The November 10 episode of Kapamilya Chat set the stage for viewers around the world to experience the incredibly poignant journey of the Facundo family (Da Facs) in “Meet, Greet & Bye.”
The film, which premieres in theaters nationwide today, November 12, is yet another endearing masterpiece from box-office director Cathy Garcia-Sampana.
Multi-awarded actor and the Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, who portrays the oldest of the Facundo siblings, offers his endearing reflections on his time spent with the main cast.
With unwavering warmth and enthusiasm filling the room, Piolo expressed that the film is truly a perfect gift for every family. “When it comes to family movies, wala kang ibang iisipin kung hindi [ang] Star Cinema,” he added, praising the studio’s timeless collection of generational, family-centered films.
Viewers responded with continued positivity and growing anticipation to the film’s cast reveal, teasers, advanced special screening, and ultimately, its official premiere.
For Piolo, the overwhelming support was a “sigh of relief,” as it meant they were able to truly connect with audiences—especially in how the story resonates with real life. “Nakatulong o nakapag-iwan ka ng isang thought para sa tao para mag-isip about life,” Piolo shared.
When it came to his first meeting with his co-actors, he considered it a blessing, especially because it allowed him to celebrate their successes and recognize their destined roles in the film. “That’s the beauty of cinema. You never know who you’re going to be working with until the moment you start filming,” he explained.
In describing his experience on the first actual day of filming with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, New Gen Ultimate Leading Man Joshua Garcia, singer-songwriter Juan Karlos Labajo, and New Gen Phenomenal Star Belle Mariano—although the weather was hot—his excitement to bring his character Tupe to life and build an unshakable chemistry with his co-stars prevailed.
“Working with Direk Cathy, you have to be on your toes, which is good because it gives you that certain sense of excitement and, at the same time, fear of the unknown as to where you’re gonna take the story or a character,” he conveyed.
Getting personal, Piolo shared that what he admired most about his character, Tupe, was his sense of independence. He highlighted how Tupe is always ready to face life’s challenges and rise above them.
On the contrary, he disliked how Tupe was filled with angst, carrying many past hurts that he hadn’t fully dealt with. “Sana, he’d be more accepting, more open to forgiveness, and also willing to ask for forgiveness from those he’s hurt,” Piolo shared.
When asked how he prepared to portray his character, he admitted that it was easy to step into Tupe’s persona at first since they shared several similarities—particularly in how he also moved to the U.S. and was forced to become independent at an early age. He added that Tupe’s journey reflects a common reality today, especially for many people who serve as their family’s breadwinners.
Sharing more about his process of immersing himself in a role, he explained that he has different trigger points but mainly focuses on sincerity in his approach. This sincerity shines through in his efforts to understand his character—studying the script, rehearsing diligently, and connecting deeply with his co-actors and their characters.
“Inaaral talaga siya… You can’t intellectualize it as much, but you have to understand the conflict or the journey of the character as it goes along,” he continued.
In describing “Meet, Greet & Bye” in one word, he didn’t hesitate to call it “family,” as the film encapsulates the experiences within that universal unit of society.
Wrapping up his reflections on the film, Piolo shared encouraging takeaways from building its narrative: “Savor the moment, seize the day, live life to the fullest. You’ll never know where you’ll go.”
Get ready to meet Da Facundo family (Da Facs) in “Meet, Greet & Bye,” a cinematic celebration of love, laughter, and the unbreakable ties that bind families, showing in theaters worldwide beginning Wednesday (November 12).
Aside from the Philippines, “Meet, Greet & Bye” will be showing in Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain starting Nov. 13 and the US, Canada, and Guam on Nov. 14.
It is also showing in various cities in Europe this November, including UK, Ireland, and Austria on Nov. 15; Italy and France on Nov. 16; Greece on Nov. 22; and Spain on Nov. 23.
The film will likewise have screenings in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Brunei, and Papua New Guinea this month. It will also be showing in Cambodia on December 12.