New docuseries explores what it truly means to be Filipino

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To mark the 127th Philippine Independence Day, Filipinos worldwide are invited to reconnect with their roots through the new five-part Netflix documentary series "I Love Filipino."

Created and produced by Marnie Manicad of Team MMPI Production, the series explores Filipino identity through food, music, art, architecture and even beloved dipping sauces.

"I have always believed that helping the country through the production of positive content and information can also uplift our spirit as a nation. I hope to add to the creation of positive change for Filipinos," Marnie said during the series' premiere.

‘I Love Filipino’ director Marnie Manicad and host-headwriter Jiggy Manicad PHOTO FROM TEAM MMPI

"I Love Filipino" is hosted and co-written by her husband, international award-winning broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad.

"It took high blood pressure, sweat, and tears to shoot this series. And yes, you heard that right — high blood pressure. Especially with the delicious food featured in the Altanghap episode," Jiggy jested.

He continued, "Sweat and tears — because there's no denying how tough the pre-production and post-production were. Creating a large story with varied contexts, many interviewees, and numerous locations is no easy task. But we also learned so much in the process, and we hope to share with you all our 'Aha!' moments. I spent 23 years writing and producing current affairs shows and documentaries, but I never really touched on the topic of architecture. Through this project, I gained so much knowledge."

The inspiration for the show stems from a desire to reignite conversations about Filipino identity and pride especially in today's digital age, where content consumption is at an all-time high.

According to Marnie, the show offers a trailblazing perspective by tackling topics not commonly explored in Filipino media.

Each of the series' five episodes presents a distinct but interconnected look at Filipino life and values:

"Pinoy Altanghap" unpacks Filipino flavors through iconic dishes like tapsilog, lechon Carcar, and sisig, asking the deeper question: What truly defines the Filipino palate?

"Himig" explores Filipino music and asks whether our native sound can survive amidst the flood of foreign influences.

"Juan with Art" showcases visual giants like Leinil Yu, Ronald Ventura, and Michael Cacnio, proving that Filipino artistry belongs on the world stage.

"SawsawJuan" turns the spotlight to dipping sauces, revealing how something as simple as sawsawan brings complexity and unity to the Filipino table.

"Bahay Kubo" reframes the humble nipa hut through the eyes of top architects, highlighting its sustainable and ingenious design.

Indeed, "I Love Filipino" serves as a timely reminder of the cultural richness of the Philippines.

"We have so much cultural wealth and heritage that we ought to pay attention to. It is important to bring them into every Filipino's consciousness, and I Love Filipino can be one of those steps to do it," said Jiggy.

"I Love Filipino" premieres today, June 12, exclusively on Netflix.