Film tourism in PH encouraged as TPB recognizes films in Cine Turismo

Film tourism in the Philippines is becoming a growing interest nowadays as it creates significant impact in connecting audiences to destinations used as film locations. Through film tourism, more people can be encouraged to visit these scenic spots in real life, which can boost the tourism industry of a certain place.

TPB COO Cesar Montano (first from left), the cast and production team of I Found My Heart in Santa Fe, and DOT Secretary Wanda Teo (first from right)

In line with this, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), created a new campaign which seeks to promote Philippine destinations through films: Cine Turismo.

Apocalypse Child by Mario Cornejo, Camp Sawi by Irene Villamor, and Sakaling ‘Di Makarating by Ice Idanan

I Found My Heart in Santa Fe by Bona Fajardo, Kiko Boksingero by Thop Nazareno, Siargao by Paul Soriano, and Requited by Nerissa Picadizo

Lakbay2Love by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Paglipay by Zig Dulay, and Patay na si Hesus by Victor Villanueva

As its launching activity, Cine Turismo recognized select films which best promoted the Philippines in their filming. Eight Filipino-made films and two foreign films were awarded based on standard criteria:

(a) must be made by a Filipino production house;
(b) a full length-film (at least 75 minutes long);
(c) commercially released within the last two years;
(d) shown in the Philippines or at international film festivals;
(e) showcases the destination extensively;
(f) portrays the country in a positive manner; and
(g) promotes and preserves Philippine culture and heritage;
(h) inspires and excites the viewers to visit the country; and
(i) must have generated revenues and created jobs in the location.

Aside from these Filipino films, two South Korean films were awarded a special citation for choosing to shoot their movies in the Philippines. These are Lee Soo Sung’s Mango Tree and Cheol Woo Kang’s Romantic Island, shot in Cebu and Boracay respectively.

Representatives of the films awarded with TPB COO Cesar Montano and DOT Secretary Wanda Teo

Present in the awarding ceremony is TPB Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano and Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo. “Cine Turismo acknowledges the thriving industry by celebrating film and tourism, which are two of our country’s biggest pride,” says Secretary Teo.