KathDen still strong in ‘Hello, Love, Again’, with help of support cast

CEBU, Philippines — Most viewers might not realize that the story of Kathryn Bernardo’s Joy and Alden Richards’ Ethan actually has a third lead star that is the glue between their characters: its locale.

In “Hello, Love, Goodbye”, the vibrant city life of Hong Kong reflects the youthful idealism and hopefulness of the young leads as they pursue their respective dreams. In its follow-up, “Hello, Love, Again”, the quiet suburban life of Calgary, Canada, showcases how much they’ve matured over the past five years as they become more practical with their goals.

As a child of OFW parents, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the Kathryn-Alden starrer when I first watched it in 2019 in a crowded theater during its second week. As someone with mixed feelings towards Filipino romantic films, I was impressed by how it managed to strike a healthy balance between heart-fluttering romance and the hard-hitting realities of working far from home.

While most people were excited to see Kathryn and Alden on the big screen again for the ‘kilig vibes’, as well as it being the third collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA after “Unbreak My Heart” and “It’s Showtime”, my only wish for its sequel was for it to remember that this is an OFW story disguised as a romantic drama. Thankfully, it does – but not without a few flaws.

Gone are the days of exchanging “I love you nots” as an ironic form of their love. In their 2024 reunion as an ex-couple, Ethan and Joy are much more awkward with each other.

Ethan is no longer the cocky guy he was in Hong Kong. In Canada, he has grown humbler, if not sadder, as he works hard to support his family through remittances. Meanwhile, Joy has become harsher but content with her life in Calgary as she toils toward becoming a certified nurse.

We also see flashbacks to the five years in between, where the COVID-19 pandemic served as a breaking point for Ethan and Joy as their differences became more evident.

The changed perspectives of Ethan and Joy are reflected in the chemistry and performances of Kathryn and Alden. A flashback sequence from the first film shows just how much the leads have matured since 2019. It’s no wonder KathDen continues to enjoy massive support.

This pairing wouldn’t be complete without its vibrant supporting cast. Joross Gamboa, continuing to be a lucky charm in blockbusters, is as playful as ever as Jhim, the film’s much-needed comic relief.

He’s not alone, however, as Valerie Concepcion complements Gamboa’s energy as Jambi. Her performance is a refreshing change after recently playing antagonist roles. Much like KathDen, Gamboa and Concepcion’s chemistry as a comedic duo might leave some viewers hoping for a spin-off centered on them.

Kathryn surprises with a few comedic scenes of her own, making some wish to see her in a full-fledged comedy film someday.

While foreign actors in Filipino films often come off as one-dimensional, Canadian actress Wendy Froberg delivers a memorable performance as Martha, one of Joy’s patients in a nursing home. Her yearning for a lost lover provides Joy with an epiphany she needs to hear.

Fans of the first film will appreciate the return of supporting characters like Kakai Bautista, Maymay Entrata, and Jeffrey Tam. Their special appearances don’t feel shoehorned but rather highlight the significance of Joy and Ethan’s life back in Hong Kong.

The film is strong in its narrative when it showcases how the characters work at side jobs to support themselves and send money back home.

It also illustrates the different perspectives of OFWs. Some, like Ethan and Joy, find contentment in life overseas; while others, like Jambi, long to return to the Philippines, where they feel most at home. This distinction justifies the sequel, as the OFW experience in Hong Kong is worlds apart from life in Canada.

Where the film falters, however, is in the execution of some of its plot points. Uno (Kevin Kreider) and Baby (Jennica Garcia), the obstacles to Ethan and Joy’s reconciliation, feel more like placeholders than genuine threats. Their presence could’ve set the couple apart forever and ruined their respective dreams. Instead, they are treated as conveniences to drive conflict in the story.

Without spoiling too much, the film would have benefited from leaving certain arcs ambiguous, paving the way for a third act where viewers could finally see if Ethan and Joy are meant to be. It’s a missed opportunity, especially since the film’s guaranteed box-office success makes it worthy of a trilogy that would complete its story.

Still, “Hello, Love, Again” is worth watching, especially for fans of the first film. It’s a relatable, romantic story brought to life by Kathryn and Alden’s strong, mature chemistry and its entertaining supporting cast. Three stars out of five. — (FREEMAN)