From the Philippines to Calgary

Hello, Love, Again" (2024) is an interesting romantic film that hit a few nerves for  me (in a nice way).  

 Several years ago a friend of ours had a very positive experience when she hired a Filipino woman to look after her newborn.  She was so impressed she wanted to go into business setting up more of them in Canada.  I have since learned Filipinos are honest workers that often go beyond job requirements 

One interesting conversation I had with a store manager in a north of Toronto suburb regarding an unusual item I was trying to sell--a tooth brush for dogs.  The manager explained that some enthusiastic champions for the brush were Filipino maids.  So many of them had taken on the responsibilities of taking care of the family dog and had decided brushing teeth with my version was good for the dog's health. 

The migration of Filipinos for work is at the heart of this movie so here is a bit of an explanation:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/07/a-good-provider-is-one-who-leaves.html

There was a prequel that I did not see, that explains  how a young  Filipino couple got together in Hong Kong and through Covid restrictions (plus misunderstandings) they broke up. The lead male, Alden Richards had discussed with director Cathy Garcia (who subsequently remarried after her first husband died in an auto accident)that he would be interested in a sequel and was later joined by the female lead, Kathryn Bernardo.  In flashbacks we learn Ethan had proposed to Marie-Joy, but had been prevented from actually marrying by the Covid pandemic and later during a one night stand had been caught.

A few years later pursuing a job she ends up in Calgary, Alberta working in a nursing home while his job prospects are not quite as good also ends up in Calgary.  She harbors bad feelings after their breakup.  He seems to feel guilty, but open to getting back together and willing to bend.  You know their mis-understandings will be explained and circumstances will provide opportunities to cross each other's paths.  In many ways a typical romance, but with the concept of where is "home" and how important is it.

What makes it enjoyable (definitely not just laughs) is the cast and crew.  Here are a few contributors:

Cathy Garcia-Sampana was the director.  She directed the prequel, "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (2019) in Hong Kong.  She has been key in the highest grossing Filipino films 9 times with 6 being the highest grossing ones of all time including this one.  She has 43 directing credits, 23 for assistant directing and 14 for acting including "Four Sisters and a Wedding" (2013).

 Carmi Raymundo was a key writer and supervising producer.  She has 68 credits for the script and continuity department, 55 for producing and 24 for writing including "Starting Over Again" (2014),
"Barcelona:  A Love Untold" (2016) and "Rewind" (2023).  You can learn more about two of them at: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/10/four-filipino-movies.html

Kookai Labayen was the producer.  He has 9 writing credits, 11 for producing and 12 for additional crew including one of my favorites,  "Isa Pa with Feelings" (2019).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/isa-pa-with-feelings-really-helps.html

Jesse Lasaten was the composer.  She has 189 composing credits, 26 for the music department and 5 for the sound department including "Seven Sundays" (2017) and "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (2019).

Noel Ttthankee was the cinematographer.  He has 46 cinematography credits, 38 for the camera and electrical department and 2 as director including "Four Sisters and a Wedding" (2013) and "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (2019).

Marye Ignacio was the editor.  She has 202 credits as editor, 37 for the editorial department and  41 for additional crew including "Four Sisters and a Wedding: (2013),  Starting Over Again" (2014), "Everything About Her" (2016),  "Barcelona:  A Love Untold" (2016), "Seven Sundays" (2017), "Love you to the Stars and Back" (2017) and "Rewind" (2024),  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/08/two-filipino-movies-with-message.html     

Kathryn Bernardo played Joy-Marie, the leading lady.  She started her film career playing the younger version of a leading lady.  Kathryn has also had a successful singing career.  She has a history of being in the highest grossing films.  She has 40 acting credits, 2 for Soundtrack including "Barcelona:  An Untold Love Story" (2016), "Three Words to Forever" (2018) and of course "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (2019).

Alden Richards played Ethan, the leading man.  He owns a restaurant chain.  Alden has been a successfull recording artist.  He has 55 acting credits, 2 for producing and 1 for additional crew including "Family of Two" (2023) and the prequel "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (2019).

Joross Gamboa played a mutual friend, Jhim.  He has 103 acting credits including "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (2019) and "Rewind" (2023).

Kevin Kreider played Joy Marie's boss at a nursing home.  He is a Korean American.  Kevin is known as a skateboarder.  He has 13 acting credits and 2 for producing.

Mostly filmed in Calgary with a slight segment in Banff.  Available subtitled (with lots of English dialogue) on Netflix.

An enjoyable romance and a little feel for the migrant life. 

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Filipino films and a big part of my Filipino obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.