Joshua Garcia joined the Kapamilya Chat on November 12 to talk about his new movie “Meet, Greet & Bye.” Since the cast reveal, the film has been getting a lot of attention—and now, after its premiere, the film receives great feedback from viewers.
When asked how he felt reading the positive feedback of the movie, Joshua expressed his gratitude, “Masaya ako kasi warm ‘yung pagtanggap sa amin. Masaya and grateful kasi binigay sa akin ‘yung project. Siyempre hindi naman lahat sa amin ay nabibigyan ng ganitong klaseng opportunity. I'm just really grateful.”
Joshua's workshop-like experience on set
When asked about the most challenging part of portraying Brad, Joshua revealed that the entire filming process felt like a daily acting workshop with director Cathy Garcia-Sampana.
“Everyday, challenging siya for me. Para kaming nagwo-workshop everyday kay Direk Cathy, kasi parang hindi namin alam ‘yung mangyayari, parang surprise sIya sa set. Para kang nagwo-workshop talaga.” This approach pushed Joshua to discover more about his craft.
“Ang gandang experience niya kasi kumbaga ang dami kong nadi-discover sa sarili ko, ‘yung limit ko sa pag-acting, and at the same time mas totoo siyang lumalabas kasi hindi masyadong aral.”
Despite the pressure, especially with Direk Cathy challenging him to go beyond his acting range, Joshua wholeheartedly embraced the experience. “Gusto ko nacha-challenge ako… Nasa-satisfy ako kapag nacha-challenge ako, and naibigay naman ni Direk Cathy ‘yun.”
What Joshua loved most about portraying Brad
“In general sa project na ‘to ang pinakagusto ko is I get to work with amazing actors. Sobrang happy ko, it's such a treat for me na makasama sila." Joshua shared.
Off-cam, Joshua said the cast bonded like a real family. With long set-ups and one-shot takes, they found creative ways to pass the time—making TikTok videos and downloading gaming apps to play together. “Ang dami naming pinagsamahan, umiyak kami nang sama-sama, we laughed together, sobrang pamilya na talaga.”
Joshua described the fictional Facundo family as “chaotic but loving,” adding “Parang medyo magulo, riot, parang ganon pero family pa rin."
Lessons from his co-actors
Joshua also spoke about working with industry veterans Maricel Soriano and Piolo Pascual, whose presence left a lasting impact on him.
On Piolo, Joshua shared that the actor was a good influence, “Ang ganda ng ginagawa niya. Parang mababaon ko ‘to sa mga susunod kong gagawin. Team player kasi siya. He always make sure na everyone's okay. Maalaga siya sa lahat and ‘yun ‘yung ia-admire mo sa kanya.” To Joshua, Piolo became a real-life kuya.
Joshua did not just find a real-life kuya on set, but also a second mom in Maricel Soriano. “Hindi ako lumaki sa nanay ko so hindi ko na-experience ‘yung alaga ng nanay, pero ‘yun ‘yung naiparamdam niya sa akin sa set. Pakiramdam ko nagkaroon pa ako ng isa pang nanay.” He remembers how the Diamond Star would take care of him after and in-between takes, proving she's not just their mom on-screen, but off-screen as well.
Joshua as a kuya and a son
When asked how he sees himself as a son and brother, Joshua answered with sincerity, “Pinangako ko rin naman sa kanila na tutulungan ko sila hangga't kaya ko. Maaasahan nila ako kapag kailangan nila ako. Maipapangako ko na nandidito lang ako palagi para sa kanila.”
On how far he's willing to go for his loved ones, “Hangga't nabubuhay ako.” Doing the movie stirred personal realizations to Joshua about love and time, “Parang I should spend more time with my family, kasi ‘yun ‘yung hindi ko nagagawa since busy of course sa work. ‘Yun ‘yung priority ko ngayon na more time talaga with my family.”
If Joshua were to describe “Meet, Greet, and Bye” in one phrase?
Joshua answered simply, but full of meaning, “Family and forgiveness.”
Joshua reminds us that family and forgiveness are at the core of every story worth telling. And in “Meet, Greet, and Bye,” those truths hit close to home.
Don’t miss Joshua Garcia, Piolo Pascual, Belle Mariano, JK Labajo, and Maricel Soriano in “Meet, Greet & Bye”—now showing in cinemas nationwide.