Manila (CNN Philippines Life) — Traveling to a new place can be daunting, especially if it’s a place that not too many people are familiar with. But while there may be a veil of mystery that keeps a travel destination distant, there can also be a powerful tug of curiosity that lures one in. And yet there remains the question of how people get past their initial apprehensions to say, “Let’s do it,” and book a flight.
There’s no better way to abolish apprehensions about an unfamiliar part of the world than by meeting a local. And in the case of Thailand, that local could very well be no less than Mario Maurer. Possessed of a sweet, boy-next-door demeanor, the Thai superstar has won and melted hearts in the Philippines through his films, including “The Love of Siam,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and the Star Cinema production “Suddenly It’s Magic.” Next, he will be sparking his Filipino fans’ wanderlust and fueling their desire to visit his country.
Through the Tourism Authority of Thailand, there will be a meet-and-greet with Maurer on Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. During the “Experience Thailand with Mario” event, Maurer will express his love for his home country and tell Filipinos why it’s South East Asia’s next up-and-coming tourist hotspot.
In addition to the meet-and-greet, aspiring globetrotters will have a chance to win a trip to Thailand. All they have to do is answer the question, “Why do you want to meet Mario?” in no more than 50 words and submit their responses to the Tourism Authority of Thailand — Philippines Facebook page.
A challenge has never been so alluring: 50 words may not be much effort, but they hold so much more weight if they’re all that stands between one and a trip abroad. And if that plan of action turns out to be unsuccessful, then an evening with Mario Maurer will have been a great consolation prize after all.
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More details of the “Experience Thailand with Mario” campaign can be found on Facebook.