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.

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 harbours 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

Jessie Lasaten was the composer.  He 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.