CinemaBravo

Kapuso sought-after leading man David Licauco, now prominently known as Pambansang Ginoo and one half of the #BarDa love team opposite Barbie Forteza, offered his perspective on their barkada film ‘G! LU’ (G! La Union!) during the media conference held just one week before its theatrical release on April 24.

“I think it is a movie wherein barkada kami and each and every one of us, meron kaming tina-tackle na problems (we tackle different problems) — from love to family to gender issues and mental health issues. So I think the Gen Zs and the millennials nowadays will be able to—”

Kapamilya actor Enzo Pineda, seated beside him, shook his head and, almost preempting David, blurted the word “relate.”

David finished off his sentence with the same word “relate” and interjected over the microphone “Alam ko naman yung relate!” and off to the mic “Ano ba!”

(“I know what that word means, stop it!”)

The two laughed it off and David explained over the mic, “Tinuturan niya ‘ko kung ano’ng sasabihin ko e!” He continued, “Will be able to relate dito sa movie na ‘to.”

“You see, he’s coaching me on what ‘relate’ means. So there you go! People will be able to relate to this movie.”]

“And I’m very excited, because for me, this is my second movie na ginawa. Ito yung movie na naging close ko sina Enzo… Derrick… now I’m super close to Derrick dahil sa movie na ‘to. Pati si Enzo na tinuturan ako kung ano yung ‘relate,’ di ba? So ayun!”

(“And I’m very excited, because for me, this is my second movie that I’ve done. This is the movie where I became close to Enzo… Derrick… now I’m super close to Derrick because of this movie. Even Enzo, who coached me on what ‘relate’ means, right? So there you go!”)

Five years is worth the wait

After five years since it was shot in La Union, their feature film is heading its way to Philippine theaters starting April 24 from ALV Films, in collaboration with Benchingko Films and Rein Entertainment. Prepare for a whirlwind of sun-kissed days and youthful exuberance in this gripping tale follows the escapades of the Valley Boys Club, a tight-knit group of friends facing the bittersweet reality of their fleeting youth.

Set against the stunning backdrop of LU’s picturesque beaches, ‘G! LU’ isn’t just a movie—it’s an odyssey. Starring David Licauco, Teejay Marquez, Derrick Monasterio, Kiko Estrada, Enzo Pineda, and Ruru Madrid, alongside a talented ensemble, the film celebrates friendship, adventure, and the beauty of nature.

Their presscon was also attended by Teejay, Derrick, Enzo, and Katarina, along with writer/director Philip King and producer Arnold Vegafria. However, Ruru and Kiko were unable to join due to their commitments as they are busy with their ongoing television series (GMA’s ‘Black Rider’ and TV5-VIVA’s ‘Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa,’ respectively).

Also part of the cast are Michelle Dee, Chanel Morales, Carl Guevarra, Sophia Senoron, Ali Forbes, Denver Hernandez, with the special participation of Ms. Pinky Amador.

Producer’s note

‘G! LU’ isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a reflection of the challenges and joys of young adulthood, infused with themes of environmental consciousness and the value of camaraderie. Arnold Vegafria expressed, “Ang kabataan ngayon ay makakakita sa mga karakter ng kanilang sarili, sa paglalakbay sa mga kumplikasyon ng pagtanda, lalo na’t ang kasalukuyang pagtuon sa mental na kalusugan.”

[Translation: “Today’s youth will see themselves mirrored in the characters, as they navigate the complexities of growing up, especially with the current emphasis on mental health.”]

Backed by the Kapuso network and a talented cast, including former Miss World queens, ‘G! LU’ promises to captivate audiences and contribute to the resurgence of Philippine cinema.

Watch out for the release of the film on April 24 in theaters nationwide, marking yet another milestone in ALV Films’ commitment to delivering compelling narratives that resonate with worldwide.