PAOAY, Ilocos Norte — Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos has formally launched a “film tourism” in Paoay Sand Dunes during the 3rd “Himala sa Buhangin! Festival” in Barangay Suba here last Friday May 1, 2015.
Due to the many film shootings at the desert-like place in Paoay by local and international movie makers, the lady governor disclosed that the Paoay Sand Dunes had already become one of the top tourist destinations in the province.
“We come up with this “film tourism” in the province considering the unnumbered local and foreign films that had been shot here particularly in the Paoay sand dunes,” said Governor Marcos.
As added attraction to the Paoay sand dunes; the provincial government installed a life-size statue of “Flavio,” a hero character of “Ang Panday” movie series played by the late Filipino movie action king Fernando Poe Jr. that had been shot in the place in 1980s.
The FPJ statue was installed at the first country’s interactive sculpture park in Paoay sand dunes designed by well-known visual artist, Leeroy New.
Veteran movie actress Susan Roces, widow of the late FPJ, and Governor Marcos unveiled the statue in simple rites highlighting this year’s Himala Festival.
“ I am very much elated for giving great tribute to my husband through the initiative of Governor Imee.” Roces said in her message. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
