This lecture was given by Dr John Paul (JP) C. Catungal as one of the series of the global Friday lectures which was titled: The familiar/ familial Filipino and the production of Philippine tourism and corporate markets.

He basically gave us an enlightenment into tourism and hospitality nature which the Philippines are known for. Gave instances of how the Miss Universe Pageant in 2017 hosted by the Philippines offered an opportunity for the public to get to know the hosting country for its culture and as well creating awareness and promoting the international relations between them and several other nations around the world. As well as for economic and political possibilities.

According to Jack Elis – ‘When you are with the Filipinos, you are with family’. He made this statement based on an encounter he had with a Philippine woman who referred to him as ‘Anak’ which simply means ‘my son’. She offered him some fish even though she didn’t know who he was. This made him through his travels to enjoy/ engulf the Filipinos lifestyle. Barbara Ehrenreteh and Artie Russell described Philippines as Global Economic subject. In 2017, Tim Hortons which is a popular Canada brand renowned for making the best coffee opened its first coffee shop in Asia stating that they view the Philippines as a natural gateway as they look to expand into the Asian continent.

Canada was introduced/ taken to the Philippines through Tim Hortons. This caused families to reunited after many years and also various delicacies of the brand was introduced proudly bringing friends, families and two countries together over coffee. This caused diaspora family formation introducing things such as doughnuts to the people. “I am sure that they bring stories back home. There are families & extended families back home, who have likely connected with the brand” (Mandeep Malik, Assistant Professor of Marketing, McMaster Uni). This fostered re-establishment of family connections/ reunions and as well the making of new relationships.

The lecture was a very interesting one has it centered not just around the Philippines but also enlightened the public about the benefit of tourism and how it can affect the present and future state/ condition of any  nation moving forward especially developing nations economically (relations).