Star Magic x MAVX Productions: 3 Pairings in 3 Different Heartwarming Films
This exciting collaboration features Carlo Aquino, Barbie Imperial, Jane Oineza, RK Bagatsing, Gerald Anderson, and Kylie Padilla in three different heartwarming films
Ushering in the new year with a bang, Star Magic and production company Mavx have
collaborated for exciting film projects that tell unique, heartwarming stories. The three
movies set for the big screen this 2023 feature some of the brightest stars in local showbiz today.
Starting with “I Love Lizzy,” available in cinemas on January 18, Carlo Aquino portray the character of a seminarian who falls in love with a hometown party girl (Barbie Imperial). This duo will go through a series of moments that will test their faith, set in the wonderful destination of Albay.
Carlo reflects on working on this project, saying that the film allowed him to strengthen his belief. “Every once in a while, sa lahat ng tao naman, merong nangyayaring dagok sa buhay,” he shares on what side of him was brought out during filmmaking. “So 'yung connection ko with God.”
The actor also shares how the journey became therapeutic for him, as well as with his co-star Barbie. The latter recalls being able to open up on things that weigh her down, thus allowing for deep conversations to occur on set, off the camera.
“I was actually not ready for that,” Barbie says on shedding light to her “soft” side. “Kasi knowing na I’m very independent with life, parang never ko pa iniisip sa sarili ko na hihingi ako ng tulong. But it actually felt good—okay lang din naman palang humingi ka ng help from someone na p'wede mong pagkatiwalaan.”
Meanwhile, real-life couple Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing star in the daring “The Swing.” A story on a married couple’s exploration in order to save their marriage, this duo also admits joining their characters’ quest to discovery. RK describes it as expounding his “openness” to the world. “Very symbolic na nasa ibang bansa ka, e,” he reflects on filming in Switzerland. “Ang daming elements ng culture nila na bago sa’kin. So lumalawak ’yung understanding.”
He adds, “My imagination can only give me so much. So the side of me na mas open pa and pushing the boundaries more du’n sa perceived acting or method, ’yung ’yung lumabas.”
His partner, Jane, agrees, emphasizing on the value of communication and collaboration as key to their performances in their project. Jane says that, like their characters, these “first times” allowed them to realize things between them both as a couple and as co-stars. “Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Okay, I don’t know how I want to handle this—yet. First time ko rin ’tong ma-e-experience with someone na I’m in a relationship with. Pero just be patient, I’ll figure out kung ano’ng mas okay sa’kin’,” she says about their scenes. “So ’yung figuring it out together, being patient with one another, ’yung communication, I feel like naging stronger din kami.”
Finally, Gerald Anderson teams up with Kylie Padilla for the last film project, “Unravel.” Tackling mental health, the movie also depicts the practice of assisted voluntary death, which is a legal in certain European countries like its setting, Switzerland.
With the beautiful backdrop in contrast with such a heavy theme, the lead actor points out how his previous ideas on human relationships deepened. “It’s a new character; a new journey,” Gerald says. “Mas na-validate ’yung mindset na, you just try to be nice to everyone and respect each other. Kasi hindi mo alam kung ano’ng pinagdadaanan nila.”
These heart-tugging narratives—under the direction of RC delos Reyes—are something to look forward to this year. See you in the theaters!
Lead photos courtesy of Star Magic