When I Met U

When I Met U is a Filipino romantic-comedy movie released in 2009 under GMA Films, featuring Filipino heartthrob Richard Gutierrez, enchanting KC Concepcion, and the bubbly Iya Villania. The movie beautifully captures adolescent love taken to the next level matured by circumstances and deepened by time.

The film revolves around the intertwining lives of Albert (Richard Gutierrez), Jennifer (KC Concepcion), and Athena (Iya Villania). Directed by the renowned Filipino director, Joel Lamangan, When I Met U delves into the beauty, triumph and complexities of love and destiny. It seamlessly weaves together a beautiful narrative focusing on the themes of romance and love while confronting the uncertainties of life.

Richard Gutierrez plays Albert, better known as Berto. Berto is the humble and hardworking son of a wealthy couple who owns a lavish hotel resort. He spends the majority of his time managing the family business while his parents enjoy traveling around the globe. Berto is in a relationship with the ambitious and independent, Athena, portrayed by Iya Villania, who dreams of establishing a successful career abroad.

In contrast to Berto, we have Jennifer, or Jenny, potrayed by KC Concepcion. Jenny hails from a less affluent family and faces various challenges in life. Her world revolves around her family, especially her ailing grandmother, whom she's struggling to provide for due to their financial constraints. Despite these adversities, Jenny remains an optimistic soul, with dreams of a better future ingrained in her heart. She works as a mascot at a kids' station in a mall but dreams of finding her self-worth and pausing her mundane life to embark on a thrilling adventure.

The three lives become entangled when Berto and Jenny's destinies cross on an isolated island where they are both marooned following an unforeseen boat mishap. The island serves as both a physical and metaphorical space for the characters, offering them an opportunity to unfold their personalities and discover parts of themselves previously unknown. With no fussy world around to trouble them, both Berto and Jenny learn to form a connection with each other, strengthening their bond and developing feelings for each other.

Meanwhile, Athena follows her ambitions and leaves for abroad to fulfill her dreams causing a rift in her relationship with Berto. As Athena embarks on her journey, Berto and Jenny explore their emotions and grapple with their ever-evolving personal and romantic circumstances. The island escape thus serves as a phase of self-discovery, deep introspection, and emotional upheaval for the protagonists.

When I Met U is not just about romantic relationships. It also explores the intricacies of other relationships, such as the inter-generational bond between Jenny and her grandmother, as well as Berto's relationship with his parents. These elements consist of invaluable messages about family, love, sacrifice, and the importance of communication.

The movie is a beautiful display of splendid performances, especially from Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion, who perfectly paint the characters of Berto and Jenny, making the audience believe in their journey of love and self-discovery. Iya Villania, though plays a smaller but impactful role, adding the necessary depth and complexity to the storyline.

Backed up by an array of melodic and harmonic music, the film elicits a myriad of emotional responses, from exhilarating joy to profound sorrow. The cast's performance coupled with the lyrical music captivates the audience, evoking a sense of empathy, understanding, and connection with the characters. Some tracks, such as "When I Met You…" by Apo Hiking Society, are iconic, tugging at the heartstrings of the audience and enhancing the film's enchanting narrative.

In conclusion, When I Met U is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and destiny that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This cinematic masterpiece beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships, the innocence of first love, and the pain of personal growth. Despite being a decade old, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many and continues to be a classic in the genre of Filipino romantic-comedy film.