‘FranSeth’ on replacing ‘KathNiel,’ finding love via dating apps

Seth Fedelin (left) and Francine Diaz, collectively known as “FranSeth” —SETH FEDELIN/ INSTAGRAM

It’s a possibility,” said Seth Fedelin when asked whether or not he and love-team partner Francine Diaz are already dating, five years after “FranSeth” was formed.

“I’m being a gentleman, so I’m answering the question now. It’s possible for us to reach that level in the future, but we will soon be making our first movie, so that is our priority right now,” Seth told reporters during a story conference organized by Regal Entertainment for their romantic drama “My Future You.”

“To be honest, dating is still far from my mind. I don’t want to feel pressured to have a romantic relationship with Francine right now. First of all—I always say this—I respect her and her parents. I admit that Francine and I talk about this, but I will not elaborate. In time, we will be able to give a more definite answer to this particular question.”

Francine agreed and added: “I guess it will not diminish my being a woman if I say it’s likely for Seth and me to end up together, especially because we still have a lot of projects lined up for us after this movie. We are always together and this gives us more opportunities to get to know each other. Based on how I know Seth now, it’s not difficult to fall for him, but as he said, love is not our priority at the moment. There’s a right time for it.”

Similar journey

Francine and Seth were also asked to share their reactions to comments comparing them to the popular tandem of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla or “KathNiel.” Kathryn and Daniel started dating a year after their love team was formed in 2011, and broke up in 2023.

“If you say that our love team is ‘the next KathNiel,’ this implies that we will also have to go through a similar journey. Seth and I agreed that we want to be known based on our own merits, as FranSeth. Personally, I feel pressured by the fact that they see KathNiel in us,” said Francine.

Seth confessed that the idea actually makes him nervous. “What if we don’t meet people’s expectations? We don’t want to be KathNiel. I will not become another Daniel. That’s impossible,” he insisted.

“I guess in terms of the success they’ve achieved as a team—they made a lot of hit movies—we want to achieve that, too. Workwise, what KathNiel has accomplished is no joke. The two contributed so much to this industry through their talent as actors, while Francine and I are still so new. If people expect FranSeth to reach the same level of success that KathNiel has achieved, then this means Francine and I should also prepare for a long and difficult journey,” he pointed out.

Francine, however, pleaded to KathNiel supporters not to take Seth’s comment negatively. “Don’t get us wrong. We’re friends with KathNiel. Ate Kath and I always greet each other. She’s very kind, and so is Kuya DJ (Daniel’s nickname). We just want to make it clear that we are not here to replace KathNiel,” she declared.

Behind-the-scene shot taken during look test for “My Future You” —FRANCINE DIAZ/INSTAGRAM

The two are scheduled to shoot their first big-screen project starting May 8. The film is written and directed by Cris B. Aquino (“Write About Love”).

Francine cited the biggest difference between working on a movie compared to a television series, something which she and Seth are used to doing.

“You are less likely to commit a mistake when doing a film because you are able to track what you have filmed so far and which direction you’re heading. Scripts for TV shows are often revised. Sometimes, you will be made to do a story plot again and again, only for it to be removed later on,” she observed. “This is why I’m both excited and nervous to start shooting. I also feel that it’s been a while since I last acted in a movie. Everything that we will be doing here will feel new to me.”

Undesirable effects

In “My Future You,” a strange comet connects two timelines, 15 years apart, making Karen (Francine) and Lex (Seth) connect through a dating app. As they discover that they live in different years, they try to change the past to have a better future, but every change seems to lead to undesirable effects.

When asked to share her views on finding true love through dating apps, Francine said she does think of herself credible enough to publicly express an opinion on it since she has not tried it herself.

“I feel like I’m not the right person to answer the question. I’d like to believe that there’s forever in dating apps because I have friends and relatives who have found romantic partners through dating apps. They’re still together up to now,” she began.

“For me, it doesn’t matter how you find love, as long as you’re happy and don’t hurt other people in the process—just go for it. While I believe there’s true love in dating apps, I also think you can find it in family, friends and within yourself. It just depends on how you define it.”

Seth hasn’t tried finding a partner through dating apps, “even though I also know of people who have,” the actor told reporters. He then turned to Francine, and said: “I have no intention of trying it.”

The film, first conceptualized four years ago, also features Christian Vazquez, Almira Muhlach, Peewee O’Hara, Bodjie Pascua, Mosang and Vance Larena.