This is not a local delicacy, or a traditional Slovak folk game. It is a welcome phrase, which you tell your Filipino guests when they arrive. A while ago - I must admit, some months have passed, but the matter kept hanging in my mind - several minutes were dedicated to a co-operation deal between the Republic of the Philippines and Slovakia, to further develop i.e. tighten tourism-activities. I still remember driving around our local mall and couldn't help to laugh.
The local honorary consul of the Philippines to Slovakia, elicited what a potential package chances was opened hereby; namely, the Philippines having almost 100 millions of inhabitants, so the Slovak tourism industry could certainly an influx of curious travel-happy Filipinos, not being able to wait exploring Slovakia. In principle, everybody is more than welcome to visit the beautiful Tatra Mountains.
In my view, there are a few 'buts', which perhaps the honorary consul forgot to mention: Firstly, having a population of 100 million, is definitively not saying that a huge group of tourists will en masse flock to Slovakia. As I know the Philippines quite well, the overly majority of the population has problems enough to feed itself, being in need of the very basic existential means.
Secondly, those who have the means for exclusive travels abroad, rather head to America. Going skiing will be either - although this is a rare sport for Filipinos - in British Columbia or Colorado. Eventually St Moritz. Thirdly, and perhaps more important; Filipinos would be shocked about the tourist infrastructure and poor unprofessional and sometimes rude services in Slovakia. So, prices perhaps would seem more attractive - Slovakia cannot provide the expectations in the first place.
I earnestly cannot understand the extensive radio coverage, as if Slovakia has gained a historical billion dollar deal. When searching for the web-page of the consulate, it took me a long time to figure out the name of the dear man (and that only, by deducing it from the e-mail address). I get the feeling, that the honorary consul has somewhat concocted a marketing campaign for himself - after all he is a businessman. And the media ate from his hand. To all dear Filipinos; Mabuhai, welcome! Slovakia ay talagang masyado maganda, pero walang mga class.
A nice example, how to again fob a (Slovak) nation. The next canard will be probably about a gigantic export order of garden-furniture to the Antarctic. Let's learn to be a bit more realistic.
maraming salamat.
MS
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