THE Department of Tourism’s Love the Philippines video does something rare for a government campaign—it genuinely connects. It doesn’t only look good. It feels good. A significant part of that comes from Benedict Yalung’s vision and the powerful voice of Morissette.
Benedict, son of the director Ben “M7” Yalung, is no stranger to the creative industry. But instead of relying on his father’s legacy, he’s spent years carving out his own creative path.
“I was the only one who followed in our dad’s footsteps,” he shared. “I’ve always been behind the scenes, admiring his work as a director—it was his passion.”
That passion is clearly something Benedict has inherited. Under his agency, Universal Vision, he’s been producing content that balances visual impact with emotional depth. The Love the Philippines video is a prime example.
“If you see the latest DOT commercial, ‘Love the Philippines,’ we were the ones who did that,” he explained. “We also chose Morissette together with the DOT secretary. Morissette was really proud to represent our country, and we’re very happy with how the music video turned out.”
The video showcases the Philippines’ breathtaking landscapes while also tapping into a deeper emotional connection. It’s this ability to craft a compelling, heartfelt story that Benedict has consistently excelled at capturing.
This is where Morissette’s role is crucial. A Cebuana with a powerful voice and strong ties to Filipino culture, she embodies the essence of the song. Morissette speaks about her love for Cebu’s unique mix of urban and provincial life, her fondness for Larsian barbecue, and weekend trips to Tagaytay with her husband and dogs.
“Right now, it’s still gaining traction,” Benedict said of the campaign. “The feedback has been great.”
But Benedict’s ambition doesn’t end with a single campaign. He’s already working with Villa Escudero and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) to boost awareness for heritage and eco-tourism initiatives.
“There are plans to collaborate with the DOT again. We’d love to work with Morissette once more,” he said.
This drive to expand beyond one project is what makes Benedict stand out. He’s also considering a return to film production, with Zuma—the iconic Filipino anti-hero from his father’s film legacy—on his radar.
“Actually, my dad and I have been discussing a project—we’re just waiting for the right timing,” he revealed. “We’re exploring the possibility of reviving Zuma. Hopefully, it works out.”
What makes these efforts impactful isn’t just the professional ambition—it’s the sincerity behind them.
Meanwhile, Morissette summed it up perfectly when she spoke about her role in the campaign:
“I am thrilled to be the voice of the latest tourism campaign of the Philippines. I hope it reminds a lot of our kababayans of how there’s also so much to love, explore, and experience [in] our country, and that we’ve always been rich in culture, especially in music.”
Benedict and Morissette are sharing stories rooted in their own experiences. In a landscape often dominated by surface-level campaigns, this one stands out for its depth, honesty, and genuine belief in the Philippines as a cultural treasure.