About face

With the endless supply of foreign television series and movies at our fingertips, most Filipinos can easily add the term "couch potato" to their list of attributes. In this age of extremely cheap bootlegged DVDs (they have since dropped to P60, what a steal! Not that I’m sanctioning something so unlawful…), compressing three seasons of a series onto one DVD and rampant downloading off the Internet, does anyone still flip on the tube for some engaging homegrown TV? I’ve upgraded my cable service to "Platinum" as the range of imported shows are making headway and while I normally stick to the American series, I do switch channels in hopes of discovering something local to amuse myself with. 

Thank goodness for the Lifestyle Network. You have not seen it yet, but a new show is about to air starring model and host Amanda Griffin, aptly titled Out and About with Amanda Griffin.

A weekly show that transports you all over Metro Manila and beyond, it embodies the term "lifestyle" as there are segments on almost everything pertinent to a gratifying way of life. It’s not your standard lifestyle program as Out and About aims to feature everything out there that is interesting, fun and different. It’s not Taradise or Wild On, as Amanda’s way too feminine to go trashy, and it definitely covers many fun activities. With segments on destinations, adventure, beauty, food, nightlife and other diversions, it’s a sweet way to see the country without ever having to leave your seat. For those who carry on thinking that there’s not a lot going on in this country, you are severely mistaken. Working on the premise that there are ample activities and a plethora of spots to check out, Amanda and her team are out to prove that the Philippines is a pretty cool place that’s actually easily accessible.

With a father in aircraft financing, Amanda’s always had a penchant for travel ever since she can remember, probably due to her being on a plane before she could even walk. One would think that all that constant travel would make her accustomed to flying, but she still dreads it. A self-proclaimed nervous flyer, she sucks it up and boards that plane practically every other weekend. Most people would kill for a job like that! Out and About brings Amanda to spots all over the country and overseas. Always on the lookout for stellar destinations, Amanda and her co-producer decide what to shoot after receiving suggestions and having their research assistant do some investigating.

For the show, locally, El Nido in Palawan is her favorite destination; but a magical trip to Tonga was her best trip overseas. Swimming with humpback whales was one of her amazing experiences, which is pretty damn cool in our book. The show aside, Amanda’s personal favorite spots include Palawan, Noosa in Australia, Aspen in Colorado, and Devon in England. Her next goal is to embark on a safari in Africa and visit Alaska by rafting down the Yukon while seeing the brilliant wildlife. That’s hot. 

Of Filipino heritage, Amanda graces the camera with an ease that only professionals possess. With her charming face and cheery attitude, it’s a delight to have her casually host the show in her Karimadon outfits that she sports so comfortably. Amanda even shoots part of the show herself in a segment called "Amanda’s Sony Moments" where she films anything that catches her fancy on a HDR-UX1. Women are truly the premier multi-taskers.

In the first episode, Amanda checks out Palawan and highlights what it has to offer. Viewers will be shown around El Nido with YStyle creative director Celine Lopez, have a sumptuous meal with Aimee Marcos and go rappelling in Napayong Island with Nikos Gitsis of Sea Air fame. Local movers and shakers are frequent guests on the show, showcasing Filipinos who have excelled in their fields. Out and About will make us proud of what the Philippines has to offer and of our homegrown compatriots as well.

Out and About with Amanda Griffin premiers Sunday, Feb. 18 on the Lifestyle network at 6:30 p.m.