Hollywood has made a significant move into Southeast Asian filmmaking with “The Last Resort,” a romantic comedy that chose the Philippines as its complete production base. The film shot its entire 38-day production schedule across multiple Philippine locations, including El Nido in Palawan, Cebu, Bataan, and Ilocos. This marks a notable shift for international productions seeking diverse and cost-effective filming destinations.
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos greets the cast and crew of The Last Resort at Malacañang Palace on May 21, 2025.
The project brings together established Hollywood talent with Filipino production expertise. Stars Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich lead the cast in this romantic comedy written by Karen McCullah, known for “Legally Blonde,” and directed by Donald Petrie of “Miss Congeniality” fame. The production represents the first Hollywood romantic comedy produced by Filipino businessman Manny Pangilinan.
The film’s production strategy showcased the Philippines’ ability to double for multiple international locations. Manila locations stood in for Venice and New York, while the country’s tropical islands provided the primary romantic comedy backdrop. This approach highlights how the Philippines has become an attractive alternative for productions originally planned for other Southeast Asian countries.
Filming Locations and Production in the Philippines
Why the Philippines Was Chosen as the Setting
The Philippines was selected as the primary filming location for The Last Resort due to its diverse landscapes and ability to double for other international destinations. Manila locations served as stand-ins for Venice and New York in the romantic comedy.
The country’s established film infrastructure made it an attractive choice for the $30 million production. The Philippines has previously hosted major Hollywood films, including Apocalypse Now, which faced production challenges but demonstrated the country’s capability to support large-scale international productions.
Producer Ernesto ‘Bong’ Sta. Maria Jr. worked with local film agencies to coordinate the extensive location shoots. The production team found the Philippines offered both tropical paradise settings and urban environments within a single country.
Key Filming Sites: Palawan and Beyond
The production filmed across five major locations throughout the Philippines:
- El Nido, Palawan – Primary tropical setting
- Oslob, Cebu – Coastal scenes
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan – Historic architecture
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Manila – Urban scenes
- Ilocos – Additional landscape shots
El Nido in Palawan served as the main filming base. Star Daisy Ridley shared photos from the island location on social media, showcasing the scenic backdrops used in the film.
The production spent nearly five months island-hopping between locations. Each site offered different visual elements needed for the romantic comedy’s storyline.
Cast and Crew Highlights
Leading Roles: Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich
Daisy Ridley takes on the female lead role in this romantic comedy. She gained worldwide fame playing Rey in the recent Star Wars trilogy films.
Her move to romantic comedy shows her range as an actress. Ridley has expressed positive feelings about filming in the Philippines.
Alden Ehrenreich stars opposite Ridley as the male lead. He played young Han Solo in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” in 2018.
Both actors bring star power from the Star Wars franchise to this new project. Their pairing creates interest among fans of the space saga.
The two leads spent nearly five months filming across different Philippine locations. They participated in island-hopping during the long production schedule.
Director Donald Petrie’s Vision
Donald Petrie directs “The Last Resort” with his extensive comedy background. He has directed popular romantic comedies like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”
Petrie brings decades of experience to this Philippine-set story. His previous work shows he understands romantic comedy formulas well.
The director worked with screenwriter Karen McCullah on the project. McCullah has written several successful romantic comedies in Hollywood.
Petrie’s choice to film entirely in the Philippines shows his commitment to authentic locations. The director spent months working in various Philippine settings during production.
Notable Filipino Talents
The Last Resort — an upcoming Hollywood romantic comedy set and filmed in the Philippines — features several notable Filipino talents both in front of and behind the camera. Here are the key Filipino contributors confirmed so far:
Filipino Producers and Executives
- Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP)– Serves asexecutive producerthroughMediaQuest Holdings, helping bring the international production to the Philippines.
- Bong Sta. Maria– Credited as thelead producer, representing strong Filipino involvement in the film’s production side.
Filipino Cast
- Jo Koy – The Filipino-American comedian and actor has joined the cast, expressing pride in the film’s Filipino setting and local production team.
Filming and Local Crew
- The film wasshot entirely in the Philippines, primarily inPalawan, with extensive participation fromFilipino film crews, production staff, and local extras. The project highlights the country’s cinematic potential and tourism appeal.
