A SCENE from the film Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw — YOUTUBE/SOLARPICTURESPH

MMFF Movie Review
Huling Ulan Sa Tag-Araw
Directed by Louie Ignacio

AN unlikely pairing, a getaway to the province, secrets and revelations, and a turn of events make up the formula of this romantic comedy.

In Huling Ulan Sa Tag-Araw, Ken Chan plays a modest, shy seminarian named Luis who takes a leave to visit his parents in the province after seeking advice from his spiritual counselor (Soliman Cruz) on his frustrations about his true mission. Things take a turn when he inadvertently interrupts entertainer/sex worker Luisa (played by Rita Daniela) in the middle of “business.” Thinking that Luisa is being attacked, he opens a car door in an attempt to rescue her — and her client drives away with Luisa’s bag (which has all her money). Luis offers to make up for it by paying her in exchange for her joining him on a one-week trip to Pagsanjan. (Ms. Daniela’s portrayal of the cheerful and chatty character is fun to watch.)

Inasmuch as the film shows that love does not discriminate, the characters keep secrets from each other — Luis never mentions that he is a seminarian on leave (Luisa only finds out at dinner with the parents, played by Richard Yap and Lotlot de Leon), while Luisa is mum about coping with a severe illness.

A romantic comedy with an unlikely pairing is not at all a new concept. Written by Irish Precious Mangubat and Acy Ramos, the film has elements similar to 1990’s Pretty Woman —  the unlikely pairing between an entertainer/sex worker and guy with a very well-off background, and their relationship buildup from being together for a week. The drama escalates in the second half of the film and reminded me of A Walk to Remember (2002).

The first half establishes the film as a romantic comedy. However, the mood becomes melodramatic from the climax until the ending. The storytelling in the second half drags. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

MTRCB Rating: PG

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