Coco, Angelica capture OFW feels in Dubai in ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s March offering, “LOVE OR MONEY”

And so, March has begun. To millions around the world, it is the month that sits at the cusp of winter and spring when, as the cliche goes, birds sing, flowers bloom, bees buzz and people fall madly in love.

So, it’s a very good time for leading Filipino film outfit ABS-CBN Star Cinema to make a special delivery of a much-awaited Filipino romantic comedy pairing right to your home or personal gadget via the streaming app iWantTFC.

Starring award-winning TV and film superstars Coco Martin (“Ang Probinsiyano”, “Walang Hanggan”, “You’re My Boss”) and Angelica Panganiban (“Walang Hanggang Paalam”, “Banana Sundae”, “That Thing Called Tadhana”) in their first film together, the rollicking movie delight, “LOVE OR MONEY, becomes available for global viewing on iWantTFC starting March 12, but viewers can avail of the early bird rate now till March 11!* (See details below).

Seal the package with premium label as it is directed by blockbuster hit filmmaker Mae Cruz Alviar (“Crazy Beautiful You”, “Bride For Rent”, “She’s the One”, “Maging Sino Ka Man”).

To date, the film trailer has earned over 5 million views across Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in just two weeks.

The story of “LOVE OR MONEY” revolves around ex-lovers, Leon (Coco Martin) and Angel (Angelica), who cross paths in Dubai three years later after they spent one magical night together that ended with a proposal.  But the following day, Angel left Leon without any word.

When they meet again in Dubai where Leon works as a waiter, he finds out that Angel is determined to do anything to realize her dreams and ambitions. As Angel helps Leon figure out his way into the city, Leon sweeps her off her feet again. But will love be enough the second time around?

The Magic of Dubai

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Coco said he has been to Dubai three times. “I always look forward to coming to this city,” he said. “It’s beautiful. There is always something new.  Something is always being built. The architecture continuously evolves.”

The film was shot before the COVID pandemic. Coco shared his observations about Filipinos in Dubai, a destination city in United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife.

“There are so many Filipinos living in Dubai, and they are competitive, professional, proud of their work and happy with their jobs,” Coco said. “Maayos sila doon. (Their situation is good over there). I learned a lot from them. But you also feel a sense of sadness as they don’t have their families with them.”

Coco added that he completely understood where his character Leon is coming from. “Before, I was one of the many Filipinos who dreamt of working abroad. Our mentality is working abroad is the solution to hardships in our country. The character of Leon was me in my younger years. My character is a waiter and I worked as a waiter before in restaurants and hotels.  I also worked as a janitor.  But in doing the role, I had to study the location as overseas Filipinos in Canada, America, Italy and here in UAE are different because they live in different environments and cultures.”

This was echoed by his co-star, Angelica, who said that playing the role of Angel was a challenge. “It’s a responsibility,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN. “When you’re playing a role that represents your kababayan abroad, you have to be accurate. You have to make sure that they can truly relate to what they’re seeing. That when they watch it, they’ll say, ‘oo, ganyan talaga kami (that’s really how we are)’”.

Angelica said that she enjoyed finally working with Coco where she got to know him better as a person.  Coco, on the other hand, said that when you mention “Angelica Panganiban”, you know it’s going to be a good project.  And that Star Cinema didn’t make a mistake with “LOVE OR MONEY“.

“Sulit na sulit ito (this is worth your money),” said Coco. When asked if he will choose love or money, “Before money, but today love,” Coco said with a big laugh.

Joining Coco and Angelica in “LOVE OR MONEY” are Gelli De Belen, Ketchup Eusebio, Cai Cortez, Matet De Leon, Dante Rivero, Teresa Loyzaga, Norm McLeod, Pinky Amador, Cheska Inigo and Rose Artist Studio’s Jeremiah Lisbo.

You can catch “LOVE OR MONEY” on iWantTFC for a special early bird rate of USD3.99/AED14.99/EUR4.49/GBP3.99 until March 11. Register on iWantTFC for free, no need for subscription or commitment.  *For instructions on how to buy tickets to “LOVE OR MONEY”, visit https://emea.kapamilya.com/community/announcements/love-or-money-how-to-buy-tickets