While the popular image of major
Philippine TV networks ABS-CBN and GMA7 is that of a borderline hostile
competition between rivals, it is known that they have been able to collaborate
on many projects before. The latest such team-up between stars of these Filipino
TV giants is “Hello, Love, Goodbye” from Star Cinema and starring GMA’s Alden
Richards with ABS-CBN’s Kathryn Bernardo. This is Alden’s first big-screen outing
following his last lead role in 2016 (barring cameos and special
participations), and also the first time he is paired with the Kapamilya
network’s Phenomenal Box Office Queen. From the looks of the first teaser it
could be the start of a new alternative cross-network love team.
As ABS-CBN News tells us, from the initial trailer released online by
Star Cinema, “Hello, Love, Goodbye” looks to be a love story in a socially
topical setting, as two Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong meet and find a
romantic connection amidst their hectic working lives. That imagery is
reinforced by the introduction of the official film poster according to Cosmopolitan PH, which depicts Alden and
Kathryn’s characters walking arm in arm along a busy Hong Kong street with the
surrounding passersby fading into an atmospherically evocative motion blur.
Back to the trailer; Star Cinema cuts
a masterful teaser that lays down the general plot without giving the storyline
away. It also gives a powerful glimpse on the life of a Hong Kong-based OFW in
the here and now, significantly changed from how it may be portrayed in film
years ago. Kathryn’s role is that of a domestic worker, doing tasks from market
shopping to assisting her employer’s school-age child to washing windows. Alden’s
character in the meantime is in a more dignified profession as a bartender,
setting the stage for them to meet.
Filmmaker Cathy Garcia-Molina
takes the story by Carmi G. Raymundo and gives it her trademark romantic touch
so familiar to Filipino audiences, though whether it will also add shades of
rom-com remains to be seen. From the look of things “Hello, Love Goodbye” might
be playing the love story straight, framed in the background of OFWs in Hong
Kong. Kathryn’s character arc might be what the teaser’s taglines might refer
too, if she can afford to fall for Alden’s character and focus on a relation
over working to send money to her family back home. Her abrupt declaration of
love while the couple is on a Hong Kong sightseeing tour seemingly verifies the
story beats.
Whether the Alden-Kathryn tandem
can work as an alternate for the canon AlDub and KathNiel love teams has yet to
be seen, but their onscreen dynamics in the trailer makes one wonder. The
official poster confirms “Hello, Love, Goodbye” as premiering next month, July
31.
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