MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In the last few months, the travel industry has ground to a halt, and Filipinos feel its absence everywhere. But as the country slowly reopens, independent publication GRID Magazine launched a short film to remind Filipinos why they travel.
Released on the eve of the Philippines’ Independence Day, June 12, GRID’s “We Will Travel Again” is a tribute to travelers and the people they meet on the way.
The two-minute video was produced by GRID Executive Editor Francisco Guerrero, along with filmmakers Al Cruz, Mike Dee, Carmen Del Prado, Lyka Gonzales, and JC Valencia.
“We had tough decisions to make when the travel restrictions hit. Like any business, we didn’t know if we would survive it. But after two months of sitting around and worrying, we started talking about the people we’ve met on our travels and what they must be going through. We decided to go back to the archive and make an homage to travel. It’s time to reexamine the way we travel, so that we can have a positive impact,” Guerrero said.
Some of those featured in the video include founder of the Cordillera Conservation Trust, JP Alipio; National Scientist of the Philippines 2014, Dr. Angel Alcala; designer and owner of Siama Hotel, Milo Naval; freediver Tara Abrina; and surfer Manuel Melindo.
“The film is a bit of a battle cry for us as well, to remember why we exist as a publication. We wanted to create a film that looks both back and forward. Looking forward, we are going to look back on what we’ve always done: Small stories in a big way. We want to tell stories about Filipinos, about activists, scientists, runners, farmers… We are going to go back to communities. And it’s no longer just about growth, it’s also about recovery.”
The short film is GRID’s first production since the onset of the global COVID-19 crisis that severely changed the travel industry.
“We are working on making our content more relevant to the travel industry, not only by bringing you information about how to travel, but by writing stories about what the travel landscape is like now. We’re working on a lot of things that are very relevant and we’re hoping to share them very soon.”
Credits:
Executive Editor: Francisco Guerrero
Filmmakers: Al Cruz, Mike Dee, Carmen Del Prado, Lyka Gonzales, JC Valencia
Featuring, in order of appearance: Gaps Sabuero, Mia Sebastian, Manuel Melindo, Nayna Katigbak, Ikit and Aping Agudo, JP Alipio, Thumbie Remigio, Ruel Trias, Tara Abrina, Cattski Espina, Dr. Angel Alcala, Milo Naval, Mario Pascobello, Miguel Nacianceno, Harry Tanoja, Lea Goeson, Allan Bantucan, Julius Villamor, Andrew Chinalpan, Rene Juntereal, Kiddo Cosio, Joncey Sumulong, Rico Espejon, Pia Lopez
