Local showbiz is so obsessed with love teams. And we are constantly on the lookout for a new pair of stars who can somehow satisfy our cravings for the kind of onscreen “kilig” that they can bring.
Case in point, ALV Films President Arnold Vegafria is banking on the initial pairing of Kapuso talents David Licauco and Shaira Diaz. They are the main stars in Because I Love You, AVL’s follow-up offering for 2019.
“For this project, I wanted to launch new artists, new faces, a new love team. I know it’s a big risk, but I strongly believe in the movie’s potential. It’s fresh content and a very aspirational story, and I hope the movie spreads through word-of-mouth,” says Vegafria.
“With their combined strengths as influencers and exemplary role models for the youth, they can rightfully be hailed as today’s fast-rising millennial icons. I have always believed in David and Shaira’s acting potential, and it’s high time that they get their first big breakthrough this launching movie,” he adds.
AVL’s head honcho has always been excited about producing movies because it’s his way of giving back to the industry.
“We hope to create more jobs and make the industry flourish, and make our films competitive in foreign film festivals,” Vegafria states.
For some of the movie’s pivotal scenes, the producers spared no expense in recreating the lavish and opulent cinematic backdrops reminiscent of the acclaimed 1990 romcom Pretty Woman, which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
In the romantic film, which started its commercial run June 26, David plays Rael, the cool, quiet and reserved executive and heir to his family’s business empire. His conservative roots have shaped him into stereotyped thinking, including matters of the heart.
For her part, Shaira plays Summer, the tenacious, street-smart firefighter who proudly continues her departed dad’s heroic legacy, much to the chagrin of her mom who wishes her to be a flight attendant or a beauty queen.
People first noticed the chemistry between David and Shaira as early as last year, when they guested for Magpakailanman’s ‘Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali’ episode last July 2018. The couple became one of the top trending topics on social media. Their “kilig-worthy” tandem was heightened all the more during their guesting for One Hugot Away, GMA-7’s web/TV project last March.
The two Kapuso artists have figured prominently in GMA-7’s top-rating TV series. Some of Shaira’s more recent projects include Contessa (2017), Pamilya Roces (2018) and Love You Two (2019). David’s recent outings include Mulawin vs. Ravena (2017), Kapag Nahati Ang Puso (2018) and TODA One I Love (2019).
Because I Love You also stars Martin del Rosario, Michelle Dee, Samantha Lopez, Bernadette Allyson, Monsour del Rosario, Mr. World Philippines 2018 JB Saliba, Timothy Lawrence Yap, Bryan Benedict, IC Mendoza, Victor Basa, Rob Sy, Chris Leonardo, LM Mercado, Afi Africa, Melo Merkona, Jao Mapa, and Mosang, with special cameo appearances by Miss Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron, Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla, RJ Ledesma and newly-elect Senator Francis Tolentino.
The feel-good romcom, written by Charlotte Dianco, a popular Wattpad writer and TV director, also marks the second offering of ALV Films for this year.
The movie’s theme song is a remake of the Dave Clark Five and Julian Lennon hit of the same title, rearranged by Vincent de Jesus and performed by Kris Lawrence.
Because I Love You is produced in cooperation with Garahe Films, distributed by Regal Films