CinemaBravo

One of Asia’s biggest cinematic phenomena is finally making its way to Philippine theaters.

Dubbed as the “highest-grossing Asian film of all time” and topping the box office in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, ‘Dear You’ is set to open in Philippine cinemas on August 12, with two advance screenings scheduled ahead of its nationwide release.

Directed and co-written by Lan Hongchun, the Chinese family drama features a largely non-professional cast led by Li Sitong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, Zheng Runqi, and Wang Xiaohui, alongside Thai actress Usha Seamkhum.

Its official synopsis reads:

Xiaowei travels to Thailand to find his “billionaire grandfather” whom debt problems have kept out of contact, but he unexpectedly finds that the one who has been corresponding with his grandmother for years is not her husband.

Ahead of its local rollout, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Anvil Business Club announced the special screenings during a press conference held at the 87-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café at 43 Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City, on July 24.

Audiences can watch the film ahead of its theatrical debut during the advance screenings on the following schedules:

• August 5 at 7 p.m. at SM Mall of Asia IMAX and
• August 8 at 6:30 p.m. at SM North EDSA Cinema 3.

FFCCCII on cultural understanding

During the event, FFCCCII President Victor Lim emphasized that supporting the film aligns with the organization’s long-standing commitment to promoting not only economic development and charitable initiatives but also cultural exchanges that strengthen ties between the Philippines and China.

“Our Federation has always been committed not only to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines and supporting meaningful socio-civic and charitable initiatives, but also to advancing cultural exchanges that foster mutual understanding, strengthen friendship among peoples, and celebrate our shared heritage,” Lim said.

Moreover, the organization recently demonstrated this commitment by inviting popular Chinese vertical drama actress Zhang Yingfei, known for the hit series Linda Walker, to visit the Philippines. He said the visit sought to inspire Filipino youth through her story while also promoting Philippine tourism to Chinese audiences.

A story that resonates with Filipino families

Lim described Dear You as more than just a box-office success, saying the film tells a moving story about the overseas Chinese experience between Thailand and southern China through themes of family, sacrifice, resilience, and hope.

He added that the film’s message is one that many Filipinos can relate to because of the country’s millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“As a nation with millions of Overseas Filipino Workers serving in many parts of the world, we understand the sacrifices, separation, and emotional journeys of families striving to build better lives for their loved ones,” he said.

The film also offers audiences a deeper appreciation of Chinese migration and the enduring importance of family values.

Adding to its cultural significance, Dear You is primarily spoken in the Teochew language, which shares many similarities with the Hokkien language widely spoken within the Filipino Chinese community. The film will be shown with English subtitles.

Through the advance screenings, FFCCCII hopes to use cinema as a bridge for greater cultural understanding, friendship, and appreciation of shared heritage while giving Philippine audiences an opportunity to experience one of Asia’s biggest box-office successes before its official theatrical release on August 12.