Hollywood ‘coming’ to Manila

A terminally ill American comes to the Philippines in search of a faith healer who can cure him, and in the process falls in love with a Filipina. Also, the sick American is kidnapped, but eventually rescued by policemen.

This is the plot of the $2-million Hollywood movie "No Greater Love" which is expected to be filmed entirely in the country and to be produced by Gardwood Productions.

In an interview, Pastor Jim Acebedo, project coordinator for the film, said Dr. Lee Bleiberg, chief operating officer of Gardwood Productions, had already approved the project which will attempt to depict positive aspects of Philippine culture while at the same time feature close US-Philippine relations.

Acebedo said the movie producers were still selecting American and Filipino cast. He said the shooting is expected to be completed in two months, although the schedule has not yet been finalized.

"We are still preparing and hopefully, the movie will be out early next year," he said.

Lawyer Luisito Lopez, Philippine project coordinator, said he will meet with Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and Interior Secretary Jose Lina Jr. to discuss locations for the shooting. It is expected that the movie would be filmed in the country’s major tourist spots.

"No Greater Love is not only a love, action and adventure story. It will depict both the scenic spots in the country and the war against criminality being waged by President Arroyo. The movie would project the Philippines in a positive light," Lopez said.

He said he has started coordination with the local movie industry for the selection of the Philippine cast.

The film may give the local tourism industry and faith-healing the needed boost to lure again tourists back in the country, he said.