When we talk about family goals, Team Pangilinan easily comes to mind, with how they exemplify the power of collaboration inside the home and even as content creators.

The Pangilinan family’s latest ‘collab’ project is the first-ever e-sports movie in the Philippines, “GG,” where Maricel Laxa and Donny Pangilinan play as mother and son, with Donny’s sister Hannah Pangilinan as the movie’s creative producer, and their patriarch Anthony Pangilinan as among the producers.

Know more about “GG (Good Game)” in this episode of Kapamilya Chat with Maricel and Hannah!

As one of the movie’s creatives, Hannah is proud of this groundbreaking move for the Philippine film industry to introduce the first-ever e-sports movie, “GG.” She said the film hopes to provide proper depiction of the lives of gamers and foster understanding in a society that often misunderstands their passion.

Hannah sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding gamers, expressing the need for a proper representation in mainstream cinema. According to her, the film aims to dismantle stereotypes and offer a realistic view of the gaming community, urging society to see them beyond judgment.

Maricel, an integral part of the film and a proud mother, emphasizes the timeliness of "GG" in the face of technology, "Hindi na natin made-deny 'yung reality natin ngyon na we are faced with technological advancement. Kaht saan makakakita tayo ng gadgets. Kahit saan makikita natin ang mga kabataan na interesado talaga to go with gaming. May mga tao din na they went further talaga to become professionals about this."

"Kailangan mangyari is magkaroon ng understanding between generations para magkaroon ng mas harmonious relationship sa bahay," imparted Maricel, who hopes “GG” enlightens moviegoers to understand the dilemmas young gamers face when their passion overlaps with studies and family dynamic.

The movie’s genesis came from screenwriter Zach Aquino, who provided an initial overview of the concept that intrigued Hannah. From there, she and director Prime Cruz transformed the idea into a full-blown script that delves into the e-sports landscape. Aware of the big gaming community in the country, as she also has gamer friends, Hannah was determined to give them proper representation. She wanted to create an authentic depiction of gamers’ experiences, hoping that they’d feel seen in this movie. They worked with professionals from the gaming world to add realistic elements, even creating a new game specifically for the film.

Maricel, not just a talented actress but also a devoted mother, is proud of the familial bond that fuelled the making of "GG” and their collective effort during the filmmaking process. "I remember those times na ako ‘yung driver nila kahit ako ‘yung main cast nila. Walang pinipiling gagawin kasi alam mo na this is a project na everybody wants to do as a family. Tulong-tulong kaming lahat."

Indeed, challenges are overcome when faced together. Plus, the experience of working with the family made her feel at home on set. "Walang nagmamadaling umuwi kasi kasama mo na 'yung mga taong uuwian mo."

For Hannah, collaborating with her family is a norm since she’s often the creative consultant for their individual social media content. But “GG” stands out as their most significant creative venture. As for Maricel, she hopes the film becomes an opportunity to create a dialogue between families, especially those with members immersed in mobile gaming.

Donny, taking on the lead role as Seth aka Eskape, is praised by Hannah for his versatility, calling him a chameleon actor. His portrayal of a quiet and isolated gamer in "GG" is a stark contrast to his friendly and outgoing character as Bingo in “Can’t Buy Me Love,” proving his ability to transform for each project.

“I'm just in awe being able to meet Donny at all his different levels. I'm super impressed with the relationship he has with the people he works with. He doesn't act like a diva," smiled Hannah. Maricel seconded, "From the beginning, kahit no'ng bata pa si Donny, he's always looking after people. He's always wanting to know how he can make things better as an environment for everyone."

As "GG" gears up for release, it not only promises to entertain but also to bridge generational gaps, spark important conversations, and provide a genuine representation of the gaming world.

Experience the first ever Philippine e-sports film, coming to cinemas this January 24!

*Photo credit: anthonypangilinan IG and hannahpangilinan IG