Series examines value of commitment

When love plays its tricks on us, we wonder if we are holding on too long or giving up too soon. That’s exactly the dilemma of the couples in “Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko” (KHLTS), which will stream on Viva One soon.

Based on the bestseller by Marcelo Santos III, the series stars Coleen Garcia, Carlo Aquino, Ryza Cenon, Kiko Estrada, Rhen Escaño Jerome Ponce and is megged by Carlo Catu. The series is like a masterclass in the art of letting go.

Here are quotes from Coleen (C), Carlo (CA), Ryza (RC), Kiko (K), Rhen (R), Direk Carlo (DC) and Marcelo (M):

C: I used to give up easily on my relationships. But when I married Billy, I learned the value of commitment. Just like any marriage, we’ve had rough days. There were times I wanted to walk away, but it’s Billy who served as my rock. For him, giving up on our marriage is never an option.

CA: I don’t agree with the notion na “babae ang nagdadala ng relasyon.” It’s give and take. On days when your partner can only give 20 percent to your relationship, you should make up for the 80 percent.

RC: I give until I have nothing left to give in a relationship. So when I say it’s over, there’s no more turning back.

K: Letting go is a case-to-case basis. We all have different saturation points.

R: In my past relationships, I was not the one who gave up. Hopefully, my next boyfriend won’t give up on me.

DC: Our series centers on three couples with different problems: challenge of a long-distance relationship, ego issues and infidelity, having second thoughts about marriage after being engaged.

M: Giving up is not always negative. Sometimes, it just means that you want to try something else, just like in my case. KHLTS is my last book. I’m giving up writing to explore the world of podcasts and other platforms.

From father-daughter to husband-wife

BFF Buboy (Cesar Montano) is thrilled to be part of the remake of the 1993 film, “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan” (MPNHAN), helmed by his director in “Muro Ami,” the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya, whom he adores.

MPNHAN’s 2023 version is a series on TV5 which airs weekdays at 4:40 p.m. It also stars Cristine Reyes and Marco Gumabao.

Just like the title of his new show, Buboy looks back at his colorful past as he is about to turn 61 on Aug 1.

Here’s my chat with BFF:

Isn’t it awkward to play Cristine’s husband while her boyfriend Marco is also in the cast?

I always report on the set knowing I’m there to work and get paid. They are an undeniably beautiful couple, but whatever it is, it should never interfere with my work.

In your recent movie, you portrayed Cristine’s dad as Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Now you play her husband. How does that feel?

I know, right? The question is, am I a better father or husband? All I know is that Cristine as Imee is the best maid in Malacañang (laughs).

What chapter of your past do you want to relive?

I can’t kiss the past anymore. I have already moved on. I’m embracing the present while looking forward to a better future.

Riveting, ‘deadly’ series

We must be wary of strangers. But sometimes, we ought to be even more wary of people in our inner circle. Just like what happens in the riveting six-part series, “Deadly Love” (streaming on Viva One).

It stars Jaclyn Jose, Louise delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao, McCoy De Leon and is directed by Derick Cabrido. Find out the bloody truth about a fam scam.

Here are quotes from Jaclyn (J), Louise (L), Marco (M), McCoy (MC) and Derick (D):

J: I make it a point not to intimidate newbies. I make them feel that we are on equal footing so it will make our jobs easier.

D: For good vibes before shooting, I watch anime and Disney stuff. I apply some of the elements from both to my movie.

L: Pinoys used to prefer stories that were spelled out clearly. But productions like “Black Mirror” (BM) changed that. Since our movie is of the same genre as BM, I guess Pinoys are ready for it.

MC: When I love, I give my 100 percent effort and time, so it feels deadly when it fails.

M: It’s unavoidable to feel intimidated by Ms Jaclyn. It’s good because it kept me on my toes. But my excitement to work with her outweighed it.

J: I experienced a deadly kind of love. As in, it was a matter of life and death. It was very scary. Fortunately, I was able to escape from it.

MC: I don’t believe in red flags when I really love someone. We all have imperfections. It depends on what we are willing to live with. INQ