Thelma was the first movie filmed and produced in the Philippines I’ve watched in a very long time. I’ve not really been a fan of Filipino movies because of the very predictable storylines. But Thelma was different. Not only did it give the viewers a different storyline. The keen eye award-winning Director of Photography Odyssey Flores combined with the vision of the film’s director, Paul Soriano, provided viewers spectacular scenes showcasing many of the beautiful places in the Philippines.
Synopsis of Thelma
Thelma tells the inspiring story of a simple girl from the province with a gift of speed. Her remarkable talent in running paved the way for her to not only help her family deal with struggles, but also changed her life in a way she had only dreamed.
Beauty of Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Most of the scenes in the movie Thelma were filmed in Ilocos Norte, a province located north of the Philippines. Although it’s just an hour’s flight away from Manila, you’d feel that you have traveled back in time with the many cobbled-stoned streets, Spanish houses, and laid-back way of life here.
While watching the movie, I found myself planning out a trip to visit Ilocos Norte one of these days. The cinematography here highlighted three reasons why:
Thelma gazing to the Bangui Windmills, one of the landmarks of Ilocos Norte, Philippines
The Windmills in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
One of the prominent landmarks in Ilocos Norte featured in the movie were the towering windmills that lined the beach of Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
The 15 towering windmills that stand by the shore like towering guardians are used by the North Wind Power Plant in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, to bring electricity into the homes and establishments to the entire province via TransCo Laoag.
The Bangui Bay, where the windmills can be found, are also considered to be a rich fishing ground in the area.
Spanish Architecture
Paoay Church, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. Photo by jaya
In one article about Ilocos Norte, TIME.com mentioned that one of the reasons to visit Ilocos Norte is the allure of the architecture predominant here. The province boasts so many churches and ancestral homes that date back to the time when the Spaniards ruled the country. Many of the old buildings are still in use and have been transformed into museums filled with artifacts dating back centuries.
Ilocos Norte is also home to the St. Augustine Church in the town of Paoay, one of the many historical landmarks featured by Choose Philippines in their music video. Recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines since 1993, the church is built with the use of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks. The architectural design of the church is a blend of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs.
Paoay Church also played an important role in Philippine history. During the revolution that led to the independence of the Philippines from Spain, the Katipuneros used the bell tower of Paoay Church as their watch post. It was used again as a watch tower by the Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation.
Ilocos Norte is home to some of the best white sand beaches in the Philippines. Photo by Miko de Villa
White Sand Beaches and Secluded Waterfalls
During the movie of Thelma, there was one scene where Thelma’s aunt was walking along the shores of a white sand beach with her boyfriend with the waves crashing in the background.
Ilocos Norte is home to a lot of beaches lined with powder white sand. I’m not really sure which beach it exactly was, but I have a few guesses. The first is Pagudpud Beach. This heart-shaped bay is located some 2.5 kilometers outside the town’s proper, and is considered to be one of the most popular white sand beaches in the northern part of the Philippines.
Another possible beach is Mairaira Point in Malingay Cove. Hailed as the Philippines’ very own ‘Blue Lagoon,’ this is a beach that is void of the bars and modern establishments you’d find in many of the white sand beaches in the country. With only a few sheds, towering old trees, and wild vines, you can easily get the feeling that you’re stranded in some remote island far, far away that could very well be paradise on earth. In reality, this wild beach is just a short 30-minute walk from the National Highway that cuts through the entire province of Ilocos Norte.
More than an Athlete’s Story
When director Paul Soriano made this film, he envisioned it to be a movie with a message. Initially, it is a movie about the determination and spirit within each and every athlete in the Philippines. Beyond that, it’s a beautiful movie that showcased a different side of the Philippines very few have seen. From the beaches to the rolling hills, director Paul Soriano’s film captured the beauty of this northern province in the Philippines that would make anyone want to go and visit.
Thelma Gives 3 Reasons to Visit Ilocos Norte, Philippines,
About Adeline Yuboco
Hi, Adeline!
Ilocos Norte seems absolutely beautiful! Loved the last photo from your post-wish I could teleport myself there right away. However, I never seen any Filipino movie before. Where could I see Thelma movie? Is it possible to download it from somewhere?
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Hi Kistina, I’m really glad that you like the photos.
