No Shoot Policy! Is it really fun in the Philippines?

            

               Taking photos from the places that we’ve visited is a must for us. We took photos to document and share the beauty, the experience, the moments. But why does the government, specifically my beloved Department of Tourism are not allowing Photographers, whether a pro or a newbie to shoot photographs in the major tourist spots in Manila? 

              

               As far as I remembered, when the DOT launched the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan the secretary, Mr. Jimenez said that the social media is a big help  to promote the Philippines. And yes, I agree to that, social media is CHEAP(inexpensive), can be a viral with the support of different groups/NGO’s, and most of the time, it’s FREE.

               Yes, the slogan “It’s more fun  in the Philippines”  trends on twitter, became a talk of the town, became a VIRAL.  Even though I like the “Wow Philippines” after a while I adopted and supported the “Its more fun in the Philippines”.   

               

               Then lately I find out about the DOT’s order “No Shoot Policy”. The “No Shoot Policy” means that we, photographers, tourist, students, travel bloggers, and a certified naturally born Filipino were not allowed to shoot photos on some of the tourist spots here in Manila not unless we have to pay a certain amount for the exemption. NO PAY. NO SHOOT.

             Earlier this week, the government spends millions of dollars to promote tourism on the international market with the short video clip that showcasing how fun it is in the Philippines. But do they really need to spend that much on a short clip that were featured on an international news network? Maybe Yes, that is international, a lot of foreigners might be encouraged to visit us and maybe no, that’s so expensive, the money they’ve spend can help to improve the services and facilities here in the Philippines.

             But the “No Shoot Policy” is unfair to us. We need to pay to promote our own country. So in behalf of the group “BAWAL MAG-SHOOT DITO”, a NGO composed of students, hobbyist, pro, Filipino photographers that binds together to fight for our rights to shoot freely here in our country, I encourage to participate in our advocacy to boycott Rizal Park and Intramuros, until the time the Department of Tourism allows us to shoot freely, without paying that certain amount to pay. We launched officially this campaign last May 1, 2012 in Luneta.

Photo by Mr. Michael De Vera

           Aside from Intramuros and Luneta, some of the places that taking photos(if you look like a pro, mostly DSLR users) are in the following locations:

MALLS:

1.infront ng SM North sa over pass along edsa

2. Trinoma

3. SM Fairview inside and outside. 

4. INSIDE the main grocery area of PUREGOLD Las Piñas City, except along the fastfood areas.

5. Inside Gateway Mall, Araneta Center

6. SM megamal overpass along EDSA

7. SM Marikina overpass

8. Tutuban Bonifacio Shrine

9. SM City Iloilo - Parking Lot (bawal daw kopyahin ang design)

PARKS:

1. Pasig rainforest

2. Daranak falls 2000 ang fee

3. Paco Park (if you are a group)

PLACES OF WORSHIP:

1. Inside San Agustin Church (except  wedding shoot)

2. Inside Quiapo Church especially every Friday. On regular days, you have to secure a permit from their      admin. 15 minutes maximum shooting time for a permit.

3. Inside Baclaran Church. Haharangin ka na ng SG sa may gate pa lang.

4. Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish (Our Lady of Grace) in  Guadalupe - Need to ask permission to the admin even if you are official photographer of the wedding or baptismal.

5. Mary the Queen Church (beside Xavier School) 

6. Inside Sta. Cruz Church.

               To the Department of Tourism, I believe on what the former Secretary Ace Durano's famous quote which i hope you will adopt "KAPAG MALAKAS ANG TOURISMO, MARAMING TRABAHO". You should  focus on how to help us and our country, coordinate with the other sectors of the government to implement the laws and regulations. A lot of beaches and mountains are slowly being deteriorated because of mining and other illegal activities financed by Chinese nationalities for their own benefit. Or relocation of growing number of informal settler in Intramuros, Luneta, Roxas Boulevard and other tourist spots.

              I encourage every Filipino, every Juan to be part of this advocacy, join our group by clicking the photo below. Meet new friends, join our activities and our advocacy. Spread the word.

         

Bawal magshoot dito o bawal magyosi dito? Photo by Mr. Poldo Santos

   What Happened last May 1?

BMSD Pilipinas at Department of Tourism Building

BMSD Pilipinas at Department of Tourism Building

We are Photographers, Not Terrorist