Philippines

The Philippines is enjoying a surge in popularity. In the first three months of 2025, the total number of foreign projects outsourced in the country was 40% of 2024’s total as the Southeast Asia archipelago continues to be a popular choice for survival and adventure reality shows looking for secluded tropical beaches and off-the-beaten-path locations. 

At time of writing, Donald Petrie, the US director behind box-office hits such as Miss Congeniality and How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, was filming his latest romantic comedy The Last Resort in the Philippines. Written by Philippines-born US screenwriter and novelist Karen McCullah, whose credits include 10 Things I Hate About You, it stars Daisy Ridley, Alden Ehrenreich, Sam Neill and Filipino American comedian Jo Koy. 

The US-Philippines co-production follows a hotel executive who flies in to evaluate the location for a new resort where she, accompanied by an expat pilot, is exposed to the natural wonders of the country. The Last Resort’s 38-day shoot takes place entirely in the Philippines, visiting El Nido in Palawan, Cebu, Bataan and Ilocos, with locations in capital city Manila standing in for Venice and New York.

“The sights are exquisite but, most importantly, the people are warm, friendly and have a wonderfully calm energy,” says Ehrenreich.

Further international productions that landed in the Philippines earlier this year include Hotel Paradise, a reality TV show by TVN and Warner Bros Discovery Poland, which started its 10th season on San Remigio in Cebu; Stranded On Honey­moon Island, a UK dating show for the BBC, shot in San Vicente, Palawan; and Koh Lanta, the French adaptation of Survivor produced by Adventure Line, which returned to film further episodes in Caramoan, Camarines Sur having shot on other islands for previous seasons.

Last year also brought Filipiñana, a Philippines-Singapore-UK co-production adapted by Filipino director Rafael Manuel from his 2020 Berlinale-winning short film of the same name about a tee‑girl. Various golf courses were used for filming, including Caliraya Springs golf club in Lumban, Laguna, and Mount Malarayat golf and country club in Lipa, Batangas.

The Last Resort, Hotel Paradise and Filipiñana all received the support of the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), which provides a cash rebate to eligible projects.

The programme has recorded an average annual growth rate in applications of 33%, with 16% growth per year in international projects applying for the cash rebate. Some 66% of these foreign titles are new applicants, while the remaining 34% are returning projects.

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 entire production process, offering assistance in location scouting, government permits and connections with local crews and suppliers.

The Philippines is beefing up its post-production capabilities. Wonder Collab Studios opened Studio 8 as the nation’s fourth Dolby Atmos-certified facility. All four such facilities are located in Metro Manila, including Narra Studios (formerly AMI WildSound). 

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.

First person to contact:

Marylo Cristine Celis, Film Development Council of the Philippines @ cristinecelis@fdcp.gov.ph