Filipinos who learned about the collaboration between Korean artist Sandara “Dara” Park and the Singapore Tourism Board expressed hope that a similar initiative could be done in the Philippines to boost the country’s tourism.
An online user on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, February 24, reposted a video about the Korean personality teaming up with the board for a “special series” at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve is one of Singapore’s top attractions, known for its immersive parks and wildlife encounters. It describes itself as the “world’s first nature and wildlife destination.”
“Jusko, naunahan pa tayo ng Singapore, Philippine Tourism, sinayang niyo si Sandara Park,” the X user wrote with a sleepy face emoji.
Jusko naunahan pa tayo ng Singapore , Philippine Tourism sinayang niyo si Sandara Park 😪 https://t.co/ZZg6cMuzgA
— Dara~yaaaaa❤️ (@haretoreee) February 24, 2026
The post has garnered 200,400 views, 6,600 likes, 768 reposts, and 36 replies, with many online users agreeing that Dara has the potential to help promote the Philippines.
“100% agree. Naunahan tayo because Singapore saw what we failed to appreciate — si Sandara Park is a natural fit for promoting beauty and culture. Sana magising ang DOT at i-reconsider pa rin siya kahit late na. Rooting for you always, Dara!” another X user wrote, referring to the Department of Tourism.
“Ito din naisip ko nong napanood ko ‘yung video, naunahan pa tayo kay Sandara ng SG! Grabe potential for PH tourism pero sinayang lang,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Truuue! I like watching her travel vlogs and she even brings her friends around,” another said.
Other online users, meanwhile, raised concerns about Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco’s frequent appearance in promotional materials of the DOT.
“Kasi puro mukha nung secretary asa ads eh tapos ‘yung kinuha nilang ambassador na Pinay na hilaw, wala namang ginawa…” a different X user said.
Frasco had previously faced criticisms over her image appearing prominently in tourism promotional materials. She clarified that the materials were initiatives of local government units during her visits to their areas.
She later ordered the removal of her image from the promotional materials.
RELATED: Photographer lambasts DOT over magazine cover featuring Frasco
Meanwhile, Dara has long expressed her fondness of the Philippines, where she first rose to celebrity status after joining ABS-CBN’s “Star Circle Quest.”
She lived in the country for several years before returning to South Korea, but continues to visit Manila occasionally.
Despite leaving, Dara has continued to show appreciation for for Filipino culture, including enjoying local beer and dining at and promoting Pinoy restaurants.
In 2023, Dara was among the personalities suggested by some Filipinos as a possible “global tourism ambassador” for the Philippines after the Marcos administration named Filipino-American actress Vanessa Hudgens to the role, a decision that drew mixed reactions online.
Some social media users said figures such as Dara or Bretman Rock would have been suitable choices, citing their active promotion of Filipino culture to their followers.
ALSO READ: Pinoys pitch other personalities amid Vanessa Hudgens appointment as global tourism ambassador
In 2025, Dara called the Philippines her “second home,” saying she “loves” Filipinos.
