Cebu’s turquoise waters and sun-kissed shores are enjoying a starring role in the global streaming spotlight, thanks to the new Korean drama Boyfriend on Demand, now charming viewers worldwide on Netflix.
Filmed across the island province in February 2025, the series pairs the dreamy onscreen chemistry of Jisoo and Seo In-guk with Cebu’s own irresistible scenery—think powder-white beaches, crystalline waters, and resorts that seem tailor-made for slow-motion K-drama strolls.
The production unfolded with the help of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), whose Korea office worked alongside the DOT Office of Film and Sports Tourism, the regional tourism office in Central Visayas, and Cebu’s tourism stakeholders.
Airport authorities and local partners rolled out the red carpet—logistically speaking—to ensure the cast and crew’s stay was as smooth as a sunset paddle across the Visayan Sea.
And Cebu doesn’t just play backdrop. In several scenes, eagle-eyed viewers may spot local tourism frontliners and hospitality staff—real-life ambassadors of Filipino warmth—sharing the screen with the stars. It’s a subtle yet effective cameo for the country’s famous hospitality.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the collaboration is part of a bigger plot twist of turning film and television into passport stamps.
“Through continued collaboration with our overseas offices, local stakeholders, and industry partners, we hope to welcome more travelers to discover the diverse experiences that the country has to offer,” she said.
The casting of Seo In-guk adds another layer of star power.
Beyond acting, he also serves as the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador, frequently championing the country through destination campaigns and cultural exchange efforts in South Korea.
The timing couldn’t be better. South Korea remains the Philippines’ biggest source of international visitors, with 1.34 million arrivals last year—roughly 20.76 percent of all inbound tourism.
For many Korean travelers, Cebu is already a beloved getaway, famed for its island-hopping adventures, vibrant dive sites, and that blissful balance of luxury resorts and barefoot beach life.
Now, with Boyfriend on Demand streaming into living rooms around the world, Cebu may soon become the ultimate K-drama daydream: the place where love stories unfold against a horizon of impossible blue.
