It seemed like the Charo Santos - and Dingdong Dantes film Only We Know waited for the perfect time before finally being released, seven years since its conception.
During the official film poster reveal on Friday, May 9, film director Irene Villamor revealed that it has long been in the works.
“(Noong) pre-pandemic pa siya pinitch kina Ma'am Charo and Dong (Dingdong) and then marami na siyang iteration tapos noong nagkaroon ng pandemic, we tried to still make it, scale it down,” director Irene explained. “And then tapos ng pandemic, marami rin nangyari sa mga buhay nila (cast), maraming parang naging (conflict) sa schedule.”
After almost half a decade in the back burner, the film was finally completed in 2024. While still keeping the meaty details about the film, Irene shared that it would be a story of breaking boundaries in the aspect of love.
“Last year siya nagawa. It's a story about love. Lagi naman ako gumagawa ng kwento tungkol sa pag-ibig, pero ibang klase ng pag-ibig ito ngayon,” she teased. “It's breaking boundaries, kumbaga.”
Working with Dingdong again felt both familiar and new.
“Si Dong kasi dalawang beses ko na siya nakasama pati mga teleserye so somehow may pagkagamay na si Dong, although na-surprise pa rin ako sa kanya dito. Iba ang ginawa niya,” Irene expressed.
As for working with Charo, Irene admitted she was initially intimidated. Directing Charo Santos for the first time was definitely a memorable experience for the director.
“Si Ma’am Charo nakaka-intimidate. Pero, dahil matagal na nga ‘yung project and then during the pandemic naging close kami at nag-wine wine kami — naka-wine ako sa bahay ni Ma’am Charo at marami kaming naging chikahan — so, when nagstart na ang project, para na kaming naging magkaibigan. Nawala na ‘yung pagka-intimidated (ko) sa kaniya,” Irene shared.
To help Charo fully embrace her role, Irene gave her a simple directive: “Sabi ko, ‘Ma’am Charo ah, babae ka rito. Hindi ka na presidente, girl ka rito. Pa-sweet, leading lady ka rito,” she told the seasoned actress.
Irene encouraged audiences to watch and discover the story behind the intriguing poster.
“Sana magandahan kayo sa pelikula. Sumuporta po tayo at matukoy po ninyo ano pinagtitinginan nila (sa poster). You will know as well, only when you watch the movie,” Irene teased.
"Promise po na you are going to have a beautiful experience,” Charo promised the viewers. “Kikiligin po kayong lahat kapag napanood niyo itong pelikula."
Dingdong echoed the sentiment, highlighting the joy of working on the project. “Kung makikita niyo ‘yung beautiful experience, ako (personally) gusto ko lang sabihin na sobrang beautiful ng experience ko in making the film with Direk Irene and of course, Charo Santo—Concio.”
He also shared how they wanted to give a different experience for moviegoers through the film.
“Bilang manonood, bilang pumupunta sa sinehan, gusto natin ng kakaibang experience, so this is something na ginagamit natin. May ibang experience sila na definitely may kinalaman sa love na mararamdaman mo (sa film),” Dingdong stated.
Only We Know is produced by Star Cinema and Agosto Dos Pictures.