The nostalgic rom-com is rooted in debut and comshop culture.
Netflix’s newest rom-com film, “18th Rose,” transports Filipinos back to the unassuming, magical provincial life of the 2000s—even as it unironically embraces analog core in the age of streaming, social media, and AI.
Premiering on April 9, “18th Rose,” is a debut in more ways than one. It stars longtime friends Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri in their first outing as a love team—and Xyriel’s first lead role in a feature-length film.
At its center is the Filipino debut, a dalaga‘s traditionally grand 18th birthday celebration. Once rooted in Spanish-era high society as a means to formally introduce a woman to eligible bachelors, a debut is now a broader rite of passage marking womanhood.
Set in 2000s Romblon, the film follows Rose (Xyriel), who dreams of a memorable debut. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Jordan (Kyle), an American-Filipino searching for his long-lost father. The two strike a deal: Rose helps him reconnect with his dad, while Jordan helps organize her big day—only to find themselves slowly falling for each other.
It was directed by Dolly Dulu (“The Boy Foretold by the Stars”), who co-wrote the screenplay with John Carlo Pacala (“Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon”).
Resurrecting ‘chick flicks’
Unlike contemporary rom-coms that chase current trends, “18th Rose” deliberately steps back. It revisits a time when life felt slower and quieter—a conscious attempt to offer a breather from today’s fast-paced, hyper-digital world.
In a media conference with select outlets, including radar Entertainment, Dolly said the film pays homage to the “chick flicks” of the aughts. Though often dismissed as corny, such movies are comforting during Dolly’s teenage years.
“I grew up watching these kinds of stories… masarap panoorin,” they said, adding that “18th Rose” aims to make people tap into a shared sense of nostalgia.
Filmed on Romblon’s Sibuyan island, Dolly said its “untouched” quality became central to the story. “Romblon looks like the early 2000s… nandoon tayo sa pagiging simple ng buhay, the rawness of life,” they said.
The island’s lack of malls and mobile signal—which would be an inconvenience for many—in fact, worked in the “18th Rose” team’s favor. “Dahil wala kaming signal, we were forced to appreciate nature… and the food. That was how life was before,” Dolly added. “Mapapahinga ka talaga… wala kang social media, so you find other ways to experience life.”
Analog core
That return to such simple times reflects an ongoing movement. The Gen Z and Gen Alpha have been embodying analog core, in which they slow down and embrace tangible experiences instead of excessive digital connectivity.
They immerse themselves in film cameras, vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, dumb phones, iPods, wired earphones, junk journals, notebooks, magazines, crossword puzzles, stickers. and other physical media—a rebellion against algorithm-driven life.
Even Kyle and Xyriel, born in 2003 and 2004, found novelty in gadgets from the time they weren’t born yet, including a Sony Walkman.
“Natuwa ako na, ‘Huh, meron pang ganito?’ Tapos ‘yong iba, gumagana pa,” Xyriel said. “Parang grabe, kung sino man ‘yong nakapag-keep ng ganitong treasure, nakapag-alaga, ang galing-galing niya.” As for Kyle, he said his father once gave him such gadgets as pamana.
The film also revisits now-fading spaces like the computer shop or comshop. Once a staple of Filipino youth culture from the late 1990s to the mid-2010s, it’s where friendships formed, games were played, and CDs were “burned” from handwritten playlists.
“‘Yong mga ganoon, malaki talagang factor na iikutin ng kuwento nila,” Dolly said of Rose and Jordan’s blossoming romance.
Ultimately, “18th Rose” is meant to leave audiences with something simple: a smile. In a story shaped by longing, connection, and first love, even that small gesture carries weight.
“With all the things that are happening, [smiling] makes our lives a bit more light,” Dolly said. “Ito ‘yong kwento [tungkol sa] staying positive… Gaya ng sabi ni Xyriel… gusto niyang maiwan ang ngiti.”
With reports from Nikko Miguel Garcia.
Dahil wala kaming signal, we were forced to appreciate nature… and the food. That was how life was before. Mapapahinga ka talaga… wala kang social media, so you find other ways to experience life.
Dolly Dulu
