Philippines

Filipiñana, which won the special jury award for creative vision in Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic section and played in the Berlinale’s Perspectives earlier this year, is one of the most high-profile productions shot entirely in the Philippines.

Filipino director Rafael Manuel’s debut feature stands as one of the successful films granted the maximum 25% cash rebate from the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), including a 5% cultural bonus. It also received the Create­PHFilms fund for development, a selective and non-recoupable gap financing fund of up to $8,300 (php500,000).

The film unfolds across some of the country’s most iconic golf courses and beautiful country clubs: Caliraya Springs, Mount Malarayat, Forest Hills, Luisita and Puerto Azul (Caza del Mar). The narrative also depicts the streets of Manila, where urban life contrasts sharply with the ordered calm of the golf courses.

“Filming across five different courses [allowed us] to curate visually compelling elements of each and weave them together to form an entirely new space,” says co-producer Sam Chua Weishi from Singapore-based Potocol. “Shooting in the Philippines offered exciting possibilities for our international creative HoD to collaborate with the local Filipino team and imagine a completely new world for the film.”

Epicmedia Productions served as local production service provider and managed the Philippine financing structure.

On the TV front, Netflix original documentary series Being Gordon Ramsay shot a portion of an episode in the Philippines. The celebrated chef, who opened Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill in Newport World Resorts in the capital Manila in 2024, immersed himself in Filipino culture through food and conversations with locals. The episode included a visit to Farmers Market — a wet market in Cubao, Quezon City — and a collaboration with local content creators Abi Marquez and Ninong Ry. The shoot was facilitated by seasoned local fixer Vanessa Amante of Storytailors and received production support from the Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX) programme.

There has been a surge in funding applications, with an average growth rate of 38% per year since 2023, underscoring the Philippines’ rising reputation as a dynamic filming hub.

The funding programme has been revised and adjusted since 2025 to maintain its competitive edge. The first tranche (50%) of the International Co-Production Fund (ICOF) is released to the Filipino co-producer within 30 days of signing the contract, down from 60 days. The project timeline has been trimmed to one year and nine months from the date of selection to completion for ICOF, and to one year for FLIP, instead of the previous two to three years, ensuring timely disbursement of funding.

Beyond the popular islands and mountains, its diverse landscapes comprise both historical sites and bustling cityscapes. It is prone to typhoons due to its location. 

Getting a permit in the Philippines is not especially onerous, but it makes sense to call on local knowledge to avoid stumbling across unexpected regulations. Experienced production services companies well-positioned to advise.. Basic points include the fact that Manila does not issue city-wide permits, so you may need to talk to more than one municipality. Complicated shoots in national parks or in the air usually require more planning. 

FDCP’s Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX) aims to streamline the local filming procedures and requirements, offering inter-agency assistance in location scouting and government permits, in addition to facilitating engagement with local companies, crews and suppliers.

Along with the established ABS-CBN Soundstage located at the Horizon IT Park, the Philippines is increasing its post-production capabilities. Wonder Collab Studios opened Studio 8 in Metro Manila as the nation’s fourth Dolby Atmos-certified facility.

The Department of Trade and Industry has a major $50m venture in the pipeline with Los Angeles-based equipment rental house Birns & Sawyer, which includes the construction of three state-of-the-art soundstages, with the first to be developed in New Clark City.

Comprising more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is an archipelago that stretches 1,850 kilometres from north to south. 

The Philippines’ three major islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are connected by nautical highways, allowing land vehicles to board the roll-on/roll-off ferries, greatly reducing travel times between the key cities.

 Contact:

Harice Morales, Film Development Council of the Philippines : filmphilippines@fdcp.gov.ph