It’s like a gift from the rom-com Gods.
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If there’s one genre Filipinos will give their time and money to watch, it’s rom-coms. Whether foreign or local, rom-coms have a chokehold on many Filipinos who look to the genre for their dose of kilig and lighthearted vibes. And really, there’s nothing like a good rom-com, whether it be your first watch or nth rewatch, to get you in a good mood. We know Y2K rom-coms hate to see us coming every Saturday night. And speaking of, in one of the first unexpected yet welcomed news of 2025, the Philippines is set to play host to an upcoming rom-com made by some of the best in the industry.
WHEN A HOTEL EXECUTIVE MEETS A CHARMING PILOT
In case you missed the news, it was announced that Donald Petrie will be directing a new rom-com set in the Philippines with the screenplay written by Karen McCullah. Now, to the untrained eye, they might seem like just two regular creatives from Hollywood, but they aren’t just any director and writer. Petrie has been in the industry for decades, but you may know him best as the director of Miss Congeniality, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Just My Luck.
McCullah, who was born in the Philippines but raised in the US, is the scribe behind some of the quintessential 2000s rom-coms. Her writing credits 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, The House Bunny, She’s the Man, and Ella Enchanted. Yes, her pen game is that good. Between these two, they practically helped raise a generation on the power of rom-coms and inspired many to imagine a different life for themselves with films that are rewatched, dissected, and culturally relevant to this day. Now, they’re teaming up for a new rom-com in the Philippines, which honestly feels correct.
The film, which doesn’t have a release date yet, is titled The Last Resort and follows a hotel executive sent to scout a new resort location in the Philippines. Her work trip becomes more than that though as she’s captivated by the country’s scenery, people, and culture—and also meets Ben, a handsome expat charter pilot.
The plot synopsis is giving meet cute vibes, and we’re here for it. Details on The Last Resort, such as the cast and where exactly in the Philippines they will be shooting, are sparse as of this writing, but the movie is currently in pre-production. Also, here’s a little tidbit for you; Manny V. Pangilinan (yes, that MVP), will serve as the movie’s executive producer. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping our eye out for this movie as details develop and manifest that it’ll be a good one.
Continue Reading: 8 Rom-Coms With Less Than 50% On Rotten Tomatoes That You Should Definitely Watch
