CinemaBravo

With emotions running high and cultural ties at the forefront, the red carpet premiere of Spring in Prague unfolded on May 27, 2025, at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City. The event drew a crowd of film enthusiasts, press members, and notable personalities—an evening that celebrated not just a film, but a story that bridges nations through personal healing and emotional courage.

Gracing the premiere was lead star Paolo Gumabao, who portrays Alfonso—a quiet Filipino resort owner whose inner transformation takes him from the serene shores of Puerto Galera to the cobbled streets of Prague. Also spotted at the event was former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, lending a sense of prestige to the occasion.

Spring in Prague is helmed by director Lester Dimaranan and penned by screenwriter Eric Ramos. A collaborative effort between Borracho Films and Czech-based FilmFrame, the project also stands as a symbolic tribute to the 50-year diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.

“This is not your typical love story,” said director Lester Dimaranan. “We wanted to tell a story that doesn’t rely on clichés or melodrama.”

A connection that sparks healing and rediscovery

The story follows Alfonso’s unexpected meeting with Czech tourist Maruska Ruzicka, portrayed by European actress Sara Sandeva, and how their connection leads to an introspective journey of healing and self-discovery.

“Grabe, ibang klase ‘yung experience ko sa film na ito,” shared Paolo Gumabao. “It was my first time shooting in Europe, and to be in Prague—sobrang surreal. Spring in Prague challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m proud of that.”
(The experience I had with this film was something else. It was my first time shooting in Europe, and being in Prague felt surreal. Spring in Prague challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m proud of that.)

Filmed on location in Puerto Galera, Tagaytay, Manila, and Prague, the movie contrasts the tropical calm of the Philippines with the old-world charm of the Czech Republic. Its cinematography mirrors the emotional arcs of its characters, enriching the storytelling with both depth and atmosphere.

A film born from personal passion

Executive Producer Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, who came up with the concept for the film after a visit to Prague’s Santo Niño de Praga shrine, shared how personal this project is to him. “This film is the result of mutual artistic respect and a desire to tell a universal story rooted in real human emotion,” he said.

During the media conference, Topacio elaborated on his deep love for filmmaking. “Seriously speaking, it’s a passion, an avocation and it’s my small way of giving back to the film industry that I love. Kasi bata pa lang ako mahilig na ako sa pelikula. Pangarap ko talaga na sabi ko, bago ako mamatay makagawa man lang ng isang pelikula. Pangatlo ko na actually ito, and pakonti-konti lang naman hindi naman kailangan marami kasi at least nandiyan yan. It’s my legacy habang buhay nandiyan ang mga pelikula ko.”
(Seriously speaking, it’s a passion, an avocation, and it’s my small way of giving back to the film industry that I love. Since I was a child, I’ve loved movies. It’s really been my dream to make at least one film before I die. This is actually my third, and I don’t need to make many—what matters is that they’re there. It’s my legacy. My films will live on.)

Spring in Prague is scheduled for release in select cinemas in the Philippines. The team is also planning to submit the film to both local and international film festivals later this year.