'I'm a strong believer of the opera. Opera is the only form of art which is capable to attract foreign tourists,' Clemente said at The Manila Times forum on classical culture and tourism at the Grand Hyatt Manila. 'I say that not because I'm an opera fan, but because I saw it happen. In my 40 plus years of traveling around the world, I saw a lot of Asian tourists.
Clemente then underscored the Philippines' unique position as the most European or Westernized country in Asia.'My humble and unsolicited proposal is let's put our forces together. We need the political will, the governmental instruments, we need the money and also the experience. I think there is space for cooperation,' he said.Emphasizing the practical steps required, Clemente offered his support in bringing international producers to the Philippines.