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It looks like the love team of Star Magic artists Anthony Jennings and Maris Racal has more than just survived the controversy that rocked their love team last December. In a remarkable display of resilience, their latest collaboration, the Netflix Original film "Sosyal Climbers," has shot up the Top 10 list since its release on Feb. 27. A significant milestone in their careers, the achievement reflects their dedication to their craft and the impact of their artistic vision.
Following their successful partnership in past projects like "Can't Buy Me Love," "And The Breadwinner Is..." and the ongoing action series "Incognito," Jennings and Racal — also known as the "MaThon" loveteam — are now the headliners of a mature rom-com in the Netflix Original, "Sosyal Climbers."
The streaming platform's first collaboration with ABS-CBN, the movie follows the story of Ray (Jennings) and Jessa (Racal), a financially struggling couple who are mistaken for new residents of an upscale neighborhood. Seizing the opportunity to turn their lives around, they embark on a daring scheme to blend in with the elite, only to face challenges that test their charm, wit, and, ultimately, their love for each other.
Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, the film offers a fresh and bold take on the romantic-comedy genre but with an insightful reflection on modern relationships.
At a roundtable interview, Jennings and Racal were all business as they talked about portraying a couple already in a well-established relationship — a major shift from their previous projects where they would always be in the courting stage.
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"We hired an acting coach before making the movie. Even though it's a comedy, we wanted to approach it in a fresh way because we were excited about the project. We agreed that giving it our best effort was essential, which is why we decided to work with an acting coach," Racal explained.
Jennings added, "When you come from roles centered on courtship and romantic excitement, and now you're playing a couple in a mature, established relationship, it becomes more complicated. The characters need to be more comfortable with each other and know each other better."
The pair agree that working on "Sosyal Climbers" has taken their partnership to a new level.
"When we wrapped up shooting, we had this feeling of, 'Wow, we actually have a movie together.' It's different now because we're a serious love team and partnership. We're really happy that we got to do this film," Racal expressed.
Asked to identify what exactly changed in their sweet and "kilig" onscreen trademark, Jennings replied, "Even the tone of our voices sounds different now — they're more mature compared to our previous characters. The acting has evolved. The dynamics are different, but it's still fun."
Both actors acknowledged that the biggest challenge in doing the Netflix original is balancing the comedy they're used to with many dramatic scenes.
"Most of it was easy for us, but we had moments in the heavier scenes where we had to figure out how to make the drama feel organic. We delivered a different kind of acting that conveys how our characters have been together for a long time and then fall out of love. How they're just staying together because of financial problems," Racal weighed in.
"Sometimes, I would even come up with ad-libs, and Maris would build on that with her own approach. It's fulfilling to overcome the challenges and see everything come together beautifully."
The themes explored in "Sosyal Climbers" are deeply rooted in real-life struggles, making it more than just a lighthearted comedy. It tackles the financial difficulties many young couples face today in the Philippines.
"We really tried to embody a couple dealing with real financial problems because I feel like many young couples today go through that with so many issues happening in our country, like low salary rates," Racal noted.
"My character, Ray, wants to give Jessa everything she dreams of — to the point that he forgets about his own dreams. I think that's something a lot of people can relate to."
The film also touches on themes of social status and the pressure to fit in, which Jennings and Racal admitted they both experienced in showbiz.
"Especially when I was younger, I wasn't well-exposed to social gatherings. I didn't know how to present myself or handle certain situations," Racal admitted. "There were times when I'd go home and think, 'That wasn't really me when I was at that event—I was just pretending to be someone else.'"
Sharing a similar experience, Jennings recalled, "There were many times when I struggled to fit in. I didn't know what people were talking about. But eventually, you get the hang of it. You just have to listen and be open."
Looking back, Racal said it was through those experiences she came to value authenticity. "I eventually learned just to be myself, and that's when people will start to appreciate you and love you for who you are."
"Sosyal Climbers" is now streaming on Netflix.
