LakshmiA cornerstone of Philippine cinema for many years, ‘Love Teams’ have fundamentally altered the manner in which viewers perceive romance on-screen. This involves a lead pair who possess such tremendously intense chemistry, that the whole world cannot help but be enthralled by the performance.
Truer words cannot be spoken than in the case of Filipino superstars Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu who reunite for their first feature film project– My Love Will Make You Disappear, marking their third collaboration post the highly successful run of the Filipino TV shows Linlang and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
Directed by Chad Vidanes, My Love Will Make You Disappear follows the story of Sari, a cursed woman who is haunted by the fact that every man she loves disappears and Jolo, a debt-ridden landowner, whose paths cross as they try to combat the unintended threat of displacement in the housing community, they reside in.
The role of ‘Sari’ is played by actress/singer Kim Chiu, one of the highest-grossing movie stars of all time, with her films earning over ₱1.36 billion at the box office. ‘Jolo’ is played by actor/singer and film producer Paulo Avelino.
The romantic comedy will be released worldwide on March 28, 2025 and is produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema.
One Lash Shot had the opportunity to speak candidly with the dynamic duo Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, detailing the path that led to their highly-anticipated reunion.
You have collaborated twice so far for the dramas Linlang and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. What made you both select this script and reunite for your first feature film project together?
Kim Chiu: This is our first film together. With the support and love that we are getting in the Philippines, we want to give them a treat through this movie. Of course, now that we are being shown worldwide— it’s a reward for us as well. And, we are also able to meet our fans and our new fans after they watch the movie.
Paulo Avelino: Coming from Linlang which was so dark and doing What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim which was so light— it’s actually hard for me. It’s different when you put smiles on people’s faces when they watch the film— be it the audience worldwide or even the people back home.
Upon reading this script, it got me thinking— you know, if I could keep putting smiles on people’s faces and make them forget about their problems for a minute or two minutes or five minutes— that would be one of the best things I could do for a person.
What’s your work chemistry like?
Paulo: We work night and day. She talks a lot, I just listen (laughs). She brings food, I eat it.
Kim: He’s just there. And, he’s fine with it. (Laughs)
Paulo: I am just like a statue on the set. (Laughs) And, she’s like moving around, dancing around.
Kim: I think we are opposites, but we are in sync. (Laughs)
Paulo: Once it starts rolling!
Paulo, you have worked on both small and major productions, but Kim, you have mostly worked on huge ones. Paulo, based on your previous work, what guidance did you provide her?
Paulo: What I am very grateful for is that I got to work with different kinds of productions back in the Philippines. I got to really hone my craft in a better way. I got to broaden my view on so many things— how to attack certain situations.
Maybe, one way I was able to help Kim with what I’ve experienced on the outside, which she probably is unfamiliar with is– that there are some tricky parts in some scenes, but we always have a bag of tricks we get to pull out.
I always tell Kim that it’s important to be true to your character— whether it’s the lines or what your character experiences. It’s always the best bet.
I just keep reminding her of that fact, if she asks me for tips on how to tackle things. I just always go back and advise her in the best way I can.
Kim: He always tells me to read the script more than once. This is the first time I read the script 8 times!
Wow, that’s amazing! Next, what’s your favourite scene in the movie?
Paulo: I think our answer is too explicit to say on paper or video. (Laughs) Probably the scene where she bumps into ‘Jolo’.
Kim: When ‘Cookie’ entered ‘Jolo’s house and ‘Sari’ ran after her in the towel. (Laughs)
What would you like to tell your Canadian fans before they watch this movie?
Paulo: To all our Canadian supporters and people who are interested in watching the film, thank you so much for all the bookings in advance. I’ve seen all the advance bookings.
Kim: To all the people in Canada, please watch our movie My Love Will Make You Disappear. This is a great movie to experience inside a cinema hall. Once in a while forget about your problems. Just enjoy being in love and to know more about love. Just enjoy the movie. Go out with friends, family or you can just watch it alone.
Paulo: To the whole Filipino community in Canada, I am sure you miss the culture, you miss the food, you miss everything about the Philippines. I hope this film brings back memories and also puts smiles on your faces and makes you feel that “Kilig” again!
[Author’s Note: Special thanks to Kim & Paulo for bringing this absolutely entertaining romcom to life!]
Lakshmi
