MANILA — The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has appointed actress and comedian Melai Cantiveros Francisco as the Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism in the Philippines, from May 21, 2024, to May 20, 2025.
A special ceremony was held on May 21 in Seoul, Korea, to commemorate her appointment.
Francisco is the first Filipino celebrity to receive this title from KTO, highlighting her role in promoting Korean family tourism within the Philippines.
She gained fame after winning the reality TV show “Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up” in 2010 and has since enjoyed a successful career as an actress, comedian, and host. Currently, she co-hosts the popular morning talk show “Magandang Buhay.”
As an honorary ambassador, Francisco will spearhead KTO’s family tourism promotional campaigns, programs, and events in the Philippines.
Her role includes visiting Korea with her family and sharing their experiences on social media. She will promote Korea’s family-friendly tourist attractions at various events organized by KTO and other Korean government agencies.
Francisco will also participate in major campaigns and events such as familiarization tours and travel fairs during her tenure.
Before this appointment, Francisco was involved in numerous projects that showcased Korea’s charm to Filipinos. She starred in the 2023 movie “Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul,” filmed primarily in Korea’s capital, and won the Best Actor award at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards held at the Philippine Arena.
Melai and her family, affectionately known as the “Kamsamii Family” by fans, are known for their fondness for Korea. Hyung Joon Kim, Director of KTO Manila, emphasized that Francisco was chosen for her significant contributions to promoting Korea.
KTO aims to increase awareness and interest in Korea’s family-friendly attractions among Filipino families through Francisco and her family’s promotional content.
This week, Francisco and her family embarked on a familiarization tour in Seoul and Gyeonggi provinces, exploring family attractions such as theme parks, K-Pop dance classes, and wellness experiences.
Joining them on this trip was Francisco’s mother, making it a three-generation family adventure in Korea’s appealing tourist destinations.
(el Amigo/MNM)