Campaign in The Philippines Reminds People ‘We Will Travel Again’

With lockdown policies affecting travel across the globe, businesses and local communities in the Philippines are struggling. To raise awareness of the issue, Grid Magazine has launched a short film to remind Filipinos “why we travel.”

The two-minute video, “We Will Travel Again”, was released on the eve of the Philippines’ Independence Day, June 12, and is “a tribute to travelers and the people they meet on the way,” said Grid.

The 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,” said Guerrero. “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.”

Some of those featured in the video include the 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.”

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 Remedio
Ruel Trias
Tara Abrina
Cattski Espina
Dr. Angel Alcala
Milo Naval
Mario Pascobello
Miguel Nacianceno
Harry Taronja
Lea Goeson
Allan Bantucan
Julius Villamor
Andrew Chinalpan
Rene Juntereal
Kiddo Cosio
Joncey Sumulong
Rico Espejon
Pia Lopez