Sydney, Australia — On 8 February 2014 at 4:40am Manila time (7.40am AEDT), exactly three months after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, the country launched a global campaign expressing its gratitude to the world, having received an outpouring of support following the devastating effects of the typhoon.
Triggered by an overwhelming sense of appreciation, which has been strongly expressed in social media — for example, #PHthankyou, this groundswell of gratitude is captured in a Thank You campaign created by Filipinos from all over the world.
Depicting different ways of expressing their heartfelt appreciation, various messages and images in social media showed the world that foreign support and encouragement has made, and continues to make, all the difference in the country’s ongoing rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
Hoping to ensure this gratitude is received by everyone, the Philippine Department of Tourism has crafted a thank you message displayed through print ads and billboards in iconic locations across the world, specifically:
? Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia (Cnr William and Darlinghurst
Street).
? Times Square, New York, US
? Piccadilly Circus, London, UK
? Potsdamer Platz cor. Leipziger Platz, Berlin, Germany
? Lafayette Mogador, Paris, France
? Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
? ION Orchard, Singapore
? Yonge–Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada
? Paiknam Building, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
People from across the globe who have expressed sympathies and have extended support, financial or otherwise, were invited to witness this message of appreciation from the Philippines and help share the country’s profound gratitude to the rest of the world. Using the hashtag #PHthankyou, people around the world can continue to express their support and appreciation.