Actress-comedian Melai Cantiveros-Francisco was chosen by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) as the Philippines’ first honorary ambassador for Korea Family Tourism. Together with her family, Melai flew to Seoul, South Korea on May 21 for the official ceremony, kicking off her one-year term that runs until May 20 of next year.
In an Instagram post, Melai expressed her gratitude for being appointed as the KTO honorary ambassador. Melai will be promoting Korea as a family vacation destination for Filipinos throughout the next year, through various KTO campaigns and events.
“Kamsahamnidaaa mga Kamsamiii! Kung di dahil sa inyo, di kami mapipili na maging ambassador and ambassadress ng KTO @ktomanila as Korean Tourism Ambassador Family,” wrote Melai. “This opportunity ay para sa inyo mga Kamsamiii. Ipapakita namin sa inyo ang mga happiness namin dito sa Korea. Medyo di lang ako naka-update dahil nagkaroon ng emergency. Thank you sa inyong prayers na ok na ang health ng baby Steya namin. This appointment ay para sa inyo, at ina-appoint namin kayo mga Kamsamiii na Best Viewers Awards. Salamat/kamsamiii sa inyong suporta! SarangheyoOoOoOoO,” she added.
KTO, on the other hand, chose Melai as the right person to promote family tourism in Korea because of her past projects related to the country. Melai previously starred in “Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul,” which helped her win the best actor award at the 2023 Asia Artist Award.
The “Magandang Buhay” host became a household name when she was proclaimed as the Ultimate Big Winner of “Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up” in 2010.