Explore: Sex and Religion in Manila

The Explore series has been a bit random, sometimes feeling a bit too much like the original Rough Guide TV series from the 80s. But I’ve found the programmes about Manila fascinating: I spent a few days in one part of Metro Manila a few years ago, and the amazing contrasts between the tiny rich percentage and the slums and poverty stick in my mind, along with the warmth and friendliness of the Pinoy people.

This programme explores one of the major issues in Filipino life: the strength of the Catholic church, versus the need for sex education and control the exploding population. However, just the portrayal of daily life so different from that in the UK makes this worth watching.

I’ve complained before about the ever-increasing repeats on the BBC – normally with ruses similar to this spin-off programme. However, taking a story from the main programme on the Philippines and exploring it to the depth needed represents a clever use of multi-channel and digital TV delivery.