“Only We Know” stars Charo Santos and Dingdong Dantes are all set to bring tender, soul-stirring storytelling to cinemas this June 11, as they team up for the first time in a deeply reflective romantic-drama under the direction of and penned by Irene Emma Villamor.

The trio — Charo, Dingdong, and Direk Irene — graced the media launch of “Only We Know” with a unique twist: a speed date-style  press event that had them rotate through six tables of media representatives, each given 10 minutes to throw in as many questions as they could.

The three welcomed the refreshing setup, expressing both amusement and thrill in tackling questions about love, vulnerability, and connection.

“Bitin ang oras, marami pang pwedeng pagkwentuhan, pero we also don’t want to give too much information about the film,” Dingdong beamingly admitted.

In “Only We Know”, Charo portrays Betty, a retired English teacher facing the stillness of post-career life. Dingdong plays Ryan, a grief-stricken engineer, reeling from the loss of his wife. As their paths cross, what begins as an unexpected friendship gradually unveils deeper emotional layers, blurring the lines between comfort and connection.

For Charo, portraying Betty was an exercise in embracing openness.

“When you go with the flow, you’ll find happiness,” she answered when asked what’s the biggest lesson she learned from the film. Dingdong added, “Sometimes, there is value in being still.”

When asked about the emotional depths of their performances, both actors credited the atmosphere of trust created on set. Charo also praised Irene’s methods in directing, calling her “in full control of her narrative.”

Irene, known for writing and directing nuanced portrayals of modern love, admitted that “Only We Know” marks a shift in her own perspective.

“Yung friend ko na mahilig manood ng mga pelikula ko, lagi s’yang galit sa lahat ng lalaki sa mga pelikula ko. This is the first time na sinabi niyang hindi s’ya galit sa male character,” she joked, referring to Ryan. “Yung iba kong dating pelikula, may ‘ego’ pa ako. Ito, parang tinanggal lahat ‘yon.”

The trio also revealed that the film is seven years in the making, going through changes shaped by time and experience. Interestingly, the film was initially imagined to be set in Cuba during its pre-pandemic stage. 

“Yung core ng kwento, hindi siya masyadong nagbago, but the form and maybe the aesthetics, maraming nagbago,” Dingdong added.

The topic of “situationships” was also brought up during the interview, about which Charo candidly gave her take: “I’m okay with it.”

Dingdong, on the other hand, said the film helped him understand the nuances of unlabeled relationships: “Mas naintindihan ko sila after doing the film. As actors, we get to experience different people. Ryan is a completely different person, so may bagong perspective.”

Meanwhile, details of the film’s wide international release were also announced. “Only We Know” will have screenings in Australia and New Zealand on June 12; in the U.S., Canada, and Guam on June 13; and the U.A.E., Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei on June 19. Screenings in Hong Kong and Macau are also on the way this June.

“Only We Know” is produced by Cornerstone Studios, AgostoDos Pictures, Star Cinema, and 7K Entertainment. Among the cast members are Shamaine Buencamino, Joel Saracho, Al Tantay, Max Collins, Soliman Cruz, Isabel Oli, Johnny Revilla, Rafa Siguion Reyna, Yesh Burce, and Gil Cuerva.

Feel the quiet magic of Betty and Ryan’s unexpected connection in “Only We Know”, premiering in Philippine cinemas on June 11 and in select international locations starting June 12!

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