First, let’s answer the question on everyone’s minds: can Rico Blanco genuinely carry a romantic comedy?
The answer is a resounding yes.
As one of the country’s most enduring rockstars, Rico has spent decades commanding concert arenas with an edgy, brooding presence.
This image naturally led to his star-making turn in Manila's Finest, where he played a chilling, morally bankrupt corrupt police general.
And while we know he has the acting chops, there were still doubts about whether he could pull off the breeziness required in a rom-com.
Trading heavy dramatic grit for the vulnerable charm of a romantic lead is a massive departure.
Immense credit must be given to Regal Entertainment and director Eric Quizon for a bold casting gamble that pays off in spades.
They managed to unlock Rico’s untapped, swoon-worthy potential.
In Project Baby, Rico the rockstar is endlessly charming, funny, and irresistible.
THE PLOT
Project Baby tells the story of Sandy (Sue Ramirez), a high-powered advertising executive who has conquered the corporate world but finds a glaring void in her personal life.
Realizing that her biological clock is ticking, she decides to have a baby. However, being a successful CEO leaves her with little time for romance.
Enter Migo (Rico Blanco).
The visual artist is single.
But driven by his dream of becoming a better father than his own ever was, he agrees to the unusual proposition.
What begins as a clinical business arrangement quickly evolves into a chaotic test of boundaries, proving that affairs of the heart rarely stick to the fine print.
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THE CHEMISTRY
The film’s greatest strength undoubtedly lies in the leads.
Sue Ramirez delivers another fantastic performance as Sandy, showcasing her signature ability to portray risqué characters without ever losing her inherent pureness.
Much like memorable turns in Cuddle Weather and Flower Girl, Sue keeps Sandy grounded and empathetic.
The natural charisma ensures the character's boldness never crosses into vulgarity.
Together with Rico, they share oodles of chemistry, anchoring the film's most engaging and fun scenes with an effortless spark.
The central pair is also backed by a genuinely funny supporting cast.
Alice Dixson is hilarious as Sandy's mother, while Matt Lozano stands out as Sandy's loyal best friend.
Yasser Marta, Charuth, Arra San Agustin, Kimson Tan, and Alex Calleja round out the lively friend group, providing consistent laughs throughout the runtime.
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THE HITS AND HICCUP
Where Project Baby falters is in the technical presentation, which feels fairly conventional and decidedly made-for-television.
The visuals are distinctly uneven, suffering from jarring inconsistencies in color grading.
The overall aesthetic leans heavily into sitcom sensibilities.
At times, the framing, lighting, and transition techniques resemble a television sitcom like Pepito Manaloto, just missing the laugh tracks.
Despite the visual shortcomings, the narrative core remains rock solid.
Veteran writer Jose Javier Reyes delivers a smart, thought-provoking script that thoughtfully tackles complex questions.
The story explores the completeness of womanhood, the true nature of motherhood, and asks whether successful fatherhood strictly requires a traditional marital set-up.
Director Eric brings this script to life flawlessly.
He successfully restrains the comedy from becoming too broad and keeps the dramatic, romantic moments from turning overly sappy, striking an ideal tonal balance.
The casting is spot-on, and the direction feels incredibly natural throughout.
Ultimately, Project Baby is an engaging romantic comedy that gently subverts conventional expectations. It is an enjoyable watch with moments of humor and insight.
While it may lack high-end cinematic polish, it more than compensates with a sharp script, steady direction, and immense charm.
Project Baby is now showing in cinemas nationwide.