My Valentine Girls

My Valentine Girls from 2011 is a delightful, heartwarming film that is part comedy, part romance, and part drama. It blends all these elements into a memorable and enjoyable cinematic experience. Starring the talented Richard Gutierrez, the charming Jillian Ward, and the radiant Rhian Ramos, the movie is a journey through different facets of love, as told through several interconnected stories. Directed by three exceptional Filipino directors — Don Cuaresma, Joyce E. Bernal, and Topel Lee — the movie showcases Filipino cinema’s ability to weave captivating stories that resonate with a global audience.

The film’s main star is the handsome and charismatic Richard Gutierrez, who plays the character known as Valentine ("Val" for short), a bestselling author who specializes in love stories. Throughout the movie, his character is seen penning three distinct stories, each exploring different sections of the love genre. Richard excels in his role, brilliantly shifting gears between each story. He breathes life into each nuanced layer of his character, drawing the audience into his many versions of romantic tales.

The first story, "Soulmates," draws us into a world of paranormal love. Gutierrez plays the role of a widower who on his way to moving past his sorrow, encounters his wife in ghost form. Their interaction takes them on an introspective journey exploring undying love beyond life and death. Actress Solenn Heussaff plays his late wife and brings tenderness and a supernatural touch to this heartfelt story.

The second story, "BBF (Boy, Boy, Friend)" adds a funny twist to the conventional romantic story. It showcases Gutierrez in a distinct role, an architect who finds himself in a complicated relationship with his best friend played by Rhian Ramos. Audiences get a delightful rom-com experience as this story navigates through friendship, jealousy, and love, with plenty of laughs and comic situations along the way.

In the third story, "Love on Air," Gutierrez plays a famous DJ who intrudes into the life of a stubborn and strict single mother, played by the beautiful Ehra Madrigal. He offers parenting advice on his radio show, which irks her, leading to a battle of wills with the romantic undertones. Gutierrez and Madrigal's chemistry and their on-screen battle opens windows to the challenges and rewards of parenthood and the ensuing romantic entanglement.

Each of the three stories unfurls with rich character development, engaging storytelling, and unforgettable moments that are bound to delight audiences. The film presents how love can exist in many forms, each unique yet equally captivating. Along with Gutierrez, Rhian Ramos, and Jillian Ward, the rest of the cast lends commendable performances, adding to the movie’s overall charm.

Jillian Ward’s role as Gutierrez's ever-adorable and loving daughter brings warmth and emotional depth to the film. Present throughout the stories, her character not just connects them but also adds a different perspective to the love themes. Her innocent and unwavering love for her father becomes instrumental in shaping the main plots of the movie.

The beautiful locales of the Philippines provide a stunning backdrop to these heartfelt stories, enhancing the visual appeal. The vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes add a degree of authenticity to these romantic tales. All judiciously contributing to the visually captivating experience, almost like love poetry on screen.

My Valentine Girls spans across multiple genres, all navigating the complexity, beauty, and sometimes the hilarity of love. It creates an amalgamation of feelings that leaves the viewer emotionally invested and thoroughly entertained. These brilliant and creative stories showcase the excellence of contemporary Filipino cinema. The film's clever execution transforms it into a movie experience that viewers are likely to remember for its heartening exploration of love, viewed through the lens of an extraordinary writer and his endearing daughter.

Overall, My Valentine Girls is not just a romantic film; it is an exploration of love — the happiness it brings, the heartache it sometimes induces, and the joy it leaves behind. It's a film that makes the audience reflect on their feelings and experiences with love in reality, making it worth the watch.