I Love Filipino
| I Love Filipino | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary |
| Created by | Marnie Manicad |
| Written by | Jiggy Manicad |
| Directed by | Marnie Manicad |
| Starring | Jiggy Manicad |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original languages | Filipino, English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 5 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Marnie Manicad |
| Producer | Team MMPI |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | June 12, 2025 |
I Love Filipino is a 2025 Philippine documentary series created and directed by Marnie Manicad and hosted by her husband, broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad.[1] The five-part series was produced by Team MMPI and released on Netflix on June 12, 2025, coinciding with the 127th Philippine Independence Day.[2]
The series aims to explore and celebrate Filipino identity and culture by examining various facets of the nation's heritage, including its cuisine, music, art, architecture, and dipping sauces (sawsawan).[3][4]
Production
The docuseries was a project led by director-producer Marnie Manicad and her production company, Team MMPI. Her husband, Jiggy Manicad, served as the host and head writer.[5] The creators described the project as their "most personal project to date" and a "love letter to the Philippines".[6] The stated goal was to create positive content to uplift the national spirit and spark a sense of nationalism and pride among Filipinos.[7][8]
Episodes
The series consists of five episodes, each focusing on a different element of Filipino culture.[9]
| No. | Title | Subject | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pinoy Altanghap | Filipino cuisine, featuring dishes like piyanggang manok, tapsilog, lechon Carcar, and sisig.[10] | June 12, 2025 |
| 2 | Himig | Filipino music, from indigenous sounds to modern OPM. It features interviews with artists like Ryan Cayabyab and Rico Blanco. | June 12, 2025 |
| 3 | Juan with Art | The world-class artistry of Filipinos, spotlighting painter Ronald Ventura, sculptor Michael Cacnio, and comic book artist Leinil Francis Yu. | June 12, 2025 |
| 4 | SawsawJuan | The cultural significance of Filipino dipping sauces (sawsawan) such as banana ketchup, patis (fish sauce), and suka (vinegar). | June 12, 2025 |
| 5 | Bahay Kubo | The traditional bahay kubo (nipa hut) as a sustainable and enduring symbol of Filipino architecture and way of life. | June 12, 2025 |
Reception
The series was generally well-received for its positive portrayal of Filipino culture and its goal of promoting national pride.[11] Esquire Philippines noted that the series "reignites the conversation on what it means to be Filipino today."[12] The Manila Times and other outlets highlighted its timely release on Independence Day as a call for Filipinos to reconnect with their roots.[13][14]
References
- ^ "New Netflix docuseries puts a spotlight on Filipino culture". GMA Network. June 12, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "'I Love Filipino' docuseries drops this Independence Day on Netflix". CinemaBravo. June 11, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Wang, Nickie (June 16, 2025). "'I Love Filipino' reclaims cultural pride through food, music, and art". Manila Standard. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "'I Love Filipino': A heartfelt tribute to Filipino identity". Manila Bulletin. June 11, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Gomez, Jim (June 10, 2025). "Jiggy Manicad, excited about his new Netflix series, I Love Filipino". PEP.ph. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "LOOK: Jiggy and Marnie Manicad promote Pinoy culture in new Netflix docuseries 'I Love Filipino'". Random Republika. June 12, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Tomada, Nathalie (June 12, 2025). "What is Filipino? Jiggy and Marnie Manicad seek answers in Netflix docu-series". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "'I Love Filipino' on Netflix is a Must-Watch for the Whole Family". Modern Parenting. June 11, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "How Netflix Series "I Love Filipino" Invigorates The Filipino Identity". Dito sa Pilipinas. June 27, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "The First Episode of "I Love Filipino" Netflix Series is Food for Thought". Pressenza. July 2, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Siazon, Rachelle (June 21, 2025). "I Love Filipino review: A docu-series that reminds us of our rich culture". PEP.ph. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "Netflix's 'I Love Filipino' Is a Love Letter to Our Culture". Esquire Magazine Philippines. June 17, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Iglesias, Iza (June 12, 2025). "New docuseries explores what it truly means to be Filipino". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "New docuseries explores what it truly means to be Filipino". MSN. June 12, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2025.