Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino spark 'mature magic'

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Romance, comedy, a touch of magic, and a pairing that has everyone talking. A-listers Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, collectively known as KimPau, may not be the day's hottest teenage stars, but they are certainly bringing their undeniable chemistry — and all that kilig — from the small screen to the big one with Star Cinema's much-awaited return to the rom-com genre, "My Love Will Make You Disappear."

And if their grand media conference was any indication, moviegoers are in for a heartwarming — and hilarious — ride.

"I never expected to work with her," Paulo candidly admitted at the media event held at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater. "I mean, I wanted to, but our careers took different directions. And now, here we are."

A-listers Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu, collectively known as KimPau, bring their undeniable chemistry — and all that kilig — from the small screen to the big one. PHOTOS FROM ABS-CBN

Kim, ever the charmer, had her own bubbly and high-energy take.

"We've been in the industry for years — almost the same time, actually. But it took us this long to finally do a movie together," she feigned disbelief. "It's funny how life works."

A rumored couple off-cam now, Kim and Pau's previous team-ups in "Linlang" — a gripping thriller drama about betrayal and deception —, and "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" — a romantic comedy where they played an ambitious secretary and her charming yet self-absorbed boss — showcased their versatility. Now, they shift gears into an all-out rom-com that plays with the idea of love's unpredictable magic.

In the film, Kim portrays Sari, a government employee convinced she's cursed — every man she loves disappears without a trace. Paulo is Jolo, a brooding businessman trying to salvage his failing apartment complex. Their worlds collide as they try to save a tight-knit community, with Sari's so-called "curse" looming over their growing connection.

"It's a romcom, but mature," director Chad Vidanes explained. "People in their 20s and 30s will relate to the journey of navigating love, loss and second chances."

And while Kim, 34, is no stranger to romance films, she found "My Love Will Make You Disappear" particularly challenging.

"It's funny, it's heartfelt, but it also punches you with reality when it comes to love," she reflected, clearly drawing from experience.

Paulo, 36, echoed her sentiment, saying, "Even the trailer barely scratches the surface. There's so much more to laugh about, to feel kilig over, and to be surprised by."

Of course, every great romcom needs an origin story, and this one apparently began over drinks and a heart-to-heart. Screenwriter Prime Cruz, who was also part of the panel, shared that the concept was inspired by a friend's lament.

KimPau (center) with their ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear’ director (fourth from right), Chad Vidanes, and costars (from left) Martin Escudero, Karina Bautista, Wilma Doesnt, Lovely Abella, Benj Manalo and Migs Almendras.

"This friend complained to me, 'Why is it that every time I get serious about someone, they just disappear?' That struck a chord. So we took it literally, and from there, this story was born."

Cruz then credited fellow writers Isabelle Policarpio and Patrick Valencia who were by his side for working to ensure the film was as hilarious as it was heartfelt.

"We wanted it to feel fresh, fun, and full of those moments where you can't help but laugh through the pain," the lone lady in the writing trio elaborated.

Meanwhile, more than just a film for Kim and Paulo, "My Love Will Make You Disappear" marks a homecoming for both stars to Star Cinema. Paulo last starred in the 2016 romantic drama "The Unmarried Wife" alongside Angelica Panganiban and Dingdong Dantes, while for Kim, this film is a long-overdue return to the genre that made her a household name.

After venturing into the 2020 psychological horror-thriller "U-Turn," she gleefully said, "It feels amazing to do this again, like a breath of fresh air," adding that the experience is even more special because of the cast she gets to share it with. Wilma Doesnt, Lovely Abella, Benj Manalo, Migs Almendras, Martin Escudero, and Karina Bautista have been recruited to multiply the fun and laughs with Kim and Paulo.

Now, if this much-talked-about Kim-Pau movie has gotten all you readers excited, The Manila Times subscribers from all over the world will be happy to know that it's not just audiences in the Philippines that will get in on the kilig. It was proudly announced at the media con with the unveiling of 11 international posters that the film is also set to reach audiences in the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East, and beyond.

With its unique premise, powerhouse leads, and the promise of good vibes — not to mention the real-life love story of Kim and Paulo still unraveling behind the scenes — "My Love Will Make You Disappear" is definitely shaping up to be a must-watch for rom-com lovers and anyone, young or old, who can't get enough of today's most adorable and captivating on-screen pairing.

As Paulo put it, "It's the kind of film that reminds us why we love love — messy, unpredictable, and all."

Catch it in cinemas starting March 26.