initiatives to develop the tourism trade.

On the celebration of the golden year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., together with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other officials, led the unveiling of the country’s enhanced tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration at the iconic Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27).

Proudly presenting “Love the Philippines” to a crowd composed of former DOT chiefs, officials and employees of the Department's central and regional offices, heads of government agencies including Cabinet Secretaries, house representatives, tourism stakeholders, and the media, Secretary Frasco described the enhanced campaign as timely for the DOT’s golden anniversary celebration.

“As we cap the last fifty years of the DOT and welcome this new era of tourism for the Philippines, it is but right that we welcome this opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said.

“Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity,” she said, while noting that there is so much more to the country than “the fun and adventure” that has so far been articulated.

“The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said.

PBBM’s unequivocal support

Gracing the milestone event for Philippine tourism, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed his utmost support for "Love the Philippines", saying that the enhanced tourism campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines.”

“And what better way to express that love than by directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This new branding which we unveil today, will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine tourism industry moving forward. Allow me then to express my sincerest appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and for the DOT team, because aside from the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every travel, included in that list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infrastructure for ease of travel, and champion green movements, among others,” the President enthused.

Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends

With the everchanging global tourism landscape post pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry.

In a recent survey conducted by the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) among its member countries, market repositioning and rebranding strategies is among the priorities identified after the pandemic based on its Survey Findings on Member Priorities for UNWTO program of work 2024-2025.

With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOT’s focus now is to show more of what there is to “Love the Philippines” as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

“Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer,” Secretary Frasco said.

“We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far,” she added.

Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism

According to Secretary Frasco, the world has “the world has noticed that there is so much to love about the Philippines.”

This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022.

Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. According to the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was estimated at 6.2 percent and amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion in 2022.

The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year.

As she rallied their support for the DOT’s vision of showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world under the Marcos administration, the Secretary said: “As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.”

The Department of Tourism (DOT) presents its first podcast, “Escape: Stories from the Road,” showcasing the best destinations in the Philippines through stories from different personalities.

Escape: Stories from the Road

This five-episode podumentary, a combination of podcast and documentary, infuses an element of storytelling, veering away from the usual question-and-answer formats of podcasts. Through these stories, the DOT hopes to reach out to various audience and inspire them to participate in meaningful tourism through unique experiences and local interactions.

One of the special guests, National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, shared stories about Baguio—his home and a UNESCO Creative City. Photo courtesy of Kidlat De Guia.

Each episode follows a theme, such as adventure, identity, fiestas, music and food. Among the notable individuals interviewed for this podcast are National Artist Kidlat Tahimik; Dr. Felicidad Prudente, who is one of the leading Filipino ethnomusicologists in the country today; and former Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Paragliding adventure in Nueva Vizcaya. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The first episode on adventure features some of the best outdoor experiences in Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, and Camotes Island; while the identity episode brings audience from Baguio to Davao to share stories of people who, in finding the path to gain their identity, found the path to greatness.

The episode on music explores the sounds of the islands, from the city to the remote forests of the Philippines, emphasizing that music not only serves to entertain but to preserve history in our soundscape. The fiesta episode discusses how Filipino festivals have evolved from honoring patron saints to highlighting the best of the towns and provinces.

For the food episode that was recorded in May, then Tourism Secretary Puyat shared her advocacy in supporting local farmers and how this led to further developing food and farm tourism in the country.

DOT’s “Escape: Stories from the Road” podcast is hosted by travel filmmaker and photographer Aaron Palabyab along with guest co-hosts, national athlete Maureen Schrijvers; designer, musician, and filmmaker Kate Torralba; and sports broadcaster and podcaster Cesca Litton. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Castro, Overcast, and Anchor.

The People Make the Destination. Courtesy of Department of Tourism - Philippines

 

This is the question—and the challenge—the Philippines Department of Tourism poses in their latest campaign, which is fast becoming the DOT’s most-watched video on its Tiktok account.

