In the ad titled “Sights,” a Japanese named M. Uchimura, who retired in the Philippines, narrates his experience in the country as a tourist.
“Here, you don’t have to see the sun to discover radiance. You don’t have to see colors to experience vibrance. You don’t have to see smiles to know you are safe. You don’t have to see to feel you are home,” the copy goes.
Toward the end of the video, Uchimura is revealed to be blind as he walks in cobblestone road of Vigan with a cane.
In the South African tourism video, a tourist narrates his perception of the country as the sights and scenes from the African country flash on the screen.
“Suddenly, you find yourself in a place where true beauty isn’t something you’ll ever see,” the man says.
As the man takes his cane so he can stand up, it is revealed that he’s blind.
A user who goes by the handle sponker found the similary in the theme of the copy of the ads.
Another user named juan-tamad said he was “very much disappointed.”
Another user suggested to get award-winning director Brillante Mendoza to do the ad.
Someone even called for the resignation of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo over the incident.
This was not the first time the DOT found itself embroiled in a supposed plagiarism controversy.
The tourism department, during the Aquino administration, and the ad agency then were accused of copying Switzerland’s old tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in Switzerland!”
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section. /ac
