Taking advantage of a rare bit of geographical synchronicity, HFPA member Ruben Nepales was able to make his native country the focus of a dispatch about the upcoming sequel The Bourne Legacy (Universal Pictures/August 10).

The final 40 minutes of the film takes place in Manila and other parts of the Philippines. Writer-director Tony Gilroy explains that it took ten weeks of first and second unit work to film a motorcycle chase involving the characters played by Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz. He also acknowledges the value of a versatile local acting community:

“I wish we had more for both of them to do.,” he said. “I really do. We take a great deal of pride in casting great actors in small parts. In the Philippines, it was just an embarrassment of riches… You’re taking these stars and saying, ‘Will you come and do bit parts in our film?’ But for us, it was a big advantage because everybody was so talented…”

Tony added that Lou Veloso [who plays a boat owner/captain] was “really helpful” in finding the child actors. “He also brought in the kid to play his son. We were stunned…” Tony related that Rachel was so impressed with the young actor [John Arcilla] that she asked the filmmaker, ‘Who’s this guy?’

Separately, globetrotting producer Frank Marshall raves to Nepales that the resort area of Palawan is the “most beautiful place he’s ever been to.” Someone in local tourism needs to get that quote up on the appropriate travel website(s), fast.

[Photo courtesy Universal Pictures]