Monday, September 14, 2026

Us in the End--a realistic romance

"Us in the End" (2026), originally "Tayo sa Wakus" is a realistic romance.  People fall in love without really understanding one another.  Like most nations struggling to develop a film industry, the Philippines has relied on horror, comedy and romance movies to attract viable audiences.  This is one step to a more diverse offering.

Cisco works in an advertising agency and was just arguing for one of his ideas that was flatly received by his audience until Cheska, a newly hired employee enthused some support.  For the most of the rest of the script she supports him, even when it hurts.  

Cisco was smitten with her and offered to drive her to her parents even after she admits it is a three hour drive.  When they arrive in her hometown village it turns out her parents are loudly arguing and providing entertainment for the neighbours.  We  become aware that she comes from a poor background and is the sole breadwinner.  He on the other hand comes from a wealthy family and is used to getting his way.

Their boss, Mr. G. is enthused about their relationship, but understands who is the more talented.  Their romance is pretty intense and they move in together.  After one dispute he suggested that if ever they are thinking of splitting they go on a trip together and be very honest before making a decision.  She recognizes he has talent, but she actually is more talented and allows him to take credit for some of her ideas.  At one point Cisco wants to break from the company to start his own  and persuades his wealthy grandfather to invest, but the grandfather has been enticed by what he assumes is Cheska's involvement.  However she is the only breadwinner for her family and is not willing to take a chance on a new company.

That is much of the plot, but of course there are many details that you might look back on as portending their future, however the rest of the movie is not really predictable.

This film required a deft touch and mostly got it.  Here are some of the key cast and crew responsible.

Cathy Garcia-Sampana was the director.  She has 45 credits for directing, 24 as an assistant director and 11 for writing including "Four Sisters and a Wedding" (2013), "Hello, Love, Again" (2024) and "Meet Greet & Bye" (2025).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/08/from-philippines-to-calgary.html

Vanessa R. Valdez was the writer.   She has 91 credits for the script & continuity department, 31 for writing and 29 as a producer including "Four Sisters and a Wedding" (2013), "Starting Over Again" (2014), "You're My Boss" (2015), "Everything About Her" (2016), "Barcelona:  A Love Untold" (2016), "Rewind" (2023) and "Hello, Love, Again" (2024)  The next link covers 4 films mentioned in this post:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/10/four-filipino-movies.html

Kookie Labayen was the producer and has 9 writer credits, 13 for producing and 12 for additional crew including "Everything About Her" (2016), "Barcelona:  A Lover Untold" (2016),  "Love You To the Stars" (2017) and "Isa Pa with Feelings" (2019).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/isa-pa-with-feelings-really-helps.html

Jessie Lasaten was the musical director.  He studied at the Berklee College of Music.  He began writing jingos for tv. commercials. then moved to films.  He has 196 composing credits and 48 for the music department including "Hello, Love, Again" (2024).

Yves Janero was the cinematographer.  He has 14 cinematography credits, 17 for the camera & electrical department including "Hello, Love, Again" (2024) and "Unmarry" (2025).    See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/07/unmarry.html

Marya Ignacio was the editor.  She has 208 editing credits, 41 for the editorial department and 39 for the production finance & accounting department including "Four Sisters and a Wedding" (2013), "Starting Over Again" (2014), "You're My Boss" (2015),  "Barcelona:  A Love Untold" (2016), "Everything About  Her" (2016), "Love You to the Stars and Back" (2017), "Rewind" (2023), "Hello, Love, Again" (2014), "Meet, Greet & Bye" (2025). 

Belle Mariano played Cheska and was also an executive producer.  She was performing in television commercials at age 9 and graduated to singing.  She has 32 acting credits, 1 for producing and 5 for sound track including "Love You to the Stars and Back"(2017) and "Meet, Greet & Bye" (2025) .

Donny Pangilinan played Cisco and was also an executive producer.  He has been a model and a singer.  Donny has 21 acting credits, 2 for producing and 4 for Soundtrack.

Jeffrey Quizon played Mr. G.   He has won many awards, nationally and internationally including at Cannes.  He has also been a band leader.  Once a chain smoker he took part in a celebrity challenge and quit.  Jeffrey has 149 acting credits, 3 for writing and 6 for assistant directing including "Heneral Luna" (2015).

This is not a light romance, but a little grittier the way many romances actually work out.  "Us in the End" is available subtitled on Netflix.

As usual I bold the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but mostly ones that I have enjoyed.  The links give more details to better reach a judgment.

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