DOT meets with US filmmakers, execs to boost PH tourism

Image: Courtesy of Daphne Oseña-Paez

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) met with several American filmmakers and creative industry stakeholders in an effort to promote film tourism development in the country

According to the DOT in a statement on Sunday, the meeting was held in Los Angeles, California on April 21, as part of its “Listening Tours” aiming to collaborate and gather insights to spur the viability of film tourism development in the Philippines, as well as to highlight the country’s islands and cultural treasures.

During the meeting, Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco noted that the Philippines offers ease of business and communications, a wealth of talent in the production as well as pre- and post-production aspects, and certain incentives to film-related resources and services.

She also bared that the Philippines offers filming incentives through the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The meeting was attended by a mix of Filipino and foreign nationals representing the creative industries including Vice President for Marketing of HBO Max, JP Mallo; Director of Marketing Production Disney Branded Productions, Pearl Davenport; Head of TV Sales and Distribution for Relativity Media, Rosanna Canonigo; Head of Productions of A+E Studios, Lucia Gervino; Vice President for Cinema Sala, Mallorie Ortega, among others.

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Nograles, meanwhile,  expressed the agency’s full support to the filmmakers and producers, announcing the agency’s efforts to beef up their Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Department.

“We have to fight to keep our stories alive … each one has a community, and a unique story to tell. I leave that up to you to tell that story. We would love to take you into the Philippines, to take you around our communities, anytime you are ready we are ready,” Nograles said.

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JPV