Manila: The filming of the popular Hollywood spy movie franchise featuring fictional character Jason Bourne is expected to boost the Philippines' popularity among foreign tourists, the presidential palace believes.
"It will help our tourism, it will help our film industry, it will help employment in the country," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
The Bourne Legacy, the latest instalment of the popular film franchise, is due to film some scenes in the Philippines and Filipinos are just as anxious as anyone else to have their country feature in the movie.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino said some scenes will be shot in downtown Manila, the Walled City ‘Intramuros', as well as in Northern Metro Manila's Navotas.
Other locations are the Makati Central Business District in Ayala Avenue and Marikina City public market in the metropolis' eastern portion.
"Lead actress Rachel Weisz is also expected to ride a jeepney [passenger jeep] as it spins around," according to officials.
Tolentino said metropolitan officials are keen on ensuring Metro Manila looks good in the movie. "It's best that we clean the area first before filming," he said.
During the shoot, Tolentino said, the MMDA will be closing some major thoroughfares.
The Bourne Legacy is a spy fiction thriller that stars Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton. It is written and directed by Tony Gilroy.
