“It’s raining in Manila, watermelon, watermelon!”

It was a nice try by “Star Wars” actress Daisy Ridley, who was put on the spot by performer Aliya Parcs at the wrap party of the first-ever MVP-produced Hollywood movie, “The Last Resort.”

It happened last Monday at The Lighthouse in the Merlaco compound, where the cast, production crew, producers and select VIPs gathered.

Daisy didn’t just party; she had a heartfelt message for the Filipino people, thanking everyone for the warmth, the talent and the beauty of our country. Daisy, we felt the love and we’re sending it right back.

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Joining her at the wrap festivities were some of the movie’s stellar Filipino cast: Mylene Dizon, Tonton Gutierrez, Ricci Chan and Dylan Menor, who even gave us a quick sample of a song from the upcoming soundtrack — and trust me, it’s going to be good.

Alden Ehrenreich did not make it due to an emergency. But we did see him during their last taping day and he was gracious enough to chat for a bit.

After nearly five months of rolling cameras, island-hopping and endless kilig behind-the-scenes moments, filming has officially wrapped for “The Last Resort,” the first-ever Hollywood romantic comedy produced by MVP himself, Manny V. Pangilinan, with Ernesto Bong Sta. Maria Jr. It was proudly shot entirely for the first time in the breathtaking islands of the Philippines.

Oscar and Julius with Tonton Gutierrez.

The MVP Group treats “The Last Resort” as a love letter to our country, crafted with passion, power and panache and that is why the chairman got the loudest applause of the night.

This columnist with ‘The Last Resort’ executive producer Manny V. Pangilinan.

One of the highlights of the wrap party was when director Donald Petrie and Sta. Maria gave MVP the movie clap board and he reacted with the wittiest punch, “Is this the $30-million dollar clap board?” Everyone laughed!

Yes, you read that right — around P1.7 billion is the budget, but “The Last Resort” is more than just a movie. It’s his gift to the Filipino entertainment industry, a global platform for our talent, our stories and our islands.

MVP shared that he was tasked by the president to create a film that is the Philippines’ answer to “Crazy Rich Asians” and of course, he delivered.

“We should always be open to supporting the Filipino movie industry, the Philippine arts and the visual arts — if we can, within our own abilities,” MVP said with quiet conviction.

“The Last Resort” is a romantic-comedy film written by “Legally Blonde” screenwriter Karen McCullah, directed by Donald (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Miss Congeniality”), and shot entirely in the Philippines by none other than Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter (“Titanic,” “Avatar: The Way of Water”). Islands included Palawan and Cebu and some surprise locations.

“The Last Resort” isn’t just about cinema. It’s also about tourism, representation and changing the global narrative around what Filipino talent and landscapes can offer.

By solely funding the ambitious project, MVP hopes the film will contribute to putting the Philippines on the map the same way Thailand and Malaysia have seen tourism booms after international exposure.

And if the behind-the-scenes footage is any indication? We’re about to become everyone’s dream travel destination.

What makes “The Last Resort” so special is the fusion of world-class storytelling with genuine Filipino heart. It’s a showcase of our people, our music, our islands — and yes, our sense of humor and romance. From the seasoned production crew to the rising Filipino stars and local crew members who brought the magic to life, this is a true collaboration. A passion project with purpose.

And while filming may be done, the journey is only just beginning.

The world is about to see the Philippines through a whole new lens — funny, charming, full of love and possibility.

We’ll be counting the days until the global premiere. Hopefully set in February 2026! As what MVP said, “the real work starts in post-production.” And when that curtain rises and the film is completed, we know exactly what we’ll be feeling: pure Filipino pride.

Source: PhilStar.com (Hollywood movie ‘The Last Resort’ wraps filming in the Philippines, set for 2026 release | Philstar.com)