Alden Richards is opening up about his experience working with Sharon Cuneta on the upcoming film Family of Two: A Mother And Son Story. The actor says that he felt a strong maternal connection with Cuneta on set and that she helped him to relive happy memories of his own mother, who passed away a few years ago.
“It’s been a while since my mom passed away, and I was able to relive my happy moments with her then when I wasn’t an actor yet,” Richards said. “I wished she were with me now in this film.”
Richards says that Cuneta’s maternal instincts were evident throughout the filming process.
“Si Mama was so motherly to me when we were doing this film,” he said referring to his co-star. “All our scenes together – light or heavy scenes – came easy. She was very supportive, along with our writer and director.”
Richards says that he was so comfortable working with Cuneta that he felt like he was doing the film with his own mother.
“Overtaken by every line and all the scenes, I was very comfortable doing them… I wished I was doing all these with my real mom,” he said.
Richards says that he is very proud of Family of Two: A Mother And Son Story, and that he believes it is a unique and special film.
“It’s a dream come true for him to have worked with the Megastar. It’s a different character I play here – from a cocky, spoiled rich kid (in Five Break-Ups)… Family of Two revolves around two characters who have only each other in their lives.”
Richards says that he hopes audiences will appreciate the film’s message of love and family.
“This is for the whole family, especially the single parents who are able to raise their children all by themselves,” he said. “It also goes for children who do everything for their parents.”
In the movie, Richards is Mateo, a devoted son to his loving mother Maricar, played by Cuneta. Mateo wants to give his mom a comfortable life, however, their bond is tested when Maricar decides to migrate abroad.
Mateo, unable to bear the thought of leaving his mother behind, embarks on a mission to find her a suitable companion before his departure. But as they navigate the challenges of separation, they both discover profound truths about their own desires and the true meaning of home.
Maricar’s world, on the other hand, revolves around her son whom she has raised single-handedly. She has always been fiercely protective of him, showering him with affection and meticulously caring for his needs, especially his culinary cravings.
Mateo, meanwhile, has harbored a deep love for Czarina, and when she finally reciprocates his feelings, the prospect of her moving to Singapore looms large.
Unable to imagine leaving his mother behind, Mateo hatches a plan to find her a suitable companion who can look after her in his absence. Initially, Maricar is furious at Mateo’s plan, but eventually, she recognizes the purity of his intentions.
After a series of matchmaking attempts, Maricar assures Mateo that she will be fine on her own. Mateo finally departs for Singapore to pursue his career aspirations and reunite with Czarina. However, the separation and distance lead Maricar to discover newfound independence and happiness, while Mateo realizes that his true home lies with his mother.
Cineko Productions’ Family of Two is directed by Nuel Naval. The story is written by Mel Mendoza del Rosario.
Completing the cats of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival official entry are Miles Ocampo, Jackie Lou Blanco, TonTon Gutierrez, Soliman Cruz, Pepe Herrera, Justine Luzares, and Donna Carriaga.