Many were stunned when actor-musician Kean Cipriano boldly declared that he supports the passage of the divorce bill in the Philippines—an unexpected answer coming from someone who is happily married and just renewed his vows with wife Chynna Ortaleza for their 10th anniversary.
During the media conference of ‘Bar Boys: After School,’ the cast was asked what law they would push for if given the chance. Kean answered without hesitation: “Isa sa mga batas na gusto kong maaprubahan ay ang divorce bill.”
The response caught attendees off guard, given his healthy marriage, but Kean explained his reasoning with sincerity.
Kean clarified that his stance is rooted in compassion for those trapped in unhealthy marriages.
“Masuwerte kami na happily married. Pero paano naman ‘yung nasa toxic na relationship or merong abuse sa marriage or anuman na hindi maganda nangyayari sa marriage? Alam naman natin na it’s a lot of work.”
He noted that couples evolve over time—“Kung ano kayo no’ng ikinasal kayo, definitely, kapag nagsama kayo as years go by, nag-iiba.”
When asked if he and Chynna ever worry that the divorce law could be abused, Kean answered candidly: “Eh lahat naman dito sa Pilipinas, inaabuso,” he said with a laugh.
Despite the light punchline, his point remained firm: protections must exist for those suffering inside marriages that can no longer be repaired.
Kean shared that he has indeed found a life partner in Chynna. He recalled being initially judged as someone whose relationship “wouldn’t last,” but the couple not only stayed strong—they also built a thriving company together, O.C. Records, further proving their lasting partnership.
Transitioning to the film, Kean said fans of the 2017 cult hit ‘Bar Boys’ are in for a strong follow-up.
“It’s the perfect sequel sa pelikula. Meatier siya in terms of storyline and characterization namin… 10 years ang lumipas bago magawa ang film na ’to.”
He admitted being surprised by the direction of his character in the sequel. In the original, his character failed the bar exam and became an actor.
“At first, napaisip ako kung kasama pa ba ako sa sequel,” he shared. But director Kip Oebanda assured him: “Kasama ka rito, siyempre.”
One of the points of intrigue for fans: Did Kean’s character finally pass the bar? Did he become a lawyer?
‘Bar Boys: After School’, an official entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, reunites: Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Odette Khan with director Kip Oebanda.
The film picks up years after the barkada’s law school journey, highlighting the painful yet powerful lessons that come long after graduation.
As Oebanda emphasized during the launch, the sequel isn’t driven by nostalgia or commercial strategy—
“Life remains the most unrelenting teacher of all.”
‘Bar Boys: After School’ opens this December, bringing with it the humor, heartbreak, and hard truths that made the original a generational favorite. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
