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Meet, Greet and Bye Cast Members Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos, and Ms. Maricel Soriano on the Cover of Metro

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There’s indeed a clamor for family drama at the cinemas with the audience meeting Star Cinema’s latest release, Meet, Greet and Bye, helmed by director Cathy Garcia-Sampana, on the opening day with P10.5 million. As of November 14, the film earned P33 million at the box office.Meet, Greet and Bye centers on the story of the Facundo family as the matriarch, fondly called Mama Baby (Maricel Soriano), suddenly deals with a recurring cancer. The younger Facundos—Tupe (Piolo Pascual), Brad (Joshua Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos), and Geri (Belle Mariano)—navigate the challenging task of convincing their Mama Baby to undergo treatment once more as they deal with unaddressed family tensions and conflict.During a time when family stories particularly tug at the heartstrings—with the recent earthquakes and typhoons in the Philippines, as well as the holiday spirit lingering in the air—Meet, Greet and Bye stands as a great reminder of the value of family. And when it comes to family narratives, Star Cinema has mastered storytelling in a distinctly familiar, entertaining manner that resonates with audiences even many years later. The latest from Star Cinema—the same film production company behind hit family drama movies like Anak, Tanging Yaman, Seven Sundays, Four Sisters and a Wedding, and Rewind—has another movie shaping up to achieve iconic status.Maricel, the Philippine entertainment industry&#x27;s &quot;Diamond Star,&quot; has a rich filmography, but Meet, Greet and Bye stands out for its different approach. While she says it tackles a typical Filipino story, it digs deeper to find the silver lining or the light at the end of a tunnel in an unthinkable situation. <div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763264523814METRO COVER MEET GREET AND BYE A.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Meet, Greet and Bye cast members Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos, and Ms. Maricel Soriano, as photographed by Dookie Ducay</div><div style="text-align:center"> </div>While each character in the film has different stories worth unpacking, Juan Karlos pointed out that the family connection they built on the set ultimately played a significant role in making the family dynamics shine more in the movie. He told Metro.Style, &quot;I actually just also wanted to bring up how it wasn&#x27;t necessarily all of the individual experiences that we had or have with each of our family members, but I feel like the energy that was created as well on set, talagang naging totoong pamilya rin kami.&quot; &quot;Naging kapatid ko na sila,&quot; Joshua shared, adding that their shoot days felt like they were on a vacation. &quot;Grabe &#x27;yung bond namin... Sobrang dikit. &#x27;We&#x27;re family,&#x27; ganu&#x27;n na &#x27;yung naging thinking namin. Natutuwa ako kasi lahat kami open; open kami na papasukin &#x27;yung isa&#x27;t-isa sa sarili namin.&quot;Openness is also a concept the Facundo family has to come to terms with—that is, openness to acceptance in the face of challenges. Piolo, whose character leaves home in search of greener pastures, returns to his family burdened by the feeling of failure. &quot;He had a different intention why he was coming in. Pero because of what happened, nagkagulo-gulo &#x27;yung plano niya. And &#x27;yun, &#x27;yun na nag-rise up lahat ng conflict, lahat ng problema, &#x27;yung mga deeply rooted pains na kailangang i-heal. And then, nangyari pa &#x27;yung sa nanay namin. So, &#x27;yun, family conflicts. &#x27;Yung mga pagkakaiba ng bawat isa. Their differences na kailangang harapin.&quot;<div></div>Belle, the bunso (youngest) in the Facundo family, is the eldest among her siblings. Through the movie, she gained three older brothers whose characters helped shape her own. Getting into that mindset for her character was not easy, but her relationship with her castmates made filming a breeze. How are Belle and Geri similar to each other? &quot;Mama&#x27;s girl si Geri. Mama&#x27;s girl ako,&quot; Belle quipped.Like Belle, Maricel also finds something in common with her character through the way Baby raised her children to be good people. And as she breathed life into the role of a selfless mother, Maricel is thrilled to share the screen with Piolo, Joshua, Belle, and Juan Karlos, and has nothing but praise and admiration for her onscreen kids. Seeing how fun and natural their banter is during this shoot, we told Maricel that it seems the happiness she feels around her co-stars makes her look and feel younger. &quot;Alam mo ba,&quot; she began, &quot;tuwang-tuwa ako kasi I feel so blessed na sila ang kasama ko.&quot;<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763227674674cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE_Piolo PascualA.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Piolo Pascual in Francis Libiran</div><div style="text-align:center"> </div>Metro.Style attended the premiere night of the film with major stars—including Vice Ganda, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Donny Pangilinan, and Maris Racal—showing up on the red carpet to support the movie. There was not a dry eye in the cinema when the end credits rolled and the cast and production crew were met with admiring cheers and warm applause.As Filipinos troop to the cinema to watch this year’s must-see heartwarming family movie and celebrate one another’s loved ones with theater dates, we&#x27;re sharing some of the highlights that we truly appreciated and loved about Meet, Greet and Bye.