The Filipino romantic-comedy My Love Will Make You Disappear brings audiences on a journey of love, community, and self-discovery. Starring Kim Chiu as Sari and Paulo Avelino as Jolo, the film introduces a fresh take on Filipino storytelling through a light-hearted yet emotionally rich narrative. The movie follows Sari, a woman who believes she’s cursed because every man she falls in love with disappears, and Jolo, a troubled landlord. Together, they team up to save a community from displacement, all while navigating their own evolving relationship.
This film marks the first major collaboration between Chiu and Avelino in a feature film, although the two stars have worked together on the TV series Linlang and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. Affectionately dubbed “KimPau” by their fans, the duo recently sat down with HypnoticAsia to discuss the film, their chemistry, and the uniqueness of Filipino love stories.
The Filipino Approach to Love Stories
When asked how love stories in the Philippines differ from those told around the world, Chiu explained that Filipino storytelling tends to be more emotionally driven and communal. “Filipinos are very big on family,” Avelino added. “There are always people around you—family and friends—who influence your decisions, especially when it comes to love.”
Chiu elaborated, emphasizing how Filipino stories bring out emotions that resonate deeply with audiences. In the Philippines, love isn’t just about two people. It is often about how relationships with others, especially family, play a pivotal role in shaping decisions and emotional journeys.
A Voice for Women
Chiu was immediately drawn to the script, particularly because it centers on a millennial woman’s perspective. “In today’s world, women in their 30s are asking questions like, ‘What are we? What are we doing right now? Why don’t we have families yet, or why do we keep working?’” Chiu explained. “There are a lot of questions women in this age group have about relationships, and I wanted to be a voice for that. This film addresses those sentiments, and that’s something I felt was important.”
Her portrayal of Sari gives voice to the struggles many women face today. Many of them as they balance career aspirations, societal pressures, and romantic hopes. For Chiu, it was an opportunity to explore a relatable story that mirrors the modern woman’s quest for love and understanding.
The Lightness of the Film
Avelino, on the other hand, was attracted to the film’s lighthearted tone. “I love how the film represents Filipinos—there’s a certain lightness and optimism in the narrative, and I feel like this is something that resonates internationally,” Avelino said. He added that the film’s warmth, humor, and charm elevate the Filipino rom-com genre. It’s making it appealing not just to local audiences but to viewers worldwide.
The film not only brings humor and fun but also tackles serious issues. Issues such as the looming threat of displacement, adding depth to the otherwise lighthearted story. Avelino’s portrayal of Jolo, a troubled landlord, brings balance to the film’s more serious theme. His character struggles with his own personal challenges while forming a bond with Sari.
Kilig: A Filipino Phenomenon
No Filipino romantic comedy would be complete without exploring the concept of kilig, an essential element in Filipino love stories. This term describes the electrifying feeling of butterflies in your stomach when experiencing love or infatuation. Both Chiu and Avelino agree that kilig is an integral part of Filipino romance, evoking a sense of pure joy and spontaneity.
Avelino explains, “Kilig is love in its human form. It’s that moment when something tickles you, and you can’t help but smile or laugh, even when you’re not entirely sure why. It’s that feeling that’s pure and unexplainable, and it’s what makes Filipino love stories so special.”
For Chiu, kilig is about capturing those small moments of joy and vulnerability that define the early stages of a romantic connection. “When we experience kilig, it’s often unexpected—it’s in those little moments that we realize something special is happening. And that’s what this movie is about: exploring those emotions and allowing the audience to feel them along with us.”
A Global Appeal
My Love Will Make You Disappear is more than just a Filipino love story. It is a universal tale that touches on love, vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships. Through its light-hearted tone, endearing characters, and themes of community and family, the film has transcended cultural boundaries, making it a standout on the international stage.
The chemistry between Chiu and Avelino shines through. Their portrayal of Sari and Jolo adds an undeniable charm to the film. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino rom-coms or simply enjoy heartwarming stories about love and self-discovery, My Love Will Make You Disappear promises to leave you with a smile, a laugh, and a feeling of kilig long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
With its relatable themes, endearing performances, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, My Love Will Make You Disappear is a testament to the unique storytelling of Filipino cinema. Chiu and Avelino’s undeniable on-screen chemistry is sure to captivate audiences. My Love Will Make You Disappear is set to leave a lasting impact on both local and international viewers alike.
About The Film
Directed by Chad Vidanes from an original screenplay by Patrick Valencia and Isabella Policarpio, My Love Will Make You Disappear continues ABS-CBN Films’ legacy of bringing Filipino storytelling to a global audience. With its universal themes of love, resilience, and fate, the film embraces kilig – the uniquely Filipino feeling of romantic exhilaration—as a cultural export, inviting international audiences to experience the magic of Pinoy romance.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Star Cinema
Interviewed By: Rachel Bui
Written & Edited By: Marina Kamel & Rachel Bui
