MANILA, Philippines - It seemed at first like trying to sell ice to Eskimos.

As participants in the 3rd BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area) Travel Exchange stood side by side, one wondered why they would want to go visiting each other.

Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who officially opened the four-day travel exchange, pointed out, the four countries had ?a lot of similarities in history, a common cultural heritage? and they ?shared a feeling of being part of a common Southeast Asian culture.?

Indeed, they all looked so much alike. The Philippines brought dancers who were dressed in a manner identical to what other BIMP-EAGA members wore. Even the dances and the traditional music, as it turned out, were very similar to the other countries? presentations.

While the Philippines was represented primarily by Mindanao and Palawan, the participation of DOT regional officials from North Luzon demonstrated that the Philippines? Malay cultural roots spread farther than the south, traces of them still very evident in the cultural communities of the Cordilleras and Cagayan.

So why sell the Philippines to people who seem to have the same things to offer?

Inviting family

The Department of Tourism?s participation in the travel exchange in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, was really not so much an attempt to sell the Philippines to a bunch of strangers but more like extending an invitation to family to come and visit to see how things have remained the same and also have changed.

It was an invitation to reconnect, re-strengthen old links, catch up on each other?s news. Much like large families unavoidably separated by geography and adapting to different conditions and challenges, the BIMP-EAGA members, while sharing the same beginnings, have developed in different ways, thus they are offering each other something similar and also something unique.

Dream DestinAsian, the travel exchange?s theme, showcased cultural similarities, historical bonds as well as tantalizing differences all packaged to whet the curiosity of trade fair guests and encourage them to visit.

While all four countries offered culture, adventure, and natural attractions, they also stressed that they had sights and other stuff that were unique to them and not like those of the others?.

Sarawak, for instance, the Malaysian island also known for its biodiversity and rich natural resources, including oil, boasted of the orangutan, among others. Davao, on the other hand, took pride in the Philippine eagle, probably the world?s largest.

Showcase

The four-day event was an opportunity for each member country to showcase its rich culture and traditions, Malay in origin but influenced by factors unique to them, both indigenous and foreign.

Mayor Fernando Q. Miguel of Koronadal City brought the Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe that performed authentic dances from the cultural communities of the Cotabato provinces and other parts of Mindanao. The costumes left no doubt just how closely linked the BIMP-EAGA countries were to each other.

Such strong similarities were reinforced in the presentation of apparel using Philippine fabrics by designer Renee Salud who, aside from Malaysian Vonjolly, was featured in a fashion show that capped the travel exchange. Showcasing native weaves like tinalak, hablon, piña and jusi, the presentation pointed to the common origins of the fabrics and the region?s shared artistic sensibilities.

Even the Filipino songs rendered by Bigess (Bislig City Government Employees Singing Society) found echoes in the music of the other countries.

To drive home the point that the Philippines would like for trade exchange participants and guests to visit, the different DOT regional directors and representatives of local governments, tourism councils, travel agencies, resorts, and others set aside one afternoon to present the country?s various selling points as a travel destination.

DOT?s Team Asia Pacific also used the travel exchange to show the Philippines? support for BIMP-EAGA tourism promotional efforts, as expressed by Tourism Secretary Joseph ?Ace? Durano.

Durano wants to position the Philippines outside BIMP-EAGA as a gateway to the subregion.

As part of this effort, the Philippine Tourism Council and the Sarawak Tourism Federation signed during the event a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in tourism plans and programs.