When Kyle Echarri got the call that he had been handpicked by director Jason Paul Laxamana for a role in 100 Awit Para Kay Stella, his first reaction was disbelief. The sequel to one of the most talked-about romance films of the past decade would pair him with two actors whose love story had already become iconic.
“The first thing I really said was, ‘Are you sure?’ Because I said, love triangle—JC, Bela, and then Kyle? I mean it’s a character I never thought I’d be able to put my own feet into his shoes,” Kyle told Manila Standard Entertainment.
“But I accepted it right away. I love the script. I’m super excited, especially to work with amazing, brilliant actors,” he added.
The young actor is joining Bela Padilla and JC Santos, who are reprising their roles as Stella and Fidel, respectively, eight years after their bittersweet love story captured audiences and became a box-office hit. This time, Kyle’s character, Clyde, is introduced and becomes a crucial link in their intertwined lives.
While careful not to reveal too much about the plot, the actor-singer offered a glimpse of what audiences can expect.
“With these three characters, you’re going to learn so many different versions of love—love for someone else and also love for yourself. You’ll see how important it is to learn to love yourself,” said Kyle.
He admitted that stepping into a role in a sequel with such an iconic pairing brought its own set of nerves.
“I’m thankful to Viva Films for making me feel the importance of Clyde’s character,” he stated.
Kyle also emphasized how Bela and JC, both seasoned actors, made his first days on set less intimidating.
“They never made me feel the pressure. They made me feel like I was really part of this movie. It’s a team effort. I respect so much that it’s their story, but they really welcomed me,” shared Kyle.
For Bela, having Kyle on board brought a new energy to the sequel. She described Clyde as a character that would resonate with younger viewers.
“Kyle is our Gen Z representative. He definitely brings a lot of freshness and youth to the film,” she said, noting how his fearless character contrasts with Fidel’s more reserved nature in the first movie.
JC agreed, saying Clyde’s presence adds a dynamic shift to the story.
“Kyle’s character has no fear. If he wants to do something, he does. It’s so apparent in this movie… it really speaks to the Gen Z audience,” JC added.
Meanwhile, Kyle also described Clyde as “the opposite of Fidel” when it comes to confidence and personality, adding that the differences between the two men will be clear on screen.
Portraying Clyde, Kyle said, was not without its challenges. His goal was to ensure the character’s role in the story came across clearly, especially as his presence affects the arc of Stella and Fidel.
“The challenge was just to make sure I get my story across—what Direk Jason Paul wanted to say through Clyde—while also being able to connect with the two of them. He gave me the trust and really helped me build Clyde through each shooting day,” Kyle explained.
The young actor also hinted at mixed audience reactions to his character.
“It’s possible that some people will dislike me before and after the film. But you’ll find some kind of peace within Clyde. Many will relate to him when it comes to insecurities,” he continued.
In 100 Awit Para Kay Stella, the 22-year-old singer-actor brings not only his acting skills but also his musical background, with several songs recorded for the film’s soundtrack.
The film reunites Bela and JC in a present-day setting, exploring how their characters have changed after nearly a decade. With Kyle’s Clyde adding a new dimension to the story, director Laxamana’s sequel aims to capture both longtime fans of the original and a new generation of viewers.
“I’m happy, and I just want to say thank you to Viva Films. Thank you for thinking about me for this project,” he stated.
