GMA Public Affairs presents its first-ever film offering, “The Cheating Game,” a mature, relatable, and authentic take on modern-day dating.
Starring the immensely talented Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, this film delves deep into the minds of two individuals who respond to infidelity in contrasting ways.
The film follows the story of Hope (Julie), an idealistic young professional who thinks she can change the world and that she knows everything. Hope is devoted to her fiance and the non-governmental organization (NGO) they’ve built together. Until a sex video of her boyfriend with another woman surfaces.
Heartbroken, Hope walks away from the engagement, the NGO, and the life she thought was hers. She starts her new career as a content producer in a company that, unknown to her, moonlights as a troll factory. Determined to never be outsmarted by a guy again, she designs a “cheat sheet” detailing the “anatomy of a cheater” and uses this as her guide as she navigates her way around the dating world.
She then meets Miguel (Rayver), a self-made businessman who exudes green flags for a partner. Hope seems to have found the perfect guy. But as they become closer, long-kept secrets begin to surface.
Julie and Rayver, fondly called “JulieVer,” are happy that finally their first movie will be shown on the big screen.
“We started shooting it before the pandemic, we shot some scenes in the province then tinuloy lang namin this year. Ang surreal pa rin kasi napakabilis talaga ng panahon,” said Julie. “I’m very excited and grateful. May panibagong family, may new set of characters, new set of people to work with, a great production team. Everyone is so nice and accommodating. We had a healthy working environment.”
It was a blast working with Rayver in a movie.
“Kasi usually nakikita kami ng mga tao sa ‘The Clash,’ ‘All-Out Sunday,’ sa performances, hosting. This time as actors naman kami rito. Excited din ako to work with Martin, Winwyn, along with the rest of the cast. It’s a breath of fresh air. I’m very excited to show everyone what we did,” she added.
Rayver echoed Julie’s sentiments.
“Halo-halo ‘yung emosyon na nararamdaman ko pero mas lamang ‘yung excitement kasi makikita na ng tao yung pelikulang ginawa namin at talagang pinaganda namin ito nang husto. Very proud ako sa movie na ito especially first project namin ito ni Julie together na isang movie. Sa wakas, makikita na namin sa big screen,” he said.
The two say viewers should brace for a different “JulieVer” in “The Cheating Game.”
“If you watch this film, lahat ng kinds, elements ng cheating andito. Marami akong natutunan sa buong production, sa story. This is far different from what I did with Maria Clara at Ibarra. So ibang Julie naman ang makikita ninyo rito. Mas daring, bolder, stronger.
I feel like I had to take a leap of faith just like the rest of the cast,” shared Julie. “For me, cheating is non-negotiable. Once it’s done, it’s done. But my major takeaway from this film is to forgive yourself.”
Rayver said he welcomed playing Miguel. “I enjoyed making the movie kasi doing it is a learning experience for me para maging aware ka how to handle being cheated. Lahat naman tayo, nabubulag kapag nagmahal tayo.”
Set to spice up the plot is a mix of young and veteran cast that includes Martin Del Rosario as Brian Villogo; Winwyn Marquez as Vanessa; Yayo Aguila as Faith Celestial; Candy Pangilinan as Tita Gelly; Phi Palmos as Joi Celestial; Thea Tolentino as Natalie; and Paolo Contis as Mister Y.
The film also features Charm Aranton, Chef Jose Sarasola, Charlize Ruth Reyes, Rocelyn Ordoñez, Aaron Maniego, Andrea So, Ida Sabido, Evan Tan, Roi Oriondo, Bernadette Anne Morales, Felds Cabagting, and Iman Manoguid.
From their solo projects to hosting and doing live concerts together, Julie and Rayver are taking it to the next level as they showcase their acting chops in a film that sheds light on various red flags in relationships as well as the different stages of grief after betrayal.
The excitement for the pair’s first team-up on the silver screen has been building up since the announcement of their movie project. The film’s teaser has already amassed more than 2 million views just a few days after it was released, while its full trailer, which was launched last July 11, has been getting raves from the public for its edgy scenes and snappy lines.
“The Cheating Game” is co-written and directed by best-selling author Rod Marmol, who is known for his works “Cuddle Weather,” “Mata Tapang,” and “Quaranthings,” among others.
The film is based on the original concept and story by Peabody award-winning documentary writer and producer Shao Masula, and co-written by Jessie Villabrille, who is a head writer for some of the distinguished GMA primetime series.
It opens in cinemas on July 26.
