I Love Filipino on Netflix isn’t the first show to tackle what makes our culture special, but it definitely has that extra sheen.

Everything just looks better here—the shots are crisp, the transitions are smooth, and the food photography? Grabe.

Especially in Episode 1, the Food Episode, where you can almost taste the lechon and the sinigang through the screen.

The yummy sarsa shots in Episode 4 alone are enough to make you want to cook (or order) something immediately.

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JIGGY MANICAD AS HOST

Jiggy Manicad, who hosts the show, doesn’t overpower.

He asks questions, he listens, he lets the subjects shine.

You don’t get the feeling he’s the star; instead, it’s the farmers, the musicians, the artists, the cooks. They are. And it works.

This series is essential viewing for anyone interested in Filipino heritage.

It’s also a solid starting point for anyone from abroad wanting to learn about the Philippines.

Not just the beaches or fiestas, but the deeper things: why we love our food, how we live, what we create.

It feels soulful.

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NOT PERFECT, BUT WORTH WATCHING

That said, the show isn’t perfect.

Episodes 1 to 3 (which tackle food, music, and art, respectively) suffer from being too broad.

The 30-minute runtime makes the storytelling feel lacking and incomplete.

The topics jump from one to the next and back again, like a kalesa ride with no clear route.

One minute you’re watching a man carving toys from discarded tsinelas, next you’re looking at paintings on car hoods, then on to Marvel comics.

It’s all interesting, yes, but the pacing makes it hard to digest.

Same goes for the music episode.

Where’s the regional music? It jumps from the history of kundiman to modern pop, and misses a lot in between.

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EPISODES 4 AND 5

By Episode 4, the show finally finds its groove.

The focus on Pinoy sarsa is tighter, more specific, and incredibly immersive.

You’re not bouncing from one topic to another anymore; instead, you’re taken on a deeper journey into the heart of Filipino cuisine, where flavor isn’t just taste—it’s history, identity, and family.

The stories of how these sauces are made, who makes them, and how they’re passed down through generations are rich and textured.

Suddenly, you’re not just watching, because you’re part of it.

You’re in the kitchen, by the kaldero, listening to someone’s lola explain why their banana catsup is better than those made from tomatoes.

Episode 5, which is all about the bahay kubo, brings the same kind of clarity and emotional resonance. It’s grounded, nostalgic, and unmistakably Filipino.

The bahay kubo is more than just a structure. It’s a symbol of simplicity, resilience, and community.

The way the show treats this topic—with reverence, curiosity, and a touch of longing—feels like a love letter to the rural soul of the Philippines.

It’s moving, even quietly powerful.

These are the kinds of episodes that don’t just inform. They affirm.

You watch them and can’t help but say, “Yes, that’s us. That’s who we are.”

And for a country often misunderstood or flattened into stereotypes, that kind of honest, unhurried storytelling is gold.

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TOO SHORT FOR A SERIES

It’s a bit of a letdown that the season is so short.

And if there’s another one, let’s hope that they stick to one theme per episode.

For example, if it’s art, just go all-in on comics.

If it’s food, maybe tackle our love for pulutan, or why there’s ihaw-ihaw in every Manila street.

One more wish: an English dub. Not for us, but for foreigners who are genuinely curious about our culture.

That way, I Love Filipino can proudly go global.

And maybe, just maybe, help answer that nagging question: why hasn’t Filipino food exploded internationally yet?

Despite its stumbles, I Love Filipino is a strong, heartfelt start.

It makes you proud, makes you hungry, and makes you wish for more.

Not perfect, but definitely worth watching.

Here’s hoping Season 2 dives even deeper.

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