The Grand Media Conference of Under Parallel Skies took place last April 2, 2024. Lead stars Win Metawin and Janella Salvador, alongside director Sigrid Bernardo and executive producer Richard Juan, were present at the media conference.
After Win Metawin and Janella Salvador’s guesting at It’s Showtime in the morning, on the same date, they have their grand media conference for Under Parallel Skies in the afternoon.
To start the media conference, the host Valerie Tan enthusiastically greeted the media guests, and Executive Producers Richard Juan & Kristhoff Cagape shared a few words about the film. Executive Producer Kristhoff Cagape shared that with Under Parallel Skies, their vision is to bring stories from the Philippines to Asia and beyond. Their goal is also to bring not only talents in front of the camera but also talents behind the camera. Executive Producer Richard Juan shared that Under Parallel Skies is the project they have worked on for almost 2 years and they thanked the media for being with them at the media conference.
Janella shared how Iris is different from her in real-life personality, which made it a bit challenging for her to portray, but she loved every bit of it because she learned a lot from Iris. However, if there is a similarity between her and Iris, both of them are a big dreamer. As for Win, he said his role is not similar to him as well just like Janella, but he said Parin is similar to him like at the end of the movie the way he understands that you can create your happiness on your own. Win said his advice to Parin is “don’t drink so much” because Parin drinks a lot while Janella’s advice to Iris is “take care of yourself as well, don’t forget that”
When asked about how it is to work with a Filipino production team, “It was a very good experience,” Win shared. “I think our culture is very similar so I don’t have to adapt anything… or train anything for myself and I blend in very easily.”
Director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo shared about the cross-country film, “The film worked because of the right communication and mutual respect of each other’s culture.”
What do you hope viewers take away from the movie?
Win shared, “The way you understand happiness. Nothing can buy happiness; you are the only one that can create your own.”
As for Janella, she said likes the way Direk Sigrid describes the movie, “No matter how different you are, we all live under the same sky and we can connect to each other. The real connection is just we can love each other freely.”
In your opinion what makes a good story?
Director Sigrid said, “Having a good story should capture the audience’s attention…The story should be able to bring you to a different world but also reflect the universal truth of the human experience. I think the characters should be well thought of and you need to have a compelling plot and thought-provoking themes even if the credits roll you need to have that question what is the takeaway of this film that I have just seen, it should create a discussion, a debate. So whether we have these negative or positive reviews in it as long as the story can create a discussion or debate or attention, it is a good story for me.”
Executive Producer Richard Juan said, “I think for our film there will probably be some debates just no spoilers but I think there will be some debates.”
Janella and Win revealed that they filmed most of their scenes at Peng Chau. Janella shared that Peng Chau does not have cars and they live very simply on that island so it’s very nice to be able to observe how different the way of living is there and to immerse herself in her character. Win Metawin also shared about Peng Chau, “I think it’s hard for me to go there for travel. I think it’s hard for me to get there if I didn’t go there for shooting but I think it’s like a good chance for me to go there at Peng Chau.”
Win and Janella shared that they have been to Hong Kong many times but Janella shared that it was interesting that time because they shoot in places that people don’t usually tour in. She revealed that they shot in Tai O which is a fishing village and she said it’s the best of filming.
When asked about what made Win decide to take on the project for Under Parallel Skies Win said, “I always dream that If had the chance one day I would collaborate with an international team, now today my dream come true already so why not?”
When asked if Win is the type to travel alone Win said, “No. I usually have someone go with me.”
What is the biggest challenge in your role for Under Parallel Skies?
Janella: Iris is very different from who I am. I really had to prepare to portray her. Makikita niyo na lang na medyo mabigat ang character na ‘to emotionally.
Win: Me too. I think it’s almost the hardest one for me to play this role because of the ending of Parin. I think that one, so you have to watch why it was the hardest one for me.
When asked if there is a plan to distribute the film in more countries aside from the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, Executive Producer Richard Juan said, “Plan is a tough word to say but there are plans but we’re working hard on trying to make those plans a reality. We’re trying our best to get to as many countries as possible because I know that a lot of people have been tweeting, commenting, and telling us that we want this film in our country. We’re trying our best to make that happen. All I can say is that all those tweets and comments are working so keep them coming.”
Director Sigrid said she was thankful that this film is going to be shown on big screens across Asia. She hopes that even if it’s not MMFF, she hopes Filipinos will still watch it on the big screens
As Win said Thailand’s and the Philippines’ cultures are the same, one thing that he realized is that everyone on the set can sing very goof and it impressed him a lot.
In real life, would you fall for a random person but with an instant spark or a familiar person you have been friends with, and why?
Janella: I think there are no rules with love and I think you can fall in love with anyone… Knowing myself I would go for the instant spark with someone because if I’ve been friends with someone I didn’t really wanna ruin the friendship and I just wanna be friends with that person.
Win: Same, random person. It is hard for me if I consider someone as a friend and it’s hard for me to change that relationship.
What is one lesson that you could attribute to your success that you have learned along the way?
Win: For me I would say, never stop developing yourself no matter how far you go you have to develop yourself and do your best.
Janella: I think, hard work always pays off.
Janella and Win shared also that all the teams (Thailand and Philippine teams) did their parts and contributed to Janella and Win’s chemistry in the film.
Under Parallel Skies’ premiere night will take place at SM Megamall on April 16, 2024, and both Janella and Win will be present at the premiere night.
Under Parallel Skies will be available this April 2024 exclusively in cinemas.
April 17 – Philippines
May 1 – Singapore
May 9 – Thailand
Tickets for Under Parallel Skies for the Philippine premiere is now available.
To be updated about the film, make sure to follow the social media accounts of 28 SQUARED STUDIOS and Two Infinity Entertainment.
Watch the official trailer of Under Parallel Skies here:
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Thaimazing Manila 