This morning was a nice way to reconnect with travel. The good people from AXN Asia and the Department of Tourism (Philippines) just launched their "My Hometown is G.O.A.T." series. It's an original wherein celebrities from the country showcase their part of the world and will premiere on November 4. Episodes will come out every Thursday and Friday at 8:30PM on AXN Asia (cable where available) and the AXN Asia YouTube Channel the Wednesday after at the same time. It will also be showcased in AXN Taiwan and AXN Korea on November 8 and 13th too.
Celebrities appering on the show include Miss World 2013 Megan Young, her husband vlogger, model and actor Mikael Daez, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Pinoy Sakuragi Marc Pingris, Basketball Superstars JC Intal, Jayjay Helterbrand and Rico Maierhofer. In the show, they'll be your companion and show you around their respective hometowns to give you a glimpse on why it's the G.O.A.T.! They will be showcasing it in 6 episodes, so make sure you're tuned in on those dates!
CEO and President of KC Global Media George Chien says "During these times, we're happy to announce the new travel and lifestyle reality show in the Philippines "My Hometown is GOAT!". What makes it the best? Ask the locals, it will include 7 towns in the Philippines which they call home. You'll see delicacies, activities, as they visit their roots, share their stories, perfect for those who can't travel yet so they could see the Philippines through their eyes. The journey starts on November 4th, thank you to our guests. Stay safe and healthy!"
DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat says "Today, AXN Asia is launching their latest production My Hometown is GOAT. For tourism to go back to normal, the long wait, we're getting ready our hotels and tourism establishments are compliant with safety standards around the country. This is to ensure the safety of both guests and our workers. This would encourage people around the country, related to what we can offer. Mikael and Megan will be going to Central Luzon, Gazini Ganados will journey in Zamboanga Del Norte down south, Basketball Stars will be going to the northern corridor Pangasinan and La Union. The world premiere will happen on November 4th, more fun awaits in the Philippines! Mabuhay!"
Mikael says "I'm the one being toured around Zambales and I hope the way I fell in love with my wife there, I fell in love with the place too. It's normal to have apprehensions, but the new normal meant we can still see the sights with protocols in place, safely not just for yourself but everyone around you. The first step is awareness, new safety protocols, once you know that, you can decide. We have different appetites in travel, just follow procedures. We have shown that it is possible to do it while staying safe at the same time."
Megan shares "This was the first time we had our child in the shoot. In San Antonio, we just took a banca and have a grand time even without electricity, just food and friends, it's a great way for us to bond and meet my personal friends. Honestly, when I grew up in Subic I only thought you could ride in the Subic Yacht Club when you are a member, I didn't know you could rent one and it was an awesome expereince!"
Marc Pingris says "I feel grateful being part of this show, I was given a chance to show my team mates how great Pangasinan is. I toured them in La Union, followed protocols, and had a great time. AXN Asia staff really took good care of us, we apologize to the fans that didn't have a chance to take photos with us because we had to follow protocols. I grew up in Pangasinan as a laborer, and going to La Union, the view was different, you just have to go there and experience it for yourself. Being with the boys was just a cherry on top, I hope I get to be there with my other brothers from PBA, we didn't have to go outside the country to see how beautiful it was."
Jayjay Helterbrand says "We need to revitalize the tours, being in the motorcycle in two wheels, we saw everything raw. We saw the skyline, riding along with our PBA buddies, more fun really awaited us during our experience there! They were very adamant about safety protocols, we were prepared ahead of time and they made sure we followed road safety reminders."
JC Intal says "It was super fun and very safe. I am looking forward to more of this!"
Rico Maierhofer "We had to use websites and apps of the LGU's, and we did it ourselves. We're athletes so we're not much of hosts, but AXN made us comfortable. It was an amazing experience! We're thankful that DOT chose us to travel there. It was amazing!"
Gazini Ganados "I was excited to relive my childhood and see my hometown and parts of it that I never thought existed. The hidden gems I found there, it made me realize that I never even have to go far. It was all there all along! We took all safety procedures even before we stepped on the plane. We were also taught protocols in case someone wanted to go near us. There are new attractions, floating restaurants, the beauty under water, it was a different world doing that. It was super fun to see that side of the world!"
That's just the tip of the iceberg, so make sure you watch the show. It was awesome to see them be excited to show their respective provinces. There's so much to see in the Philippines and I hope this is just the start!