The holiday season is nearly upon us, and Netflix Philippines is already spreading the festive cheer in a big way.
The leading streaming platform has recently launched its first-ever Christmas station ID, featuring a star-studded lineup of some of the most popular Filipino celebrities.
The Christmas station ID, revealed via Netflix's social media channels on Monday, September 18, 2023, showcases the lead actors of their upcoming projects.
These include Keys to the Heart featuring Zanjoe Marudo and Elijah Canlas, Can't Buy Me Love with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano in the lead, and the romantic comedy series Replacing Chef Chico starring Alessandra de Rossi, Piolo Pascual, and Sam Milby.
Additionally, the Christmas station ID features the presence of Miles Ocampo, Chie Filomeno, and Kelvin Miranda, stars from the Netflix movie Missed Connections, as well as JM de Guzman from What If, a series where Alessandra is also part of the cast.
DIREK MANNY PALO ON WHAT IF?
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and a limited group of press members were given an early screening of the Christmas Station ID, an hour prior to its official release.
They were given the chance to converse with the directors of some of the featured projects in the Christmas station ID, such as Manny Palo from What If, Kerwin Go from Keys to The Heart, and both Dan Villegas (director) and Antoinette Jadaone (showrunner) from Replacing Chef Chico.
During the press interview, each director shared why their project is a must-watch during Christmas.
What If director Manny Palo started his answer by conveying his appreciation to Netflix Philippines and those who have already viewed his movie on Netflix.
He said, "Can I request each and every one to extend our thanks to all the viewers for making us at least number one for 10 days and hopefully it stays in the top 10."
Direk Manny, then, highlighted how his movie mirrors the reflective spirit of the Christmas season, prompting contemplation of life's "what ifs."
He said, "Christmas is about family, it's about, you know, familial love, friends, ganyan, di ba?
"And it's during Christmas season that when we try to, in a way, evaluate the life that we had the past years, di ba?
"Yung triumphs natin, the milestones, our failures, disappointments, di ba?
"Just like in our film... When they were on this idyllic island during their honeymoon, that's when all their issues and their love story unfolded...
"At tayo, sa Pasko nangyari naman yun, e, di ba?
"Kaya I think it's a good time to watch our film during the Christmas season because that's a time we go back kung nangyari the past year, not only with our partners and lovers, but also with our friends and relatives.
"Lalung-lalo na kapag tinignan pa natin yung hanggang New Year...
"We look back and then doon natin tinatanong, 'What if, what if iba ang nangyari sa buhay natin the past year? What if ginawa ko ito or what if hindi ko ginawa ito?'"
Direk Manny also emphasized that the movie transcends a mere love story.
It encourages viewers to reflect on life's intricacies, demonstrating that challenges can surface even in a picturesque honeymoon setting.
"So I think it's also, it's just not a love story, you know?
"It also helps us reflect kung ano'ng nangyari sa buhay natin in all its aspects.
"It's a perfect depiction of life na ang issues, it will come up even if you are on your honeymoon. You know what, if they're bound to come up, then it will come up.
"So even if it's during the Christmas season, issues may still come up and it's all about how you are going to handle all of those issues, handle them together. As a family, hopefully."
DIREK KERWIN GO ON KEYS TO THE HEART
Film director Kerwin Go described the Filipino adaptation of the popular Korean movie Keys To The Heart as the ideal family movie for the Christmas season.
Aside from Zanjoe and Elijah, the movie also features Dolly de Leon.
He said, "Keys to the Heart, it's a family dramedy.
"I think it's equal parts drama and comedy. And it's a celebration of family.
"And it's not just conventional family, it's also unconventional families, meaning blended families.
"It could be families that you adopt, friends who become families, or neighbors who actually become just as important to you as your family that you are bounded by blood.
"And, yeah. And since we already know the Christmas season is always about the family, this is just going to depict not just the family that you are born into, but the family that you consider to be yours and you adopt as yours."
DAN VILLEGAS AND ANTOINETTE JADAONE ON REPLACING CHEF CHICO
For his part, Director Dan Villegas stressed the relatable themes within the Netflix exclusive series Replacing Chef Chico, a project he helmed alongside Antoinette Jadaone.
He mentioned, "So, Replacing Chef Chico is about Ella, the sous-chef who takes over Hain's Kitchen when something happens to the head chef.
"I think it's perfect for the Christmas season because, on the top level, it's about love, friendship, acceptance, and giving.
"So, yeah. I think it's a worthwhile watch, especially during the holidays."
In addition to Direk Dan's comments, Direk Antoinette proudly emphasized that their series showcases Filipino food, a vital aspect, especially during the Christmas season.
She said, "For Christmas, it's perfect to watch it with your family, friends, and loved ones, Replacing Chef Chico, because in every episode, there is a story of family, friendship, and or love, which is celebrated over food.
"So, the milieu, the backdrop of every episode is Filipino food. It's about time.
"We think in Replacing Chef Chico, it's about time that Filipino food gets its proper spotlight, because as we all know, there's Vietnamese food, there's Thai food, there's Indian food, but we have yet to get the same celebration for Filipino food.
"So, I think with this series, it's a Filipino-produced original Netflix series.
"It's a celebration, not just of family, friends, or love, but us Filipinos will be celebrating the Filipino food that we eat each day when other countries watch the series, they'll feel it when they see it."
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