“Nag-start ‘yung idea na pagsamahin sina Marvin and Jolina matagal na, 2019 o 2018 pa pero iba pa ‘yung kwento nun. Tapos nung nag-usap usap kami nina Marvin at Jolina parang naisip namin mas maganda kung babalik sila sa isang konsepto ng isang pelikula kung saan natin sila minahal which is the quintissential romantic comedy na nakakatawa at nakakakilig. Kaya bumalik kami sa square one as in clean slate saka kami nag-isip ng kwento na bagay talaga sa kanila,” shares filmmaker and producer of Ex Ex Lovers Antoinette Jadaone.
A generation grew up to the movies of Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal from ‘Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?’ in 1998, to ‘Gimik: The Reunion Movie’ and ‘Hey Babe!’ in 1999, all became a blueprint for Filipino romantic comedy stories, especially the storyline of two best friends falling in love. Of course, the two outlived those stories but surprisingly, not the Filipino audience.
‘Ex Ex Lovers’ presents Marvin and Jolina together again, in a story that feels familiar but also breathes a fresh look from the two icons of Filipino romcom.
Shot partially in picturesque Malta, ‘Ex Ex Lovers’ asks the question: Can old love have a second chance? The story begins when SC (Loisa Andalio) asks her mother, Joy (Magdangal), to bring her estranged father, Ced (Agustin), home from Europe for her wedding. Setting aside years of anger and unresolved feelings, Joy heads to Malta, delaying the wedding and reconnecting with Ced. Along the way, Joy unexpectedly rediscovers her own feelings for Ced—all while scheming against SC and her fiancé, Joey (JK Labajo).
The film highlights themes of forgiveness, rekindling old love, and the complexities of family relationships. With MarJo at the forefront, it also offers a nostalgic yet fresh narrative that appeals to all generations.
Nostalgia meets the present
Adding to the movie’s charm are Loisa Andalio and JK Labajo, who serve as great representations of Gen Z. Their chemistry and fresh energy bring a modern twist to this classic romantic setup.
Director JP Habac, known for his Valentine’s Day hit I’m Drunk I Love You, shares his excitement about returning to the rom-com genre on the same love-filled playdate. “As a fan of the MarJo love team, it feels surreal to see them laugh and cry in a film I directed,” Habac says.
Interestingly, ‘Ex Ex Lovers’ was initially slated for streaming, but after a heartfelt discussion between Marvin, Jolina, and the producers, they decided it deserved a theatrical release. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime reunion that has to be experienced on the big screen,” shares the production team led by Antoinette Jadaone.
A comeback filled with feels
Marvin and Jolina feel deeply honored that Project 8 Projects entrusted them with this milestone project. The pair admits that despite years of not working together, the magic of their team-up is undeniable.
During their shoot in Malta, Filipinos abroad couldn’t contain their excitement, even organizing a flash mob in their honor.
The nostalgia carried over to the Philippines, where their first mall show for the movie drew massive crowds reminiscent of their heyday. The two stars were visibly emotional and teary-eyed during a recent mall show in Cebu, feeling the overwhelming support from fans both old and new.
Marvin and Jolina promise that ‘Ex Ex Lovers’ will bring back the charm of Filipino romantic comedies that have been missed on the big screen—delivering quality entertainment rooted in Filipino values and the timeless magic of love stories.
Catch ‘Ex Ex Lovers’ in theaters nationwide this Valentine’s season, produced by Project 8 Projects in association with Cornerstone Entertainment and distributed locally by Warner Bros. Pictures.
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Watch our video coverage of the media and fan conference of Ex Ex Lovers below: