Bicol tourism officers, vendors thank 'Firefly' for showcasing region's beauty

Vendors from the Bicol region, along with its tourism officers, have nothing but gratitude for “Firefly” for showcasing its beauty, saying it is a big help in promoting their economy and tourism.

According to Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday,  among the region’s spots featured in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry were Sorsogon’s Bulan Port, Barangay Gabao in the Municipality of Irosin, and the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga.

“Napakalaking bagay ito para sa amin. Unang-una, sikat na dati ang Cagsawa, so lalagyan pa natin ng sikat na mga celebrities, so malaking impact po ito sa amin lalong-lalo na sa mga nagnenegosyo,” Vendors Association President Cesar Lincaso said.

The Department of Tourism in Bicol added that “Firefly” is a big help in the development of their economy and tourism.

“‘Pag nakita natin ang sarili natin doon, nakita natin ‘yung sariling lugar natin, parang nakaka-proud. At ‘yung mga hindi naman taga dito sa atin, ‘pag nakita ‘yung Mayon, parang na-excite silang gawin ‘yun na ‘Oh, puwede palang puntahan ‘to,’” Regional Director Herbie Aguas said.

Directed by Zig Dulay, “Firefly” follows a young boy who is on a quest to find the magical island of fireflies from his mother's stories.

On Wednesday, the GMA Pictures film was named Best Picture and won the Best Screenplay award at the 2023 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal.

It stars Euwenn Mikaell, Alessandra De Rossi, Dingdong Dantes, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Epy Quizon, and Yayo Aguila.

Mikaell won the Best Child Performer award. De Rossi was nominated for Best Supporting Actress while Dantes and Quizon were nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Haven’t seen the movie yet? Here's an updated list of cinemas where you can watch “Firefly.”

—Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News