1. A Very Special Love (2008)
Directed by: Cathy Molina
Written by: Raz dela Torre
Oldie but
goodie, A Very Special Love is first
of the three-part film series by Cathy Molina. The story revolves around Laida
(Sarah), a free-spirited girl who fell head over heels for Miggy (John Lloyd),
an egotistical, mean-spirited man who cares about nothing else other than his
company.
At first glance, it looks as though the typical "girl loves
boy" romantic plot that we've come to know for one can only remember.
However, Molina successfully twisted the story from a tedious cliché into an
amusing love affair. The story vividly portrays how one must not take the other
for granted—which Miggy learned the hard way as he eventually fell in love with
Laida, at the same moment she finally saw him for what he truly is.
2. That Thing Called Tadhana (2014)
Directed by: Antoinette Jadaone
Written by: Antoinette Jadaone
A story of heartaches, friendship, second chances, and
trust, Antoinette Jadaone details how
one can stand back up after a blinding state of love depression with the aid of
thorough soul-searching—be it by yourself or accompanied by someone. The plot
is not of fine humor per se, but with Angelica Panganiban's perky yet endearing
portrayal and JM de Guzman's chivalrous demeanor, the two set the tone for the
film, aptly living up to its romantic comedy genre.
3. English Only, Please (2014)
Directed by: Dan Villegas
Written by: Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone, and Anjeli Pessumal
Never had I thought the nation would see Derek Ramsay and
Jennylyn Mercado together on the big screen, not to mention portraying a
charming pair. English Only, Please tells
us the story of two shattered hearts, gradually nudging closer towards each
other to form a whole new one. The romantic side of the story develops a tad
slowly yet has been able to vividly convey its fundamental message about
love—that it knows no bounds.
4. Love You to the Stars
and Back (2017)
Directed by: Antoinette Jadaone
Written by: Antoinette Jadaone
Another Jadaone's obra maestra, Love You to the Stars and Back surprisingly gives us a fresh look
in the Philippine cinema. It's not because Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto are
fuelling the passionate re-birth of Rico Yan and Claudine Barretto's perfect
team up that faced a sudden death, no. The two stand up on their own with a
forging and seamless chemistry that creates the perfect portrayal for the
film.
Two lost souls with
crippling loneliness of their own, Mica (Julia) and Caloy (Joshua) find
themselves in a spontaneous adventure they didn't know would lead their fate to
a bizarre turn; easing up the burden on their shoulders and learning to love
themselves when they could not find it in others. Certainly, this romcom film has
so much more into it than the typical teenage rebellion and love-struck theme.
