Xian-Louise screen romance says ‘sayonara’ in style

Xian Lim

Xian Lim is not the type of pretty boy who just banks on his looks. He dares to be something more and something else.

Last year, Xian started his basketball career with the Mandaluyong El Tigre in MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League). This year, his XL8 team joins forces with BluArt Productions and Viva Films in “Hanggang Kailan” (opens Feb. 6).

In the film, Xian is paired off for the first time with Louise delos Reyes.
Their pre-Valentine movie veers away from the schmaltzy V-day fare. They portray a couple on the verge of splitting up. But instead of the usual messy breakups, Donnie (Xian) and Kath (Louise) go on a trip to Japan to say sayonara in style.

Here’s my chat with Xian:

Just like in your movie, would you go on a “breakup trip”? No. I would not want to experience a breakup during a trip. Wait at least for the trip to be over, then break my heart gently.

Based on your experience, how do you break up with a girlfriend? I never experienced breaking up with anyone. I can’t bear hurting my girl. Usually I’m the one who gets hurt. But that’s OK with me. It feels good to love, even it hurts so bad when it’s over.

Is it harder to save a relationship when it’s the guy who wants to call it quits? I don’t think gender plays an important role in breakups. When somebody wants out, that’s it. Nobody gets into a relationship saying “I hope it doesn’t work out” or “I want to get hurt.”
There are so many tests along the way. In order to save a relationship, both parties must be aware of “warning signs” before it’s too late.

What’s your “arrangement” with Kim (Chiu) when it comes to sweet scenes with your leading ladies and her leading men? We have no restrictions for each other as far as work is concerned. As actors, we are vessels. It’s our job to give life to the characters we play.

What scene in your movie with Louise could you relate to the most? I would consider every scene relatable, but if I have to choose one, I can relate to the scene where I was laying on the ground crying.

What will your movie teach us about breakups and moving on? This movie will not teach you anything. It will give you realizations and a sense of nostalgia that, at one point in your life, you were either a Cath (Louise) or a Donnie (Xian).

Lim (left) with Louise delos Reyes

What’s your fave scene and line in the movie? There is a poem read by a character at one point in the movie. That scene is my favorite.

What’s the best and hardest part of being Xian Lim? The hardest part is not having enough time for the things I want to do in life. The best part is being surrounded by people who are loving and understanding.