Filipino film director Jade Castro is officially back in the filmmaking scene with his latest project, All the Things I Leave You.

The project is especially meaningful, as it marks his first creative work following a challenging period in 2024, during which he and three others were detained. They were later released after the Regional Trial Court dismissed the destructive arson case filed against them, citing that the arrest conducted by the police was allegedly improper.

During the special advanced screening of All the Things I Leave You, PUSH ABS-CBN had the chance to exclusively catch up with Jade.

“Actually, nag-start ‘yung project bago pa ako makulong. So, it was offered to me, ‘yung project. Tapos, nag-stall lang kasi nakulong ako. Alam mo naman ‘yun. Tapos, akala ko mapapalitan na nila ako sa director. Sabi ko, you can change directors. Kasi I don't know kung makakalabas ako nang mabilis o hindi. Pero hinintay nila ako eh,” the director shared in an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN.

The director also admitted that he had doubts about him being the right person for the project.

“Ito ‘yung unang-una kong shinoot after kong lumabas. Lumabas ako, may script na sila. And then, ni-revise ko na lang bago kami mag-shoot,” he recalled. “Noong una, I didn't know if I was the right person for the job kasi it was about Ilocos and I'm not Ilocano. So parang ang una kong question, ba't ako ‘yung gusto niyong kuhanin?“

Jade also shared how he eventually realized he could contribute something meaningful to the project — and grew to love it even more in the process.

“I realized na there was something that was personal in it for me. Pwede ko ilagay ‘yung perspective ko as someone who is not from Ilocos and maging part of their community and to learn about the community. So, naging ganun ‘yung perspective nung show. Habang tumatagal, I loved and loved it more. I really love it now. It's really close to my heart,” he expressed.

All the Things I Leave You tells the story of two boys who took a gap year — Jorge, a privileged restaurant manager, and Kiko, a struggling orphan — played by Pinoy Big Brother alumnus Benedix Ramos and newcomer Justin Paul Basobas, respectively. As their lives intertwine, the film explores themes of family history and an unlikely bond that forms between them.

The release date and platform for the project have yet to be announced.

Aside from the Ilocano project, Jade has also been keeping busy with other creative endeavors: “Right after I got out, hindi naman ito lang ‘yung ginagawa ko. May iba pa akong ginagawa. Tinapos namin yung post-production ng film ni Petersen Vargas na Some Nights I Feel Like Walking. Then tinapos ko rin yung show ko sa HBO (na) Call My Manager.”