A total of 10 films are part of the Romance Section of the 4th Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), featuring titles that are considered as classics and recent releases that have become pop culture favorites.

One top Pinoy favorite is “Sana Maulit Muli” by Olivia M. Lamasan starring Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga. Released in 1995, the film’s kilig effect has endured the test of time and the Jerry-Agnes tandem continues to elicit the same romance feels from 25 years ago.

Not only was the film a massive commercial hit, it was also a critical success with Gawad Urian recognitions for Best Picture, Best Actor for Muhlach, Best Screenplay for Lamasan, Mel Mendoza-del Rosario, and Shaira Mella Salvador, and Best Production Design for Randy Gamier.

Aga Muhlach as Jerry

Lea Salonga as Agnes

At the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Awards, it won for Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography for Romy Vitug. Another Original Screenplay of the Year citation was bagged at the Star Awards for Movies while the film won Best Theme Song for “Sana Maulit Muli” by Gary Valenciano. 

The PPP4 features the restored version of “Sana Maulit Muli,” and it has three more screenings to go at the FDCP Channel (fdcpchannel.ph) streaming platform:

• December 6, 2020 (Sunday) at 8:15 p.m. - Davao Virtual Cinematheque
• December 7, 2020 (Monday) at 2 p.m. - Manila Virtual Cinematheque
• December 13, 2020 (Sunday) at 2 p.m. - Manila Virtual Cinematheque

In order to watch “Sana Maulit Muli” and the rest of the PPP4 lineup of 170 films composed of 90 full-length features and 80 shorts, visit the FDCP Channel. The PPP4, which began on October 31, will end on December 13.

“Sana Maulit Muli” (1995)

Directed by Olivia M. Lamasan

PPP4 Romance Section

Despite having seen this Olive Lamasan timeless romance several times, watching it in HD provided a different vibe. It made me feel like I was watching it again for the first time. But the story remains compelling as it is realistic, relevant, and riveting. 

Agnes (Salonga) and Jerry (Muhlach) had to maintain a long distance relationship when Agnes flew to the United States. The distance, along with jealousy and personal issues, took a toll on them. They take steps to repair the wounds, but are these enough to save the relationship?

Aside from tackling the dilemma of having a long distance relationship, the film also touches on family problems, adulting, and issues experienced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This romance film has the right mix of kilig and drama.

Salonga and Muhlach have a palpable chemistry that is enviable up to this day. They do not even try hard to be sweet on camera. A meek pronouncement of the term of endearment “Babes” already sparks magic, so does a silent scene that has them looking at each other lovingly. Their screen presence as a romantic couple is just effervescent. 

Aga Muhlach

Lea Salonga

As Salonga put it during the PPP4 Virtual Fan Experience where she was one of the guests for the PPP N’ Chillax segment for the Romance Section, “I don’t know. I think it’s just one of those chemistry things na minsan hindi mo alam kung paano nalang lumiliyab ‘yung screen when two specific people come together.”

“Maybe it’s because I trust him and because we are such good friends,” added the Tony Award winner and Laurence Olivier Award recipient, pointing out the importance of trust in building on-screen chemistry. “So ‘pag malaki ‘yung tiwala mo sa partner mo, it shows.” 

The Aga-Lea love team is effectively supported by strong performances from Rosemarie Sonora, Gina Pareño, Tommy Abuel, Cherry Pie Picache, Tina Paner, William Martinez, and Jan Marini Alano.

The cinematography by Vitug and production design by Gamier surely added to the beauty and warmth of the film. And to top it off, the official theme song bearing the film’s title by Valenciano, also sung by Salonga, utterly encapsulates the film’s message.

For PPP4 updates and more information, visit fdcpchannel.ph and facebook.com/FDCPPPP.

Photos courtesy of “Sana Maulit Muli”