EXCLUSIVE: ‘Only We Know’ director Irene Villamor on writing and collaborating with Charo, Dingdong
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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Only We Know’ director Irene Villamor on writing and collaborating with Charo, Dingdong
Star Cinema Team
Published Jun 11, 2025 02:18 PM PHT
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Updated Jun 11, 2025 02:25 PM PHT
“Only We Know” starring Charo Santos and Dingdong Dantes presents to viewers a unique story of connectedness and companionship which we rarely see. Aside from the powerfully nuanced performances of its lead actors, the film stands on a strong foundation of exceptional storytelling and directing, as it is helmed by Irene Emma Villamor.
“Only We Know” starring Charo Santos and Dingdong Dantes presents to viewers a unique story of connectedness and companionship which we rarely see. Aside from the powerfully nuanced performances of its lead actors, the film stands on a strong foundation of exceptional storytelling and directing, as it is helmed by Irene Emma Villamor.
In this exclusive Star Cinema interview with Direk Irene, she gave us a peek into the conceptualization of the film’s story, all the way to her collaborations with the stars Charo and Dingdong. Her insights and revelations surely make us all the more excited to watch “Only We Know” exclusively in cinemas, starting June 11.
In this exclusive Star Cinema interview with Direk Irene, she gave us a peek into the conceptualization of the film’s story, all the way to her collaborations with the stars Charo and Dingdong. Her insights and revelations surely make us all the more excited to watch “Only We Know” exclusively in cinemas, starting June 11.
Star Cinema: What inspired you to write the film’s story, which from previous interviews you revealed to have been simmering in your mind even before the pandemic?
Direk Irene: It took a lot of rewriting to come up with this specific story. There were many drafts or versions but when I came upon Samuel Beckett’s play “Waiting for Godot”, it just felt apt for the material and that’s where the whole feel of the movie is inspired by. The characters Betty and Ryan are in limbo. Betty has just retired and Ryan has just lost his wife. They’re both waiting for something to happen in their life while also waiting for grief or loneliness to pass.
Direk Irene: It took a lot of rewriting to come up with this specific story. There were many drafts or versions but when I came upon Samuel Beckett’s play “Waiting for Godot”, it just felt apt for the material and that’s where the whole feel of the movie is inspired by. The characters Betty and Ryan are in limbo. Betty has just retired and Ryan has just lost his wife. They’re both waiting for something to happen in their life while also waiting for grief or loneliness to pass.
Star Cinema: Based on the trailer, Betty appears to be a strong, successful, and independent woman, one who may already be living a full life with or without romance. Have you ever been in the midst of real-life Bettys? If yes, what have you learned from them as a woman? And why is Charo Santos the ideal actress for Betty?
Direk Irene: The writing took years. The pandemic happened so we had to make adjustments to the story. And all through that time, there were many conversations between Ma’am Charo and I. I took a lot from those conversations. How Ma’am Charo lived her own life, her many battles, how all those gave her strength, all those things shaped Betty as a character. Ma’am Charo said she gained a lot of perspective from Betty but it was really life being a source for art and vice versa. The movie tackles death and life and love, which is all that a woman would also experience. So, we go through so many deaths. And each time, we get to live again.
Direk Irene: The writing took years. The pandemic happened so we had to make adjustments to the story. And all through that time, there were many conversations between Ma’am Charo and I. I took a lot from those conversations. How Ma’am Charo lived her own life, her many battles, how all those gave her strength, all those things shaped Betty as a character. Ma’am Charo said she gained a lot of perspective from Betty but it was really life being a source for art and vice versa. The movie tackles death and life and love, which is all that a woman would also experience. So, we go through so many deaths. And each time, we get to live again.
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Star Cinema: Based on the teasers and trailer, we can only guess that the character Ryan goes through some tight and tricky situations defending his bond with Betty. He appears to be a man who will stand up for what he believes and cares for. What led you to depict him this way? And why is Dingdong Dantes the right actor to play Ryan?
Direk Irene: Dong has depth in him that really fits Ryan. He can show pain and guilt and all those complex emotions on screen. So, Dong was an easy choice for me as a director. I really like collaborating with him every time. As for depicting Ryan in such a way, he’s already in his 40s and that’s how I view men should be, I guess. Depicting them as mature and open-minded and sensitive is a way to see them in another light. He sits with his sadness, and it’s also breaking that stereotype where men shed no emotions.
Direk Irene: Dong has depth in him that really fits Ryan. He can show pain and guilt and all those complex emotions on screen. So, Dong was an easy choice for me as a director. I really like collaborating with him every time. As for depicting Ryan in such a way, he’s already in his 40s and that’s how I view men should be, I guess. Depicting them as mature and open-minded and sensitive is a way to see them in another light. He sits with his sadness, and it’s also breaking that stereotype where men shed no emotions.
Star Cinema: Without giving the story away, what do you think viewers can look forward to as they witness the relationship between Betty and Ryan unfold?
Direk Irene: Ma’am Charo says it is a soulful experience. So, I think viewers would have something to reflect on, aside from [having] a really good time. I wish viewers can resonate with the characters, and may the film stay with their hearts and minds long before they leave the cinema.
Direk Irene: Ma’am Charo says it is a soulful experience. So, I think viewers would have something to reflect on, aside from [having] a really good time. I wish viewers can resonate with the characters, and may the film stay with their hearts and minds long before they leave the cinema.
Watch “Only We Know” exclusively in cinemas starting June 11! For more updates and exclusives about the movie, stay tuned to Star Cinema’s Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, as well as our official YouTube channel.
Watch “Only We Know” exclusively in cinemas starting June 11! For more updates and exclusives about the movie, stay tuned to Star Cinema’s Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, as well as our official YouTube channel.
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