Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon weigh in on their secret to loveteam success
Showbiz Round-Up.ph
By: Boy Romero
"Natuto kami sa kanila how to be partners, how to be like we're in love," the King of Philippine Drama Christopher De Leon passionately shared with entertainment media at the grand press conference of “When I Met You In Tokyo” an official entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival about how his and long-time onscreen partner Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos' past directors helped them crack the code in making their love teamwork. He detailed how their directors would instruct them. Making hand gestures, Boyet reenacted the instructions, "Fall in love, look at her face, embrace her, I want this, I want that." He talked about adopting the techniques and getting accustomed to what scenes call for.
The half of the decades-long team up shared his thoughts on what may potentially jeopardize the partnership. "Pag na-in love kayo with each other. Sabihin na nating, kapag nagkaroon kayo ng relasyon, masisira eh. Kapag nagkaroon kayo ng away, ng personal squabble, wala na," Boyet said, weighing in on the risk of falling in love with your co-actor. The Star for All Seasons seemed to agree with her smile. The lead stars of MMFF 2023 entry When I Met You in Tokyo both explained how they respected their invidividual relationships back in the day and tried to be as professional as they can be, setting aside their personal emotions.
The dynamic duo of Ate Vi and Boyet is making a comeback in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) through the inaugural offering from JG Productions. When I Met You in Tokyo is a love story that conveys the message that love has no boundaries.
Ate Vi and Boyet's commitment to the project goes beyond mere participation, as they view it as a means of supporting emerging producers Weng Jamaji and Rajan Gidwani of JG Productions Inc., while also playing a part in revitalizing the Philippine film industry amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic and the surge of diverse streaming platforms.
Supervising producer Redgie Acuña-Magno highlighted the hands-on approach of Ate Vi and Boyet in the various facets of When I Met You in Tokyo, underscoring their dedication to both the film itself and its promotional efforts. Boyet has earned credit as one of the creative directors, showcasing his creative influence, while Ate Vi actively contributes insights to enhance each scene, many of which are beautifully captured in Japan.
Acuña-Magno revealed that the lead actors actively participated in refining scenes and ensuring a seamless narrative flow, underscoring their significant role in elevating the overall quality of the film.
As the countdown begins for the MMFF, the When I Met You in Tokyo team has kicked off its series of activities. Ate Vi and Boyet's Eat Bulaga! guesting in November raked in views and the show's rating for that episode beat those of its rival noontime shows. Additionally, Ate Vi's loyal supporters successfully mounted a grand fans' day with her. Fans also flocked to successful mall tours in Batangas, Pampanga, and Cebu to meet the When I Met You in Tokyo stars.
We are counting down the days to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023. Exciting times are ahead as the annual star-studded parade is set to happen with the lead stars of When I Met You in Tokyo, Vilma Santos, and Christopher De Leon, and the supporting cast, Kakai Bautista, Lynn Cruz, John Gabriel and Jacky Woo with the special participation of Ms. Lotlot De Leon, Gabby Eigenmann, Kouki Taguchi and Ms. Gina Alajar introducing Cassy Legaspi and Darren.
“When I Met You In Tokyo” is directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Pinesa, and produced by JG Productions Showing in cinemas on December 25 nationwide.