Storyline and Genre of ‘The Last Resort’
Plot Overview
The story follows Brooke, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, a determined heiress on a mission to prove herself. She travels to the Philippines to scout locations for a luxury resort development project.
During her journey, Brooke encounters Ben, played by Alden Ehrenreich. Ben is a charming expat pilot living in the Philippines who becomes her guide and companion.
Main Plot Elements:
- Hotel executive sent to scout resort locations
- Unexpected romance between two different worlds
- Personal growth through cultural immersion
- Choice between family duty and personal happiness
As their relationship develops, Ben helps Brooke rediscover freedom and love. The story builds toward a critical decision where she must choose between her business obligations and her newfound desires.
Unique Aspects of the Romantic Comedy
The Last Resort stands out by setting a Hollywood romantic comedy entirely in the Philippines. This location choice creates a unique backdrop rarely seen in major studio films.
The film combines traditional rom-com elements with adventure themes. Brooke’s journey involves both personal discovery and professional challenges in an exotic setting.
Genre Blending Features:
- Classic romantic comedy structure
- Adventure and travel elements
- Cultural fish-out-of-water scenarios
- Business drama subplot
The movie explores the contrast between corporate duty and personal freedom. This theme gets enhanced by the tropical Philippine setting, which represents escape from traditional expectations.
Cultural Exchange Portrayed On Screen
The film showcases Filipino culture through Brooke’s American perspective. Her character experiences local customs, landscapes, and ways of life that differ from her privileged background.
Ben serves as the cultural bridge character. As an expat pilot, he understands both Western and Filipino perspectives, helping audiences navigate the cultural differences.
The story highlights the Philippines’ natural beauty and hospitality. The resort development plot allows exploration of local communities and their relationship with tourism.
Cultural Elements Featured:
- Local Filipino customs and traditions
- Island landscapes and tropical settings
- Community values versus individual ambition
- East-meets-West romantic dynamics
The romance develops against authentic Philippine locations rather than studio recreations. This approach aims to present genuine cultural exchange rather than stereotypical portrayals.
Hollywood and Filipino Collaboration
Involvement of Local Film Industry
The production brought together major Filipino industry figures with Hollywood talent. Manny V. Pangilinan served as producer alongside Ernesto Bong Sta. Maria Jr., marking the first Hollywood romantic comedy with Filipino production leadership.
Local crews worked directly with international teams throughout the five-month filming period. The production utilized Filipino locations, services, and technical expertise across multiple islands.
The project required extensive coordination between Hollywood standards and Filipino film industry practices. Local production companies handled logistics, location management, and crew coordination.
This collaboration opened doors for Filipino professionals to gain experience with major Hollywood productions. The extended filming period allowed for knowledge transfer between international and local teams.
Role of Producers and Executive Producers
Manny V. Pangilinan’s involvement as producer brought significant Filipino investment to the Hollywood project. His participation demonstrated the growing financial capacity of Filipino entertainment companies in international productions.
The producer partnership structure allowed Filipino executives to influence creative and business decisions. This arrangement differed from typical location shooting where local involvement remains limited to services.
Filipino producers handled local government relations and community engagement. They coordinated with various Philippine agencies and ensured smooth operations across different filming locations.
The collaboration established new models for Filipino participation in Hollywood productions. Rather than serving only as a filming location, the Philippines became a true production partner.
Impact on Filipino Talent in International Cinema
Jo Koy joined the cast, bringing Filipino-American representation to the romantic comedy. His involvement highlighted the growing presence of Filipino performers in mainstream Hollywood productions.
The production created opportunities for local actors and crew members to work alongside established stars like Daisy Ridley and Sam Neill. These experiences provide valuable training and networking opportunities.
Filipino locations and culture became central to the film’s story rather than serving as generic backdrops. This approach showcases authentic Filipino settings to international audiences.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the production team at Malacañang, demonstrating government support for Filipino participation in international cinema. This official endorsement signals the country’s commitment to expanding its entertainment industry presence.
Historical Context of Hollywood Films in the Philippines
The Philippines has a history of hosting major Hollywood productions. President Marcos Jr. referenced the filming of “Apocalypse Now” during his father’s presidency in 1979.
Francis Coppola’s Vietnam War epic was shot extensively in Philippine locations. That production established the country’s capability to support large-scale international films.
