What if ‘Finding Dory’ was set in the Philippines?

As promised, here’s an uncalled for review of Finding Dory vis-à-vis “what ifs”, had the movie been created within the Philippine waters. This post is spoiler-filled so I suggest you to turn back now while you still have a chance.

No turning back? Okay, here are millennial thoughts about Disney-Pixar’s much-awaited sequel to Finding Nemo (2003), which was released last June 14. The hype is real, though. I got teary-eyed halfway through the movie… but a “grownup” has to hold back her tears in a cinema filled with children munching on popcorn.

Anyway, after 13 years, our favorite forgetful Blue Tang Fish finally got her own spotlight – just about time because we find no justice in introducing a lovable supporting character in Finding Nemo who doesn’t have an idea where she’s from and how she got there! Props to Ellen DeGeneres who sounds convincing as someone with short-term memory loss. Going back to the story, Dory remembered bits of details about her parents and impulsively went on a mission to find them before the memories escape her mind. Thus, Marlin’s left with no choice but to go on a mission in search for more fishes in the vast ocean (at least he’s with little Nemo now). And this is where all the crazy adventure began.

Just imagine, if two clown fishes and a blue tang fish can manage to survive crossing the Philippine waters without getting caught, here’s what would have happened in Finding Dory:

1. Instead of heading to the Marine Life Institute, Dory would’ve gone to the Manila Ocean Park…

Manila Ocean Park logo by the facade. (From WOW Philippines Travel Agency tour video)

Manila Ocean Park logo by the facade. (From WOW Philippines Travel Agency tour video)

Thanks to the help of sea turtles and ocean currents! They’re like our jetsetter friends who are kind enough to tag us along in their trips.

2. From El Nido, maybe?

Palawan boasts of its marine life, which includes the characters we saw from the film. Although it’s possible that Dory and friends came from the other side of the world, which would take a long swim – too long for an almost two-hour movie. So, I’m settling for El Nido.

3. Dory wouldn’t hear Sigourney Weaver’s voice. Everyone, meet the Philippines’ Kuya Kim.

Kuya Kim Atienza! (Screen grab from YouTube)

Kuya Kim Atienza! (Screen grab from Sante Barley Solution/ YouTube)

Here’s why: I over-analyzed the presence of Sigourney in the film and ended up researching the origin of her name (I thought it was an anagram). It turns out that she was well-known when it comes to environment-related documentaries, thus being included in the cast. Though she may sound like a voice from heaven, she serves as the intercom announcer for the institute. Based on the criteria for picking Sigourney, Kuya Kim sounds perfect for this role.

4. The scariest exhibit would not be the poking area for kids. The fish spa sounds worse!

Remember that part where every single creature would freak out whenever the poking area was mentioned? How about staying in a fish spa where you’ll have more tendency to get squished? Not to mention the risk of bathing in water with stinky feet!

5. Hank could’ve died while saving Dory because of the scorching heat.

We can’t even walk outside barefoot! But of course, I’m overacting here.

We’re looking at flawless animation, by the way. No wonder it took their team to work on Hank for over a year. It was really worth the wait.

6. And when Hank pretended to be a baby? Again, he would have died.

It’s either the humans would freak out or unintentionally kill him. We have a tendency to let fear of “creatures of the dark” take over whenever we see things that do not look like humans and the only options are: run or kill. Read Flying lemur mistaken for aswang to know where this is coming from.

7. Remember the Open Ocean where Dory’s family originally lived? That would have been at the Oceanarium in Manila.

(Photo courtesy of Manila Ocean Park)

(Photo courtesy of Manila Ocean Park)

It’s Manila Ocean Park’s exhibit which contains the blue tang fish family and other jaw-dropping wonders of the ocean.

8. Destiny wouldn’t have been part of the team because we don’t allow whale sharks to be put in captivity.

She would’ve probably met Dory somewhere in Oslob, Cebu where the whale sharks hangout here in the country.

9. We’ll have to stand in for the sea lions because we fit in their role.

Yup, we’ll be the funny sea lions who are too timid to move from their beloved rock. We have the heart to help someone in need but we won’t go all the way to come to their aid. Then when the time for an action-filled scene comes, we make sure that we have front row seats to witness everything unravel before our eyes… without helping. Then, it’s back to our rocks where we can stand high and mighty.

10. How’s “Paghahanap kay Doray” for a title?

Doray to make it sound more Pinoy? No. Just no.

I guess there are so many reasons why California was chosen. I’m just exploring possibilities here and I’m sure you’ll have a lot more to add. Care to share your versions?


Ces the millennial says: Finding Dory is a must-see movie, especially for the millennials who saw the first one during their teen years. It’s a movie for kids but this can give your emotions a roller coaster ride. You’ll go “aww” at baby Dory, feel sorry when she gets ignored by everybody, be nostalgic when scenes from Finding Nemo show up, laugh at jokes, and get tears in your eyes when the family reunion takes place. It felt like an open-ended moment in my life found its closure when Dory finally met her parents.

Remember P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney?  You’ll remember the whole plot of Finding Dory like that address.

For those who are wondering, Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Most importantly: Watch Finding Dory but please do not try to take a “Dory” home. Set her free. She deserves to be with her parents.

55 Replies to “What if ‘Finding Dory’ was set in the Philippines?”

  1. I’m an aspiring writer-of all fictional trades (journalism, screen writing, satire, etc)-but I want to start a blog for some adult focused, romantic fantasy literature. Anyone know how I can start a blog page that will allow me to do this? I believe I’ll require a warning page just before entrance, and I want it to come up on search engines..

  2. Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips for rookie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  3. I was just looking for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative web sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.

  4. Excellent blog right here! Additionally your website loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate link on your host? I desire my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  5. My brother suggested I may like this blog.
    He used to be totally right. This publish actually made my day.
    You cann’t believe simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  6. excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists
    of this sector don’t understand this. You should proceed your writing.
    I’m confident, you have an enormous readers’ base already!

  7. I do like the manner in which you have presented this specific situation and it does indeed supply me a lot of fodder for consideration. Nevertheless, coming from what precisely I have seen, I simply hope when the remarks stack on that individuals remain on point and not start on a tirade associated with some other news of the day. All the same, thank you for this excellent piece and though I can not necessarily concur with it in totality, I respect the standpoint.

  8. “”I think this is one of the so much significant info for me. And i’m satisfied reading your article. But want to remark on few general issues, The web site style is ideal, the articles is in point of fact great D. Just right activity, cheers””

  9. Hi there! This article could not be written much better!

    Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept talking about this. I will forward this article to
    him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  10. Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest
    authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you
    discuss and would really like to have you share some
    stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send
    me an email.

  11. hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up
    something new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points
    using this web site, since I experienced to
    reload the website a lot of times previous to I could get it
    to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will
    sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if
    ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this
    RSS to my email and could look out for much
    more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again very soon.

  12. I love what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work
    and exposure! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve added you
    guys to my personal blogroll.

  13. Normally I do not read post on blogs, however
    I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and
    do so! Your writing style has been surprised me.
    Thank you, very great post.

  14. Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more,
    thanks for the info!

  15. Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really loved browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing in your feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!|

Leave a Reply to robes longues pas cher Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *