From rom-com to real issues: Angeline Quinto’s latest film ‘Happy Homes’

In “Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario,” Angeline Quinto plays the titular character who guides her apartment tenants through political pressure and mysterious deaths.

As Filipinos unite in calling for justice against corruption, singer and actress Angeline Quinto hopes her new film, “Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario,” nudges people to be more sensitive to the difficult realities others quietly carry.

Quinto said she felt blessed to work on a socially relevant film that reflects the struggles of everyday Filipinos navigating both the economy and politics.

“The message I want viewers to take from our movie is human compassion—being there for one another. These days, all of us are fighting so many battles,” Quinto said.

“If every Filipino helps one another, I believe we can overcome these challenges and achieve what we’re striving for,” she added.

In the movie, Quinto plays the titular character Diane Hilario who takes it upon herself to take care of the tenants of the apartment complex, Happy Homes, as mysterious deaths, political pressure from a local election, and a notice for eviction haunt them as a community. 

The movie was directed by Marlon Rivera, the critically acclaimed director of “Ang Babae Sa Sceptic Tank.”

When asked if she thinks it is relevant during a time where consecutive large public demonstrations are being held against corruption scandals, particularly the ghost flood control projects, Quinto said she feels the message of the film about true unity is even more amplified. 

“Actually, it’s very relevant today. I know they’ll overcome the struggles they’re facing in life. We also don’t want a repeat of the past or to fall back into old habits and practices we once tolerated,” Quinto said.

Veteran actress, Eugene Domingo, who played the local gossip monger and Hilario’s best friend, Karen, commended Quinto for growing as an actress and making a film with more depth. 

“I’m happy that this time, she took a risk. I mean, this isn’t a genre that Angeline is known for unlike romantic comedy or comedy. This time, she really grew and matured as an actress and as an artist,” Domingo said.

“She made sure that if she works on a project as an artist, it has social relevance. Because that’s what artists are here for—especially at this moment in our country,” Domingo added. 

Both Quinto and Domingo said they had a great time during filming. They said they had a light and easy environment with the rest of the cast and crew who were all on board in making a political film. 

“We should have power in our social platform. We should use our influence so our messages in our films aren’t always shallow. It’s time for us to watch movies with more depth,” Domingo said. 

“Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario,” produced by KreativeDen Entertainment, also features Paolo Contis, Richard Yap, Luis Alandy, and Carlo San Juan. It starts screening in cinemas nationwide on Dec. 3. 

 

 

It’s very relevant today… We also don’t want a repeat of the past or to fall back into old habits and practices we once tolerated.

Angeline Quinto

 

 

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