 

Without the actors and the typical sweeping scenery audiences have come to expect from tourism spots, this ad focuses on what’s truly important: the people.

 

“What makes it more fun in the Philippines are the people, the manongs, the bangkeros, the waiters and the tourist guides, and we wanted to highlight them,” says director Joel Limchoc. “I really didn’t want another drone shot.”

 

The direction of this campaign reflects the people-centered recovery initiatives that former DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat has implemented in response to the needs of a battered sector, one that employed 13.5 percent of the national workforce before the pandemic. “The soul of the tourism industry lies with the people we serve and whose lives we aim to uplift through tourism,” said Puyat.

 

The resulting production is a collaboration between different artistic disciplines that showcases the diversity of local talent. With an original and unique score by electronic duo Rubber Inc, complex dance choreography involving 50 dancers led by Madge Reyes, and detailed airbrushed paintings by street art groups Pilipinas Street Plan and Gerilya, “People” is one of the most conceptual Philippine tourism commercials to be shot inside a studio.

 

The ad also eschews the use of a pop song, which has been a notable element of previous DOT ads. “Most of it is ‘found sound’ which we previously recorded on our trips around the Philippines filming the ASMR videos,” says Noel de Brackinghe of Rubber Inc, who produced the score. The sound of waterfalls, crashing waves, footsteps over a forest floor, and vehicular traffic were layered with the T’boli instrument hegelung and vocals from Carol Bello of Pinikpikan to create a catchy song composed primarily of sonic material captured from destinations all over the country. Recorded using Ambisonics, the binaural version of the spot offers a more immersive spatial audio experience when listened to with headphones. 

 

Working with this soundtrack, dance and multimedia artist Madge Reyes designed choreography for a diverse group of dancers including a contemporary dance troupe, university cheerleaders, and one pole dancer, with the aim of creating a human tableau that resembled Philippine landmarks. “I’d like to think dance is a crucial part of this ad,” says Madge. “This project has such a positive and inclusive outlook for the dance community and I’m proud to have a say in it.”

 

The final artistic piece of the puzzle is the murals artistically placed on the bodies of the dancers. Twenty airbrush artists from Pilipinas Street Plan and Gerilya painstakingly spray painted iconic Philippine scenes directly onto the costumes as the dancers held their poses—no special effects were involved as the dancers moved together to form human tableaus of the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Fort Santiago, Mayon Volcano, surfing, and the Monkey Eating Eagle.

 

“The People Make the Destination” – the video is a tribute to the tourism workers of the country. From supporting tourism workers during the pandemic, to safeguarding the environment for future generations to enjoy, the DOT under President Duterte focused on providing for the Philippines’ greatest natural resource: our people.

 

They make the Philippines a more fun, festive, and fascinating place.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launches the second phase of the Save Our Spots (SOS) campaign titled, “Keep the Fun Going”, to encourage tourists to practice eco-friendly travels.

 

The campaign builds on the gains of the SOS phase one that was launched in 2019 to educate travelers about becoming responsible tourists. “Keep the Fun Going” aims not only to educate but also motivate travelers to take part in sustainable tourism practices, mainly through gamified challenges.

 

“The DOT has been integrating sustainable tourism principles in its projects, programs and policies, even involving tourists to be part of these efforts. Through the SOS campaign, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and emphasize that every small act goes a long way to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from and enjoy nature’s abundance,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

 

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s richest ecosystems and diverse species, which are facing both climate change and human threats, such as overtourism and neglect of the environment.