Notable Differences:
- Apocalypse Now: War drama requiring military cooperation
- The Last Resort: Romantic comedy focusing on tourism appeal
The success of “Apocalypse Now” opened doors for future productions. However, “The Last Resort” marks the first major Hollywood romantic comedy filmed entirely in the Philippines.
Modern film infrastructure has improved significantly since the 1970s. Better equipment, trained crews, and government film offices now support international productions more effectively.
The current production benefits from decades of industry development. Filipino technicians and support staff now possess world-class skills developed through previous international collaborations.
Connections to Previous Works and Pop Culture
Cast and Crew’s Involvement in Iconic Films
The cast of The Last Resort features actors from some of cinema’s biggest franchises. Daisy Ridley starred as Rey in the recent Star Wars sequel trilogy. She appeared in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
Alden Ehrenreich also has Star Wars connections. He played young Han Solo in the standalone film Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Sam Neill brings decades of experience to the project. He’s best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise. Neill appeared in the original 1993 film and returned for Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion.
Director Donald Petrie has a strong track record in romantic comedies. He directed Miss Congeniality starring Sandra Bullock. He also helmed How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey.
Looking Back: ‘Apocalypse Now’ and Hollywood in the Philippines
The Philippines has served as a filming location for major Hollywood productions before. The most famous example is Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now in the 1970s.
Apocalypse Now was shot extensively in the Philippines from 1976 to 1977. The production used Philippine locations to stand in for Vietnam War settings. The film’s troubled production became legendary in Hollywood history.
The movie employed local Filipino crews and extras. It brought significant international attention to the Philippines as a filming destination. The production faced numerous challenges including weather, political issues, and budget overruns.
The Last Resort continues this tradition of major Hollywood films choosing the Philippines. The country offers diverse landscapes, skilled crews, and competitive production costs for international filmmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What locations in the Philippines were used for filming ‘The Last Resort’?
The film was shot primarily in Palawan, where Daisy Ridley shared scenic snapshots from the island location on her Instagram. The production team spent nearly five months island-hopping across various Philippine locations.
The movie follows a heiress named Brooke who scouts for a new resort site in the Philippines. This storyline allowed the production to showcase multiple tropical destinations throughout the country.
Which directors and producers were involved in the making of ‘The Last Resort’?
Donald Petrie directed ‘The Last Resort’ with a screenplay written by Karen McCullah. McCullah was born in the Philippines and previously wrote screenplays for ‘Legally Blonde’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’.
Filipino billionaire Manuel V. Pangilinan served as executive producer through Asia Pacific Films. Ernesto “Bong” Sta. Maria Jr. and RJ Collins worked as producers on the project.
Simon Heo and Akshay Mehta served as co-producers. The film marked the first Hollywood production executive produced by Pangilinan.
What are the main themes and inspirations behind ‘The Last Resort’?
‘The Last Resort’ is a romantic comedy that centers on a heiress scouting resort locations in the Philippines. The film aims to showcase Philippine tourism destinations to international audiences.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hopes that the movie would boost tourism by projecting the Philippines “out into the world.” The story combines romance with the country’s tropical island settings.
Who were the lead actors in ‘The Last Resort’, and how were they chosen for their roles?
Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich star as the lead actors in the film. Both actors are known for their roles in the Star Wars franchise.
Ridley plays Brooke, the heiress character who travels to the Philippines for business purposes. Ehrenreich takes on the male lead role in this romantic comedy.
The casting brought established Hollywood star power to the Philippines-based production. Both actors have significant international recognition from their previous film work.
How did the production of ‘The Last Resort’ impact the local communities where it was filmed?
The production team visited Malacañang Palace for a courtesy call with President Marcos Jr. in May 2025. This meeting highlighted the government’s support for international film productions in the country.
The five-month filming period provided extended economic activity in the locations where shooting took place. The production follows other major Hollywood films shot in the Philippines, including ‘The Bourne Legacy’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’.
What accolades or awards has ‘The Last Resort’ received since its release?
Information about specific awards or accolades for ‘The Last Resort’ is not currently available. The film recently completed production and wrapped filming in the Philippines.
The movie represents the first Hollywood romantic comedy produced by Manuel V. Pangilinan. Its significance lies in being a major international production filmed entirely in the Philippines.
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