A predictable and bland guy meets the unpredictable and wild girl. A night thought to be a mistake becomes the start of a connection between the two extremely opposite individuals. Catherine Camarillo directs her third feature film ‘Meg & Ryan,’ from writer Gina Marissa Tagasa and starring JC Santos and Rhian Ramos. In cinemas August 6, 2025.
Why is the title “Meg & Ryan”? Does it have something to do with the American actress?
“Si Manay Gina is a fan of Meg Ryan. Meg Ryan is the queen of romcom in the 80s. So, when we were doing the collaboration of the content, hindi talaga Meg & Ryan ang title ng film but as we go along, ang ganda ng characterization na nabuo and nag-marka sa akin ‘yung characters nina Meg and Ryan. So si Manay (Gina), ang instinct niya, is can we use Meg & Ryan as the title. So, I gave a green light to her kasi maganda naman, kakaiba and walang masyadong sinasabi. Kumbaga Meg & Ryan speaks of the characters of the story,” director Catherine Camarillo explains.
It’s the first time for JC Santos and Rhian Ramos to work together on a project ever. How was it?
”I really enjoyed the whole experience. Sobrang totoo ‘yung sinabi ni tita Ces na napaka-generous niya (JC) as an actor. If there’s anything that he can do to help you in the scene, he will. At saka he will go further na para bang hindi lang acting part ang gagawin niya, kung pwede din siyang mag-contribute sa lines, kung ano ang mas natural niyang sasabihin, napag-uusapan namin before sa mga scenes kung may papalitan. Nae-imbibe niya what would Ryan do and what would Ryan say. It really helped me do my job super easy,” Rhian Ramos answers.
“Actually hindi lang si Rhian, everybody here is easy to work with. Eto ‘yung masarap sa idea ng collaboration, minsan magtutugma kayo, minsan hindi. And kadalasan dito sa grupo na ‘to, nagtutugma. Ine-enjoy namin ‘yung process even the challenges of it. Working with Rhian, until now, I mean, this is Rhian Ramos. Ako, isa siya sa mga bucket list na sana makatrabaho ko which is happening now. Nakita ko kung paano siya mag-trabaho and I enjoyed every moment of it. Nakita ko ang dedication kung paano niya ibigay ‘yung truth sa scene. So ako, super sulit sa akin ‘yun kasi minsan nanonood ako eh. Minsan nakakalimutan ko na mag-react. So, I find clever things in those things. And binigyan kami ng magandang freedom ni direk sa mga roles namin at nakakatuwa kasi nabigay namin ‘yung personality namin para mapaganda ‘yung script,” JC Santos adds.
So, the collaboration among writer Gina Marissa Tagasa, director Catherine Camarillo, JC Santos, and Rhian Ramos created the characters Meg & Ryan. More than the script, the lead actors gave input on how they interpreted their characters to bring them to life for the big screen.
‘Meg & Ryan’ is a story about two strangers whose paths crossed at the most unexpected time—hearts drawn closer, and maybe… love found. Two souls brought together by a whimsical bet. A man with a careful heart. A woman who lives for reckless dares. And one playful wager that led to a night of chance and connection.
Also starring Cedrick Juan, Ces Quesada, Cris Villanueva, Jef Gaitan, and introducing J-mee Katanyag, Steven Bansil, Poca Osinaga & Alison Black.
The film explores the idea of fate, showing how a one-night stand connects two strangers with an invisible thread that keeps them linked in inexplicable ways.
With everything that Rhian has been through, what did she realize about love and life?
“That the right person for you will not tell you who to be, but they will inspire you to make yourself better and be a better person.”
‘Meg & Ryan’ opens in Philippine cinemas on August 6, 2025 from Pocket Media Productions, Inc.
Watch our videos from the media conference below: