CULTURE

TV tonight: Michael Palin explores the Philippines

Michael Palin visits the Philippines in a Channel 5 programme scheduled for 9pm, exploring the country’s contrasts and the Marcos family’s return to government. The programme also depicts poverty, including Palin’s meeting with a woman selling what is described as “recycled chicken”. A separate programme featuring Pete Wicks and dogs is also listed.

Michael Palin travels through the Philippines in a Channel 5 programme scheduled for 9pm.

The programme explores the country’s contrasts, including the Marcos family’s return to government following the rise of Bongbong, described in the source as the president. Palin also meets a woman selling what is described as “recycled chicken” while examining poverty in the country.

The listing also mentions a separate programme featuring Pete Wicks and dogs.

THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND

What parts of the Philippines does the programme leave outside its account of the country?

How does describing food as “recycled chicken” shape viewers’ understanding of poverty?

What access or editorial choices determine how the Marcos family is portrayed?

How might the programme’s travel format affect the balance between observation and local perspectives?

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28 September 2026 · 09:14 · 1 sources

Sources

Culture — TV tonight: Michael Palin encounters ‘recycled chicken’ in the Philippines