CinemaBravo

“Ang beer na ’to o ang pag-ibig ko?” (This beer or my love?)—the striking, earworm lyrics from The Itchyworms’ hit Beer—set the tone at the media conference of The Last Beergin on September 18, 2025, at a restaurant in Quezon City. The song played in the background as media guests, including CinemaBravo, waited for the cast to arrive on a rain-soaked afternoon, a gentle chaser to the late start of the program.

Gathered for the event were lead stars Cherry Pie Picache, JC Santos, Zaijan Jaranilla, and Xyriel Manabat. It marks a fresh dynamic on screen since this is the first time the four are working together in one film. For Zaijan and Xyriel, however, the camaraderie comes naturally; the two have been close friends since before their television projects as child stars, making their reunion in The Last Beergin all the more special.

They were joined by director Nuel Naval and writer Mel Mendoza-del Rosario, the creative tandem behind acclaimed films such as Family of Two and Family Matters. Pepe Herrera, who portrays Hilo—a father running from the family he can no longer face—was not physically present, but he sent recorded greetings and answers, along with a warm invitation for audiences to watch The Last Beergin when it opens nationwide on October 1, 2025.

‘Tinamaan’ moments

At the start of the program, the cast was asked, “Saan kayo tinamaan sa pelikulang ito?” (Where did the “kick” hit you in this film?). The question set the tone, using the clever amalgamation of beer and gin in the title as a metaphor for being struck by something beyond intoxication.

For Xyriel Manabat, who plays Sandy, a privileged youth masking emptiness with attitude, the tama came in a stinging way. With a wide smile, she shared, “Ako po, tinamaan po ako sa pisngi ni Tita Pie. Sa pisngi ko po!” (I got hit on the cheek by Tita Pie. On my cheek!) She then turned to her co-star with playful praise: “Magaling po kayong sumampal!” (You’re really good at slapping!)

Zaijan Jaranilla, who portrays Isaac, a young man in love but painfully invisible, was as handsome as ever in his reply. “Ako siguro tinamaan ako doon sa totoong gin na ininom namin!” (I think I got hit by the actual gin we drank!)

For JC Santos, cast as RG, emotionally locked and unwilling to speak, the tama was found in the craft of his peers. Beaming, he said, “Ako, tinamaan ako sa acting ng lahat ng kasama ko dito. Grabe! Nakakagulat and I can’t wait for everybody to see it.” (I was struck by the acting of everyone here. It was incredible! Surprising, and I can’t wait for everybody to see it.)

Finally, Cherry Pie Picache, who brings to life Tere, a woman quietly breaking under the weight of caregiving, reflected on the collective energy of the film. “Bukod do’n sa [mga sinabi nila], tinamaan din ako sa talent ng lahat, yung collaboration ng lahat. Tapos, production, kay Direk, kay Mel, lahat-lahat. Tapos, yung pagsasama, kasi ang saya talaga nung shooting!” (Aside from what they already said, I was also struck by the talent of everyone, the collaboration of all. Then, the production, Direk, Mel, everyone. And the camaraderie, because the shoot was really so much fun!)

Behind the bottle

From Cineko Productions and Obra Cinema Productions, the same studios behind Family Matters and Family of Two, The Last Beergin is directed by Nuel Naval and written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

The dramedy follows five strangers, each carrying emotional baggage, who find unexpected connection over drinks. In between shots, they begin to pour out something stronger than gin: their truths.

As the film’s notes describe, This isn’t a film about alcohol—it’s about what spills out when we finally let our guard down.

At its core, The Last Beergin is not about intoxication but about the courage, and sometimes the comedy, of letting your walls down.

In a culture where laughter often chases pain, the film bottles the bittersweet reality of being Filipino in 2025: emotionally loaded, quietly hurting, and still ready for one more round.

Don’t miss The Last Beergin as it opens in Philippine theaters on October 1, 2025.