BBC2 Explore screened their final programme on Sunday 15th February 2009 at 9.20pm. This final episode of BBC Explore program featured the Philippinestitled ‘Manila to Mindanao’. British born broadcaster and New York Times best selling author Simon Reeve led the programme with two other journalist, Seyi Rhodes and BBC correspondent Katya Adler. Previous episodes that had been featured were Argentina, East Africa and Turkey.
As with all programmes seemingly documenting the Philippines, there was a lack of positive images and stories. Not to mention the random oriental sounding music which was offensive. After watching the programme, you would feel like the country is in freefall! BUT we have to remember, this was not a tourist holiday programme!
You can watch BBC2 Explore Manila To Mindanao video here. The video is valid until the 21st February 2009
Below is the synopsis of the programme courtesy of BBC:
In the last of the series, Simon Reeve leads a team of journalists on a journey of discovery in the Philippines, from the staggering scenery of the mountainous rice terraces in the north, to the war-torn Muslim regions of the south.
In the capital, Manila, population pressure has led to some surprising consequences. The city's largest cemetery has become home to a thriving community, who look after the tombs of the rich but also have their own schools and shops. The country is still in some political turmoil and a long-running communist insurgence has led to allegations of illegal killings by the army. Simon meets a general known as 'The Butcher'.
Simon also has a surreal encounter from the past - an interview with Imelda Marcos, who is marketing a new line in beauty products. It's a stunning country with bizarre wild life and a population of tropical 'Sea Gypsies' whose lifestyle is feeling pressure from the modern world.
