The iconic partnership of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, fondly known as Vi and Boyet, stands as an example of professionalism, longevity, and storytelling mastery.
The duo seamlessly transitions into co-actors and also actress-director for the much-anticipated drama film, “When I Met You in Tokyo,” set to premiere at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023.
During an intimate media gathering, Vi and Boyet share the secrets behind their lasting partnership, emphasizing professionalism, mutual respect, and an unwavering dedication to their craft.
“Everytime we do a movie we, we do our roles. Ako, experience ko kay Yetbo [her nickname for Boyet] pag sinabi ang role ko asawa ko siya, talagang asawa ko siya.
Paninindigan ko ‘yun role. Ganun din when we did ‘Relasyon,’ mistress ako kaya talagang in anything, magseselos ako. Dumating kami sa point siguro na, when we were shooting a movie with director Ishmael Bernal, iniiwan sa amin ‘yung buong eksena. Improv. Let’s say ‘Relasyon,’ sasabihin ni Ishma [Bernal], ‘Vi, buntis ka, ayaw mo umalis si Yetbo, Yetbo kailangan mo pumunta sa office, pipilitin mo umalis kahit ayaw nya.’
“Correct me if I am wrong, pero if we don’t have that kind of chemistry hindi namin mabubuo ‘yung eksena. But I don’t know where the magic is coming – up to this day. Alam mo nadala namin ‘yan dito sa ’When I Met You in Tokyo.’ The approach that we have is more mature na hindi namin alam, marami din kami eksena dito walang rehearsal.”
For the consummate professionals, there is love on screen and love off, but only as partners.
“That’s just the role we’re playing,” said Ate Vi, “Don’t you think that’s just part of professionalism? You work on your character and make sure na nandun ka sa character.
You don’t play with the character. You play it seriously.
“Boyet is such a serious actor, too,” she said, giving credit to her perennial partner, “That’s why everytime he acts, ewan ko nasasagot ko sya and vice versa. Tinginan lang namin.”
Boyet agrees wholeheartedly. He also does not discount the many professional lessons he learned from the experts – directors who not only continue to be revered for their craft but also their unique approach and singular dedication to the craft, including Celso Ad Castillo, Elwood Perez, Ishmael Bernal, Marilou Abaya, Chito Roño, Laurice Guillen, Danny Zialcita, among others.
“Natuto kami sa kanila, how to be partners, how to be in love, fall in love, look at her eyes, look at her face…”
In “When I Met You in Tokyo,” the two show how it is to love, forgive and believe in second chances again as well as the sometimes painful truths about toiling away from your family and being met with betrayal and disappointments from family members, played by Cassy Legaspi, Darren Espanto, Gabby Eigenmann, Lotlot de Leon and Gina Alajar.
With its interesting material, star power and talent, the project would not still be a go if not for the support and bravery of JG Production’s Rowena Jamaji and Rajan Gidwani. The film’s producers feel truly honored that screen luminaries Vi and Boyet agreed to star in JG Production’s maiden project.
Jamaji emphasized, “We are very confident that in the end, with God’s grace and blessing, hopefully we can bag an award or two and that our very first film venture will be a blockbuster, too.”
“When I Met You in Tokyo” is directed by Rado Peru, Rommel Penza with Boyet de Leon as associate director. It will open in theaters nationwide starting December 25 as part of the 44th Metro Manila Film Festival.
