At the grand media conference for the upcoming movie Under Parallel Skies, actors Win Metawin and Janella Salvador shared stories and reflections they had working on the film. Accompanied on stage by director Sigrid Bernardo and Executive Producer Richard Juan, they shared their insights, and answered questions regarding the movie.

Under Parallel Skies is Win’s second movie, so when asked what made him decide to take on this film, he answered, “I always dreamed that if I had a chance [one day] I would collaborate with international people, [or] an international film, now, today, my dream came true already, so why not? So I thought that I could do it, and now I had a chance to do it.”

When asked about their similarities and differences to their characters, Janella answered that Iris is very different from who she is in real life. “Challenging to portray, but I loved every bit of it because madami akong natutunan bilang OFW si Iris.”

As to their similarities, Janella answered that they are both “big dreamers.”

Win answered that he is also very different from his character Parin, noting that Parin is “almost spoiled,” but their similarities lie with “the way he understands happiness and how you can create your own happiness.”

Janella plays Iris, a Filipino OFW working in Hong Kong, and Win plays Parin, a Thai bachelor looking for his mom in Hong Kong. The film navigates through a story of love and healing in the foreign city of Hong Kong amidst differences in culture and personalities.

The movie was shot in the streets of Peng Chau, Hong Kong, and Janella and Win agreed that it was a location that left a lasting impression on them. Janella mentioned that “[there were] no cars, and they live simply. It was nice to be able to observe their way of living.”

According to Janella, she was able to “immerse herself” into her character more because of the location. Win added that “it would be hard for me to get there for traveling, but I think it’s a good chance for me to go there.”

When asked how it was like shooting in Hong Kong, both actors mentioned that they’ve been there a lot of times, so it was normal for them. However, Janella added that “it was interesting this time around, since we shot in places people don’t usually tour in.”

Executive Producer Richard Juan added that it was “nice to showcase a different side of Hong Kong. People often forget that there is a different side to Hong Kong.”

On plans to distribute the movie in other countries, Richard stated that, “Plan is a tough word to say, but there are plans. And [we’re] working hard to make the plans a reality.” He also asked fans to keep tweeting and talking about the movie online to spark interest.

With a Filipino production house--28 Squared Studios, Thai actor Win, and Hong Kong shoot location, the movie essentially brings together all three cultures.

Award winning director Sigrid Bernardo also shared her insights when asked how she brought out another side of Janella and Win as actors. Director Sigrid answered that “[it’s] very important to me to have that chemistry for both actors. Both of them had the effort to get to know each other.”

Additionally, she shared that “in order for the audience to be kilig, she herself needs to feel it, so it could resonate on film.

When asked about their secret to their on-screen chemistry, Janella answered “Direk Sigrid,” and Win said, “the team. Everyone is close to everyone, [and] it’s easier to talk and chat to each other.”

Watch the trailer for Under Parallel Skies here:

—By Samantha Prats