The Filipino comedy-drama “Love, Ngo” is drawing an enthusiastic response from moviegoers across the UAE, a day after it opened in cinemas nationwide.
Viva Films shared screenshots of cinema seat maps on Facebook showing several fully booked and near-capacity screenings, pointing to strong demand among the country’s Filipino community. In its post, the studio said the film is now showing in cinemas near audiences across the UAE and encouraged viewers to head to theaters for a night of laughter.
Directed and written by Darryl Yap, “Love, Ngo” began screening across the UAE on July 2, 2026, at venues spanning five emirates. In Dubai, it is showing at Deira City Centre, BurJuman Mall, and Al Ghurair Centre; in Abu Dhabi at Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, and World Trade Centre; in Sharjah at Sharjah City Centre and Oasis Mall; in Al Ain at Al Ain Mall; and in Ras Al Khaimah at Al Naeem Mall.
The film first opened in Philippine cinemas on June 3, 2026. It stars Jerald Napoles alongside Candy Pangilinan and Gina Alajar, and expands the Ngongo character that Napoles first portrayed in “Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam,” a role that drew wide attention online for its comedic timing and emotional weight.
The story follows Ngongo, a hardworking young man who helps run his mother’s burger stand while living with a cleft palate. He meets Scarlet while volunteering at a foundation supporting individuals with cleft lip and palate conditions, and the two grow close before her family objects to the relationship over his condition and social standing.
The UAE is home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the Middle East, and local releases of Philippine films have long drawn steady audiences at cinemas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