<div> </div>The quick pacing and transition from meeting the characters to meeting the film’s main plot point. The opening scenes of the film are hauntingly gentle but also unmistakably maternal as you understand that the musicbox-like sound is reminiscent of a mother’s pure love for her children, and then you meet the Facundos, marking a family milestone. After meeting the characters, without any delay, it quickly brings you to the main pain point of everyone: a cancer that has recurred. For a family drama that touches on a heavy premise, it did not waste time or slowly linger on angst, but chose to pick up the pace and let the entire audience deal with the Big C. Just like in real life, when confronted with news of a terminal illness, the family wouldn’t really have the luxury to process everything—there is no other choice but to deal with it head-on.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763232141755cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE Joshua Garcia.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Joshua Garcia in Anthony Ramirez</div><div> </div>Direk Cathy’s easter eggs of metaphors throughout the film. Find the metaphors in the film. During her Metro.Style interview, Direk Cathy clued us in on a secret: “There are a million ways to mount a scene. Dito may mga makikita kayo d&#x27;yan na parang metaphor na ginamit ko. Minsan, baka hindi naman mapansin. Bonus ko na lang ‘yun as a filmmaker na ‘Ay, napansin nila.’ Pero minsan kung hindi, okay lang. Basta kami, nu&#x27;ng ginawa namin ‘yan, ito ang ibig sabihin para sa amin.”While Direk Cathy did not divulge the exact metaphors, we found some of them. The desperate hunt for the elusive tickets that Mama Baby (Maricel) wanted so much is a metaphor for the siblings’ desperate need to find an effective treatment for the disease and save their mother’s life. The older and decrepit van that Brad (Joshua) continues to use is a metaphor for him trying to keep it together, even if he’s already breaking down deep inside. The Park Seo Joon fanmeeting also appears to be a metaphor for Mama Baby wanting to find joy and rest amid her heartbreaking situation; this was made more evident in the film&#x27;s final scenes.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763241602642cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE0314a.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Belle Mariano in AJ Javier</div><div style="text-align:left"> </div>Plot twists. Just when you think it’s just another predictable family drama, the film delivers three plot twists involving Geri (Belle), Brad (Joshua), and Tupe (Piolo) that will help you understand where their characters’ bubog (issues) were coming from. This might make more sense after watching the movie, but the plot twists involve these important words: father, New Zealand, and remarriage. These plot twists will give you a whole new perspective on the pain they have buried so deeply in their hearts just to survive life and maintain a semblance of peace in the family. It makes you reflect on things like “What can a child really do when thrown in life-changing circumstances and situations they don’t even want?”<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763241674282cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE0486a.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Juan Karlos</div><div style="text-align:left"> </div>The rollercoaster ride of emotions. One of the most impressive things about Meet, Greet and Bye is its ability to make you laugh with the characters, and the next thing you know, you’re ugly-crying with them, thankful for the darkness of the theater so that no one can see you sobbing. The switch from light moments to heavy scenes, then back to laughing out loud with the comedic scenes, is nothing less than proof of mastery of the craft. Direk Cathy shared that achieving that balance was not an easy task.“Siguro ito ‘yung pinaka-grounded amongst the others na nagawa ko na. In fact, nahirapan akong ipa-lighten siya kasi, ang premise ng kwento, we&#x27;re talking about the Big C (cancer). We are talking about losing someone, and you can&#x27;t help but feel dramatic over it,” the director declared.“So medyo naging challenge sa akin na pagaanin ng kaunti to the best of our abilities at maikwento nang hindi naman [ganoon] ka-sad. Kasi sa lahat ng ginawa kong pelikula, isa ‘yun sa iniiiwasan ko—iyong lumabas ka ng sinehan nang bitbit mo pa ‘yung bigat ng pelikula,” she confessed.Thankfully, the cast and their amazing chemistry together excellently delivered in both of the things the film demanded: the dramatic scenes and the comedic timings—made more evident with scenes that switch from sibling revelry to sibling rivalry. With a capable director like Direk Cathy, the delicate task of balancing heavy emotions and lighthearted moments resonated so well with the audience.“But really, I&#x27;d like to say na we found a merry balance between the drama and the fun. I wouldn&#x27;t say it&#x27;s comedy, but there&#x27;s lightness. Just like tayo. Ako, ramdam ko kasi sa pamilyang Pilipino, even in the midst of pain and chaos, we find ways to make ourselves happy. Makakahanap ng ibang dahilan para tumawa,” Direk Cathy said.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763241737605cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE0652a.