He may best be known as a savvy businessman and sports patron. Now he is entering the world of showbiz, and in a big way.
The Filipino taipan known as MVP – for Manuel V. Pangilinan – has signed a deal to be executive producer of a Hollywood movie set in the Philippines.
The working title of the movie is “The Last Resort,” and it will be a romantic comedy. This is according to director Donald Petrie, who previously helmed “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”
Details of the project came out recently in Variety, which said that MVP would be the film’s executive producer.
Philippine-born Karen McCullah, who grew up in the US, will write the script. She had previously written hit films like “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “Legally Blonde.”
Petrie, who will direct the film, has hits like “Miss Congeniality” and “Mystic Pizza” under his belt. He has also been nominated for an Emmy for his work in “LA Law.”
According to Variety, “The Last Resort” will be about a hotel executive who is sent to the Philippines to scout for a new resort location. While there, she is captivated by the breathtaking scenery and warmth of the people. She meets Ben, a charming expatriate charter pilot.
The Philippines has been the setting for a number of recent Hollywood films, such as “The Bourne Legacy” filmed in Manila and El Nido, starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz, and “Plane” headed by Gerard Butler and Mike Colter.
The biggest Hollywood film shot entirely in the Philippines is Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” starring Marlon Brando.
A large number of B-movies have also been shot in the Philippines, with local talents co-starring.
The stars of “The Last Resort” have not yet been announced.
As one of the Philippines’ billionaires, MVP has built a vast empire that includes power, telecoms, media, and real estate, among others.
He is also known as a basketball enthusiast and currently serves as the main sponsor of the Philippines’ men’s national basketball team known as Gilas.
Under his leadership, Gilas has risen in global rankings, with the Philippine team recently beating Asian powerhouses like China and New Zealand.
“The Last Resort” will be his first foray into global show business. He also owns Philippine television network ABC-5.
