The Facundos have arrived — and so has the love. “Meet, Greet & Bye” rolled out its red carpet at SM Megamall on November 11, where cheers echoed as fans, friends, and industry icons flocked to witness the family come to life onscreen, for the movie’s premiere night.
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the film follows Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos as the Facundo siblings, coming together to convince their mother, Mama Baby (Maricel Soriano), to continue her cancer treatment after her illness returns.
Mirroring the family bond they portray onscreen, the cast walked the red carpet hand in hand. Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos, and the Diamond Star herself lit up the event with their natural chemistry — warmly greeting fans, answering interview questions from the press, and sharing laughs along the way.
The Facundos also made a stylish impact, embracing a black, white, and yellow color palette for the night. Belle dazzled in a flowing yellow evening gown, while Maricel exuded elegance in a regal all-black ensemble. The Facundo leading men were sharp: Piolo and Juan Karlos in beige suits, with Piolo adding a pop of yellow with his tie, and Joshua looking clean-cut in crisp white tailoring.
The love didn’t stop there. Their on-screen allies Jeffrey Tam, Kaori Oinuma, KD Estrada, and Robbie Jaworski, took time to thank fans for the support. Meanwhile, Mama Baby’s besties in the film, played by Madeleine Nicolas and Marnie Lapus, brought radiant energy to the red carpet.
Support for the film extended beyond the cast, with industry friends showing up in full force. Among those spotted were Vice Ganda, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Donny Pangilinan, Maris Racal, Kyle Echarri, Robi Domingo, Jameson Blake, River Joseph, and Moi Bien — proof of admiration for both the movie and its powerhouse ensemble.
Before the screening, the cast gathered onstage in the cinema to express their gratitude, some overcome with emotion.
Belle Mariano shared her heartfelt hopes for the film, saying, “We just can’t wait for you guys to see this. And I hope, after this film, we just continue spreading love and kindness.”
Juan Karlos, endearingly overwhelmed, began saying, “We had a whole day to really try to process everything happening, and I feel like standing here now in front of you all…,” before becoming speechless — leaving his co-stars laughing behind him.
Piolo and Joshua both gave thanks to Star Cinema and ABS-CBN, and Piolo delivered director Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s appreciation as well, on her behalf.
Maricel Soriano later took the mic after Piolo, Belle, and Juan Karlos adorably raced to hand it to her. “Itong mga batang ‘to, tignan n’yo o, ganyan ho sila kakukulit,” she quipped with a laugh, before sincerely thanking the audience for coming.
After the film, the mood shifted, with the audience holding on to tissues as the room collectively wiped away tears. When the lights came up, the cinema erupted in applause. A visibly moved Vice Ganda immediately shared a hug with Joshua Garcia and a conversation with Maricel Soriano. Cast members exchanged embraces and cheers, balancing emotional moments with light-hearted ones, like Juan Karlos playfully teasing Jeffrey Tam for crying.
Laughter. Tears. Family. If the night proved anything, it’s that the Facundos’ story stays with you long after the credits roll. Now, it’s your turn to meet the family that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your loved ones a little closer!
“Meet, Greet & Bye” is NOW SHOWING in cinemas nationwide. For tickets, screening schedules, and locations, visit the official “Meet, Greet & Bye” website.
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