After CNN, 'It's more fun' ads soon featured on National Geographic

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has gone all out in its international campaign to promote Philippine tourism.

After a show on CNN cable television, various Philippine destinations will be soon featured in the international television channel National Geographic.

With support from the DOT, a six-part documentary series that seeks to reveal cultural and historical insights on some of the country’s world-class destinations will be viewed over National Geographic.

Among the destinations to be featured are the Batad Rice Terraces in Mountain Province, Coron in Palawan, Taal and Anilao in Batangas, Siquijor, and Mt. Pulag in Benguet.

Produced by The Extra Mile Productions, “Islands Insider” presents the Philippines in a different perspective and deviates from traditional travel shows by featuring stories as narrated by the locals, highlighting issues beyond the breathtaking sights, and delivering a strong preservation and conservation message.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez expressed delight at being a partner of the project, which was conceptualized even before he assumed his post.

“Being a part of National Geographic means that the beautiful sights of your country are part of the world, not just part of the Philippines, and the day will come that we will have to share it with the rest of the world,” Jimenez said.

He urged Filipinos to visit and see for themselves the beauty of the different destinations in the country and help in their preservation.

“We want you to see it first, we want you to protect it, before they all come rushing in,” Jimenez said.

DOT said “Islands Insider” is a title befitting the documentary’s theme and in-depth look at the communities, as the featured locals – the Ifugaos, Ibalois, and shamans in Siquijor – were allowed to speak for themselves and their culture.

“Insider” connotes a point of truth that an outsider would not know, according to the producers.

The first episode of the six-part series, which will feature the Batad Rice Terraces, is targeted to premiere on the third week of June.

“Islands Insider” is directed by Gabby Malvar and hosted by Ginggay Hontiveros, both executive producers of The Extra Mile Productions.

With the National Geographic series, DOT expressed confidence that more foreign and local tourists would come and explore the country.