As the world slowly opens up again, Kapamilya stars Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez will bring back old fuzzy feelings via “Ngayon Kaya,” the first local movie to be shown in physical theaters since the pandemic.
In an episode of Kapamilya Chat, PauNine shared how proud they are of the film, which they started working on pre-pandemic, and how excited they are for viewers to see the output. By the instant feels evoked by the trailer, we can say “Ngayon Kaya” is loaded with all the elements that make a movie relatable.

Janine mentioned in particular the soundtrack and concert scenes that will spark old memories. Those who grew up with the music of Mayonnaise, Ang Bandang Shirley, Typecast, and more will feel like walking into adolescence again. It’ll feel like college again, as Janine experienced while shooting the film.

Music adds color to Janine and Paulo’s story as AM and Harold. In the trailer, we see them as music-loving college best friends, who meet again years after graduation, hounded by “what-ifs.”

In real life though, PauNine looks at what ifs as waste of energy and time because, truth is, we can only control the present. “Parang ayoko nang isipin ‘yung mga what ifs, eh kasi parang magugulo lang ‘yung pag-iisip mo ngayon at ‘yung buhay mo. Parang mas gusto kong mag-concentrate sa kung anong meron ngayon at kung anong pwede kong paghandaan in the future,” said Paulo.

Janine seconded, “Sa tingin ko, medyo trap ‘yang mga what ifs na ‘yan. At saka para siyang baggage na dapat i-let go mo na lang.”

She added that instead of sulking over what could have been and the deer-in-the-headlights moments, just learn from them. After all, it’s never too late to make things right, “Kung meron ka mang pagsisisi, subukan mo na lang i-correct or i-ayos ‘yung path mo para magawa mo pa rin ‘yung mga gusto mong gawin.”

It appears that PauNine put on the same mindset as they patiently went through the long process of filming “Ngayon Kaya,” which started before their teleserye “Marry Me Marry You.” The movie was postponed due to the pandemic but is now finally completed for showing. And the lead stars are just thrilled about it. No what-ifs and no regrets over the delays.

After all, it has been a fun experience creating this romantic masterpiece. Janine and Paulo revealed they discovered each other’s ‘kulit’ side on the set. They didn’t even have to undergo workshops prior to shooting.

“Nung nakita nila kung paano ako tingnan ni Janine, sabi nila ‘Huwag na. Okay na,’” Paulo quipped, sending his leading lady into laughter.

As in his previous films, Paulo also co-produces “Ngayon Kaya.” Asked if he encounters challenges taking on dual jobs on set, Paulo said there is none and it just feels nice to have a say on the output.

Catch “Ngayon Kaya” in cinemas starting June 22.