Films inspiring travel to PH feted in 1st CineTurismo awards

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has honored 12 outstanding films mostly produced by Filipinos for showcasing the diverse beauty of the Philippines in their respective masterpiece.

Under TPB’s CineTurismo campaign, 10 Filipino-made and two foreign-crafted movies were recognized by the government to honor their valuable contributions to the country’s tourism.

TPB chief and actor Cesar Montano spearheaded the first-ever CineTurismo awards last March 15 at the Diamond Hotel. TPB is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

During the awarding ceremony, Montano acknowledged the efforts of Filipino directors as well as the staff and crew of all the participating films that were shown in 2016 and 2017.

‬“Sa mga nakaraang taon, nakita natin kung paano napupunuan at natutulungan ng pelikula ang industriya ng turismo,” Montano said. “Kami na po sa TPB ang unang kikilala sa mga benepisyong kayang anihin from Film Tourism: increased revenues for tourist attractions; jobs for locals; patronage of local food and handicrafts.”

The launch of the CineTurismo came amid the proposed Senate Bill 1330, which calls for Film Tourism, pending at the Senate. The proposed measure is being sponsored by Senators Grace Poe and Sonny Angara.

Senate Bill 1330 recognizes the “potential of international and local motion picture production to create jobs, grow the economy and raise the nation’s international profile.”

It also seeks to offer incentives to production companies, which choose to either showcase Philippine destinations, or the country’s historical and cultural heritage, or champion Filipino film practitioners and artists in foreign productions.

The 10 Filipino-made films that were honored during the first CineTursimo event were:

1) “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” by Director Ice Idanan that features scenes from Ilocos, Siquijor, Batanes, and Zamboanga;

2) “Lakbay2Love” by Director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil that showcases Timberland Heights, and Benguet ;

3) “Paglipay” by Director Zig Dulay that was set in the mountains of Zambales;

4) “Camp Sawi” by Director Irene Villamor, filmed in Bantayan Island;

5) “Patay na si Hesus” by Director Victor Villanueva;

6) “Apocalypse Child” by Director Mario Cornejo that features Baler;

7) “Siargao” by Director Paul Soriano, which showcases the island of the same name;

8) “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe” by Director Bona Fajardo, set in Santa Fe in Cebu;

9) “Requited” by Director Nerissa Picadizo, which features Mt. Pinatubo; and

10) “Kiko Boksingero” by Director ThopNazareno that was filmed in Baguio.

The South Korean film “Mango Tree” directed by Lee Song-Sung that was shot in Cebu; and “Romantic Island” by Cheol Woo Kang, which was shot in Boracay received special CineTurismo citations.

The films were honored based on a number of criteria that include, among others, the extensive showcasing of Philippine destinations, portrayal of the Philippines in a positive manner, promotion and preservation of Filipino culture and heritage, and inspiration for viewers to travel to the Philippines.

“We hope that this event serves as a charge to our many other talented Filipino filmmakers, that they may be one with us in our vision to promote the Philippines through cinema,” Teo noted.

“May we all, from both the public sector and the arts sector, work hand in hand to keep elevating Philippine tourism to a world-class standard,” she added. Clarizel Abanilla, INQUIRER.net /kga

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TAGS: DOT, Entertainment, Film, Movies, Tourism, TPB