Khalil Ramos (left) and Gabbi Garcia
Director Jade Castro, who is working with real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos in the film “LSS (Last Song Syndrome),” swore that he didn’t know the two were in a relationship when he first asked them to be part of the cast.
“The idea came from the creative team, and when they suggested it to me, I liked it because I know that both of them can act and sing at the same time. Since music is very much a part of the story, I thought they’d be perfect together,” Jade told reporters during the media gathering to announce the first three finalists of this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP).
“This was before we confirmed that they are together in real life, which made working with them even more exciting,” Jade added.
“LSS” is among the eight finalists of the 2019 PPP, which will run from Sept. 13 to 19.
“We never planned on working together,” said Khalil, “because we’re from different networks, and work was never the foundation of our relationship. We met through common friends. Before this project came, we said that we shouldn’t [work together].”
Gabbi agreed: “We were hesitant to work with each other. While we don’t hide the fact that we’re a couple, we’re not out-and-out about it. That’s not Khalil’s personality.”
Khalil said it was the script that convinced them to say “yes.” “We liked the story and the characters so much. Eventually, when the shooting started, I noticed that Gabbi kept asking me questions about how I work … ”
Gabbi interjected: “This was because I was scared of him. No bias, but I’ve seen how good he is as an actor because I’ve watched him in ‘2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten’ and ‘Honor Thy Father.’ Napakahusay! Meanwhile, this is my first film. I thought, ‘’Di ako pwedeng magpakain kay Khalil sa eksena!’ I kept asking tips from him because I felt so pressured. I’m grateful for his help.”
The actor said it was good that Gabbi expressed to him her fears. “It was now my job to make her feel comfortable. Of course, I wouldn’t want to be on the set with her feeling anxious.”
Gabbi described her leading man as “very professional. When we’re on the set, we’re not lovers, but coworkers. He would tell me, ‘Huwag kang bibitaw dito.’”
Khalil said the most challenging part was doing their first few scenes. “We weren’t a couple in the beginning of the movie—we were strangers,” explained Khalil. “We can’t appear like we already feel comfortable with each other,” added Gabbi. “He helped me all the way, and so did Direk Jade. It’s a learning experience for me to work with Khal.”
“LSS” also features the band Ben&Ben, as well as Tuesday Vargas and Elijah Canlas. It tells the story of Sarah (Gabbi) and Zak (Khalil), who find themselves in a series of almost-but-not-quite romantic encounters while following a fast-rising band.