Movie director Darryl Yap and actress Kim Molina revealed how political differences nearly ended their friendship during the press conference for their upcoming movie ‘Seoulmeyt’ on May 9.
Yap candidly shared that the production of ‘Seoulmeyt’ was supposed to begin before his controversial film ‘Maid in Malacañang.’ However, communication issues with Molina, stemming from their political stances during the 2022 elections, created a rift.
“Medyo nagka-gap kami ni Kim… She was supporting the color of your table, I was supporting the color of the carpet,” the director explained.
During the elections, Yap supported now-President Bongbong Marcos, while Molina gave her vote of confidence to former Vice President Leni Robredo. While they grew apart because of their political beliefs, the director recalled having no anger towards Molina and her partner.
“Kasi it was very different for me but it’s very hard for them. Me, I don’t mind being bashed if people hate me. I really don’t give you know. Sila ganoon eh [affected] because they are really good people. So they get affected most of the time,” he said.
Yap added, “For me, I don’t remember myself feeling anything bad for them. Specifically because I know sila ang makaka-receive nang hindi magaganda.”
Kim Molina Becomes Emotional
Molina admitted that the period was challenging for them. Having been friends for so long, it was hard for both parties not to talk to each other like they used to.
“It was a very hard time for me and Je. So, gusto naming makapag-work nang maayos, and alam namin kung paano kaming magtrabaho lalo kaming tatlo—apat. Kasi lahat ng movies namin kasama namin si Ate Candy [Pangilinan].
“Eh talagang ‘pag nagtatrabaho kaming apat sa isang pelikula, gaguhan kami as in. At tsaka lumalabas sa mga eksena namin, which is a good thing kasi kailangan siya,” she said.
Their bosses played a crucial role in reconciling the two. Yap recounted Viva’s head, Boss Vic Del Rosario, urging him to talk to the couple.
“It was the birthday of Boss Vic yata. Doon kami nagkita-kita. Sabi sa akin ni Boss, ‘Pumunta ka na to break the ice.’”
Molina echoed, “Ayun, pinagbabati kami ng mga boss, ng mga artista.”
The actress clarified that they never disagreed about having different political affiliations. But it still forced her to lie low until the heat of the elections died down.
“Pero hindi naman kami nag-aaway. Although he knows na hindi ako pabor doon sa mga pinaggagawa niyang mga bagay-bagay. And I was very honest and open with Da about it and ang dami kong questions sa kanya.
“But again, I’m that kind of friend wherein tinanggap kita eh, kaibigan kita. I will be right by your side. Kaya kitang ipagtanggol. But this time around, I will not talk to you muna.”
Even when forced to speak, Molina and her boyfriend remained mum about the issue.
“Hindi kasi kami ganoon as a person. I mean we would explain kung bakit kami nandoon. But we would not alam mo ‘yun.”
Kim and Darryl Reunite in ‘Seoulmeyt’
Like real friends, Molina and Yap were able to reconcile during the look test for their latest film ‘Seoulmeyt.’
The actress said that the movie was very special to her because they were able to work together again and fix their misunderstandings.
“Kaya this film is very special to me. It’s really special to me—aakuin ko na sorry—it’s very special because nakasama ko ulit ang kaibigan ko, na kagaguhan ko.
“So nakasama ko siya ulit. Kasi palagi ko ngang sinasabi na ang daming hindi nakakaalam ng isang side ni Darryl na ako lang ang nakakakita. Kasi hindi niyo alam ‘yung Darryl na kasabay kong kahawak-kamay ko sa itaas tapos pababa kami,” Molina said with a cracked voice.
Yap also shared that he was lucky to have the actress and Napoles as his “true” friends.
“Maswerte pa rin ako. Because Philippine showbiz is really a monster. When you have friends like Kim and Jerald, you get to encounter blessings more. Ang dami ko kasing kaibigang artista rin, na producers, na directors na noong panahon ng eleksyon, talagang nawala ang mga kaibigan nila.
“That’s why ako masaya pa rin ako. Kasi andiyan pa rin ang mga totoong kaibigan. I only have few friends sa showbiz eh. Tapos lahat sila nasa kabila pa. Itong katabi ko, Pangilinan pa ang apelyido. So ako, sabi ko, if they will remain, we will remain as friends. It’s a huge, huge thing because a lot of artistas, they lost their friends.”
