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PHOTOS
LESTER LEDESMA
A C C I D E N T A L H E R O E S
“
Explore the road
less traveled”
Partners Gabby Malvar and Ginggay
Hontiveros had zero knowledge
about TV production — but that didn’t
stop them from shooting a pilot for a
travel documentary in February 2011.
They pitched the idea to National
Geographic and the Department of
Tourism in March, and got nods from
both immediately. Call it beginner’s
luck if you want — but their show,
Islands Insider
,
debuted on the National
Geographic channel in June 2012.
It all started when Malvar, a
travel writer, wanted to make a book
compilation of his travel essays and
tales of the local stewards of different
parts of the Philippines. “I told him why
not a TV show? Initially he didn’t want
to do it, but I was already organizing it
in my head,” says Hontiveros. Not too
long after, the two formed The Extra
Mile Productions.
Unlike glossy travel shows with
well-coiffed hosts lounging in tourist
hotspots like Boracay or Bohol,
Islands
Insider
takes the road less traveled,
exploring lesser-known Philippine
destinations and cultures through the
eyes of Hontiveros, the unobtrusive
host seeking to learn more about
her heritage.
For Malvar, who co-produces, co-
writes and directs the series,
Islands
Insider
is also about making viewers
aware of the preservation issues of
tourism sites; that traveling holds
a responsibility that goes beyond
snapping fun jump shots or uploading
a “been there, done that” blog
entry. An economist by training, he
believes that “there should be a more
equitable distribution of wealth and
opportunities”.
When this is achieved, one can help
jumpstart economic development in
other areas. “If Filipinos considered
places other than Boracay, not only
will they stimulate economic activity
in Sibuyan, for instance; they will also
help decongest Boracay and give it a
chance to regenerate.”
In every episode, Hontiveros
interacts with local experts and
tribespeople — heroes of their own
culture and heritage — who share
priceless nuggets you won’t find in
a guidebook.
Gabby Malvar and Ginggay Hontiveros’
Islands Insider
focuses on areas in the
Philippines that need your attention.
Shot
on location at the Champagne Room,
Manila Hotel
