Fresh from their festive holiday gatherings filled with precious family moments – and delectable party spread, of course – seasoned actresses Janice de Belen, Gelli de Belen, and Candy Pangilinan are hitting the big screen once again. Their latest venture is a relatable barkada film titled “Roadtrip,” which they talked about in this episode of Kapamilya Chat.

The film unfolds around a group of friends reuniting after so many years, embarking on a road trip to Baguio City to reconnect. Yet, beyond the picturesque journey, the story delves into the deeper stories of each character which affects the dynamic within the group.

In the movie, Candy is a vlogger and the one who loves making plans, “paladesisyon” as she puts it, assuming that her friends will also enjoy her preferences. Gelli is the outspoken force in the squad, hence, the clashes with Candy’s character. Janice embodies the nurturing figure, pleasing her friends to foster a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, Carmina Villarroel is also part of the movie as the rich girl of the group, thus she’s painted as “maarte” without trying.

Asked what it was like mounting a movie together, they mentioned that their real-life friendship brought a sense of comfort and familiarity on set. There was no need to navigate uncharted waters, as they already share a profound bond.

Being with friends makes work feel like play, which is why even challenging scenes become more bearable. They reminisced about their climb to Mt. Pulag, which they consider the most unforgettable moment in their filmmaking process both on-screen and in real life. It’s where the characters’ emotions reached a pinnacle. Personally, it was also a rich experience for them.

Their ascend to Mt. Pulag, the third-highest peak in the Philippines, was equal parts challenging and fun, making it truly one for the books.

As seen in the trailer, the Mt. Pulag excursion would become a pivotal point of clashes among the characters. In reality, like any other group of friends, conflicts also arise in Candy, Gelli, Janice, and Carmina’s friendship. But after knowing each other through the years, they’ve learned how to navigate even the trickiest disagreements. “’Yung mga pang-aasar namin sa totoong buhay, okay lang, kasi kami ‘yun. Pero kapag ibang tao ang nang-asar sa amin nang ganun, baka may away,” laughed Gelli.

While the film portrays their childish spats, in real life, they handle things with mature communication. They discuss problems, acknowledge mistakes, and navigate conflicts with grace. “Bago pa umabot sa gano’ng level, kino-call out na, eh... At saka bago ka pa mapuna, aamin ka na,” shared Candy, to which Janice seconded, “Pwede mo naman sabihin, ‘Wala ako sa mood today. Huwag n’yo muna ako masyado pansinin.’”

Gelli further explained, “May maturity na rin ‘yan, at saka‘yung kilalang-kilala mo at tanggap mo ‘yung kaibigan mo. Kasi, alam mo na ngang ganyan siya tapos papatulan mo pa, baka ikaw na siguro ‘yung may mali.”

After conquering the heights of Mt. Pulag on-screen, next on their bucket list is to explore the enchanting landscapes of South Korea as a group (these ladies are certified K-Drama fanatics), whether as a cinematic backdrop or a real-life travel destination.

Join Candy, Janice, Gelli, and Carmina in a compelling journey of friendship in the movie “Roadtrip,” showinv in cinemas on January 17.