The Department of Tourism is facing criticism after an advertising executive took a swipe at a magazine prominently featuring Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco on its cover. The post pointed out the extensive efforts to shoot and promote tourist spots across the country, questioning the choice of cover image. Screenshots of the now-deleted post spread on social media, with comments labeling Frasco as the 'main attraction' over actual destinations.
In Manila, the Department of Tourism (DOT) drew criticism in early January 2026 when advertising and production executive Max Abasolo posted on his Facebook account, which has about 6,300 followers. He wrote, "You made us shoot Region 1 to Region 13… (that’s) almost 320 tourist spots, 236,000 photos, 6,500 video materials. Then this is the one you use, DOT." Although the post was later removed, screenshots circulated widely on social media, according to a report by InterAksyon.
The post included an image of the 'Philippine Topics' magazine, showing Frasco on the cover with the banner 'Philippine Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 Draws Crowds Travel Interest Skyrockets.' This 82-page free magazine was produced by YJS Advertising and Marketing Corp., edited and printed by B-Ticket Inc., and released in December 2025.
Pages 4 through 13 of the magazine covered the DOT and Frasco, along with the Philippine Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo 2025, the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, and prospects for Philippine tourism in the Japanese market. Social media reactions largely faulted Frasco for becoming the focus instead of the country's actual tourist attractions. The DOT has not yet responded to the matter.
