The lead cast members of G! LU, a summer film hitting theaters on April 24, are thrilled that after nearly five years, it will finally be seen by moviegoers.
The film was made in 2019, but due to the pandemic, the producers decided to shelve the project. Continuous lockdowns restricted people from going out, making a theatrical release impractical.
David Licauco, one of the lead cast members, admitted they constantly communicated with the other stars and producers to see if the movie would still be screened commercially. They all believed it was a story worth sharing with a wider audience.
“We always talked about our film, and we’re just happy that finally, people will get to see it,” David said during the film’s press conference held on April 17 at Kao Manila at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
Joining David are Teejay Marquez, Derrick Monasterio, Kiko Estrada, Enzo Pineda, and Ruru Madrid. The cast is rounded out by Pinky Amador, Michelle Dee, Katarina Rodriguez, Chanel Morales, Maureen Montagne, Sophia Senoron, Kimi Mugford, Ali Forbes, Carl Guevara, Ken Anderson, Denver Hernandez, and many others.
G! LU revolves around the adventures and misadventures of a group of friends ready to showcase their toned physiques on screen.
With La Union’s breathtaking beaches and rustic scenery as its backdrop, G! LU also serves as a travelogue, promoting environmental awareness and ecotourism.
The Valley Boys Crew is a barkada comprised of wealthy teenagers. Their friendship began as neighbors in an exclusive subdivision and continued through their third year of college at a private university.
Together, they face the challenges of young adulthood, heightened by their privileged upbringing.
Their world is turned upside down when a bar altercation prompts their parents to send them to different parts of the world for their final year of college. Facing separation, they embark on a last hurrah to La Union, where their friendship transforms into a true brotherhood.
“We are six men here dealing with different challenges in life. We decided to go to La Union one last time to resolve issues with our barkada and family, and of course, to have fun,” said Enzo.
“This movie sparked my desire to act,” said Katarina.
Licauco mentioned that the movie will address “love for family, gender issues, and mental health. I think Gen Z and millennials nowadays can relate to this movie.”
Barkada movies are a staple in Filipino cinema, spanning comedy, horror, and romance. But Monasterio believes their movie will stand out for one reason.
“Perhaps the difference with ‘G! LU’ is that we’re genuinely close friends, not just acquaintances. So, most of our lines are ad-libs, not strictly following a script. This movie reflects how Gen Zs are,” said Derrick.
With the familiar view of San Juan La Union beach as the movie’s backdrop, all six actors had to maintain their beach bodies. “During filming, we worked out together in the mornings. We did a five-kilometer run, and then lifted weights afterward. I think it was a balanced, healthy lifestyle,” said Enzo.
Directed by Philip King, G! LU is ALV Films’ latest movie project, in partnership with Benchingko Films and Rein Entertainment.