MANILA, Philippines - Most people love love stories — I do, I do! So, what if you get not just one but three different love stories in one sitting — or one screening? As in a love fest that members of the media were recently treated to by Jollibee, along with the requisite popcorn and Jollibee food galore, prior to launching its three new videos under its much-acclaimed #KwentongJollibee series in time for Valentine’s Day.
Love story 1, “Vow”: Can you imagine marrying your best friend? Well, deep down in our incurably romantic hearts, we kind of wished this lovely young couple, who met at a Jollibee store in a typical boy-meets-girl story (they even ordered the exact same food and drink, as if they read each other’s mind), would end up at the altar. It was love at first sight — for the boy, that is. So, imagine our shock (we did hear a lot of “oohhs” filling the theater!) when in the final wedding scene, another guy emerges from the haze and takes the bride’s hand, edging out our young man, as they walk towards the altar. In a brief, oh-so-tender moment, the bride, holding back her tears, looks back at the man who smiles back, determined to keep his “vow” of loving her and never changing his feelings for her till death (his) do they part. His is a love that doesn’t ask for anything in return (as he vows, “I’ll always be your best friend. Kahit hindi naging tayo.”).
“It’s inspired by real stories, stories that come from real emotions,” director Ianco Dela Cruz tells us later. “A lot of people, at one time in their lives, have experienced that kind of ‘friend zone.’”
Love story 2, “Date”: A young boy sets up the perfect Valentine’s dinner date with his mother. Everything is just what his father had requested: rose petals strewn all over the place, starting at the door all the way to the table, a dozen red balloons plus, of course, all of his mom’s favorite Jollibee treats. The surprised, teary-eyed mom arrives and a video is played on a Tablet. It shows the boy’s father in a hospital bed, with his head wrapped, stricken as he is with terminal illness. Addressing his wife, he says, “Hi, Hon. Happy Valentine’s Day. Sorry wala ako dyan. Di na ko umabot eh. Hon, sorry. Ibinilin na kita kay Joey. Siya na rin ang Valentine’s date mo. . . . Gusto ko masaya kayo. Lagi nyong isipin na mahal na mahal ko kayo.”
There wasn’t a dry eye around. I almost choked on my popcorn. I wanted to hand some tissue paper to the guys seated next to me as I sensed they were trying bravely not to cry (one of them, Dexter, remembered his dad who died of cancer). Sadly, Jollibee did not provide enough tissue paper.
“It’s a kind of love that will never die, a love na may #forever,” describes young, award-winning director Pepe Diokno. “It’s a love a dying father didn’t let die. It’s a tribute to all of our partners, all our loved ones who have passed away.”
Love story 3, “Crush”: Back in school, you probably had one — a crush, of course. This college boy has this big crush on a girl, but he just can’t get around to telling her. So, he tries to express his admiration for her by writing cheerful notes and sticking each one on the girl’s favorite Yum burger. But then, the girl meets the school jock and they get into a relationship. Decades later, there’s a homecoming event in this school and guess what (or guess who came)? Oh, no! Not another sad ending, so we mumble to ourselves as we fidget in our seats. Happily, so the story goes, the boy and girl, now grandparents, ended up together in their younger days. Moral of the story: If you’re determined enough, you’ll get what you want (or the girl or boy of your dreams). The film was directed by Joel Ruiz.
Hosted by livewire duo Jaz Reyes and Aaron Atayde, the special screening held at Cinema 3, Ayala Malls The 30th on Meralco Ave., Pasig City was graced by the entire cast of the three short films as well as the Jollibee team led by president JJ Alano and the creative digital team of McCann World Group Philippines who produced the videos. Adding to the evening’s romantic vibe was singer Gio Levy who serenaded guests with songs from the Kwentong Jollibee videos.
“For nearly four decades now, Jollibee has been a part of Filipinos’ lives, witnessing the most touching of their life stories,” remarks Francis Flores, Jollibee’s global brand chief marketing officer and Jollibee Philippines marketing head. “This month of love, we will once again make you fall in love with these three new Kwentong Jollibee episodes that were inspired by true stories ... stories that will remind all of us that love is a gift to be treasured, and that we should celebrate the joy of love in all its forms every waking day.”
Surely, Kwentong Jollibee will never run out of love stories that warm the heart, nay nourish the soul.
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This heart month, watch stories from the heart and enjoy shared moments with your loved ones as the #KwentongJollibee shorts are aired on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/jollibeedigital1) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines).