March 17, 2025
When online marketer Gemini "Gem" Santos (Janella Salvador) turned 25, she decided to take a solo trip to Mati via Davao Airport. She was picked up at the airport by her hotel's co-owner JC David (RK Bagatsing), who noted that Gem was very preoccupied with her gadgets, still busy at work even in the car. JC promised Gem that she will fall in love with life in Mati so much that she would definitely be extending her planned stay longer.
JC's Kalipay Cafe had a prime beach side location, but it had no wifi because JC wanted his customers to slow down and enjoy their time there. He managed his cafe with his friend Kid (Peter Mendijar) and employee Joy (Alora Sasam). To drum up sales, Gem helped promote Kalipay's special "sikwate" drink together with JC's easygoing charm (and abs) which worked very well. However, they did not know that Gem had another reason why she was in Mati.
For her feature directorial debut, Director Catsi Catalan told a very mainstream love story between two contrasting personalities -- one hectic and frenetic, the other slow and laidback. Like all other rom-coms, awkward first meeting first, daily interactions next, eventually blossom into love. They are 10 years apart in real life, but Salvador's Gem and Bagatsing's JC had a thrilling chemistry between them. Will they end up together or not?
For me, the most memorable aspect was how Gem fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a pilot. We were briefed that she had to complete 40 flight hours, at P10,000 per hour. I never knew that new pilots were doused with a pail of water before being given their wings. After graduation, if Gem wanted to pursue becoming a commercial pilot, she needed to complete 150 flight hours more, which may be earned with a cadetship program.
The other thing I would credit this film for would be its tempting introduction of Mati, the capital city of Davao Oriental, as a vibrant beach and surfing destination for tourists, especially for locals. It also made us want to go try out their special chocolate drink called "sikwate," made from carabao's milk and tablea. From there, it also gave us information about the cocoa bean industry based in the area and the process of preparing the beans for use. 7/10
No comments:
Post a Comment