Stay friends or cut clean?

Julia Barretto (left) and Diego Loyzaga

Can exes be friends with each other?

While the topic has been tackled countless times in movies, a lot of them feature lead characters whose post-breakup relationships inevitably turn sour—if they try to maintain any sort of relationship, that is. But what if things do work out? What if exes manage to cultivate a healthy dynamic despite their painful past?

That’s what Viva Films’ upcoming romantic drama “Will You Be My Ex?” intends to explore. Directed by Real Florido and written by Jon Verzosa, the movie tries to answer the question: “Have you ever loved someone so much that, despite breaking up, you still want that person to remain in your life as a supportive friend and confidant?”

The story revolves around Chris (Julia Barretto), a carefree, impulsive and loving young woman who grew up in a family of artists, and Joey (Diego Loyzaga), an introverted and hardworking civil engineer, who hopes to build the ‘perfect’ future with the woman he loves.

The two enter a relationship, but eventually realize that they make better friends than lovers. After breaking up, they become each other’s pillars and constants.

To a certain extent

In a recent virtual story conference for the movie, most of the cast members agreed that, through time, being friends with exes can be possible—but only to a certain extent.

“Yes, definitely, but it depends on how the relationship ended. If things ended on good terms, then why not?” Diego said. “Staying friends after a relationship will bring out a new dynamic. To what extent you want your friendship is up to you.”

Bea Binene

For Bea Binene, time heals. “You get more mature as time goes by. You may get to the point where you’re able to accept everything that has happened in your life, where you can finally look at your ex eye to eye,” she surmised. “You can still be friends, but not right away. And maybe not the chummy-chummy type of friendship.”

Comedian Divine Aucina said it’s a “case-to-case” basis. “It will be determined by how the relationship ended. If things weren’t very good between the two, don’t force it. I tried to be casual with my exes because I didn’t want to live with hate in my heart. But they were the ones who didn’t want to have anything to do with me anymore. And that’s OK.”

Juan Carlos Galano

Newbie actor Juan Carlos Galano believes that there may be room for friendship if the persons involved have yet to enter another relationship. “Yes, you can be friends with your ex. But I would say that there’s a limit. When you move on to a new relationship, you should put a period on that chapter in your life,” he said. “Leave the past behind so the new relationship can flourish.”

Mickey Ferriols put it succinctly: Do you. “I stayed friends with some of my exes, but the communication isn’t as constant,” she said. “Sure, you can be friends. Why not? Whatever works. Whatever’s OK with you, then I’m all for that.”

Benj Manalo, on the other hand, felt the need to draw a distinction between being friends and being acquaintances.

Benj Manalo

Being more human

“From my perspective, saying you’re friends means that you always mingle—you talk and see each other often. If that’s not how things are between the two of you, then it’s just more of being acquaintances. Being human,” he pointed out. “Time heals, which will allow you to be more human to each other. But being friends is a different thing, a different kind of relationship.”

Julia didn’t readily give her thoughts on the topic, joking that she would answer the question when the movie nears its playdate. She did, however, let on that she found the story “interesting,” and expressed excitement about being paired with Diego.

The last time the two worked together was in the soap opera “Mirabella” in 2014. “I’m looking forward to doing this film because Diego and I have been friends for a long time. I’m excited to work with him now that we’re older—and hopefully, more mature,” said the 25-year-old actress. “I can’t wait to play our characters and just be vulnerable and open up to each other.”

Aside from their love for acting, Julia said she and her character, Chris, are nothing alike. “Her impulsiveness and immaturity is so different from how I am now. But what I enjoy about acting is that I get to be someone else, experience someone else’s frustrations, pains and joys,” she said.

“It’s very important to be in touch with my emotions to show the journey of my character. I’m happy we did workshops with our director, who reminded us about the importance of trusting our instinct and emotions,” Julia added.