Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu to headline Star Cinema’s MMFF entry
Alex Valentin ( Manila Bulletin ) 07.31.09

Young stars Angelica Panganiban and Kim Chiu are now feeling the pressure of being cast in a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry.

The two will star in Star Cinema’s “I Love You, Goodbye” along with Gabby Concepcion and Derek Ramsey. Kim and Angelica will play the lead roles.

The film will also serve as a comeback for director Laurice Guillen.

Angelica admits doing “I Love You, Goodbye” (a title based on a Celine Dion song) will be her biggest challenge so far.

“Nu’ng binigay sa akin 'yung project na ito, kabadong-kabado na ako. What more pa na ipaglalaban pa sa Metro Manila Film Festival. Talagang di ko na maintindihan 'yung kabang nararamdaman ko. Nakaka-excite, nakaka-pressure, nakaka-flatter... Halo-halong emosyon ang aking nararamdaman,” she said.

Kim, who had to turn down a role in “Mano Po 6” in favor of doing “I Love You, Goodbye,” echoed the sentiment.

“Ang mga kasama ko rito, hindi basta-basta. Magagaling sina Angelica, Mr. Gabby Concepcion…kaya double effort ang gagawin ko dito. It’s my first Film Festival entry for Star Cinema, so I’m happy,” said Kim.

Although Angelica was part of the cast of MMFF finalists “Mano Po III: My Love” (in 2004) and “Matakot Ka Sa Karma” (2006), she said she was not as pressured then unlike now.

“Ngayon lang ako magkakaroon ng movie sa Film Fest na ako yung lead kaya ibang klase 'yung pressure,” said Angelica.

Are they dreaming of winning an award at this point?

“Mahirap namang magsalita ng ganoon,” said Angelica. “Basta ginagawa namin ang lahat ng makakaya namin.

“Siguro kung katrabaho mo naman ang isang Laurice Guillen, Gabby Concepcion, Kim Chiu sa isang Star Cinema film (ay) in good hands ka; lahat ibibigay mo para lang mapaganda yun at ng matuwa ang mga tao.”

Kim likewise gave a down-to-earth response.

“Hindi na lang ako mag-e-expect kasi siyempre maraming magagaling na artista. Gagawin ko na lang 'yung makakaya ko.”