I thought the programme was well made and quite interesting, but if you have seen the other shows in the series it is clear that this programme is basically an issues-based show looking at the environmental, political and social issues facing parts of the world that are not on the usual tourist trail. It is definitely not a travel show, and so I think people should have been aware of what to expect really. That said, they mentioned Palawan as a growing ecotourism hotspot, but didn’t really show why, so the story of the sea gypsies wasn’t shown its proper context. We were supposed to feel sorry for them because their homes might be cleared for some civic improvements, destroying their way of life, but personally I think that’s what happens in the name of progress and I think people need to adapt to survive. I thought the issues surrounding the church’s attitude to family planning were particularly poignant, let’s hope the government become slightly more enlightened or at least more realistic. Some of the other stuff in the show like the cemetery was pretty grisly but quite eye-opening, and also I thought the presenter looked quite embarrassed at how shameless Imelda was.
