‘Parang Kayo Pero Hindi’ stars thumb down on no-label relationships

CEBU, Philippines —  Self-professed old soul Xian Lim isn’t

a fan of vague romances which usually happen when one party or both are reluctant to commit.

“I’m old-fashioned, even my mentality is pang ‘80s. Having a no-label relationship, even yung uso na cool-off or ‘break as of the moment,’ I don’t believe in that. It’s either you’re in or out. I strongly believe there should be a label,” shared the boyfriend of Cebuana actress Kim Chiu.

Kylie Verzosa said she’s been on that “frustrating” boat before, and it’s a confusing ride that drives her crazy. The beauty queen-turned-actress who is currently dating actor Jake Cuenca prefers to concretely know where she stands.

Marco Gumabao said the label-less status “sucks.” The top Viva leading man quipped, “I think most of us went through that point where we don’t know what our label is. It’s hard because sometimes you want to take it to the next level, but the other person is not on the same page. Or vice versa.”

The dilemma is explored in Vivamax’s first Original Series, “Parang Kayo Pero Hindi,” directed by RC Delos Reyes (“Love the Way U Lie,” “Alter Me”) and based on the bestselling book by Noreen Capili a.k.a. Noringai who is also the writer for the series. It is now streaming on the Vivamax app.

“Parang Kayo Pero Hindi” tells the story of Joaquin (Xian) and Daphne (Kylie) who start hanging out with each other after a series of encounters in Pangasinan. They feel a connection between them, but not ready to commit, the two decided to just go with the flow and see where their “friendship” will take them.

It was all fun and convenient until Joaquin falls seriously in love with Daphne. But Daphne rejects Joaquin, saying she doesn’t want to ruin whatever it is that they have. Things get more complicated as Daphne’s ex-boyfriend Robi (Marco) comes back to her, asking for another chance to fix things between them. Questions and uncertainties surround Joaquin and Daphne as they try to define their relationship and decide on their true feelings.

Shot in Alaminos and Bolinao, Pangasinan, the series gives off a cool, local vibe. Also setting the mood are the featured songs in the film’s soundtrack such as “Ulap” by Rob Deniel; “Nag-iisang Muli” by Cup of Joe; “Glances” by Sabu; “Umibig Muli” by Janine Teñoso, and “Parang Kayo Pero Hindi” by Marion Aunor.

Director RC said they filmed during the heightened lockdown and were also met by a storm on location. “We had to really communicate with the province of Pangasinan and work with them in accordance with their protocols. But because the local governments were super accommodating and maalaga, we were able to film without hassles. None in the team became positive. We maintained a strict bubble.”

The filmmaker lauded his main cast: he appreciated how Kylie was willing to learn the craft and study her character, and how Marco perfectly played the part of a playful guy misunderstood for not being serious. As for Xian, whom he has worked with since his production assistant days, the director shared how he always thought the chinito star was the Richard Gere of the Philippines.

Also in the series are Phoebe Walker, Danita Paner, Francine Garcia, Gino Roque, Guji Lorenzana, CJ Jaravata and Yayo Aguila. Fresh faces Krissha Viaje, Stacey Gabriel and Thayfa Yousef are also introduced.

VivaMax is available for download through the Google Play Store. For P149 a month, access a library of Pinoy content – movies, TV series, documentaries, music specials, Vivamax Originals and exclusive content. Download the VivaMax app, register and subscribe. You can also stream at www.vivamax.net.