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Maricel Soriano in a Maje jacket and Patty Ang skirt</div><div style="text-align:center"> </div>The combination of understated emotions and explosive confrontations. Onscreen, it’s easy to expect a family movie that deals with cancer to go with screaming, hysterical, and melodramatic moments. Meet, Greet and Bye chose to realistically take us through emotions that journey from anger to acceptance. It mostly favored understated emotions and only got to showcasing explosive confessions of emotions when patience is worn out and anger surfaces instead.  When Mama Baby’s condition was revealed and when the siblings were desperately finding ways to convince her to get treated, everything was understated, but you can see the emotions in the actors’ eyes. It was only when Mama Baby was experiencing the physical pain in dealing with cancer and the deep-seated resentment among the family members surfaced, that the explosive emotions were finally out in the open, making the audience feel as if they’re also in the middle of the confrontations.It was a deliberate part for Direk Cathy. She insisted on subtle emotional expressions rather than on actors openly crying or sobbing in certain heart-wrenching scenes. Her “Bawal umiyak” direction was met with “Bakit mo ako pinapahirapan nang ganito?” and “Seryoso ka ba?” from Piolo and Maricel.“May common denominator sina Piolo tsaka si Maricel Soriano—laging they hate me kasi ayaw ko silang paiyakin,” she laughed.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763242002964cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE0901a.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"> </div>Direk Cathy noted a favorite Piolo scene in the movie. “It’s during the chemo montage. There was a move shot there. Talagang sinabi ko kay Piolo na bawal umiyak. So iyong back shot niya, nakikita ko sa backlight na tumutulo iyong luha niya. Sabi ko, lulusot sa akin kasi back shot. Pero noong frontal shot, hirap na hirap siya. You would see it. Grabe. Nanginginig iyong chin ni Piolo and to me, that made it beautiful. I love that scene.”She also shared notes about the other Facundos. She said, “JK was a revelation, of course. Siyempre, ang kilala nating JK, very passionate singer of many songs. Dito, may fun side pala itong batang ‘to. May funny side. In fact, he&#x27;s so funny na minsan, sinasaway mo na. Bagay na bagay &#x27;yung role sa kanya.”“Si Joshua,“ Direk Cathy said, “given na natin na dramatic actor talaga siya. He is very good at what he does, and he gave justice to Brad.”On Belle, she revealed, “She hardly said things. Wala siyang bonggang-bonggang iyakan, but I did not need that from Belle. I just needed her to be Geri, and she played it so well. Hindi ko nakita si Belle, nakita ko si Geri. Ako kasi ‘yung director na hindi naniniwalang kailangang mag-monologue ka at kailangan umarya ka para masabi kitang magaling. In the silent portions or in the silent shots that I gave you, and in those quiet moments, that&#x27;s where I appreciate actors most.”<div> </div><div style="text-align:left"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763242118566cs embed_METRO MEET GREET BYE0929a.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:left"> </div>The movie is like a journey through the stages of grief. From denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, we ultimately arrive at acceptance with the characters. Meet, Greet and Bye is all about fighting for and with family. Family is everything, so we do everything we can to make sure each member feels comforted, accepted, and loved. In the film&#x27;s final moments, the audience would definitely feel the stage of acceptance—that when everything else has been said and done, we find peace in accepting and, ultimately, appreciating what life has given us and what remains in it.<div> </div><div>Meet, Greet and Bye is now showing in over 530 cinemas worldwide.</div><div> </div>Photography by Dookie Ducay Metro Head: Christina Lopez Editor-in-Chief: Geolette Esguerra Sittings Editors: Grace Libero and Kate Paras-SantiagoManaging Editor: Rick FormalejoCreative Director: Randz ManucomFashion Associate: Carla Buyo Stylists: Lianne Locsin (Maricel), Ton Lao (Piolo), David Milan (Joshua), Aaron Mangsat (JK), Adrianne Concepcion (Belle), and Edlene CabralMakeup Artists: Darwin Sablayan (Maricel), Donna Magbojos (Piolo), Ryan Panaligan (Joshua), Jims Oga (JK), and Jake Galvez (Belle)Hairstylists: Enrico Louis Gabato (Maricel) and RJ Dela Cruz (Belle)Set design by Tipping Point CollectiveWith an interview by Grace Libero-CruzLayout Artist: Alfred AmadoEditorial Assistants: Krystel Matias and Naiah MendozaIntern: Marinelle Balog-angVideography: NicePrint PhotoFood sponsor: Illo’s Party TraysSpecial thanks to Star Cinema

Cathy Garcia-Sampana works her magic again with Star Cinema’s family drama "Meet, Greet and Bye," starring Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos, and Maricel Soriano.

Cathy Garcia-Sampana works her magic again with Star Cinema’s family drama "Meet, Greet and Bye," starring Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos, and Maricel Soriano.

Ties That Bind: How 'Meet, Greet and Bye' Tackles Love, Loss, and Living On

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Ties That Bind: How 'Meet, Greet and Bye' Tackles Love, Loss, and Living On

Grace Diez and Grace Libero

Published Nov 16, 2025 12:05 PM PHT

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Updated Nov 16, 2025 01:56 PM PHT

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Cathy Garcia Sampana

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