Vanessa Hudgens' Philippine trip might be a propaganda ploy for Bong Bong Marcos

Vanessa Hudgens arrives in Manila.

Vanessa Hudgens, beware!  I'm not sure if Filipino American actress Hudgens is aware that her so-called documentary about her first visit to the Philippines is being directed by a Marcos propagandist. Instead of a documentary, it might turn out to be a commercial.

Paul Soriano, who is directing the documentary, is President Bong Bong Marcos' communication specialist and handled the PR for Marcos' presidential campaign. He also directed the new President's first State of the Nation Address.

"For me, if we can support our president it just means that our country will be better," says Soriano.

When Soriano was sworn-in in October last year as the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications, the government press release explained:

“Soriano is tasked to advise the Chief Executive and assist departments and agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, on matters that will enhance their information dissemination programs and initiatives.”

“I’ll reach out. I read, and people message…people that I really respect…. We may have a lot of disagreements but maybe we can agree on one thing and let’s do that together…. For me, if we can support our president, it just means that our country will be better,” he added.

Film director Paul Soriano and Philippine President Bong Bong Marcos.

Soriano's connection to the son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos goes even deeper.

Soriano is related to the Philippines' First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Additionally, both President Marcos and the First Lady were wedding sponsors or godparents to Soriano and his wife, TV personality and YouTuber Toni Gonzaga. Gonzaga was also among Marcos’ top celebrity endorsers in 2022, according to Rappler, the online news outlet co-founded by Maria Ressa, who was targeted of President Rodrigo Duterte, Bong Bong Marcos' predecessor.

At a press conference in December of 2022, the presidential adviser on creative communication, said he will be rolling out ways to “creatively communicate what’s in the heart” Marcos, Jr.

Singer/actress Hudgens, whose popularity exploded for her part in the High School Musical franchise from  Disney Studios, landed in the Philippines Monday (Manila time), and was met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Soriano and other Department of Tourism officials.

When news about the proposed documentary was first reported, there was no mention about the connection to Marcos and the possibility that it would be used as a propaganda piece lauding the current administration.

Bong Bong Marcos, (aka Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.) who was elected last year, is the son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos who with his wife, Imelda, ruled over the Philippines for two decades with an iron hand and enriched themselves with ill-gotten wealth. Some estimates assert that the Marcos family stole up to $30 billion from the Philippine people. Despite that dark legacy, using a campaign of lies, half-truths and misinformation, he won the election last year.

On Hudgens' schedule later this week is a "courtesy" visit to Malacanang Palace, the Philippine President's residence in Manila. 

The documentary will follow Hudgens as she visits the homeland of her mother. With her sister Stella and mother Gina, Hudgens will film in Manila and travel to Palawan, a popular tourist destination.

Don't be surprised if Bong Bong Marcos, or one of the other members of the Marcos family, makes an appearance in the Hudgens documentary.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.