Actress Kathryn Bernardo aims to dive deeper into the life of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in an emotionally charged follow-up to the blockbuster “Hello, Love, Goodbye”, with the setting now shifting to Canada.
The upcoming film titled “Hello, Love, Again” promises to continue the compelling story of Ethan and Joy, originally portrayed by Alden Richards and Bernardo.
During a press conference, Bernardo expressed her mixed emotions about reprising her role. “It’s more of excitement and a mix of emotions, but the support we feel here fuels us to start shooting soon,” she shared with reporters.
Reflecting on the unexpected sequel, Bernardo said, “It’s not going to be easy, but here we are. We thought our goodbyes were behind us, but now we’re saying hello again. I’m excited about the many firsts this film will bring.”
The actress highlighted the significant personal and professional growth she and her character have undergone over the past five years. “When we shot ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye,’ I was just 23, and now I’ve turned 28. A lot has changed, and I’m curious about what we can bring to the table this time,” Bernardo remarked.
With the original film ending on an open note, the idea of a sequel was always a possibility, albeit filled with uncertainties. “When Tita Cory [Vidanes] told me about this film, I was scared because I didn’t know if we should just leave it as it was or if we should continue the story,” Bernardo admitted. Ultimately, her curiosity about the characters’ evolution in a new setting won out.
Carmi Raymundo of Star Cinema also expressed confidence in the new narrative brought about by recent global changes, including the pandemic. “A lot has happened, and it added a new dimension to our story. These global events have undoubtedly impacted our characters,” said Raymundo.
Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana is excited about the shift in location and the new perspectives it brings. “The stories of OFWs in Hong Kong are vastly different from those in Canada, which is thrilling because it means we have fresh tales to tell,” she stated.
“Hello, Love, Again” is set to premiere in cinemas on November 13, 2024. The film is a sequel to “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” which held the title of the highest-grossing Philippine film of all time until it was surpassed by “Rewind” in January 2024.