Award-winning actress Nadine Lustre admitted she had no plans of joining the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this year—until she learned she would once again be working with the Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda.
In her conversation on ‘Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast’ with directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, Nadine revealed that she initially wanted to skip MMFF 2025.
“Initially, ayoko sanang mag-MMFF this year pero noong nag-pitch kasi sila sa akin na kasama si Ate Vice [Ganda]. Doon pa lang, hindi pa nga sila nagpi-pitch sila Direk Jun Lana, sinabi lang nila na si Ate Vice ‘yung kasama ko. Hindi na ako nag-isip. Sabi ko na lang push na natin ’yan kasi gusto ko talagang maka-work si Ate Vice,” Nadine shared.
During the film’s grand media day, Nadine reiterated the same story — she agreed to the project even without knowing her role.
“Hindi pa sinasabi sa akin kung ano ang role ko… sabi sa akin, ‘Nak, gusto nila magpitch ng role sa iyo kasama mo si Ate Vice.’ Sabi ko, ‘Game po!’” she said.
When told later that she would be playing a mother, Nadine hesitated briefly but ultimately followed her instinct:
“Mas nanaig sa akin na gusto ko makatrabaho si Ate Vice… Hindi ako papayag na hindi ko makakasama (ulit) si Ate Vice.”
Asked whether she plays a kontrabida, Nadine remained tight-lipped. “Abangaaaan!” she teased.
Nadine shared that ‘Call Me Mother’ tackles layered experiences of motherhood.
“Maganda ‘yung kwento niya kasi ang discussion talaga doon is about young mom tsaka ’yung moms na hindi naman in-expect na magiging nanay sila,” she said.
To prepare, she drew inspiration from friends who became mothers early and from her own mom, who was only 21 when she had her.
“Ang dami kong tinanong na friends ko na… naging nanay sa maagang edad… Ako kasi 32 na ako and I feel like I’m not done growing up… ’Yung mom ko rin ipinanganak niya ako noong 21 siya so ngayon iniimagine ko kung ano pinagdaanan niya… Sobrang saludo talaga sa moms.”
Vice Ganda — returning to MMFF with a mix of comedy and drama — said Nadine’s presence pushed him to elevate his performance.
“Positive kasi kapag gumagawa ng dramatic scenes, hindi siya ang strength ko… so kapag nagkaroon ako ng katuwang sa eksena na katulad ni Nadine na mahusay, malaking tulong ’yon sa akin,” he admitted.
He praised Nadine’s ability to emotionally move her scene partners: “’Yung magagaling na artista, wala pa silang ginagawa, titingnan ka pa lang o hahawakan ka pa lang mayroon ka na nararamdaman…”
The comedian also confessed feeling intimidated acting beside an actress with multiple accolades.
“Nakakapressure kasi alam mo na magaling siya… ang dami niyang Best Actress awards… kaya kailangan ko iprove sa kaniya na kaya kong sumabay. Pero kapag magkaeksena na kami, naglalaho na ’yung agam-agam ko kasi iba ’yung suporta niya sa akin.”
Directed by Jun Lana, ‘Call Me Mother’ features a powerhouse ensemble that includes: Lucas Andalio, Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo, Klarisse de Guzman, Shuvee Etrata, River Joseph, Esnyr Ranollo, MC Muah, Iyah Mina, John Lapus, Carmi Martin, and Chanda Romero.
Vice promised the film will deliver both laughter and heart.
“We made sure na tatawa and makukurot ang puso niyo… This is a comedy with a big heart.”
‘Call Me Mother’ opens in cinemas nationwide on December 25 as an official entry to MMFF 2025.
