Second chances and fresh beginnings at the movies in April

Mike Sandejas' drama 'Sinagtala' stars Rayver Cruz, Rhian Ramos, Glaiza de Castro, Arci Muñoz and Matt Lozano. PHOTO FROM SINAGTALA PRODUCTIONS

Finding solace in music

Music takes center stage in writer-director Mike Sandejas' latest film, "Sinagtala," confidently described by the filmmaker as having "one of the best musical soundtracks in Philippine cinema history."

Sandejas, acclaimed for the part-docu, part-fiction musical drama "Tulad ng Dati" about iconic rock band The Dawn, again sees music as this movie's biggest come-on, brought to life by an all-star cast of highly popular performers. Especially so as he discovered that each cast member shares a deep, personal connection to music, making the project especially meaningful for them.

"Sinagtala" follows the journey of five bandmates who use music to navigate their personal challenges, ultimately offering a relatable narrative about life and resilience.

Lead actress Glaiza de Castro, portraying the band's leader, was very emotional at the film's media launch as she revealed, "Besides prayers, music truly saved me during my loneliest moments."

Coming from a musically-driven family, she explained how deeply personal music is for her, calling it "God's gift" to her and her loved ones.

She revealed that being part of "Sinagtala" felt almost like divine intervention, given her insecurities about her singing voice.

"When I first saw the project, I didn't think I could do it. I'm not the type who belts out powerful notes. I've always had insecurities about my voice and what I'm capable of. But God allowed me to be part of it, and I feel like I've finally reached a point where I've embraced my own voice," she added gratefully.

Moving on to the rest of the cast, Arci Muñoz, also known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Philia, brings authenticity to her role with her profound musical passion.

Matt Lozano, recognized for his musical contributions in "Voltes V: Legacy," further strengthens the film's musical credibility.

Rhian Ramos, who revealed that her lifelong bond with music was influenced by her singer mother, Clara, adds depth to her character, while Rayver Cruz ably showcases his versatile musical talent, following in the footsteps of his musical family, including Donna, Geneva, and Sunshine.

Produced by Sinagtala Productions, "Sinagtala" premieres nationwide on April 2, promising audiences an unforgettable journey about friendship, resilience and the healing power of music.

Real- and reel-life couple Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina return to the big screen with an out-of-the-box storyline in RC delos Reyes' 'Un-Ex You.' PHOTOS FROM INSTAGRAM/VIVAARTISTSAGENCY, VIVA_FILMS

Rekindling lost love

Real-life couple Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles, fondly known as KimJe, are back with their trademark charm and humor in the romantic comedy "Un-Ex You."

This lovable duo has always been adored for their genuine chemistry and playful dynamic, both on and off-screen, which they effortlessly channel anew into their seventh — yes, seventh — film together directed by RC delos Reyes.

The story humorously yet touchingly brings together Zuri (Kim), a fiercely independent woman diagnosed with premature menopause, and Andy (Jerald), her ex-boyfriend living with permanent memory loss in the remote sitio of Halúpi. With her biological clock ticking, Zuri sees Andy as her final chance at starting a family — even though he has no recollection of their past together. But with Andy blissfully unaware yet haunted by dreams of Zuri, this wild premise sets the stage for hilarious and heartwarming scenarios as she tries to win him over again.

When asked how they keep their pairing fresh despite starring together in one movie after another, Kim shared candidly at the "Un-Ex's" media launch, "We've been asked before how we study our characters. It's always a collaborative effort — with our director, the creative team, and the script itself. Our job is to give life to what's written, and that's precisely why [our acting] changes every time."

Jerald further elaborated on their approach, saying, "It's already natural for me and Kim and for so many of our contemporaries in theater that besides treating each project as serious work, we also look at it like a journey. We go on a new journey each time because we have to portray a different character and figure out how that character will get from point A to point B within the story.

"Like Kim," he continued, "her journey in this movie led her to discover that certain things happen to a woman's body she never knew before. And so as she goes along, she realizes what to do with her character. That's the journey we enjoy in acting, and we're lucky that we get to go on many different ones together."

With comedic veterans like Candy Pangilinan and fresh faces Vladia Disuanco and Kyosu Guinto supporting the ever-fresh and sure-fire tandem of Kim-Je, "Un-Ex You" promises audiences a delightful mix of laughter, passion and fun throughout. Produced by Viva Films, it opens nationwide on April 9.