From what I understand, they are planning to show Thelma in the US as well for the Filipino community there. I’ll check on that one for you and get back to you on that.
You can check the film’s website at http://thelma.timehorizon.co/ in the meantime. There are videos there of the trailer and the official music video and some photos from the movie.
Thanks, Adeline!
I will make sure to check the site out!
Hi Kristina,
I just got word about Thelma. It is currently showing in Hawaii for a film festival. Hopefully, by next month, it will be shown in the mainland. I’ll keep you updated on it.
Twitter: ben_baygas
says:
Hello, I like also the photos and I am thrilled to visit Ilocos in the future.Thumbs up.
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Twitter: samanthaluy
says:
Wow! What a beautiful introduction to Ilocos Norte, Adeline! I don’t know anyone from Ilocos, so I hadn’t even considered visiting the place. =) I am so surprised to find such an amazing piece of Spanish architecture there. You know, I’ve always wondered if the Intramuros was constructed by the Spanish, considering as how its name is Spanish. Totally off track, but wasn’t it the site of the liberation of the Philippines in WWII as well? I’m a huge history buff. =P
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You’re right, Samantha. Intramuros was built back during the Spanish era. You can check out the post I wrote about it here: http://life-and-leisure.com/travel-guide/manila-travel-guide-intramuros-rizal-park-binondo.
It’s not super duper detail with all the history stuff, but it’s got bits and pieces there. It’s so nice to hear that you’re into history as well.
Speaking of history, I’m sure that you’ll love Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. They got a lot of historical sites, and there’s this street in Ilocos Sur that’s as if time stood still with the Spanish houses and cobble stone streets and the kalesas. I was planning on going there this summer, but since you mentioned you haven’t been there, that might be one place that we can visit when you come over to the Philippines.
hey adeline… i like it… i hope next i can holiday to it….
beautifull place…
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Hi Andra, Glad you like it. Thanks for dropping by.
always wanted to go to Ilocos, your article made it easy for me to decide to go there and get excited over it hehe
our movie industry must do this to promote our tourism… showing the beauty of the philippines and its people and other things it can offer… kudos to the movie. it is much better, than showing in the movies, horror films, slum and depressed areas, cruelty and violence and other things that gives negative impact to tourist who wants to visit the country. just a thought. Yahweh bless.
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You had me at Ilocos Norte
I’ve been wanting to visit Ilocos Norte for the longest time and funny even if I’m into running, I haven’t watched the movie Thelma so got more reasons to watch Thelma now and includes appreciating the structures in Ilocos Norte.
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Twitter: clairerafols
says:
Ilocos is such a wonderful place. Love to visit it one day! I wanted to visit this beautiful secluded waterfalls and the wind mills also
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Twitter: VirtualMusings
says:
I\’ve always wanted to go to ilocos Norte and I hope it will be soon! haven’t taken a vacation for a long time now and that would be a good place to start relaxing..
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Yes, it is, Eihdra! Great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
i luv reading this post. speaking of thelma, tagal q na naghahanap ng dvd ng movie na yan – interesting yung trailer at story. never been to ilocos pero looking forward aq na matuloy this year ang first trip q sa north luzon and of course sa ilocos:)
Yes, the story was really interesting and very inspirational. I’ll try asking around where you can get a DVD of the film and will get back to you on that.
I already heard so many great news of Ilocos and I love to visit the place but if only it is just near in my place. The photos are lovely and gorgeous too.
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Twitter: bloggerbark
says:
been to ilocos norte… i especially loved pagudpud as i am a beach fanatic… but i know how beautiful ilocos can be… coz ive seen it with my own eyes… i would love to watch this… do you know where i can get a copy of this?
Hi Koko!
I will be checking where you can get the DVD and will get back to you on that.
Twitter: unsugarcoatedr
says:
I haven’t seen Thelma but I agree, Ilocos Norte is really gorgeous and charming. I hope we’ll get to vacation there soon.
I am a pure blood Ilocano and I cal live in Ilocos anytime. Hehe I wish I can have more time for vacations though..
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I feel the same way, and I’m sure everyone would too.
Ilocos Norte has always been in my wish list for places to visit and I hope I will have that chance soon. This and Ilocos Sur holds much allure for me because of the historic structures they offer.