THE drama Sa xe "Yo"’Yo Lamang is one of the most-anticipated movies of this year. The movie relies on a time-tested formula: powerhouse cast, acclaimed director and a melodramatic family tale. It’s no wonder that it is doing well in the box office.

Sa xe "Yo"’Yo Lamang is also part of the 17th anniversary offering of Star Cinema that stars Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Bea Alonzo, Enchong Dee, Zanjoe Marudo and, of course, Diether Ocampo, among others. This new film, written by Ricky Lee, zeroes in on the life of the Filipino family laden with issues and hardships, testing their strength and togetherness in their most trying times.

How does it feel to be part of this film?

Of course, I’m honored to be part of this movie. It’s also quite a responsibility actually, since you know how a lot of people will watch it and be influenced by it. It’s quite rare to be part of this type of project, plus it’s Star Cinema’s 17th anniversary offering, so I’m also happy.

What was your initial reaction upon learning that you’ll be part of it?

Excited! Of course, I’ll be acting with Boyet de Leon, Lorna Tolentino...and, of course, to be part of a Laurice Guillen film. I’ve worked with Laurice in a movie but not with her as my director. That’s why when they offered me this film, I didn’t have any second thoughts. I demanded to get the script right away so I could study it.

Tell me about your role.

My character is Paul, a close friend of Diane, Bea Alonzo’s character in the movie. Paul and Diane have gone through so much since they were in college, until Paul had to work abroad to fulfill his dream. It was very hard for them to be separated. And when Paul comes back after making enough money in the US, of course, the situation is now different, since Diane is already seeing somebody else. I try to bring us back to where we left off, and that’s where our struggle comes in. And this affects Diane’s relationship with her family. May I just add that this movie mirrors a lot of familial situations—all the foibles, all the touching moments of a typical family.

Is it safe to say you can relate to your character since you just experienced a breakup with your nonshowbiz girlfriend?

Yeah, I guess you can say that....

So how are you after the breakup?

I’m doing OK. Everything is about fate and everyone really goes through something like it. Well, it may sound cliché but I’ve learned a lot from this.

Like what?

Like all relationships go through different challenges. That’s why communication is key. It should always be open. This is needed so we can move forward. We talked before we broke up, so it’s clear to both of us.

So how are you coping?

Well, I’m now concentrating on work. Like I haven’t done a movie for a long time, and I missed it. I want to do more.  I’m also busy developing a web site with friends.

Tell me about it.

It’s called loqal.ph, where we encourage everyone to tell the rest of the country and the rest of the world about an establishment they think is unique and noteworthy. Like if you know of a restaurant or an unknown natural wonder, say in a certain town or province that you think should be known of, you can upload a short writeup, photos or whatever. This is to give everyone an opportunity to discover the little known wonders of our country.