Spreading the message of love the Philippines through reels

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is inviting all Filipinos to share their hometowns’ hidden gems through the My Hometown in a Minute Video Contest. The competition seeks to spotlight the beauty and uniqueness of Philippine towns and cities, encouraging locals to become champions of Philippine tourism. Open to Filipinos ages 18 and up, this contest calls for short but captivating videos, 60 to 90 seconds long in vertical (reels) format.

Videos in vertical orientation or more popularly known as reels format was chosen for the contest as these gain more engagements in social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok compared to other formats, as highlighted in Digital 2024 Philippines report by We Are Social and Meltwater.

To join, participants must submit videos showcasing their hometown's highlights—from food and cultural traditions to stunning natural spots. Entrants can creatively explore what to eat, where to go, what to buy, and what to experience in their respective hometowns.

In this competition, TPB aims to build a mosaic of Filipino stories, with each participant promoting a hometown as a destination worth visiting and loving. Whether it's a charming coastal village or a bustling city, entrants are encouraged to capture the essence of their roots. By participating, Filipinos can share their pride of place with the world.

“Filipinos have a natural flair for storytelling,” says TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Our hometowns shape who we are. Showcasing them is a way to honor our heritage and inspire others to explore and love our beautiful archipelago.”

The contest is not just about producing travel videos. It's about weaving authentic narratives that resonate with travelers. TPB hopes to ignite interest and spark a stronger love for Philippine tourism, both from domestic and international audiences. With the Philippines offering so many distinct landscapes and cultures, these short videos will provide endless inspiration for future travels and adventure.

Winners will be awarded not just for their technical skills, but for their ability to tell a meaningful story. Turning the lens to one’s hometown can help grow the country’s tourism economy—one frame at a time.

Philippines as the social media capital of the world 

With social media’s extensive reach right at one’s fingertips, the TPB aims to leverage Filipinos’ enthusiasm and love for content creation and online sharing. Known for their active presence online, Filipinos make the Philippines one of the world’s most engaged digital communities. TPB is harnessing this passion to fuel the My Hometown in a Minute Video Contest.

Photographer and storyteller, Scott A. Woodward, once quoted “Remember that what is familiar to you is fascinating to others. “Explore your surroundings with a keen eye, and you’ll find extraordinary stories in ordinary places.”

This approach invites participants to celebrate the beauty in their own backyards.

Filipinos’ love for storytelling shines through the content they create on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. TPB views the contest as an opportunity to harness this enthusiasm, encouraging users to showcase their hometowns with fresh, captivating perspectives.

Ultimately, TPB envisions this contest as a platform that will showcase the vibrant and interconnected communities in the Philippines, where locals are actively promoting their homeland to the world.

Love letter to the world 

Each video entry is a heartfelt love letter personal story, showing the world a glimpse of a Filipino’s hometown, and inviting viewers to explore new destinations, try new activities, and experience the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos. Every frame reflects the heart and soul of the places people call home.

Stephanie Zubiri, travel writer, and TV host, believes in finding joy in the everyday and advises, “Look at your hometown through the eyes of a child discovering it for the first time. Authenticity is key; travelers want to experience the joy that you find in your own community.”

The contest is an invitation to rediscover hometowns and share those captivating experiences with the world. Filipinos become storytellers and tourism advocates, welcoming the world to explore every corner of the country. Through their personal lenses, they share moments of beauty, joy, and pride that will remind them of their country as a world-class destination, and in turn, inspire wanderlust in international travelers.

Travel Philippines app

For inspiration on where to go, what to do, or what to include in your video, the Travel Philippines app is a must-have. Available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, the app features a wealth of information for local and international travelers.

The app showcases the Philippines' diverse travel destinations, helping participants discover new and exciting spots to feature in their videos. From adventure-packed getaways to serene hideaways, it offers insights into what makes each region special.

Whether you’re an aspiring videographer or just planning your next adventure, the Travel Philippines app is your gateway to the country’s many wonders. Use it to create a compelling narrative that reflects your hometown’s charm.

Tourism ambassadors

The My Hometown in a Minute contest offers exciting prizes that extend beyond borders. The winner of the Most Creative Itinerary category will join the TPB delegation to the World Travel Market (WTM) London in 2025. Likewise, the Best in Cinematography winner will represent the Philippines at the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) Berlin, also in 2025.

These all-expense-paid trips offer winners a platform to showcase their talents on a global stage. TPB will assist with visas, ensuring a seamless experience for these emerging tourism ambassadors. Each trip is a 5-day, 4-night immersion to the world’s leading travel expos.

In addition, the Hidden Gem Award winner will enjoy a 3-day, 2-night stay in either Batanes or Siargao. These pristine destinations are among the Philippines’ most breathtaking locales, perfect for a quick escape.

For each of the three categories, two minor winners will also be determined and will each receive roundtrip tickets to any domestic destination (excluding Batanes and Siargao).

For full details of the contest, including full mechanics, registration, and submission guidelines, visit: My Hometown in a Minute website.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share your hometown’s story to the world. You have until November 20, 2024 to submit entries.

Stay updated on the contest and other exciting projects from the Tourism Promotions Board, by following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Let’s tell the world why we love the Philippines!

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Tourism Promotions Board.