Hollywood Films to be set in the Philippines

Donald Petrie to Direct a Hollywood Romcom Set in the Philippines

Paulina Singh
Preview 
16 January 2025

He's the director behind cult classics like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and "Miss Congeniality."

Hollywood is setting its sights on the Philippines for a new romantic comedy. On January 14 (U.S. time), American entertainment magazine Variety reported that director Donald Petrie has officially signed on to helm an upcoming film titled The Last Resort.

For the unacquainted, Donald is the director behind the films How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days  (2003) and Miss Congeniality (2000)—just some of the 2000's most-loved romantic comedies, no biggie!

Many details about the project remain under wraps. However, it was revealed that the film will feature a screenplay penned by Karen McCullah, the Philippine-born American writer behind cult favorites 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) and She’s the Man (2006).

According to the report, the film centers on a hotel executive tasked with scouting potential resort locations in the Philippines. Along the way, she becomes enchanted by the country’s picturesque landscapes and warm-hearted people, eventually crossing paths with Ben, described as “a charming expatriate charter pilot.”

Veteran casting director Sheila Jaffe, whose expansive portfolio includes Entourage (2004) and The Italian Job (2003), is set to lead the casting process, with casting expected to begin early this year.

The film will be produced by Filipino producer Ernesto “Bong” Sta. Maria Jr. and Hollywood-based Raja Collins.  Moreover, Filipino business magnate Manuel V. Pangilinan has also signed on as the film's executive producer. Needless to say, The Last Resort is shaping up to be a rom-com that Filipinos and international cinephiles can look forward to. 

PH to post strong growth in 2025

PH to deliver one of strongest growths in ASEAN

By Anna Leah Gonzales
Philippine News Agency

January 14, 2025

MANILA – The Philippine economy is expected to post one of the highest growths in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the HSBC Global Private Banking and the Bank of America (BofA) said.

ECONOMIC GROWTH. High-rise buildings as seen from Torre de Manila on Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2025). HSBC Global Private Banking expects the Philippine economy to deliver one of the strongest growths in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

In a report released on Tuesday, HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth chief investment officer for Southeast Asia and India, James Cheo, said the Philippine economy is expected to deliver one of the strongest growths in the region this year.

Cheo said economic growth would be driven by robust domestic consumption, a thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, and increasing investments in digital services.

Household consumption is also expected to return to the pre-pandemic growth rate, supported by easing inflation, a strong labor market, and increased infrastructure spending.

According to Cheo, the country’s strength in services exports, including information technology and BPO services, also provides a buffer against global trade uncertainties and tariff risks.

“Services exports and overseas remittances, which remain key economic pillars, will continue to contribute significantly to economic resilience and stability in the Philippines. Monetary and fiscal policies are aligned to support growth while managing risks," he said.

He noted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would likely reduce the policy rate to 5 percent in the third quarter of this year as it cautiously navigates external risks, such as potential volatility in the peso and the US Federal Reserve’s easing cycle.

"On the fiscal side, the government’s infrastructure agenda remains a key growth driver, supported by revenue-enhancing measures," he said.

Cheo, meanwhile, said the peso is likely to face volatility from a stronger dollar but its high carry will be a buffer.

"We are bullish on the PHP and expect it to stay resilient at 59.8 against the USD by end-2025,” he said.

In a separate report, BofA revised upward its Philippine economic growth forecast to 5.9 percent this year from the earlier 5.5 percent projection.

In the ASEAN-6, the economic projection for the Philippines is the second highest, next to Vietnam's 6.8 percent economic growth forecast.

The ASEAN-6 consists of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

According to BofA, the Philippines, which is domestic-oriented, is "less vulnerable" to the impact of the possible higher tariff that will be imposed by the United States.

BofA, meanwhile, said headline inflation is expected to remain within the government's 2 percent to 4 percent target. (PNA)