LakshmiBefore switching to film, Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana began her career as a television director, helming an array of popular Filipino shows. Her recognition as one of the best Filipino directors has been cemented by her accomplishments in the romance genre and family drama, both of which are frequently regarded as her speciality.
Her most notable work to date is none other than the first part of this film franchise— Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019) which is regarded as one of the highest-grossing Philippine films of all time. Following the immense box office success and praise received for Hello, Love, Goodbye, it won’t be a surprise if this sequel surpasses the revenue projections of the first movie.
In Hello, Love, Again, she reunites with actress Kathryn Bernardo, having worked with her previously in She’s Dating the Gangster (2014) and The Hows of Us (2018). Alongside Alden Richards, the story of characters Joy and Ethan continue in the Canadian landmark as they navigate the struggles of being newcomers in a foreign nation whilst trying to keep themselves financially afloat.
One Lash Shot had the opportunity to speak with Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana about the behind-the-scenes of Hello, Love, Again.
Before you made the first movie Hello Love Goodbye, had you already decided that there would be a sequel to complete the story? And what took you so long to make it happen?
No. We didn’t know there would be a second part. In fact, we were so scared with Part 1, because it’s a new combination. It’s a new collaboration between an actor from another station and ours. It has been a while since we did a movie about international workers, and it was a big risk for us. Well, it was a happy turnout. We were happy. But immediately after that there was a clamour for Part 2 but then I knew it wasn’t time. We cannot just go after Joy and Ethan. And then you know many things happened. We lost track of what to do next. And then suddenly, one day I got a call. And said, “Let’s do this! It’s time for Part 2! Let’s get on it!”. I was excited! I wanted to know what happened to them too!
As you mentioned, both the lead actors, Kathryn and Alden are associated with 2 major rival networks in the Philippines. How did you get them to collaborate in the first place and how was it working with them?
It all started when we were wondering who could partner with Kathryn this time. We wanted someone different because these were strangers meeting in Hong Kong. And as much as possible I wanted an actor that Kathryn doesn’t know well. So that I can get the raw emotions out of them. And Alden was pitched and I said, “You know, why not? It’s exciting!” And Kathryn was scared at first because she had never worked with someone outside our company. But I admire Kathryn for taking that risk. You know, let’s go because I want to tell the story of Joy and Ethan. I am very thankful that GMA allowed to lend Ethan/Alden to us. And I thank ABS-CBN for opening their doors to other actors.
Hello, Love, Again is filmed predominantly in Alberta, Canada, featuring the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canmore and Moraine Lake. Joy’s character was Canada-bound at the end of the first part, however, what made you choose the province of Alberta specifically?
(Laughs) Actually, I first went to Toronto, that was my first step ever in Canada. I love the weather. It was raining that time and it was gloomy so I couldn’t see much of Toronto. But then they said, “Ok Direk, you might want to try another place where there are many Filipinos working! So come on let’s go!” The moment I stepped into Calgary I said “I love this place!”
I fell in love with Calgary. It was very quiet and very tranquil and the people are very nice. Also, with Toronto ok, don’t get me wrong!
Maybe it was the weather too! When we went to Calgary, it was sunny, the blue skies welcomed me and the greens and the water— Canmore and Banff! Like, ah! I told my producer— “Let’s shoot here!”
Immigration and caregiving are vital topics in both movies. The first part focused on Hong Kong, and this one on Canada. Especially Canada is quite far from the Asian sub-continent. Assuming these are the main themes, what made you select them and what was the research process like?
We were surprised that maybe it’s natural for international workers in Canada will have a different journey than the ones in Hong Kong. Because primarily that was the reason why Joy went to Canada. Because in Canada you can be more. In Hong Kong, once you are a domestic helper, you are going to be forever that. She dreamt of becoming more than a domestic helper and that’s one of the reasons.
But then when I got to interview more and more Filipinos and other ethnicities who worked in Canada. I realized that we all have our story to tell. We all have our unique stories and journeys and how I would love to depict those in the film and make the people know the struggles and joy that they also have.
What is your favourite scene in this movie?
Many many! But my favourite part— of course, you can’t go wrong with liking the Canmore part! Because that made me smile throughout watching! But really, I was amazed at how the pandemic time made me feel. It sent me back to that time. That entire time made me go back and reflect because so many things really happened to all of us during that time.
The first film of this franchise made a box office record, becoming the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, surpassing your previous movie with Kathryn, The Hows of Us. Do you expect this movie to break all your prior records?
I don’t expect— I don’t expect but I pray to God! (Laughs) I would really love for it to be! But no pressure! At the end of the day, I just want to tell the story of Ethan and Joy and I just hope that everyone will love it the way we did.
Are you more Joy or Ethan in person?
ETHAN!!! (Laughs) I just love how Ethan loved in this part!
Lakshmi
