Sue Ramirez, Cristine Reyes, Sid Lucero portray siblings in ‘The Kingdom’

(From left) Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, and Cristine Reyes in a promo photo for “The Kingdom.” Image: Courtesy of APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions

One of the most-anticipated moments in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “The Kingdom” is the sibling relationship between the characters of Sue Ramirez, Cristine Reyes, and Sid Lucero. There won’t be an intense rivalry between them, but of course, there will be moments of envy in certain scenes.

In the film, Ramirez and Reyes will portray Lualhati and Matimyas, daughters of the Lakan (Vic Sotto). They are also the sisters of Magat Bagwis, portrayed by Sid Lucero, who’s said to be a “mad prince.”

Without disclosing key details, the “Broken Marriage” star is described as the favorite child of the Lakan but she’s arranged to be married. Reyes, on the other hand, is the King’s right-hand woman.

“I guess there will be envy on the part of Reyes and Lucero’s characters, as to why I was the favorite of Lakan,” Ramirez told reporters during a set visit when asked if the film will feature sort of a sibling rivalry between their characters. “She’s like a Disney princess until she becomes aware of the world outside the palace. She is innocent, but she is arranged to be married to pay off a certain debt.”

Reyes, on the other hand, said Matimyas is not far from her real-life personality as she has a serious side as well. Touching on the film’s theme, she shared that the majority of her preparation relies on its director Michael Tuviera, who is “very specific” with what he wants.

“My character is very serious here. My preparation [relies on Direk Michael Tuviera] because he has a very specific thing that he wants. We had no problem adjusting to our roles because we’re surrounded by talented co-stars and stars, but certain things needed to be corrected,” she added.

Sue Ramirez as Lualhati in “The Kingdom.” Image: Courtesy of APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions

Being a princess may be far from Ramirez’s real-life demeanor, but she shared that working with Sotto and Piolo Pascual became a reminder for her to step up her work ethic at all times.

“I’m very focused. You can’t talk to me when I need to do a big scene. I don’t want to mess up because Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual are really brilliant actors to work and have scenes with. It’s my first time working with Piolo and I was really shy. But he and Vic make you feel comfortable.)

Cristine Reyes as Matimyas. Image: Courtesy of APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions

Agreeing with her onscreen sister, Reyes noted Pascual and Sotto’s intimidating presence on set. But their professionalism is what urges them to be at their best.

“‘Piolo Pascual and Bossing Vic have a strong presence. When they’re on set, people are at their best. We don’t want to cause a delay. We have to be ready at all times. Acting is very natural for Bossing Vic and Piolo. And our castmates are chosen for a reason. It’s an honor for us,” Reyes said.

“The Kingdom” is a family drama showing people of different classes. Despite its theme, Ramirez and Reyes noted that the cast finds time to crack jokes from time to time.

“It’s been such a pleasure working with Bossing and Piolo. In the set, Bossing will just suddenly crack a joke. He does that from time to time. All in all, we had such a nice experience),” Ramirez shared.

Sid Lucero as Magat Bagwis in “The Kingdom.” Image: Courtesy of APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions

For Reyes, it’s “rare” to have such a good relationship with the cast and crew, saying she’s happy to be in an environment where she can fully focus on her character and the movie’s storyline.

“We don’t have to think of anything on set. We only have to think about our roles, our characters, and our rapport with every actor. It’s light, and we can focus on portraying our roles well,” she said.

“The Kingdom” marks Sotto’s return to the annual film festival after a five-year break. Meanwhile, Pascual was part of the MMFF 2023 entry “Mallari,” which earned him a Best Actor win at the Manila International Film Festival and FAMAS.