To serve as one of the launch activities of Cine Turismo, a new campaign spearheaded by TPB Head Cesar Montano, the recognition will be given to honor Filipino directors and their films that were shown in 2016 and 2017.
“Film tourism is a steadily growing industry in the country,” says Cesar Montano, Chief Operating Officer of the TPB. “This project is created to acknowledge the many films and filmmakers that, through their wonderful portrayals of the Philippines, have aroused interest and boosted tourism in local tourist spots.”
This is a timely move by the Tourism Promotions Board in light of the pending Film Tourism Bill (SB 1330) sponsored by Sen. Grace Poe and introduced by Sen. Sonny Angara, that recognizes the “potential of international and local motion picture production to create jobs, grow the economy and raise the nation’s international profile” and seeks to offer incentives to production companies who choose to showcase Philippine destinations and the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, or champion Filipino film practitioners and artists in foreign productions.
Films to be honored are “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” starring Alessandra de Rossi, directed by Ice Idanan and shot in Ilocos, Siquijor, Batanes, and Zamboanga; Director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s “Lakbay2Love” starring Dennis Trillo and Solenn Heussaff, which showcases Timberland Heights and Benguet ; “Camp Sawi” starring Bela Padilla, Sam Milby & Yassi Pressman by Director Irene Villamor, set in Bantayan Island; “Patay na si Hesus” starring Jaclyn Jose, directed by Victor Villanueva; Director Mario Cornejo’s “Apocalypse Child” with Sid Lucero and Gwen Zamora, set in Baler; “Siargao” starring Jericho Rosales and Jasmine Curtis Smith by Director Paul Soriano, which showcases the island of the same name; “Requited” with Jake Cuenca and Anna Luna by Director Nerissa Picadizo, which features Mt. Pinatubo; and Director Thop Nazareno’s “Kiko Boksingero” starring Cong. Yul Servo, filmed in Baguio.
Honorees have been chosen based on the following criteria: 1) made by a Filipino production house; 2) is a full-length film (minimum of 75 minutes); 3) commercially released within the last two years; 4) was shown in the Philippines or at international film festivals; 5) showcases the destination extensively or must be a setting for majority of the scenes; 6) portrays the country in a positive manner, provides a general awareness of the locale, and has created a positive impact on the community and perception of its people; 7) has promoted and preserved culture and heritage and reflects the country’s history; enriches Filipino values and traits such as resilience, the Bayanihan spirit, hospitality, and patriotism; 8) has inspired and excited the viewer to visit the country, and must have induced travel among moviegoers; and 9) has generated revenues and created jobs in their locations, as well as new trade and businesses.
Special citations will also be given to South Korean films “Mango Tree”, directed by Lee Soo-Sung and shot in Cebu, and “Romantic Island”, directed by Cheol-Woo Kang and shot in Boracay.
