We are Filipinos—with a deeply-rooted love for our nation. We recognize its beauty, its vast history, but how proud are we of it? Oftentimes, we underestimate, overlook, and fail to notice the greatness behind our own culture, due to its lack of recognition in the global scene.
These are some important realizations that “I Love Filipino” –– a Filipino documentary series to stream on Netflix –– would like to shed light on.
It is a five-part series which is set to premiere on June 12, 2025 –– coinciding with the nation’s Independence Day.
Marnie Manicad produced the documentary through her Team MMPI Production where she wears many hats as its Chief Executive Officer, Executive Producer and Principal Director.
Notably, she shares the inspiration behind the show’s conceptualization.
“For nearly two decades, Team MMPI has always produced work that sparks a sense of nationalism for the Philippines,” she reveals. “Personally, I have always believed that helping the country through the production of positive content and information can also uplift our spirit as a nation, to face whatever challenges that we may encounter in the future. I hope to add to the creation of positive change for Filipinos by highlighting our heritage, culture, creativity, and talent.”
As the director of this noteworthy project, she has also experienced a deepened understanding and appreciation of our country’s traditions, values and origins, “I am grateful to have been blessed with this project. Team MMPI was able to immerse in the different facets of Filipino life, specifically on the different aspects of our Music, Culinary, Art, Sawsawan and Architecture. The interesting stories from our inspiring interviewees truly made this a memorable project for us led by our host and head writer Jiggy Manicad,” she adds.
The episode titled “Pinoy Altanghap” tackles what is truly Filipino in our food. It features some of our famous local delights like Tapsilog, Lechon CarCar and Sisig. This episode highlights the question, “What tastes do Filipinos crave for and need in their food?” It also delves deeper into our food history and presents the various ingredients that Filipinos cannot do without in their cooking.
“Himig,” another exciting episode, discusses what Filipino music really is and how essential it is to our culture. It also emphasizes the questions, “Are we still able to preserve our own music considering the countless influences of other countries?” and “How important is music to our culture?”
Meanwhile, the episode “Juan with Art” takes pride in modern Filipino artists whose creativity and skills brought the country to the global stage. Leinil Yu, a renowned artist from the comics industry, painter Ronald Ventura and sculptor Michael Cacnio take centerstage as they highlight their respective, impeccable world-class artistry.
“SawsawJuan” is another interesting episode as it explores the beloved ‘sawsawan’ or dipping sauces, showing how this aspect of our cuisine ties tastes together and provides variety in every bite.
Lastly, the episode “Bahay Kubo” honors our very own Nipa Hut which is often featured in pictures and artworks as a ‘poor man’s hut’. However, this episode, through showing distinct perspectives of the best modern Filipino architects, will prove why it is so remarkable today. It is actually one of their biggest inspirations because of the structure’s unique features, sustainability, and adaptability to the Filipino way of life.
‘I Love Filipino’ was created as a series, co-written and hosted by international award-winning broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad.
“We have so much cultural wealth and heritage that we ought to pay attention to. It is important to bring them into every Filipinos’ consciousness and ‘I Love Filipino’ can be one of those steps to do it,” he avers on his insight in hosting the five-part documentary.
A show that will make every Filipino proud, “I Love Filipino” is truly a must-see! Catch its premiere on Netflix this June 12.
Watch our coverage of the ‘I Love Filipino’ media launch: