MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) - Apparently, the Philippines is not the only country that is "more fun."
A 1951 ad from the Swiss National Tourist Office, which is currently sold in vintage ad websites, is currently making the rounds on the Internet, particularly social networking sites.
It read: "It's more fun in Switzerland!"
"Soak up the sun -- whether you're drifting on palm-fringed lakes or exploring sunny Alpine trails. In four hours, Switzerland's fast electric trains will whisk you almost anywhere in this gay and friendly country.
"Enjoy Switzerland's magnificent spring ski season -- perfect snow conditions in the higher areas of the Alps until June!"
Earlier today, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the country's newest tourism campaign, "It's more fun in the Philippines."
"We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. 'More fun in the Philippines' is true. Keri natin ito (Kaya natin ito)," Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said in a press conference.
The DOT decided to hold off on branding and marketing strategies last year after the "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" campaign was scrapped due to a major industry outcry. The "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" logo was said to be lifted from Poland's own tourism campaign, "Polska."
Before "Pilipinas Kay Ganda," the country had the more popular "WoW Philippines" catch phrase as its tourism slogan.
Coincidence?
Not surprisingly, netizens were quick to react on the issue.
On Twitter and Facebook, some accused DOT and advertising agency BBDO Guerrero of copying Switzerland's old tourism slogan. Others defended the campaign, saying: "It's definitely more fun in the Philippines."
A handful of them, meanwhile, posed this question: "Where is more fun? In Switzerland or in the Philippines?"
Jimenez, however, maintained that the similarity is just a "coincidence."
He made a series of tweets in reaction to the issue.
"No one can own the expression 'it's more fun' but it's very true for the #Philippines so it becomes ours. #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines.
"'FUN' is a fusion of place and people. A place is not fun if there is no fun people in it.
"This Switzerland coincidence only makes our line truer. Sun tanning IS more fun in the Philippines.
"The line isn't a manufactured slogan. It's simply the truth about our country. Don't be swayed by people who are trying to punch holes in it.
"If you look hard enough, you might even find an old ad that says 'it's more fun in Alcatraz!'"