Pride in one’s hometown is a quintessential Filipino trait. This is the very essence of the creation of these three unique homecoming trips featuring three sets of celebrity adventurers who are all spirited to explore the Philippine regions to show audiences what makes these destinations the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.)
From the pristine beaches of Zamboanga to the gastronomical delights of Pampanga, and all the way up the long, inviting roads going to La Union, each 15-minute episode of My Hometown Is G.O.A.T. will show off different regions in the Philippines through the eyes of hosts who call these places home. By their own example, the hosts will also demonstrate how to travel safely in the new normal. My Hometown Is G.O.A.T is an original production by AXN Asia in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
To celebrate their second wedding anniversary, celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez head to Megan’s hometown of Zambales, then visit neighboring Pampanga and Tarlac for a taste of their delicacies and history. The trip has become memorable for the couple. “The whole trip has brought back memories and new discoveries of Zambales, how it was then and now with its present development. I used to go to San Antonio, Zambales for overnight camping with friends as our way of celebrating friendship once a year. Because of the show, I was able to ride on a yacht boat for the first time,” shared Megan in the recent virtual press conference of My Hometown Is G.O.A.T. Mikael added, “I was like being introduced to her hometown. And it’s like we’re showing our audience that it’s possible to travel during the pandemic. Most of all, AXN assured us of our safety.”
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados flies to Zamboanga for a grand homecoming. She embarks on an “Eat, Pray, Love” solo rendezvous, where she rediscovers the most breathtaking adventures that the region has to offer. Gazini was equally excited to be part of the show. “It’s my very first travel show. Through the show, I was able to see my family, friends, grandparents; visited new places I never knew existed; embarked on underwater experience, the floating restaurant, tasted some delicious food, and relive my childhood memories. Bakit pa tayo lalayo? AXN made me feel very safe during the entire trip.”
Finally, Marc Pingris, along with fellow basketball superstars JC Intal, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Rico Maierhofer, takes the long road on his motorbike up to the most scenic spots of La Union, passing by his hometown of Pangasinan on the way. Revved up to ride, play and eat, the Philippine Bikers Amazing “PBA” Moto Club is set to have the adventure of a lifetime in the great North. They sum up their unforgettable travel experiences through the bonding they created, the camaraderie, the fun, the nostalgia, and the hearty meals they share together. “We are all honored and blessed to be part of the show,” said Pingris. “We followed the health protocols. During the shoot kami lang talaga . . . Maipagmamalaki natin ang ganda ng Pilipinas.”
As they revisit their roots, the celebrity hosts will be telling stories about their childhoods and bringing out a more personal side for audiences to meet. In addition, they will also be showing viewers how to be safe and savvy when traveling in the new normal.
“While we remain at home, our desire for travel continues to grow. In My Hometown Is G.O.A.T., viewers can discover beautiful destinations in the Philippines intimately as our celebrity hosts share the best of their hometowns,” said George Chien, Co-founder, President, and CEO of KC Global Media Asia, the network that owns leading English general entertainment channel AXN Asia along with Asian content destinations Animax, ONE and GEM. “We hope that the show can help satiate the wanderlust of our audiences as we wait for the world to become ready for travel. On the flip side, we also hope to reach our many Filipino fans across Asia and help soothe their longing for home, while rekindling their nostalgia and pride in their own hometowns.”
"Now, we will see a destination through the eyes of not just a tourist, but someone whose roots go deep, whose community ties hold strong, and whose love for their hometown makes it indeed the greatest," DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat added, as she underscored that the reopening of tourism serves as the main catalyst for recovery.
Definitely, the show will inspire our wanderlust, and more fun awaits in the Philippines.
The six-episode travel and lifestyle series will premiere regionally in Southeast Asia on Nov. 4, with episodes coming out on AXN Asia every Thursday and Friday at 8.30 PM, and on the AXN Asia YouTube channel every following Wednesday at 8.30 PM. The show will also be broadcast on AXN Taiwan and AXN Korea starting Nov. 8 and Nov. 13 respectively.
For updates on My Hometown Is G.O.A.T., tune in to AXN Asia available on SKYcable, Cignal, G-Sat and various cable operators nationwide. You may also visit www.axn-asia.com/MyHometownIsGOAT, or follow @AXNAsia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. (Ruby Asoy)