Travel choices of Filipinos influenced by social media trends

According to a study by travel booking platform Klook, 89% of Filipinos select their travel destinations based on social media popularity, surpassing the regional average of 79%.

“We know that social media is a huge factor in really driving people to book their travel purchases,” Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho said in a press briefing.

The 2025 Travel Pulse research, which has 7,000 respondents, showed that Filipinos use Facebook (84%) as their top source of information for travel inspiration, followed by YouTube (73%), TikTok (69%), and Instagram (63%).

The study added that quick travel content in the form of photos (67%) and short-form videos (62%) is the type of posts that attract most Filipinos. On the other hand, travelers use long-form videos (48%) and in-depth blog posts (45%) for deeper research on the destination and tours.

Ms. Ho noted that although TikTok is the third most popular application among travelers, Filipinos are two times more likely to engage with the platform’s videos. 

Klook also reported a 20% increase in Q1 2025 versus Q4 2024 on its Kreator-generated sales. 

Vietnam, for example, has experienced a 157% increase in revenue for tourism services and products made on Klook after content creators posted their travels. 

“Social media has played a huge role in elevating the popularity of Sapa,” Ms. Ho said.  “We’ve seen a triple-digit growth for Filipinos travelling to Vietnam these days.”

Apart from Vietnam, the study revealed that Taiwan and Thailand are also experiencing a rise in Filipino tourists, with 120% and 78% growth in 2024 versus 2023, respectively. 

For domestic travel, Ms. Ho shared that Manila remains the top destination for weekend getaways, while Tagaytay, Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol are popular destinations. 

Surigao and Siargao have also been gaining traction and popularity recently, the Klook executive said.

“What’s interesting is that you’ve got your core destinations, rising in terms of popularity, and at the same time, lesser-known destinations are being talked about,” Ms. Ho said.  

“And we’re actually paying close attention to that, because we feel that in the next few months, this could really rise in the tourism industry,” she added.

Source: Business World

The Power of "Po": A Symbol of Respect in Filipino Communication

Filipino-American Heritage Month is not only a celebration of the achievements, culture, and contributions of Filipinos in America but also an opportunity to delve deeper into the unique intricacies of Filipino customs and traditions. One such tradition, embedded deeply in the Filipino psyche, is the use of the word "po" in communication.

The Filipino language, or Tagalog, is beautifully enriched with expressions that emphasize respect and politeness. Among these expressions, "po" stands out as a reflection of the Philippines' deeply-rooted value for elder respect and courtesy. To someone unfamiliar with the language, this small word might seem insignificant. However, in the world of Filipino communication, its presence is powerful and profound.

The Essence of "Po"

The use of "po" is prevalent in both spoken and written forms of Filipino communication. It is often inserted in sentences to show deference to someone older or in a position of authority. For instance, the simple greeting "Magandang araw" (Good day) becomes "Magandang araw po" when addressing someone with respect.

While it's common to hear "po" in everyday conversations, its appearance in written official communications might surprise non-Filipinos. But yes, even in emails and formal letters, if the content is in Filipino, you might come across this term. This incorporation of "po" in written communication is a testament to its importance in the Filipino culture.

A Cultural Hallmark

The consistent use of "po" mirrors the Philippine's communal and family-oriented values. In traditional Filipino families, younger members are taught early on to respect their elders. This respect is not limited to familial relations but extends to society at large, which includes teachers, neighbors, and even strangers who are older or are deemed deserving of respect.

Using "po" is an embodiment of "pakikisama" – a Filipino cultural concept that can be translated as 'going with the flow' or 'getting along with others'. It is a way of maintaining harmony and smooth interpersonal relations.

In the Globalized World

For Filipino-Americans and those in the Filipino diaspora, "po" serves as a link to their roots. It's a reminder of home, values, and the teachings of their elders. Even in communities where English dominates, many Filipinos still make it a point to use "po" when speaking in Tagalog or even when mixing English and Tagalog, known as "Taglish."

In a world that is rapidly changing and often puts individualism at the forefront, the Filipino commitment to values of respect, deference, and communal harmony is a breath of fresh air. It's a gentle reminder that there's beauty in showing respect and acknowledging the wisdom of those who came before us.

As we celebrate Filipino-American Heritage Month this October, let's take a moment to appreciate the small yet significant ways that Filipino culture shines through, like the simple use of "po." It serves as a symbol of respect, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the enduring values that Filipinos hold dear, no matter where they are in the world.

Source: Linkedin

Palawan, Boracay in most visited island destination list

Palawan and Boracay have made it to Times Travel's "8 Most Visited Island Destinations in Asia," the Department of Tourism (DoT) said.

In the August 9 issue of the Indian publication, Bali, Indonesia, was ranked first, and Phuket, Thailand, was second. Palawan, known as the "last frontier" of the Philippines because of its beautiful natural surroundings, took third place.

The article highlighted Palawan's beautiful limestone cliffs and blue waters, specifically in El Nido and Coron, as well as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a Unesco World Heritage Site.Boracay, noted for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, ranked fourth on the list.

The report centers on the island's White Beach, known for its appealing surroundings and spectacular sunsets, as well as its variety of water sports, lively nightlife, and plenty of dining options.

Other island destinations on the list include the Maldives; Langkawi, Malaysia; Havelock Island, India; and Jeju Island, South Korea.

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Times Travel, the travel publication of The Times of India, offers curated insights into prime worldwide destinations, with an emphasis on places that appeal to Indian tourists' cultural and travel preferences.

Source: Manila Times