As the song she once popularize goes, it’s going to be “the start of something new” for the Filipino-American Hollywood star, who was recently named as global tourism ambassador for the Philippines. In a recent press conference in Manila, Hudgens, who was visiting the country for the first time, shared her experiences, including her upcoming travel documentary, and how she’ll introduce the country to foreigners.
Text and photos by Ma. Angelica Demegillo
Many of us grew up to favorite movies and shows that shaped us into who we are now, and one that is surely on the list of many kids who grew up in the aughts 2000s kid’s is High School Musical, the hit teen musical film, where Filipino-American actress Vanessa Hudgens played the titular role of Gabriella Montez. Ever since her breakout role in the film, her legion of adoring fans in the Philippines has continued to increase.
The 34-year-old Hollywood sweetheart, who recently visited the Philippines for the first time, took some time off to sit down with members of the media in a by-invitation only press conference last Friday to talk about her upcoming travel documentary.
Directed by presidential adviser on creative communications Paul Soriano, the documentary with the working title The Awakening will highlight Vanessa as she gets to know more about her Filipino roots and heritage.
“It’s a really intimate look at my experience in the Philippines for the very first time, about really discovering this beautiful land, and wonderful people. Just really getting in touch with a piece of myself that has always been there, but I’ve never known about,” said Vanessa.
Vanessa had shared on Instagram photos and clips of her with her Filipina mother, Gina, and sister Stella enjoying the beauty of Palawan, swimming, hiking and cruising.
She shared her upbringing, which she said to be “very American,” but was infused with Filipino traits such as kindness and closeness to her family.
“I feel like I was raised very American, except for all the rice, adobo and pancit. My parents saw at an early age that I had this fit and they wanted to support me, and allow it to flourish and grow. It’s really interesting coming here, really beautiful and eye-opening,” she said.
The day before, she was conferred by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the title of global tourism ambassador for the Philippines. According to Malacañang Palace, tapping Vanessa is in line with the administration’s efforts to promote Philippine tourism.
In the press conference, TV host Boy Abunda asked Vanessa how she’ll introduce the Philippines to foreigners hearing about it for the first time.
“It’s a little bit of everything! It’s a lot of a bit of everything. It’s got paradise, it’s got metropolitan city. It’s got kindness and everybody is so warm and friendly. I feel like I haven’t met anyone who seems like they’re having a bad day! The hospitality is unmatched,” Vanessa enthused. She also happily shared her interest in tinikling, the traditional Philippine folk dance which uses two bamboos on the ground, and called it “my favorite thing, ever.”
As a big nature lover and beach girl, Vanessa said that there are still many places, especially beaches, she wanted to visit. She also added that she wanted to hang out with local tribes if given a chance. She also mentioned that she wants to visit Cebu next, stating that she is very inspired by the furniture pieces and lighting elements made with traditional materials.
“The rattan, the wicker, the mother of pearl–it’s all beautiful to me, that I always loved [it] and then I go, ‘Oh yeah, makes sense because it’s Filipino.’” Vanessa said.
