Hello, true love waits...
A sweet romance revolving around young love. The story gives a peek into the lives of Filipino OFWs (overseas foreign workers) that make viewers appreciate the easier or simpler life that (perhaps) they may have. It successfully captures the social effects of migration that usually touches the family unit. It paints a realistic picture of how families eventually break apart (Joy's family) or still find a way to unite (Ethan's family).
It was my first time to watch both Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, and it was interesting to witness their chemistry as a love team. Kathryn's dramatic moments were touching. Her character's desire to find herself was evident in the way she portrayed her role. With his boyish and clean cut looks, Alden did not really look too much of a bad boy. But he supported his leading lady well.
All told, the movie gives meaning to the adage that "If you love someone, set him free. If he comes back, then it's meant to be."
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Postscript: I have on a number of occasions written about the social costs of migration. One of my stories for the Philippine Daily Inquirer that was titled "When a good mother leaves" reported the findings of a UNICEF study.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/119575/when-a-good-mother-leaves
A few years back I also wrote a letter to the editor that was published in Time Magazine, as follows:
"I congratulate Time Asia for highlighting the sad truth about the growing exodus of mothers from the Philippines [Nov. 24]. To many of us, it seems an irreversible phenomenon -- most overseas workers will tell you they had no other choice but to leave and historical data show that the number of Filipino women working overseas surpasses men, pointing to what some have described as a "feminization" of labor. A mother's absence often leads to unspoken psychological consequences that are felt intensely by children. The problem our overseas workers face is a multigenerational one. Life is about making choices, whether you're rich or poor, but it's up to every Filipino -- not just those who are compelled to work abroad -- to think of ways to advance our society and keep our families together."
