Fascinating beaches, lagoons, sumptuous cuisine, and adrenaline-inducing activities are a few reasons why renowned author Kevin Kwan and producer Lawrence Bender love the country
If you are born to make enthralling stories, it is only apt that you surround yourself with people and places that ignite your creativity. Kwan, who gained global popularity because of his Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, shared that his heart has always reserved a place for the Philippines. His next project will be a “love letter” to the country.
“I feel like the Philippines is so unseen in the global cinema world, and there is so much to discover. There is so much beauty here to share with the world, so I wrote this story completely inspired by my love for the Philippines, both for the country and its people,” Kwan eagerly shares.
Bender, on the other hand, is no different. The award-winning producer behind critically-acclaimed films like Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill, and Inglorious Basterds also admits how the compelling beauty of the Philippines mesmerised him.
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Among the places that he considers unforgettable are El Nido and Amanpulo resorts. “I do not even know where to begin. Everyone [in the Philippines] just made me happy to be here.
“And then all of Kevin’s favourite spots were in El Nido—hidden beach, secret beach, the big and small lagoons, caves. The activities were just as fun; we tried kayaking, jumped into the water, and swam. Everything we did was beautiful and extraordinary. Fed the soul,” he adds.
For both Kwan and Bender, hospitality is the most humbling quality that Filipinos know how to radiate best.
“The highlight of my stay, first of all, is the time I spent with old friends and the time I spent meeting new ones. I got such a warm welcome. But for me, what stood out was that everyone had such a unique story. We met so many people who wanted to share their stories with us,” Kwan says for his part.
“It is my third time in Palawan, and each time gets better. Each time I see something new, I appreciate it. I must say that Tourism Secretary Berna is such an impressive person. She and the board hosted us during our visit. It was all impeccable, so beautifully organised. We felt very privileged to be hosted,” Bender says of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who invited him to the recently-concluded World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
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