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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
Some destinations are remembered for their views; Pampanga leaves a lasting impression through its flavors — deep, comforting, and always tied to the stories of the people who make them. As Korean travelers plan their winter escapes, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) invites them to slow down, savor, and discover how Filipino cuisine becomes an expression of warmth, hospitality, and connection. This December, TPB turns the spotlight to Pampanga as part of its campaign to give Korean visitors a well-rounded warm-weather getaway — one that blends movement, wellness, and gastronomy.
As part of the initiative, acclaimed Korean actor-singers Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min were able to visit Clark, a rising destination known for its blend of nature, wellness, and modern leisure, and Mexico, Pampanga for a golf-and-run experience in collaboration with Universal Records Philippines, offering fans a preview of the active, experience-led itineraries TPB members are curating for the Korean market. Their visit not only highlights the province’s outdoor attractions but also affirms Pampanga’s reputation as one of the best culinary destinations in the Philippines. A key moment in the program is a curated Kapampangan lunch at Consuelo by Chef Vince Garcia, a restaurant celebrated for elevating Filipino food through thoughtful technique and refined presentation. Here, the artists were welcomed with a menu crafted to introduce travelers to Pampanga’s distinct culinary heritage — an essential part of the destination’s holistic, sensory-driven approach to travel. The selection includes Filipino favorites such as pork sisig, kare-kare, and derang manuk, a slow-cooked Kapampangan specialty layered with aromatic depth. Pampanga’s identity is especially pronounced in fried hito with buro, a beloved pairing of crispy catfish and delicately fermented rice. Consuelo’s elevated take on Filipino classics culminates in a centerpiece of lechon de leche, offering visitors a taste of familiar flavors prepared with contemporary finesse.
For TPB, introducing Pampanga’s cuisine is central to its vision of positioning the Philippines as a holistic winter destination. After a morning of active pursuits with Myung Soo and Bo Min, these dishes serve as comfort and recovery — demonstrating how Filipino food naturally complements movement-driven travel. More than a meal, the experience highlights Filipino gastronomy as one of the most meaningful entry points into local culture. “Pampanga allows travelers to experience the Philippines through wellness and flavor. By sharing this journey with Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min, we’re inviting Korean travelers to discover authentic Filipino food after enjoying a round of golf or any of the many wellness and sports activities in Clark,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. K-pop’s global influence continues to shape culture, fashion, and the way people travel. Today, fans go beyond streaming music or watching dramas, but seek out experiences that mirror the exact destinations, flavors, and moments their idols love. This rising form of aspirational tourism finds a new stage in the Philippines, thanks to Myung Soo and Bo Min who turn their travels into inspiration. Their journey shines a spotlight on the Philippines as a warm, welcoming escape for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and meaningful experiences during South Korea’s cold winter months.
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
Myung Soo of INFINITE is recognized for his depth and versatility as an actor, starring in Angel’s Last Mission: Love And Numbers in 2019. Meanwhile, Bo Min, a former member of K-pop group Golden Child, is celebrated for his youthful energy and on-screen charisma in A-Teen 2 and Shadow Beauty. He has also built strong engagement in the Philippines, starring in the GMA, Viu, and Creazion Studios series Beauty Empire. Together, their artistry and massive global fan following create influence that resonates across generations and geographies. Their experiences in Clark and Mexico, Pampanga highlight how the Philippines seamlessly blends relaxation, recreation, and rich cultural flavor, each reflecting their personal travel styles. “When Korean stars of this caliber experience the Philippines and share it with millions of fans, it naturally raises our country’s visibility as a preferred winter escape destination. Through Myung Soo and Bo Min’s eyes, we’re showcasing the Philippines as warm, welcoming, and full of meaningful experiences,” said Nograles. With a combined following of nearly four million fans worldwide, the two idols have the power to transform admiration into action, translating digital engagement into real- world travel. With their adventures in the Philippines being documented and shared across their social media accounts, they invite fans to experience not only the country’s scenery but also its spirit of warmth, wellness, and hospitality. Best vacation packages To bring this inspiration to life, TPB, in partnership with its member tour operators, has rolled out a collection of winter escapade packages available from October to December 2025, allowing travelers to experience the same blend of sports, nature, culture, and wellness that Myung Soo and Bo Min enjoyed.
With Korea firmly established as one of the Philippines’ strongest tourist source markets, TPB aims to position Pampanga as an ideal winter retreat — close enough for a spontaneous escape, yet rich enough in experiences and flavors to feel unforgettable. The Philippines invites travelers to exchange the cold for color, and the distant for the familiar. This winter, trace the paths of your idols, golf, run, and dine where they did, and rediscover life’s simple warmth beneath the golden Filipino sun.
