CEBU, Philippines — Love is in the air at BisayaFlix as its upcoming theatrical lineup will feature romantic films.
“Pinoy Big Brother Otso” winner Yamyam Gucong stars alongside Cebuana actress and content creator Aiana Juarez in the romantic comedy “Beauty and Bert”, while award-winning filmmaker Dante Nico Garcia (known for directing Judy Ann Santos’ indie drama “Ploning”) makes his comeback in “Usahay”, a travel drama set to mark his first film in 12 years.
Both films will have theatrical releases before premiering on the BisayaFlix streaming app – part of the platform’s strategy to expand its original offerings. “Beauty and Bert” is slated for a December release ahead of the Metro Manila Film Festival, while “Usahay” is aiming for a Valentine’s Day debut.
Beauty and Bert
“Beauty and Bert” is Gucong’s first lead role after supporting parts in “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim.”
Speaking to Cebu media at a press conference at Handuraw Pizza Mandaue, the Bohol-born comedian expressed his excitement to star in a film that allows him to use his native tongue.
The rom-com follows two opposites who happen to be in the right place at the right time, each hiding a secret. Screenwriter Yamie Cerna teased, “One of them has a hidden talent, and the other has a way of supporting that.”
Directed by BisayaFlix founder Elcid Camacho, who previously helmed the romantic drama “Sugdan Na Ang Sakit” and the action-thriller “Aset”, this marks Camacho’s first comedy venture. To capture the right tone, Camacho watched Adam Sandler’s comedies.
“The challenge is the cinematography since action and comedy have different approaches. We’re aiming for a lighter feel,” he shared.
Cerna commented on her collaborative process with Camacho: “Elcid provides details like setting, and I fill in the spaces.”
Juarez said she drew inspiration from Rachel McAdams’ iconic “Mean Girls” role as Regina George for her character, while Gucong aims to channel Empoy Marquez’s rom-com appeal.
Reflecting on their dynamic, Juarez said, “Our chemistry builds as we get comfortable with each other through conversations.”
Asked about the film’s message, Cerna hinted, “To keep it vague, our message to viewers is to take it easy. It’s about more than romance; it explores love for family and friends.”
Juarez added, “We hope audiences feel good and leave with something meaningful they can apply in life.”
On the possibility of a kissing scene, Camacho said, “We’ll see how the leads feel about it. We want to be mindful of the audience’s reactions.”
Gucong hopes it will be like a Korean film. “Simple, yet the impact on the audience is big,” he said.
Usahay
Directed and written by Garcia, “Usahay” centers on a Dubai-based Filipina model who embarks on a life-changing trip to Cebu, encountering various local men until she meets with her first love – the Cebuano who got away.
No actors are announced yet as of writing, but Garcia envisions the lead actress to embody a professional model’s appeal. “If you have a model [in her 20s] as a lead, it’s good marketing-wise because so many brands can be sneaked in through product placement,” he said at a separate press conference.
As the female protagonist meets multiple Cebuano men, Garcia envisions her suitors resembling the likes of Paulo Avelino, Piolo Pascual, and Empoy.
Garcia, who is based in Palawan, drew inspiration from the classic Bisaya hit of the same name. His connection to the song dates back to his childhood when he met Cebuano reef divers in Palawan who would frequently listen to it, imagining various what-could-have-beens that lingered with Garcia into adulthood.
Now a father, Garcia wants to impart a message to the youth about navigating love. “As a parent raising a daughter, my fear is that kids her age could fall in love quickly,” he said.
“Everyone is capable of falling in love, but not everyone survives their first heartache. That’s the premise of the film: how do you teach a girl to survive her first heartbreak?” — (FREEMAN)