Reality show filmed in Palawan to start airing in the Netherlands


Dutch reality show "Million Dollar Island" which was filmed on location in northern Palawan is set to air on television in the Netherlands on Sunday (Dutch time), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

"Million Dollar Island" trailer title card (Screenshot from Metronieuws/SBS6)

A hundred Dutchmen and women participated in the two-month survival-reality show which was filmed in the pristine waters and shores of northern Palawan.

One million euros prize money awaits the winner show which was produced by Monday Media Production.

In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya said the highly-rated program is another opportunity for Dutch people to discover the Philippines.

"We welcome them to our country," he said.

"Enjoying the sun and beach in our tropical paradise is one grand way to cast out the pandemic blues," he added.

Monday Media Production’s Geraldine Lamberta Smink, delegated Producer, and Gerard Bernard Oostveen, Production Leader, met with Malaya before the commencement of their filming in Palawan in September last year which ran until December.

Monday Media Production’s Geraldine Lamberta Smink (right), delegated Producer, and Gerard Bernard Oostveen (left), Production Leader, with Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya before the commencement of their filming in Palawan in September last year which run until December. (The Hague PE photo)

“Million Dollar Island” will be shown on SBS6 every Sunday evening and is also available for viewing on Prime Video, an hour after its broadcast on SBS6.

With the easing of travel restrictions last month, fully vaccinated Dutch tourists can enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days.

Other entry protocols include the presentation of a proof of vaccination, a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours, 30-day valid tickets, valid passports, and travel insurance.

Tourist arrivals from The Netherlands have grown by an average of 10 percent per year from 2015 to 2019, with 41,313 visiting in 2019 before the pandemic. Thirty percent of Dutch travelers are repeat visitors.

According to the DFA, things most liked by the Dutch tourists about the Philippines are beautiful sceneries and nice beaches, and the warm hospitality and kindness of Filipinos. Their top destinations include Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Vigan, Banaue, and Palawan, among others.