Broken Hearts Trip: More Than Just A Road To Healing
Laughter will always be a part of the yearly Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and this year is no exception. However, it’s not just ROFL moments that will entice viewers to head to the theaters and celebrate the holidays as MMFF entry “Broken Hearts Trip” adds more to the usual feel-good film equation.
Starring award-winning actor Christian Bables along with an ensemble of excellent actors in Ms. Jaclyn Jose, Andoy Ranay, Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Petite, Iyah Mina, and more, the Lemuel Lorca-helmed project aims to take viewers not just to the many wonders of the Philippines, but also on a rollercoaster of fun and emotions. As the cameras follow five different individuals who joined a reality travel show in search of their own peace and healing, the story will also showcase the strength of every person who went through a painful past—and recover from it. Thus, rest assured that it will be a trip to remember.
From riding ATVs in Mt. Banahaw to exploring the history of Magdalena in Laguna to cliff jumping at the famed Kawasan Falls in Cebu and, finally, trying out adrenaline-pumping activities in Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, the visual treat goes beyond what we see with the naked eye. The story delves on the processes of forgetting and how far it takes to cure oneself of the pain, stirring different feelings in every scene. Take Christian’s Alfred, the reality show’s host, for instance. “And aim niya is to help individuals na broken sa kani-kanilang lovelife to somehow find their healing,” the actor shares about his role. But behind Alfred’s vibrant persona on cam, he also carries hidden scars under his sleeves.
Putting the spotlight on the LGBTQIA+ community also amplifies its relevance to today’s modern audience. The initial script from 2017, originally written for an all-female cast, found new light after the director found the right partner in BMC Films. “Kinausap ako ng BMC, then nag-click kaagad sa akin na, why not transform all the female characters to an LGBT cast film? And it worked perfectly,” he beams. “It all came together.”
As BMC Films founder Benjie Cabrera tells Village Pipol, narrating the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community to the mainstream crowd creates an essential impact, thus paving way towards acceptance. “Itong pelikula namin, ipinapakita kung sino sila bilang tao, paano sila mamuhay—at kung paano natin sila dapat tanggapin,” he says. “Gusto kong ipakita sa pelikula na ‘to kung paano sila nakipaglaban sa mga buhay nila.”
Yes, we’re not just talking about their romance troubles, as “Broken Hearts Trip” peels off more layers to their characters. Teejay’s Jason James, for instance, introduces a celebrity who lost his fame and aims for a comeback. Iyah Mina’s Bernie, however, presents the life of a kontesera who never takes home the crown. There’s also Marvin Yap who plays Ally, whose life circles around his career as a chef and his foreigner boyfriend. Upon watching the film, the director also assures the audience that you’ll find a character—or even characters!—that you’ll see yourself in. As Teejay emphasizes, “Lahat may lesson na gustong i-portray sa movie. Sa bawat isa sa kanila, may makukuha ka talaga na mauuwi mo.”
If you want the specifics, some of the cast members open up. “My key takeaway is ‘yung thought na pain is meant to be felt,” Christian offers. “I guess you have to allow yourself to feel the pain for you to move forward, to get over it, and to get past it.”
For Iyah Mina, she believes that it’s okay to give your 100% when it comes to love. “Basta sa bandang huli, huwag mong sisisihin ang sarili mo. Kasi nagmahal ka lang din naman. Basta ang importante is ibigay mo ng todo sa kanya. Kasi minsan lang siya dumating, kaya ibuhos mo na.”
She also brings up a misbelief that she hopes to break. “Tanggalin na natin ‘yung mga misconceptions na kapag trans or bakla, ang jowa nila ay tungkol lang sa pera-pera. Hindi e. Kasi kahit naman sa babae o lalaki, may perang kasama. ‘Wag tayong maging ipokrita,” the star adds.
As BMC Films’ first-ever project, the producer and the whole team is hopeful that this brings more than just laughter for the holidays. “Mararamdaman mo rin talaga dito ‘yung spirit of Christmas,” Benjie promises. “Hindi lang eto pang-LGBT—ito ay pang-pamilya.”
Publisher | Richie de Quina & Gwynn Crisostomo
Editor-in-Chief | John Luke Chica
Senior Editor | Achilles Bamba
PR & Advertising Manager | Josh Austria
Digital Manager | Allen Esteban
Words by Mariel Abanes
Photography by Stephen Capuchino
Videography by Ian Francisco
Art Direction by Jobo Nacpil
Makeup by JC Cantos (Christian), Janell Capuchino (Teejay and Direk Lemuel), Chao Lilio (Iyah and Marvin)
Hair by Ian Garcia (Christian), Miggy Carbonilla (Teejay and Direk Lemuel), Rovin Garcia (Iyah and Marvin)
Styling by Dave Arden
Special Thanks to BMC Films Inc.
