Films inspiring travel to PH feted in 1st CineTurismo awards

CineTurismo awardees as well as Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (center) and Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (8th from left) pose for a picture at the first-ever CineTurismo awards held in Diamond Hotel last March 15

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.”

Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano introduces the CineTurismo campaign, which promotes film tourism in the country, during the CineTurismo awarding ceremony at Diamond Hotel last March 15

Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano and Director Toto Natividad, of the hit teleserye Ang Probinsyano, pose for a picture after the CineTurismo awarding ceremony at Diamond Hotel last March 15

Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo speaks before filmmakers and guests during the roll-out of the first-ever CineTurismo awards at the Diamond Hotel last March 15

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (center) and Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (3rd from left) pose for pictures with other officials of the government at the first-ever CineTurismo awards in Diamond Hotel last March 15. Also in the photo were Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim (left), Ronnie Albao (2nd from left), Eduardo Pelaez (3rd from right), Maricon Basco-Ebron (2nd from right),and Vanessa Suatengco (right)

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.

Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (left); Rico Gonzales and Johndel Tacata, representatives from T-Rex Productions that made “Patay na si Hesus”; Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (right) at CineTurismo awarding ceremony in Diamond Hotel last March 15

Producer RC delos Reyes (center) holds the award for “Siargao.” He is joined by Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (left) and Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (right)

Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (left) poses with “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe” actor Will Devaughn (2nd from left), Director Bona Fajardo (center), Producer Lyn Fajardo (2nd from right), and Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (right) at the CineTurismo awarding ceremony held in Diamond Hotel last March 15

Director Thop Nazarano (center) holds the award for “Kiko Boksingero” during the CineTurismo awards at Diamond Hotel last March 15. He is joined by Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (left) and Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (right)

Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano (left) and Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo (right) joins Director Nerissa Picadizo (center), who hold the award for “Requited” during the CineTurismo awards at Diamond Hotel last March 15

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