The May-December romance Only We Know, written and directed by Irene Villamor, is a testament to the power of emotional authenticity.
Slated for release on June 11, 2025, after seven years in the making, the film showcases the talents of Charo Santos-Concio and Dingdong Dantes as Betty and Ryan. As seasoned actors, both faced unique challenges in their roles, but their reflections reveal how vulnerability and collaboration shaped their performances and the film’s heartfelt narrative.
During the press conference for the film last Monday, May 26, Santos-Concio, portraying Betty, described the challenge of accessing deep emotions: “It’s about getting into the deepest recesses of our emotions, letting go of fear, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. That’s when your best comes out.”
This openness was crucial for navigating Betty’s complex journey, requiring Santos-Concio to tap into her life experiences. “When you mature, you transcend fears and become your more authentic self. You feel emotions more deeply, and as an actor, you dig into that core to bring it to your character,” she explained.
Dantes, as Ryan, shared a similar sentiment, noting that his character’s arc demanded a parallel emotional excavation. “Same, kasi ‘yun din ‘yung journey ng character ko,” he said.
While Ryan’s experiences weren’t entirely his own, Dantes credited Villamor’s collaborative approach for guiding him. “Malaking factor para sa amin […] yung binigay ni Direk Irene na collaborative space, dahil, halimbawa ‘yung character ni Ryan, hindi man nangyayari sa akin absolutely or entirely lahat ‘yun sa buhay ko, eh maraming references na ibinihay si Direk na ipinagpapasalamat ko, dahil kung hindi mangangapa ako at mag-iimbento”he shared. Villamor’s direction allowed Dantes to authentically embody Ryan, blending personal insight with her curated references.
Santos-Concio reinforced this, praising Villamor’s mastery: “As the writer and director, she was in full control of her narrative.”This synergy between Villamor’s vision and the actors’ creativity fostered an environment where vulnerability thrived. For Santos-Concio and Dantes, the biggest takeaway from Only We Know was the importance of embracing emotional truth. By shedding fear and digging into their core, they overcame the challenges of their roles, delivering performances that resonate deeply.
Their work, elevated by Villamor’s collaborative space, captures the essence of love’s complexities, making Only We Know a poignant cinematic experience that lingers with audiences.
