Sandwiched between Mauban, the coastal gateway to Cagbalete Island, and Lucban, home of the Pahiyas Festival, the town of Sampaloc is easy to overlook. It remains under the radar while attracting artists such as filmmaker Lav Diaz, who has made the town his second home.
Sampaloc’s appeal is reflected in both its landscape and its people. During the three-month shoot in town for Lav Diaz’s Magellan, locals would spot Mexican lead star Gael Garcia Bernal low-key strolling around town, eating pancit at a neighborhood eatery, and blending in with the community.
The production of Magellan also brought economic benefits to the town. Empty-nesters opened unused bedrooms as homestays to accommodate cast and crew members, while dozens of locals found work as extras and additional film crew.
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Sampaloc has also served as a location for other productions, including the Netflix film Reroute, starring John Arcilla, Sid Lucero, and Cindy Miranda.
In the film, a car breakdown leaves Lucero and Miranda’s characters stranded, eventually leading them to the home of Arcilla’s character. Sampaloc’s landscape helps establish the film’s unsettling atmosphere, demonstrating the range of settings the town can offer filmmakers.
Alongside larger productions such as Magellan and smaller independent films shot in Sampaloc, the town hopes to…
