Ysabel Mariz Austria

‘Meet, Greet & Bye’ stars, creators talk about the film’s heart and inspiration

Article (news)

Xian Oquendo

<p>Tears, laughter, and love filled the air at the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/10/8/family-tension-rises-in-official-meet-greet-bye-trailer-1846" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Meet, Greet &amp; Bye</a>” Grand Family Affair on October 8, as the cast and creators came together not just to launch the film’s official trailer, but to open their hearts about the story’s inspiration and deeper meaning.  </p><p>During the event, screenwriters Jumbo Albano and Patrick Valencia talked about the inspiration behind “Meet, Greet &amp; Bye” — a film born from the fear of loss, the beauty of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films">family</a>, and the kind of love that endures. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NQ9Ju_J69oM?si=pfQSquwvJzNCQX-A" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the film stars Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos as the Facundo siblings, who come together to convince their mother, Mama Baby (played by the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano), to continue her treatment after her cancer returns. </p><p>Writer Jumbo Albano shared that the film was born out of the universal fear of losing a loved one — a truth that was deeply personal for the creative team. He recalled, “Habang sinusulat namin s’ya, bine-brainstorm, madalas kaming umiiyak ni Patrick, ni Direk.” </p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760089064050The Grand Family Affair_ DA FACUNDOS HOMECOMING _ Meet, Greet &amp; Bye 37-51 screenshot.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>He also revealed that the movie became more than just a story, as it turned into a love letter: “This is our love letter to our parents, and the same way kung paano s’ya naging love letter din ni Direk para sa kanyang mga anak.” </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760089085308The Grand Family Affair_ DA FACUNDOS HOMECOMING _ Meet, Greet &amp; Bye 37-37 screenshot.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Patrick echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the story’s themes will resonate with everyone. “Gusto naming ikwento ‘to kasi kwento nating lahat ‘to,” he said, highlighting the film’s universality and emotional honesty. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760089108368The Grand Family Affair_ DA FACUNDOS HOMECOMING _ Meet, Greet &amp; Bye 38-23 screenshot.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>When asked about the message they wanted to impart, the writers gave heartfelt answers that captured the soul of the film. </p><p>“Love like there is no tomorrow, because tomorrow is never promised,” Patrick shared. </p><p>Jumbo followed with a reminder about the strength of family: “Ang pagmamahal sa isang pamilya ay walang katapusan.”  </p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760089131227The Grand Family Affair_ DA FACUNDOS HOMECOMING _ Meet, Greet &amp; Bye 37-40 screenshot.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The Diamond Star Maricel Soriano also offered her thoughts on what she hopes audiences, especially the younger generation, will take away from the film. She said, as she held back tears, “Importante ang magulang… At sana, lagi n’yong sinasabi sa mga magulang ninyo kung gaano n’yo sila kamahal.” </p><p>Her emotional plea — “’Wag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay niyo” — moved the audience, perfectly capturing the spirit of “Meet, Greet &amp; Bye” — a story about love, gratitude, and the ties that hold families together. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760089152928The Grand Family Affair_ DA FACUNDOS HOMECOMING _ Meet, Greet &amp; Bye 1-5-8 screenshot.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>It’s clear that even before its release, “Meet, Greet &amp; Bye” is already touching hearts with its sincerity. Don’t miss this unforgettable family story when it opens in cinemas nationwide on November 12. </p><p>Visit the <a href="https://meetgreetandbye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Meet, Greet &amp; Bye” official website </a>to reserve tickets and check cinema schedules and locations. </p><p>While waiting, watch the official trailer and prepare your hearts for a film that feels like home:</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mtou4LuxFrg?si=ADTpwZ_FnrNwgsPY" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Stay tuned for more exclusive videos on the film by checking out Star Cinema’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ABSstarcinema" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">official YouTube channel</a>!   </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS: </strong></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAT2bQxDyVM?si=6fVocq2shT4EMNNE" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gWajcNp6jTM?si=z5ZcMwSEUhddif1y" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED STORIES: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/10/9/-meet-greet-bye-grand-family-affair-held-at-the-dolphy-theater-1829" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Facundos bring laughter+tears in ‘Meet, Greet &amp; Bye’ Grand Family Affair</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/10/8/family-tension-rises-in-official-meet-greet-bye-trailer-1846" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Family tension rises in official ‘Meet, Greet &amp; Bye’ trailer</a></div>

<p><b>‘Meet, Greet &amp; Bye’ stars, creators talk about the film’s heart and inspiration</b></p>