If you are thinking of going out of town this summer, consider visiting our country. One of the more significant slogans used in our tourism promotions efforts directed to the domestic market simply urged Filipinos huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan. Simply put, don’t be a foreigner in your own country. Indeed there is so much to see and learn about our country and our people by visiting regions far from our own.

Seeing the natural beauty of our country and experiencing the heartfelt hospitality of our people have never failed to kindle a strong love of country. And if all that translates to a change in outlook that makes us proud to be Pinoy, I am sure that will eventually result in everyday actions that will make our country a better place to live in for us all.
These stones houses add to the natural charm of Batanes (photo credit: www.choosephilippines.com)
It’s heartwarming to see that lately, more people are choosing to go on local outings instead of planning trips abroad. Aside from being a considerably affordable choice, the upsurge of local travel, to me, seems like a remarkable display of nationalism—a Lopez value centered on exhibiting pride for what is inherently ours. OML indeed emphasized in his last email that nationalism translates to pure love of country.

As more and more people step out to experience the natural charm of the Philippines for what it really is—one can go trekking to Batanes, diving in the 7,107 islands, zip lining in Cagayan de Oro… the exquisite food, warm people and festive celebrations like the recently held Manggahan Festival in Guimaras—we can go out to the world and declare that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines.
Bountiful mango display at the recent Guimaras Manggahan Festival- a Filipino pride
We in the Lopez Group practice what we preach. ABS-CBN’s Regional Network Group’s initiative whose purpose is to encourage domestic tourism is Choose Philippines. It serves as an online travel community developed for sharing undiscovered finds to inform and entice travelers to support local tourism.

So if you are still thinking of where to go this summer, Choose Philippines. Perhaps, some local sightseeing will inspire you practice nationalism in other ways.

While we’re on this subject, think about joining OML’s contest on nationalism. He wants us to write how we can practice nationalism on a daily basis, in our work especially. Email him (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) before May 11 for a chance to win an iPad.

Thank you.

CEDIE VARGAS