Filming in the Philippines – Popular filming Locations & Iconic films Shot in Philippines

The Philippines has been a popular filming location for both local and foreign productions. Some of the most famous foreign films shot in the Philippines include “The Bourne Legacy,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Platoon.” The capital city of Manila has been a popular location for high-octane sequences that showcase the city’s bustling streets.

Other popular locations include the island of Cebu, Batangas, Tagaytay, and La Union. The country’s natural beauty, such as its lush tropical jungles and scenic beaches, has also attracted productions outside of the capital. The Film Location Incentive Programme (FLIP) and the International Co-Production Fund (ICOF) are available to foreign productions that are line produced by a Filipino services company.

The ACOF Fund, launched in January 2021, provides co-productions with ASEAN countries up to PHP 7.2 million.

Most popular Filming locations in the Philippines

Some of the most popular filming locations in the Philippines include:

1. Manila: The capital city has been a popular location for high-octane sequences that showcase the city’s bustling streets. It has been featured in films such as “The Bourne Legacy” and “General Commander.”
2. Cebu: The island of Cebu has been a favored location for filming. The series “Almost Paradise” and HBO Asia’s “Food Lore” were shot entirely on the island.
3. Natural Beauty: The Philippines’ natural beauty, including its lush tropical jungles and scenic beaches, has attracted productions outside of the capital.
4. Specific Locations: Heritage sites such as Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Negros Occidental, and Vigan, Ilocos Sur, have also been used as filming locations for various productions.
5. Other Locations: The country’s natural landscapes and exotic charm have made it a sought-after backdrop for various international films, with scenes being shot in locations around Luzon, Cavite, Mt. Makiling, and the Villamor Air Base in Manila.

These locations have been featured in a variety of international films, showcasing the diverse and visually stunning landscapes that the Philippines has to offer.

List of Most iconic films shot in the Philippines

The Philippines has been a popular filming location for many international films. Some of the most iconic films shot in the Philippines include:

1. “Apocalypse Now” – This 1979 war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola was shot in various locations in the Philippines, including Baler, Aurora, and Pagsanjan Falls.
2. “The Bourne Legacy” – This 2012 action thriller starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz was shot in various locations in Manila, including the Marikina Wet Market and Navotas Fish Port.
3. “Platoon” – This 1986 war film directed by Oliver Stone was shot in various locations in the Philippines, including Mount Makiling and the Villamor Air Base in Manila.
4. “Born on the Fourth of July” – This 1989 war drama directed by Oliver Stone was shot in various locations in the Philippines, including the Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
5. “The Year of Living Dangerously” – This 1982 drama film directed by Peter Weir was shot in various locations in the Philippines, including Manila and Pagsanjan Falls.
6. “Brokedown Palace” – This 1999 drama film directed by Jonathan Kaplan was shot in various locations in the Philippines, including Manila and Cebu.
7. “Metro Manila” – This 2013 crime drama film directed by Sean Ellis was shot entirely in Manila.
8. “A Prayer Before Dawn” – This 2017 biographical crime drama film directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire was shot in various locations in the Philippines, including the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
9. “Avengers: Infinity War” – This 2018 superhero film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo features a scene shot in the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao.

These films showcase the diverse and visually stunning landscapes that the Philippines has to offer, from its bustling cities to its lush tropical jungles and scenic beaches.