Going on a road trip seems like an exciting thing to do to unwind. But when you are stacked with many things to do, booking your next trip might be challenging. There is always an alternative to that: watching road trip films. These Filipino road trip films will let you explore various Philippine destinations even without leaving your room! So grab your favorite snack, and let us travel around the country with these movies.
That Thing Called Tadhana
Director: Antoinette Jadaone
The quiet town of Sagada, Mountain Province, became prominent among the masses thanks to this 2014 romantic comedy film. The film follows Anthony (JM de Guzman) and Mace (Angelica Panganiban), who decide to go on a road trip to various places while trying to forget and recall each of their pasts. In the process of unpacking their emotions, their bond deepens.
You won’t only fall in love with the characters, but you will also swoon over the picturesque locations. Most of these are in Baguio City and the town of Sagada. An important place in the film was Kiltepan Peak. I was lucky enough to have visited it when it was still open to the public.
Where to Watch: Netflix | iWant TFC
I’m Drunk, I Love You
Director: JP Habac
In this 2017 film, Carson (Maja Salvador) and Dio (Paulo Avelino) are best friends who embark on a road trip where they settle the score between them. The core of the story involves their innermost desires. However, one cannot deny the beauty of La Union – where most scenes were shot.
IDILY is undoubtedly one of my favorite Filipino road trip films. I have probably watched this a thousand times, and I end up tearing up every time I watch it. Add 3D’s Burnout to the mix, and you have a spectacular film that would tug your heartstrings.
Where to Watch: YouTube | Netflix
Sakaling Hindi Makarating
Director: Ice Idanan
Join Alesandra de Rossi’s character in this 2016 drama film to rediscover various attractions in the country. When Cielo (de Rossi) begins to receive anonymous postcards from different places across the country, she grows fond of them and their author. Using the postcards, she embarks on a road trip to discover who the writer is while rediscovering herself.
The film itself is captivating. You would find yourself journeying across the country with Cielo, so you’ll get to feel what she is feeling firsthand. The cinematography of the film was so stunning. It felt like moving postcards of various spots across the country: Quezon City, Zamboanga, Siquijor, Marinduque, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes. The film is a road trip like no other!
Where to Watch: Cignal Play
Unforgettable
Director: Perci Intalan & Jun Robles Lana
I was scrolling through Netflix one night when I decided to watch this 2019 drama film starring Sarah Geronimo. In the movie, Jasmine (Geronimo) goes on a long and winding road trip to take her pet, Happy, to her ill grandmother in Baguio. Along the way, they encounter several challenges that they had to face.
This film is both enchanting and heartwarming. I found myself laughing, crying, and empathizing with Jasmine. But most of all, I was enchanted by the filming locations of Unforgettable. Several scenes were shot in Baguio City. Other were filmed at the towns of Pagudpud, Burgos, and Bangui in Ilocos Norte.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Patay na Si Hesus
Director: Victor Villanueva
This 2016 dark comedy film might be an unconventional road trip film, but it still has its heart on its sleeves. After discovering that her estranged husband has died, single mother Iyay (Jaclyn Jose) drags her family from Cebu to Dumaguete to attend his funeral.
This film has also been on my bucket list ever since I saw its trailer for the first time. So when it was released on Netflix, I immediately watched it. And I was not disappointed. The film itself is a masterpiece, from the screenplay to the acting and cinematography. The picturesque scenes during their road trip are also a wonder. I haven’t been to Cebu yet, but this film is so personal that I felt I was in Cebu myself.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Mr. and Mrs. Cruz
Director: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
JC Santos and Ryza Cenon take on the role of two strangers who embark on a road trip to escape their harsh realities and discover themselves once more. This 2018 drama film takes place in various scenic locations in Palawan. Several scenes were shot in Puerto Princesa City, while others were filmed in El Nido.
With its stunning cinematography, you will be in awe of the province’s beauty. As a matter of fact, this film led me to book a trip to Puerto Princesa finally. We can’t also deny the twists and turns of the story. And the actors’ chemistry is undeniable; they really brought the characters of Gela and Raffy to life.
Where to Watch: Netflix | iWant TFC
Wrapping Up
I hope you enjoyed going over our list of Filipino road trip films. By watching these films, you will get an unmatched experience as if you’ve gone on a road trip with the characters. Moreover, the filming locations would inspire you to plan your trip once you have a planned schedule. For now, we travel virtually. When the right time comes, we’ll get to experience what Mace and Anthony or Rafty and Gela had.
