8 Philippine Destinations that Inspired Movies and TV Shows

Showing you the beautiful Philippine destinations that inspired world-class films.

November 4, 2015, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 2:54 pm

James Aquino After visiting more than fifty international cities in three continents (and still counting), James is on a quest to visit at least two new countries each year. A registered nurse, a stage father, and a grumpy husband, he has always believed that travelling offers something that you will never learn from school. His best advice is to always take pictures along the way, but never forget the stories behind them. Read more of his travel stories and his passion project at The Panoramic Soul.

Thanks to the diverse landscape that the country offers, the Philippines has been a rendezvous point for a lot of film genres, from mainstream western movies to documentaries. In fact, several destinations in the country have been used as direct filming locations or alternative spots because some of the places here mimic the aura of other neighbouring countries.

Let us view a quick list of destinations that inspired international movies and TV shows in the past.

1. Baler, Aurora

Notable film: Apocalypse Now (1979)

One of the most popular films filmed in the province of Aurora is Apocalypse Now. This 1979 American war film set during the Vietnam War was shot primarily in Baler, as well as other locations in the Philippines.

2. Manila

Notable films: The Bourne Legacy (2012); Pacific Rim (2013)

The country's capital has charmed directors all over the world and has served as the filming location of some of the most exhilarating films ever made. Manila became the backdrop of some of the fight scenes in the action movies Bourne Legacy and Pacific Rim.

Also read: Manila is the Absolute Worst and These 20 Points Will Convince You

3. Caramoan

Notable series: Survivor: Caramoan (2012); Survivor Bulgaria: Season 4 (2009); Survivor Israel: Season 3-5 (2009-2011)                   

The beauty of Caramoan enticed numerous reality shows from all over the world to have it as their setting. In fact, three notable Survivor franchises have filmed here, including a three-peat season for Survivor Israel. Great scenery, perfect panorama, and paradise personified, Caramoan never ceases to impress even those who have the most distinctive taste in island destinations.

4. Boracay

Notable films: Romantic Island (2008); Too Late the Hero (1970)

Boracay will never be missed by tourists, and that being said, it has also become one of the most prominent locations for movies. It has been the primary shooting location for the Korean romantic comedy series Romantic Island in 2008, and the island paradise has been a constant fixture as a secondary destination for other films. One of its earliest film exposures is from the 1970s film, Too Late the Hero.

Also read: The Boracay Bucket List: 12 Things You Must Do On Your Trip

5. Laguna

Notable films: Alien from the Deep (1989); Zombi3 (1988); Der Commander (1988); Platoon (1986)            

From majestic falls to serene provincial scenery, Laguna has been one of the most popular provinces for international films during the 1980s. Thanks to the diversity of landscape, from rice fields to awe-inspiring mountain regions, it is quite easy to tell why a number of sci-fi and war-themed films have selected this province for filming.

6. Clark Air Base, Pampanga

Notable films and series: I Wouldn't Go There - NatGeo (2013); Delta Force 2 (1990)

The Clark Air Base in the province of Pampanga has been the subject of several films and documentaries due to its rich history and urban legends. Recently, it has been featured in National Geographic's I Wouldn't Go There, featuring the hospital that is believed to be heavily infested with ghosts. Aside from that, it has served as the filming location for the 1990 film, Delta Force 2.

Also read: 12 Real Haunted Places in the Philippines that Will Terrify the Hell Out of You

7. El Nido, Palawan

Notable TV series: Expedition Robinson (1999 and 2009); Les Aventuriers de Koh-Lanta 7th Edition (2007); The Amazing Race 5 (2004)         

Like Caramoan, El Nido was selected by reality TV series from other countries due to its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Series that filmed here include the Swedish Expedition Robinson, which is the inspiration of the American hit series Survivor, and Les Aventuriers de Koh-Lanta which is the French version of Survivor. El Nido was also one of the pit stops for the popular series The Amazing Race for its fifth season, with a particularly difficult roadblock required a team member to scale the Lagen Wall.

Also read: Travel Tips for Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan

8. Cavite

Notable films: Cavite (2005); Born on the Fourth of July (1989); Platoon (1986)

Like its neighbouring province Laguna, Cavite's history and points of interest were the primary factors that caused the place to be selected as the subject of numerous international films in the past. The most notable film that was made here is Platoon, which is a war-themed movie shot in 1986.

Do you know any other locations in the Philippines that inspired movies and series? Share your thoughts below.