The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, in partnership with Tatler Philippines, recently hosted an intimate and meaningful dinner at Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, that brought together Fil-Am Hollywood celebrities, film industry leaders, and cultural advocates to celebrate Filipino creativity and global influence.
Distinguished guests were treated to a curated dinner by Manila House.
The dinner honored two Filipino-American talents, Nico Santos and Mark Dacascos – whose exceptional careers have helped elevate Filipino representation in Hollywood. Both stars have recently participated in the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), where they shared a wealth of experience with the local film community through insightful Masterclass sessions aimed at inspiring the next generation of Philippine filmmakers.
The event was attended by key figures including TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications, Gissela Marie Romualdez Quisumbing, Tatler Philippines’ Managing Director, Irene Martel Francisco and Editor in-Chief, Anton San Diego, along with Emmy award-winning producer and founder of MIFF, Lisa Lew. A select group of MIFF Board members, industry strategists, and Filipino tourism advocates also joined the evening celebration.
Tatler Philippines’ Managing Director, Irene Martel Francisco and Editor-in-Chief, Anton San Diego, along with Nico Santos and TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles are all smiles at this celebratory dinner.
Distinguished guests were treated to a curated dinner while engaging in lively discussions about the future of Filipino talents in global entertainment and the immense potential for the Philippines to become the next hot spot for international film production.
In her remarks, DOT Assistant Secretary Gissela Quisumbing emphasized the importance of these connections for promoting Filipino creativity: “We are privileged to celebrate two exceptional Filipino-American talents who have proudly brought Filipino artistry to the global stage. The industry has gained so much from your experiences, and there is a collective hope that sessions like these can happen again soon.”
The presence of Filipino stars in Hollywood, like Santos and Dacascos, serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s growing influence in the global entertainment industry. As Quisumbing noted, these connections are key to elevating the Philippines as an attractive film destination, offering unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant creative community.
Throughout the evening, the conversation centered on the exciting potential for the Philippines to host more international productions, showcasing the country’s diverse locations – from tropical beaches to historical landmarks – and talented professionals ready to collaborate with filmmakers from around the world. As Filipino-American talents continue to break new ground in Hollywood, the Philippines stands poised to be the next go-to destination for filmmakers seeking fresh stories and settings.
New friendships are forged and old ones are reignited at this dinner where Filipino talent is celebrated.
As TPB COO Marga Nograles noted, “This event is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and the strong ties between the Philippines and the global entertainment community. We are excited about the future, and we are confident that the Philippines will continue to shine brightly on the world stage as a premier destination for filmmaking.”
The evening not only celebrated Filipino talent but also set the stage for future collaborations, with TPB, DOT, and industry leaders committed to strengthening the Philippines’ position as a key player in the international film industry.
