Fifteen years after their unforgettable on-screen pairing, Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales reunite in the emotionally rich romantic tragedy “The Loved One,” reflecting on love, heartbreak, and the fragility of human connection.
For Anne Curtis, love is not defined by grand gestures or dramatic declarations. It exists in small, often unnoticed moments; like how quickly you respond, whether you sense a shift in mood, and if you choose to show up immediately rather than later.
“Never miss a beat when it comes to the person you really care about. Because milliseconds of a reaction, a nuanced side of that beat, can really matter. It may be your loved one, or your friends or family—those who matter—so never miss a beat when it comes to love,” she said.
The highly anticipated reunion of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales
Anne reunites with Jericho Rosales to revisit the fragments of a once-great love in the emotionally charged film “The Loved One.”
Their portrayals led to deeper reflections on love and connection. For Anne, the film underscored the value of presence and emotional awareness.
Jericho echoed this sentiment, sharing his own interpretation of love’s evolving nature.
“Ang pag-ibig ay hindi iisang hugis lang. Para sa akin, hindi siya iisang uri ng pag-ibig. Pwede siyang huminto, pero mag-iiba siya ng form. Pwede siyang magtuloy-tuloy pero mag-iiba siya ng form. So, malalim siya, kaya panoorin niyo ang pelikula,” he added.
Exploring mature themes and “angst-romantic” storytelling
More than just a nostalgic reunion, the project marks a return to mature storytelling, where romance is layered with longing, regret, and emotional truth.
Moving beyond standard romance tropes, the film ventures into “angst-romantic” territory, dissecting the fragility of love and the weight of memories.
For Anne, the project came at the perfect time, as she had been waiting for a script that would allow her to explore a deeper, more mature emotional space.
“I told Direk Irene that I’m looking for a more mature story when it comes to telling stories where love can lead you. And then she said, ‘You know what, I have a script, ready na siya, pero may catch. May leading man na.’ So, ako ngayon: ‘Sino ang leading man?’ and then sinabi nga niya na si Jericho.
“Working with Jericho has always been so easy, and we really enjoy acting again. And a year after, we started filming this,” Anne shared.
Personal reflections and Catriona Gray’s cinematic debut
For Jericho, stepping back into a romantic drama stirred deeply personal reflections. His character’s emotional journey resonated strongly with his own experiences, allowing him to bring raw honesty to the role.
“Kino-compare ko rin kung paano ko siya gagawin. Kailangan mong i-accept iyong sarili mo noong nakaraan, and I know myself already. In-embrace ko lang ang multo ko na iyon,” Jericho revealed.
Adding further depth to the story is Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who makes her highly anticipated cinematic debut in a pivotal role that introduces a new layer of intrigue and emotional complexity.
A poignant Valentine’s offering from director Irene Emma Villamor
Under the direction of Irene Emma Villamor, the master of modern Filipino melancholia behind “Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story” and “Meet Me in St. Gallen,” “The Loved One” emerges as a poignant Valentine’s offering.
The film stands as the ultimate movie date of the season, reminding audiences why they fell in love with the magic of cinema. Presented by Cornerstone Studios and Viva Films, “The Loved One” opens in cinemas nationwide on February 11.
Working with Jericho [Rosales] has always been so easy, and we really enjoy acting again. And a year after, we started filming [‘The Loved One’].
Anne Curtis
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