Mr. Manzano, born in San Francisco to Filipino parents, graduated with a degree in Economics from De La Salle University in Manila. Alongside his work in film and television, he has been active in politics, having run for the Senate and the vice presidency, and worked in the Office of the President of the Philippines. Currently, he heads the Intellectual Property Rights Unit for Film and Cinema in the country.

 

 

Mr. Abolghasemi, while commemorating the Month of Film and Cinema in the Philippines, expressed his pleasure in meeting a veteran artist from the Philippine film industry. He discussed the Cultural Counselor's media activities and the successful Iranian Film Festival held to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed hope that, with the collaboration of Philippine film professionals, a second film festival featuring a prominent Iranian director could be organized in the last month of the year. Furthermore, he emphasized that such cinematic events could create valuable opportunities for filmmakers and media product marketing between the two nations, stating that the Cultural Counselor's office is ready to facilitate these interactions in coordination with cinema institutions.

He referred to some of the outstanding works of Iranian cinema and the numerous international awards they have won, stating that one of the factors behind the success of Iranian films in international festivals is the creation of realistic works. These works often narrate stories from simple, everyday life events, which have repeatedly been praised by cinema professionals. He added that, with the cooperation and participation of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, it would be possible to facilitate the presence of Iranian filmmakers and artists in Philippine film festivals.

The Cultural Counselor, while providing explanations about 207 Iranian media productions in the fields of film, series, animation, and documentaries, stated: "Considering your excellent background and strong connections in the field of cinema, as well as your position as the head of the Intellectual Property Office for film and cinema in the Philippines, it is suggested that in order to establish cinematic relations between the two countries, efforts should be made to facilitate the marketing and sale of Iranian media products in the Philippines. There is also the possibility that, during a visit to Iran's tourist attractions as a representative of the Philippine cinema community, you could meet with your Iranian counterparts to exchange media products and negotiate joint film projects."

 

 

Mr. "Edu Manzano" while expressing his happiness and mutual gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the Cultural Counselor, stated: "I also belong to an artistic and art-loving community of Filipinos, numbering close to ten thousand people. Naturally, gaining knowledge about the cinema of other countries provides a practical experience to compare them with each other." He welcomed the suggestion of marketing and exchanging media products, provided a summary of his activities in the field of cinema and television, and expressed interest in visiting Iran at the earliest opportunity. He mentioned that, having heard about Iran's tourist attractions and beauty from some Iranian traders and students, he would like to see these beauties in person.

In the second part of his speech, the Cultural Counselor stated that Iran has a civilization spanning seven thousand years and is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with diverse regions experiencing all four seasons. He emphasized that Iran's historical and tourist attractions attract many tourists each year. The beauty of cities like Shiraz and Isfahan, along with the numerous historical sites across the country, is unparalleled globally. He highlighted that some of these sites, such as Persepolis and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and that visitors can explore the stunning areas of Iran at minimal cost.

 

 

 

Iran has long been a cradle of civilization, culture, and art, nurtured numerous scholars, physicians, poets, and artists. Its rich legacy of renowned figures is recognized worldwide, with their works and contributions leaving a lasting impact for future generations.

Mr. Manzano, while confirming Mr. Abolghasemi's remarks, stated: "In my recent travels to Italy, Morocco, and Turkey, I gained a deeper understanding of the culture and art of the people of those countries. One of the most memorable and fascinating places for me was the city of Istanbul in Turkey, which has many beautiful sites and monuments. Considering the cultural and geographical proximity of Iran and Turkey, I am eager to travel to Iran, see its historical monuments up close, become familiar with the culture and customs of the Iranian people, and enjoy the variety of Iranian cuisine."

The Cultural Counselor seized the opportunity to share short clips showcasing various tourist attractions in Iran, covering historical sites, health tourism, ecotourism, religious freedom, and the ability of followers of different religions to practice their ceremonies. These presentations captured Mr. Manzano's attention and highlighted the diverse offerings of Iran's cultural and natural heritage.

At the end, the cultural Counselor, while inviting the veteran Filipino actor to visit Iran, expressed readiness to coordinate with Iranian cinema centers to facilitate connections between him and Iranian directors and producers for the marketing and exchange of cinematic products. He also offered to organize the participation of Iranian and Filipino directors and actors in film festivals in both countries, along with holding educational workshops and retrospectives of cinematic works, provided the Filipino cinema officials are willing. Mr. "Manzano" also stated that he wholeheartedly considers such collaborations.

The meeting concluded with the Cultural Counselor presenting a gift to the head of the Intellectual Property Rights Unit for Film and Cinema in the Philippines. It was agreed that the topic of his visit to Iran would be pursued to support the delegation of media representatives, and discussions would be held on facilitating the sale of Iranian media products in the Philippines.