With the trailer of ‘Only We Know’ officially launched and its theatrical release set for June 11, veteran actress and media executive Charo Santos-Concio has stepped back into the spotlight—not just as a performer but as a passionate advocate for the film industry.
In a heartfelt conversation with Boy Abunda on ‘Fast Talk’, Charo—joined by co-star Dingdong Dantes—shared her excitement over their much-awaited romance film and her growing concerns about the state of local cinema.
“This is the first full-on romance I’ve done in my five-decade career,” Charo said with a smile. “Nakaka-bagets, ha-ha-ha! It brings you back to your youth… that time when you meet a dashing young man and you just feel everything again.”
She plays Betty opposite Dingdong’s Ryan in a story that explores an age-gap romance—a theme she calls “a very special kind of relationship.” Charo and Dingdong, not your typical love team, took seven years to finally bring the film to life.
“We’re two professionals who got together to breathe life into this beautiful narrative,” Charo shared. “And I’m proud to say we were able to create a love team in Betty and Ryan.”
But beyond the film, Charo spoke candidly about the challenges the entertainment industry is facing—something she knows intimately not just as an actress, but as a former ABS-CBN president and CEO.
“The industry is very challenged with the shift to digital platforms. The malls are cutting back on the number of theaters. Admission prices have gone up. We are one of the most heavily taxed industries,” she said.
Her message to the government was clear: “I hope they see the entertainment industry as a real industry. We’re not just here to entertain—we’re here to make a living, to make a statement, and to represent the talent of great Filipino artists.”
Charo expressed concern for today’s filmmakers and producers, many of whom are growing discouraged.
“Napakahirap gumawa ng pelikula ngayon. Producers are sometimes disenchanted with how things are. But we have to keep going. Collaboration is key,” she said.
She emphasized that storytelling is not just art—it’s human connection.
“Kailangang manatiling buhay ang kwento. Because telling stories is part of the human experience. Mawala na ang lahat, you’ll always want to hear stories.”
Dingdong Dantes, also president of AKTOR, added his perspective: “We’re not alone in this. Even other countries are struggling. But thanks to digital platforms, we are becoming global storytellers. Our stories are now seen beyond our borders.”
‘Only We Know’ is a timely reminder that Philippine cinema continues to thrive—despite odds—through passion, persistence, and powerful performances. And with Charo and Dingdong at the helm of this film, it’s a call to audiences, the industry, and the government: Filipino stories are worth telling, and worth fighting for.
