We Filipinos are known for being hopeless romantics, what with our obsession with movies featuring love stories. In fact, a large bulk of the local film industry’s yearly output is dedicated to the genre. But which of the many Pinoy romance movies should you watch on a Valentine’s date? Here are the best recommendations to bring in all the kilig.
Pinoy romance movies no. 1: Sana Maulit Muli
Before he established himself as a critically-acclaimed actor, Aga Muhlach is considered the king of Pinoy romantic movies. Of the many romantic films he did, Sana Maulit Muli (1995) is considered as one of the classics. The movie also stars a younger Lea Salonga as Aga’s love interest.
In the film, Aga plays advertising executive Jerry, who is in a long-time relationship with Agnes (Lea). When Agnes receives an invitation to live with her estranged mother in the States, Jerry persuades her to go so that he can focus on building his career. The two soon find themselves struggling to maintain a long-distance relationship.
What’s great about the film is that it goes beyond the usual trappings you would associate with Pinoy romantic movies. The movie explores the American dream that Jerry and many other Filipinos are enamored with. It also looks into the negative aspects of the two’s relationship and presents how these eventually cause them to break up. All of these make Jerry and Agnes’ story feel more relatable. Aga and Leah both deliver an engaging performance that draws the audience to the characters more.
Pinoy romantic movie no. 2: One More Chance
The duo of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo is often considered as one of the loveteams that defined the millennial generation. And their 2007 film One More Chance is hailed as one of the best romance movies that came out in the local market. The movie is so popular that its dialogue is still very much part of the local internet culture.
One More Chance follows coworkers and sweethearts Popoy and Basha. After being together for five years, Basha starts feeling shackled by Popoy’s overbearing attitude and decides to break up. Distraught by the sudden turn of events, Popoy finds himself becoming out of control and straining his relationship with friends. The two eventually move one with their lives but meet again months later, causing them to confront the nasty breakup anew.
Much like Sana Maulit Muli, One More Chance breaks away from the typical Pinoy romance movies. Instead of highlighting the kilig of courtship, the movie explores the not so pretty things that come after the romance. People who have been in a long relationship will relate to the things that Popoy and Basha had to go through. John Lloyd and Bea play these roles so well that you will be invested to know what happens to them next after the ending. Luckily, there is a sequel titled A Second Chance, that revisits the characters after a few years.
Pinoy romantic movies no. 3: Labs Kita, Okay Ka Lang
While the first two movies are all about adults having relationships, you and your partner might want to reminisce about young love from time to time. And in here, Labs Kita Okay Ka Lang is a great one to pick for that slot in your Valentine’s movie marathon. It features the popular 90s loveteam of Marvin Agustin and Jol.ina Magdangal.
The movie follows Ned (Marvin) and Budjoy (Jolina), two childhood friends who practically grew beside each other. Budjoy soon finds herself falling for Ned. Unable to choose between love and friendship, she tries to distance herself from him. This troubles Ned, who has also unknowingly fallen for Budjoy.
Labs Kita Okey Ka Lang? spawned the now-iconic “Kaibigan mo lang ako” line that many people who have fallen for their friend have related to. While the story itself is a bit formulaic, the film tells it in all earnestness, letting even new viewers relate to it easily. Marvin and Jolina’s onscreen charm also elevates the characters.
Pinoy romance movie no. 4: Kita Kita
One thing you will notice about Pinoy romance movies is that they are often top-billed by conventionally attractive men and women. Kita Kita bucks that “tradition” by casting erstwhile plain-looking comedian Empoy as the leading man alongside Alessandra da Rossi. What results is a movie that shows love beyond what the eye can see.
Alessandra plays Lea, an OFW in Japan who suffers temporary blindness due to stress after discovering that her boyfriend is cheating. During this low in her life, her next-door neighbor Tonyo (Empoy) offers to assist her. Soon, they become close and form a relationship.
Empoy showcases his comedic talent here but also makes Tonyo a very relatable character. And while Alessandra is gorgeous, she ditches all that glamour to play Lea in a more down-to-earth manner. The movie’s story is also so engaging that it has spawned an Indonesian remake
Enjoy the kilig with these local Valentine’s movies
While some might think Pinoy romance movies are way too cheesy and shallow, these four films show that there are still great gems. And there are more you can discover. Check these titles out and get a lot of kilig this Valentine’s.