“Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos and “King of Philippine Drama” Christopher de Leon are currently in Tokyo filming their 25th movie together aptly called When I Met You in Tokyo.
During the grand press conference for the film prior to their flight to Japan’s capital city, the seasoned actors faced the media to talk about their much-anticipated big-screen reunion.
“It’s a love story na nasa edad namin, hindi kami magbabata-bataan dito,” Vilma said of the film.
“The last movie we did was Mano Po. Matagal na more than 15 years ago na. And now, here we are with a beautiful movie,” Christopher said in turn.
Slated to come out in theaters in September this year, the romance-family drama is produced by newcomer JG Productions Incorporated. It is helmed by Rado Peru and Rommel Pensa. The screenplay is by Suzette Doctolero.
With a new theme, a new producer, and a new location, Vilma and Christopher are both excited to take on their latest movie, which is being shot in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The film revolves around the story of unconditional love, sacrifices, happiness, age, and aging from the perspective of two elderly Overseas Filipino Workers who are at the last stretch of their lives.
JG Productions’ Rajan Gidwani proudly shared that the film embodies how true love can carry people forward.
“I would like to think that love has no boundaries and as we find true love, the joy, and peace that fills our hearts will allow us to continue our journey in life,” he said.
Vilma plays Azon, a feisty and bubbly character who’s known for her generosity when it comes to time and affection. While Christopher gives life to Joey, an embittered divorcee who still harbors the scars of his ex-wife’s infidelity.
“This project is very special for me dahil alam niyo naman, ilang taon na rin ang huli kong pelikula. At hindi naman talaga nawawala ang pagmamahal natin sa industriya at sa pag-arte kahit saan pa ako dalhin sa mundo. Kaya masaya ako na ako ang napili ng JG Productions at siyempre, isa pang factor na talagang nagpapayag sa akin na gawin ito ay yung fact na makakasama ko ulit si Boyet,” Vilma said in a statement.
Christopher who also wears the hat as the film’s associate director, for his part revealed a special request that he made for the film.
“When I received the initial script, the character of Azon was a perfect choice for the reunion. The first person that came to mind, whom I am very sure can give the role the talent it deserves, is actually Vi. And I was really grateful that our supervising producer, Ms. Redgie [Magno] agreed to reach out to her,” he explained.
“At noong sinabi nila sa akin na pumayag si Vi na gawin ito, at na ito na ang aming 25th film na magkasama ay hindi ako makapaniwala. Working with her has always been familiar and fun, and having the chance to experience that once again through When I Met You In Tokyo is a huge blessing that I can’t wait to partake in,” Christopher went on.
Proving their bankability and acting mettle over the years, Vilma and Christopher’s films have earned either a spot among the classics or a ranking among the roster of the top box office films of all time. Their notable works include Relasyon and Haplos (1982), Broken Marriage (1983), Imortal (1989), and Dekada ‘70 (2002).