14 February 2019 - At a Philippine Night held on the sidelines of the 2019 International Mediterranean Tourism Market in Israel, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat presented a Certificate of Recognition to vlogger and content creator Nuseir Yassin, better known by his online handle "Nas Daily", for his one-minute videos featuring the Philippines. Nas Daily, his official Facebook page, has 11 million followers, with each of his videos receiving an average of 3 million views.
"With the increasing influence of social media on the travel and lifestyle choices of people, the viral videos of Nas Daily ... have significantly brought the Philippines to the consciousness of travelers, particularly those who are searching for new-multi-adventure destinations that the Philippines can offer," said Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., who joined Secretary Puyat and Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial in presenting Mr. Yassin with the plaque of recognition.
Born in northern Israel, Mr. Yassin quit a high-paying New York job in 2016 to travel the world and document his journey, posting a single one-minute video every day for 1000 days. His self-funded travels, which have taken him to destinations as varied as Rwanda and Malta, eventually took him to the Philippines. Mr. Yassin says that he has a special affection for the Philippines, calling it "the country I love the most".
Mr. Yassin thanked Secretary Puyat for the recognition, saying it was the first time he had received such an award.
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Department of Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. reads the citation in the plaque of recognition awarded to Nas Daily by Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Ambassador Neal Imperial for his viral videos promoting Philippine tourism.
Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (2nd from right) shares a light moment with Nas Daily (center) and Ms. Alyne Tamir (2nd from left) during the Philippine Tourism Reception. They are joined by Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. and Ambassador Neal Imperial.