It's more fun in the Philippines!

As soon as they released the new tourism slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines", doubters of our fellow Pinoys' originality immediately scoured the web for hints of what inspired it. Thanks to Google, critics are quickly led to vintage tourism posters from Switzerland.

And again accusations of plagiarism flew. But unlike in the Pilipinas Kay Ganda/Polska travel ad fiasco, I think this one is forgivable. Visually, it is not even close to the original posters, although admittedly, the same concept is used. Besides, the old Swiss posters are over 60 years old. If you search farther back, you will find an older (circa 1926) Swiss ad poster that says "In the Alps". Our tourism office could have channeled that into "In the Apo".

Definitely, the tourism officials/consultants could have been more creative. "It's More Fun in the Philippines", or IMF-Philippines. Could it be a Freudian slip or a subliminal message that the IMF controls the Philippines. Many will not disagree.

To the economists it could mean the International Monetary Fund. Movie buffs could mean the Impossible Mission Force.

The kidnap victims wish they'd be rescued by the IMF, while the IMF wish they could rescue the country.

The hostage thinks "I M F*cked in the Philippines".

The tourism department could also use the campaign "Come, there are MILF in the Philippines!" and I'm sure many will come.

But wait, we can still salvage the IMF franchise. We can refurbish it to say "Come, IMF^* in the Philippines!" and I'm sure many will come.

Onli in da Pilipins! Ahh, that could have been the better campaign slogan.
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^*In My Face

Change your name, change your life?

Image by jimmywayne via Flickr

An Internet site espouses a philosophy that gives a new insight into the "powerful influence names have through the mathematical principle." The website says hidden forces are revealed in a philosophy that combines the idealism of the east with the practicality of the west. They believe the energies in your names create your life, your personality, your likes and dislikes, your ideals, and the conditions and experiences you will attract. The Kabalarian Philosophy offer services and educational resources to understand their meaning, harness their power, and help you fulfill your life's calling.

So, what does 'Perfecto' mean? According to their quick on-line analysis:

The name of Perfecto gives you a clever, quick, analytical mind, but you suffer with a great deal of self-consciousness, lack of confidence, and much aloneness because of misunderstandings.
Your idealistic and sensitive nature gives you a deep appreciation for the finer things of life and a strong desire to be of service to humanity.
There are times when you experience inner turbulence at your inability to say what you mean.
It is far easier for you to express your deeper thoughts and feelings through writing than verbally.
You find pleasure in literature, in poetry, and in your ideals and will turn to them when you feel you have been misunderstood.
Although the name Perfecto creates an interest in the deeper aspects of life, we emphasize that it limits self-expression and friendly congeniality with a moody disposition.
This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the heart, lungs and bronchial area.

Cool! Though I'd say around 75% correct. What does 'Perry' mean?

The name of Perry makes you dynamic, restless, independent, ready to accept challenges, and outspoken.
You enjoy change, travel, and new experiences.
Reacting against injustice, you go out of your way to assist in creating fairness.
You are very creative and promotional, and work intensely to carry out your plans.
Though you have limitless enthusiasm for new ventures, you lose interest quickly once things become routine, as you dislike being forced to attend to detail and do monotonous work.
Although the name Perry creates an active mind and a restless urge to explore new ideas, we emphasize that it causes a blunt expression that alienates others.
This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the solar plexus, and tension or accidents to the head.

Whoa! Spot on. So if I'm blunt and I alienate others, is my name to blame? Nah! A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Happy New Year!

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Women's tennis album - Laura Robson

Women's tennis album - November 2011