MANILA, Philippines — Life is still wonderful even after things slow down.
This is what director Real Florido wants to tell his audience in the Cinemalaya X film entry "1st Ko Si 3rd," especially to those who have retired and are aging.
Many believe their life stops after they leave their jobs, after their children have lived their own lives, after they lost the energy to do the things they've always wanted to do despite the time and money they have.
Nova Villa was able to relate to her character in her first starring film after decades in showbiz. As a one of the more senior actresses in the industry, Nova is still going through the phase many are dreading to approach.
She plays the role of Cory, a typical retiree who feels "useless" after leaving her career and spends her time at home together with her better half.
Many would relate to Villa's role, whose fears of missing out eats her up as she ages. That is until someone from her past shows her anew the value in life she thought she has lost.
In Cory's case it was Third, portrayed by Freddie Webb, her first love. Villa and Webb's excitement and energy are noticeable as they meet again to revive their love team.
Cory seeing Third again has brought back memories which made her want to live her life again and doubt her marriage with Andoy, portrayed by Dante Rivero.
She becomes short-tempered around Andoy, while she gets dreamy as she reminisce her moments with her first love through letters she kept over the years.
And as Cory comes face-to-face with Third again, and Andoy continues to be the supportive and understanding husband, Cory starts to appreciate things she has neglected over the years.
It dawns on her that things in her past should be kept in the past, and that she should learn to appreciate people and events that have brought her genuine happiness despite their shortcomings.
"1st Ko Si 3rd" is a film that makes the "oldies" realize that life is still full of color and worth living despite their age.
It also makes the "yuppies" aware and more sensitive of what is going on inside the minds of their grandparents, parents, aunties or uncles as they reach the senior stage.
"1st Ko Si 3rd" as premieres November 12 at selected Ayala Malls nationwide.