The Philippine tourism department recently brought its “Love the Philippines” global campaign to New York City’s Times Square – a global crossroad where, in November alone, saw hundreds of thousands of pedestrians per day.  

Tourism attache Francisco Lardizabal said they are hoping that millions of New York City locals and visitors will get to see these "Love the Philippines” ads on Times Square this holiday season. 

He said it is an invitation to discover what the Philippines has to offer as a tourism destination.  

"Within New York City, this is the place where we get the most number of tourists, both domestic and international tourists in the USA," said Lardizabal, "so it’s no-brainer we have to do it in Times Square."

A Times Square Alliance consumer research study showed that the median time spent in Times Square is 81 minutes, with 8 minutes spent looking at the billboards.  

Over 243,000 people, meanwhile, post about their experience in Times Square on social media each day.  

Billboard aside, “Love the Philippines” next most visible ads can be seen in about 2,000 iconic yellow cabs – the New York City taxi top ads are among the most recognizable in the world.  

Lardizabal said the taxi top and billboard ads are expected to reach millions of views, but the best ambassadors to promote the Philippines are the Filipinos themselves wherever they may be.  

"Let us tell everybody the good things about the Philippines: the warmth of the people, the nice destinations, the fascinating beaches, the hospitality of the people, and of course the food," he said.

The tourism official added: "This Christmas, give them a taste of the Philippines. Let them try our lumpia, pancit, kare-kare, adobo. That's the best wayh to introduce the Philippines to them."

The Times Square billboard ads on Broadway Ave. between 44th and 45th Streets and the 2,000 taxi top ads will run until Dec. 30.