LakshmiEvery story begins with a hello—but Filipino Direk Cathy Garcia-Sampana and actor Joshua Garcia remind us that goodbyes can be just as powerful. In this behind-the-scenes encounter, the visionary director and the ever-compelling leading man delve into the artistic decisions, emotional cadences, and serendipitous moments that shaped Meet, Greet, and Bye. Together, they pull back the curtain on the quiet alchemy that unfolds when storytelling converges with unguarded sincerity.
Direk Cathy Garcia-Sampana needs no introduction– this is the second time we are interviewing her and needless to say, every film that she makes becomes a box-office hit for a reason! Six films directed by her have become the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time, like Hello, Love, Goodbye! With a career spanning many beloved romantic dramas and comedies, her oeuvre is distinguished by its profound emotional acuity and its masterful distillation of the human condition. Through her meticulous craftsmanship and instinctive grasp of interpersonal complexities, she constructs stories that resonate with an almost disarming sincerity, transforming ordinary encounters into cinematic experiences of enduring resonance.
Actor, dancer, and commercial model Joshua Garcia first emerged into the public eye as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother: All In in 2014. Since then, he has distinguished himself through a remarkable versatility and nuanced emotional range, captivating audiences across both film and television with roles in the box-office sensation Vince & Kath & James as well as acclaimed series like The Good Son and The Killer Bride. Revered for his grounded artistry and unwavering dedication to honing his craft behind the scenes, Joshua continues to evolve as one of his generation’s leading men in the Philippines entertainment scene.
Meet, Greet and Bye follows the story of the Facundo family, centering on four siblings whose lives are turned upside down when they learn that their mother, Mama Baby, has a cancer recurrence. United by love and determination, the siblings strive to fulfill her final wish. Maricel Soriano brings Mama Baby to life, while Piolo Pascual, Belle Mariano, Joshua Garcia, and Juan Karlos Labajo portray her devoted children.
The film marks Piolo Pascual’s return to the family drama genre since Dekada ’70 (2002) and his comeback with Star Cinema after Last Night (2017) with Toni Gonzaga. It also reunites him with Maricel Soriano, 24 years after their collaboration in Mila (2001). For Juan Karlos Labajo, the film is both his Star Cinema debut and his first collaboration with acclaimed director Cathy Garcia-Sampana. This is Joshua Garcia’s second collaboration with Direk Cathy after Unexpectedly Yours.
One Lash Shot had the opportunity to sit-down for a conversation with director Cathy Garcia-Sampana and actor Joshua Garcia, as they unraveled the creative synergy that shaped Meet, Greet and Bye.
Can you give me a quick rundown of what drew you to take part in this project as a director and actor, respectively?
Cathy: Someone mentioned that it had been a while since my last family story, and I realized—yes, it had been a couple of years already. So maybe it was about time. And with everything that’s happening in the world, perhaps we all need a good cry.
Joshua: For me, why did I accept this project? Well, first of all, the story is truly beautiful—it’s really heartfelt and, as Direk Cathy said, a good cry. I was also excited to work with all the other actors, because it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to collaborate with them.
Cathy, this film delves into themes of personal growth, family, and closure—somewhat similar to Hello, Love, Goodbye, though with the added layer of dealing with cancer, which gives it a more emotional and caregiving dimension. What inspired you to tell this particular story, and why do you think it’s an important one for audiences to experience?
Cathy: Honestly, it was a daunting choice to tell a story about mortality. As I realized while filming, almost all of us—whether in our own families or among people we know—have been touched by cancer. It’s something so close to home that I was afraid to tell this story, worried that viewers might see themselves reflected on screen and feel the fear themselves. But at its core, this story isn’t really about cancer. It’s not meant to educate or inform about the disease. It’s nothing about it, It’s about love—loving your family, understanding that the time you think you may have, you actually don’t. This film goes beyond cancer, beyond death. It’s about love: loving each other now—not later, not tomorrow, but right now.
Joshua, your character experiences a deeply emotional journey in the film. How did you prepare for these intense scenes, and was there a particular moment in the story that was especially challenging for you to film?
Joshua: Well, the confrontation scene was really challenging for me. For preparation, we did a lot of line runs, and Cathy had already sent us the full script, so we had time to get ready. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t—getting angry early in the morning is really difficult! Still, I enjoyed every moment on set, especially with my castmates.
Cathy: Actually, a bit of trivia, Lakshmi. Joshua is a person who doesn’t get angry much. He’s just not that type. So, it was very hard for him, especially in the beginning and in the early few days of the shoot…
Joshua: To be arrogant.
Cathy: Yeah, that was a hard part. Becoming arrogant or less friendly to Tupe, the older brother. There were several takes for even simple lines because he just couldn’t seem genuinely resentful toward Tupe. He’s really a good guy—always smiling, quiet, just naturally kind. He really is just like that.
Joshua: It was hard at first, but eventually it gets easier. But at first, it was so hard. It was hard for everyone I think, not just me. I mean, every character is having a hard time being the character.
Cathy: But after a while, they grew into it. We created the characters together. I talked to them, and we developed their backstories. Joshua and Piolo helped me create their backstories when they were young.
Joshua: Yeah, I remember that, Direk! We were talking about it. We were creating scenarios, right?
Cathy: Yes, they created their own scenes in the past. They might not have been shown in the film, but they were there. They’re in our heads, in our hearts. So I think it helped a lot.
So, with such an amazing cast—Maricel, Piolo, Belle, Joshua—how did you approach working together, and did you have specific goals for how the siblings’ characters would evolve from your perspective as director/actor?
Joshua: I don’t; I just go with the flow, you know, because you never know what’s going to happen on set. Sometimes it’s a surprise because of Direk, of course. But with the preparations, I think we bonded a lot. So the connection was already there because we bonded. We felt like we were family to each other. So yeah, I think that made the film easier to shoot.
Cathy: Lakshmi, on my set you can never be prepared!
Joshua: Yeah!! There were a lot of surprises! Direk, remember when you put ice on my back that one time, just to feel that kilig? And I was just fidgeting!
Cathy: I needed him to be a little giggly, but hidden—so he couldn’t show it outwardly but was actually giggling inside. Since I couldn’t get what I needed on camera, while he wasn’t looking, I put ice on his back—and he was so surprised!
That sounds like so much fun! Which aspects of K-pop culture do you enjoy? I heard Mama Baby loves Park Seo Joon!
Cathy: Me? Park Seo Joon! I’m a fan!
Joshua: I’ve never seen his work. But I think he’s good—I mean, he’s really big in Korea.
What message would you like to share with your fans in Canada?
Cathy: Canada, Canada! I love Canada. They always support our films. All the Filipinos in Canada, thank you so much. And Meet, Greet and Bye is for all of you, so you don’t miss us. You don’t miss the Philippines. We’re bringing the Philippines to you. So thank you. And to the non-Canadians, please watch too.
Joshua: Yes, everyone. We hope that you give us a chance. To our fellow Filipinos, I just got back from Canada—thank you for all your support. Thank you very much. Meet, Greet, and Bye—hopefully, you guys can support it. Also, it’s coming this November 14. Thank you, everyone.
[Author’s Note: Direk Cathy, bumalik ka na agad sa Canada!!! At tulad ng dati, inaabangan ko ang susunod mong pelikula! Joshua, hangad ko ang lahat ng mabuti para sa mga susunod mong pagsusumikap at pinapangarap!]
Lakshmi