Loboc River Cruise, Bohol. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

 

To inspire more tourists to practice sustainable travel, the campaign will highlight a gamified experience featuring four eco-friendly ways to travel. The challenges will be demonstrated through collaboration with local key influencers, after which, the public will be enjoined to accomplish at least two of the four activities, which are:

●        The “Certified Foot Soldier Challenge” that encourages travelers to walk, hike, or bike more often;

●        The “Zero-Waste Warrior”, which inspires travelers to reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics and always bringing reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags;

●        The “resTOURism Advocate Challenge” that encourages tourists to volunteer in restoration efforts of communities, such as planting activities, clean-up drives, and wildlife preservation; and,

●        The “Eco-Staycationer Challenge” that motivates tourists to book in eco-friendly accommodations, such as local homestays or ANAHAW-awardee hotels that take action to promote sustainability.

Participants will have a chance to win by completing at least two challenges and posting them on social media with the following guidelines:

 

STEP 1. Take a photo of yourself doing the challenges.

For Certified Foot Soldier,  you may use an app to track or record your steps or bike ride as proof.

For Eco-staycationer, best if you can include an eco-friendly practice of the establishment in your video. Camping and staycation trips (in a green hotel) are qualified.

 

STEP 2. Upload your photo.

Put a geotag and write a short description.

 

STEP 3. Tag the official DOT social media accounts:

Tiktok: tourismphilippines

Instagram: tourism_phl

Facebook: facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism

Twitter: TourismPHL

 

STEP 4. Include the #KeepTheFunGoing and #ChallengeDone hashtags in your caption

 

STEP 5. Tag 3 of your friends in your post

 

STEP 6. Make sure to set your profile in public so we can see your entry

 

All entries will be drawn through an electronic raffle. Weekly winners will be announced every Saturday and will be notified thru Facebook Personal Message. The two grand winners, which will be chosen from all the qualified entries, will win a FREE TRIP for two to Palawan.

 

Join the #KeepTheFunGoing movement today and be an eco-warrior. To learn more about the campaign, visit philippines.travel/saveourspots.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) invites everyone to go on an ambient sound trip and experience a destination through the distinct sounds that can be heard when all is quiet. 

In launching the “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project, the DOT aims to bring people to certain destinations through ASMR videos that explore the natural sounds of a place, allowing one to tune into nature and be fully present in the moment.

The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (QJEP) defines Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) as a “special perceptual phenomenon in which some people can experience a tingling, static-like sensation in response to some certain auditory or visual stimulations”. It brings a pleasant feeling that one experiences in response to certain sounds, visuals, feelings, or descriptions. The sensation leads to contentment and relaxation.

“This project of the DOT is anchored on the concept that, when people travel, they go ‘sightseeing’, but it is with their ears that they hear and sense things all around them. Through these videos, people get to share with the travel experience,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

The Municipality of Barlig in Mountain Province offers a captivating view of the world famous rice terraces. Photo by @celluloidmanila, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The initial four ASMR videos that will be launched feature the Mountain Province in the Cordilleras, particularly the remote town of Barlig located at the foothills of Mt. Amuyao and the journey to the summit of the mountain. 

With Mountain Province currently under Alert Level 4, and the rest of the country under the observation of different alert level restrictions, these videos will allow viewers to experience the grandeur of Mountain Province no matter where they are, through their video devices.

The trail to the peak of Mt. Amuyao, the highest point of Mountain Province. Photo by @celluloidmanila, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The first video for the Mountain Province series, featuring a walk in the serene town of Barlig and its amazing terraces, has already been launched on DOT’s YouTube channel and can be accessed through this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjJeD2qsshyH_uDuKLjassvLUulHCwKmS. This is the first of several ASMR video series. The succeeding video series will explore Ilocos Norte, then destinations in Visayas and Mindanao.

Located at Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Saud Beach was hailed as one of the Travel + Leisure’s list of 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Recorded using Ambisonics, the audio is captured in a 360-degree sphere from the position of the microphone. This immersive experience teleports the viewer/listener to the environment. One can leave this on in the background as unobtrusive, calming noises throughout the day.

For best experience, use open back headphones, but any headphones, earphones, or earbuds will also work. 

All ASMR videos can be accessed through the DOT official YouTube channel. Subscribe to get updates when new videos are uploaded.