August 26, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Following their successful onscreen reunion in “A Journey,” Kaye Abad, Patrick Garcia and Paolo Contis are teaming up once again for another MAVX movie with the working title “Con Mom.”
This comedy-drama explores the lengths a mother will go to reunite with her daughter, who has been kept away from her. The film will be set against the scenic backdrop of Cebu, specifically in the southern coastal town of Boljoon. Joining the cast are Empoy Marquez and Kit Thompson.
“It’s completely different from ‘A Journey.’ Yes, we’re still a barkada, but this is more comedy,” Paolo shared with The STAR and two other media during a look test yesterday.
The comedy is not slapstick but rather situational, according to the cast.
“The things we do (are exaggerated). It’s comedy with a heart,” said Patrick.
Kaye takes on the titular role. “We are focusing the story and talents on Kaye Abad. Support kami ni Patrick, mas complicated yung role niya,” Paolo said.
He further said that the film aims to strike a chord with its audience with its “simple” message about a mom’s love.
“Up to what extent ang pagmamahal ng ina sa isang anak? So yes, maaaring kalokohan yung ginagawa namin sa pelikula but people will see how much Kaye loves her daughter (in the film),” Paolo said when asked about the film’s message.
“And again, of course, lalagyan mo rin ng true friendship kung hanggang saan gagawin namin para sa isang kaibigan.”
Added Patrick, “I think it will hit home for a lot of people. It’s about a mother who will do everything for her child, even if it seems foolish to others. The lengths a mother will go to save her family is the central theme.”
Kaye, who has been somewhat selective with projects since getting married and settling down in Cebu, immediately said yes to working again with Paolo and Patrick.
MAVX Productions’ upcoming comedy-drama film stars (from left) Empoy Marquez, Patrick Garcia, Paolo Contis, Kaye Abad and Kit Thompson.
“It’s more because of the excitement. Excited ako ulit kasi alam ko nandyan sila. When I read the script, iniisip ko, I will be doing a lot of dramatic scenes. But I thought I have nothing to worry about because they are also part of the film. Although unlike in ‘A Journey,’ if nag-da-drama ko, drama din sila,” shared Kaye.
“This time, ako lang. But alam kong may tutulong sa akin to get my emotion. So more on excited ako na sila ulit kasama ko. Somehow, mawawala yung kaba ng konti.”
For Paolo, it’s fun to be part of a set where you’re surrounded by friends.
“You can’t avoid having bad days at work but nakakabawas if you’re working with people you like. And I love working with them. It’s more on comfort level na ito yung shooting na pwede akong dumating naka-boxer shorts,” he said.
“‘Di ko kailangan mag-suklay kasi alam ko mahal ko yung mga katrabaho ko. Bihira siya ngayon kasi sa dami ng mga trabahong ginagawa, ‘di ba? We always have to put your best foot forward on set. And now, you know, when I come to this set, even if I’m in a bad mood, ganito lang kami. Hindi ako nahihiya. So yung pinakamasarap na naka-work ko, silang dalawa.”
Patrick, on the other hand, shared that no matter the size of the project, he would always feel nervous coming into the set. So working with friends is more than just a bonus.
“No matter how big or small the project is, kinakabahan ako kasi I really want to do my best. And for me, movies are timeless. And of course, kung gaano man kalaki yung kapareha mo, when you’re working with friends, it makes work easier because you’re comfortable. It makes work a little more exciting when you’re with them,” he said.
The cast is eyeing to submit the finished film for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival this year.
Meanwhile, it continues to be their dream to have a reunion project with the entire cast of their hit ‘90s barkada-themed series “Tabing Ilog,” including Jodi Sta. Maria, John Lloyd Cruz, Baron Geisler, etc.
“Hopefully, we’ll do one soon. Isa yan sa mga pangarap natin — magkasama-sama ulit ng buo,” Paolo said.
They all acknowledged the challenges of reuniting everyone for a project. Said Patrick, “I can imagine it would be difficult kasi ang dami natin, like kanino i-focus yung story?”
But a movie nevertheless would be a more workable vehicle compared to a series.
“Kasi kung mag-series kayo, kaya mahirap because that’s three to four months of filming. Yun ang mas mahirap,” said Paolo.
“So, I think a special movie with 15 shooting days could work. It might.”
One thing is for sure, “A Journey,” where their “Tabing Ilog” co-star Desiree del Valle also made a cameo appearance, opened up possibilities for a reunion.
“I think because of ‘A Journey,’ naging open lahat na makapagsama-sama. And never naman naputol yung communication,” said Paolo.
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