Agad-agad na nagtrabaho ang bagong celebrity Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines, ang South Korean singer-songwriter and actor na si Seo In Guk. Rumampa na siya sa sikat na Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, marking his first experience on the picturesque shores.
Nag-ikot siya upang mag-golf, nag-enjoy sa gentle sunset breeze aboard a yacht, upang batiiin ang kanyang Pinoy fans habang nagbo-boat tours. Nagsawa rin siya sa mga local culinary delight, sumubok ng mga sikat na pagkain natin tulad ng sinigang at sisig, at naranasan ang sikat na crystal kayak activity sa baybayin ng Station 1.
Si Seo In Guk, ay makikipagtulungan sa Department of Tourism (DOT) sa pirmahan ng Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) kasama si Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noong Biyernes (Peb. 21), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Neocolors Production and Advertising Inc. President and CEO Dr. Daguno-Canoy as witnesses.
Ang agreement na ito ay tatagal ng isang taon, kung saan ipo-promote niya ang Pilipinas sa South Korean market at fans worldwide.
“Thank you and it feels very nice. It is an honor for me to be on this stage. I really feel a big responsibility as a representative of and as a promoter for one country. I really want to thank everyone for making this happen for me and I really want to say that I will give back all the love that you gave to me and I will be someone to promote the Philippines to others in the future. Thank you very much. Mahal ko kayo,” ayon sa Korean actor sa isang press statement.
Si Secretary Frasco, ay nagpahayag din ng pasasalamat sa Korean actor, na aniya ang pakikipagtulungan ay higit na magpapatibay sa relasyon ng South Korea at Pilipinas.
At tumanggap daw si Seo In Guk ng Love the Philippines token mula sa Tourism Secretary.
Idiniin ng tourism chief na ang South Korea has been a consistent top market for the Philippines. “To Mr. Seo In Guk, welcome to our tourism family. Your dedication and enthusiasm will play a vital role in inspiring more travelers to embrace the many reasons to Love the Philippines. We look forward to the stories you will share and the meaningful experiences that you will create through this partnership,” she said.
Sinabi naman ni TPB COO Nograles na ang appointment ni Seo In Guk as the new celebrity tourism ambassador underscores the commitment of the promotional arm of the DOT to showcasing the unparalleled beauty of the Philippines to South Korea and the world.
“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this collaboration will have on Philippine tourism, as Seo In Guk embarks on his journey to discover and share the many reasons to love the Philippines. We invite everyone to join him and be inspired to experience the wonders of our nation firsthand,” she said.
Ang nasabing Korean actor / singer ay nag-umpisa bilang singer noong 2009 after winning the first season of the South Korean reality show Superstar K. His acting debut was in 2012 sa drama series na Reply 1997. He also appeared in the hit series Shopping King Louie and Doom At Your Service as the lead actor.
“It is important to clarify that this partnership was driven by personal motivation rather than financial gain as Seo In Guk waived his professional fees for this partnership. He made this decision independently, without any expectations of financial renumeration, which is why our company, Neocolors collaborated with Story J and Episode Music to bring this initiative to life. Seo In Guk’s recent visit to Boracay is a testament to his commitment, where he actively engaged in creating content that showcases the beauty of our country. This partnership is not only a celebration of our cultural ties but also a strategic effort to enhance the visibility of the Philippines on the global stage,” pahayag naman ni Dr. Christine May Daguno-Canoy, na humahawak sa activities ni Seo In Guk sa bansa, kasama si Mr. Choongwon Su, bilang Chief Development Officer, at sinabing ang partnership ay nakumbinsi sa hilig ng South Korean Star sa Pilipinas.
“Seo In Guk’s genuine passion for the Philippines was a pivotal factor in his choice to volunteer to be a Philippine tourism ambassador to South Korea. Seo In Guk’s has shown a heartfelt interest in exploring the Philippines and sharing his experiences with his millions of followers in South Korea and around the world. By leveraging his esteemed status as an actor and singer, he aims to highlight our country’s potential as a tourist destination,” dagdag pa nila sa kanilang press statement.
Wow, bongga naman pala. Kilalang malaking maningil ang mga Korean artist pero siya pala ay libre.
Ah baka naunahan niya si Sandara Park na mag-volunteer sa DOT.