Inspired by true stories, Bente Productions’ new movie I Remember You follows the journey of Gani (JC Santos), a bank employee assigned to Boracay to save a failing branch of their microfinance-oriented bank.
Having left Boracay years ago to nurse a broken heart, Gani is now forced to return because of his job. As he deals with the familiar sting of old wounds, Gani meets Isay (Sarah Panguiton), a self-made single mother, who eventually works her way into Gani’s heart. As their relationship blossoms, his ex, Debby (Valeen Montenegro) unexpectedly shows up on the island.
Bente Productions is proud to present its very first film and director Boboy Yonzon’s debut feature, I Remember You. Primarily known as a visual artist and author, Yonzon ventures into the world of cinema for the very first time to tell a story about second chances amidst the backdrop of an ever-changing world. With the film, he yearns to help viewers feel seen in their struggles not just in love, but the most basic of needs, which is why he partnered with Bente Productions, a member of CARD MRI, a world class leader in microfinance that champions the everyday Filipino.
In the film, Gani helps struggling small business owners in Boracay to keep afloat, something that is at the heart of Yonzon’s and Bente’s advocacy.
“First of all, Bente Productions, Inc. was formed specifically to tell the stories of the disadvantaged sectors. We believe that, through entertainment, we could inform. The first offering of the company hews closely to real events. In a plenary brainstorming, what stood out was what really happened in Boracay – with the bank and the people it serves. The challenge was how to make it into a feature film,” Yonzon says.
The clear answer was centering the film on love: love for and from your family, your community, and maybe that special someone–all the people that inspire you to keep going through all the struggles.
To do this, Yonzon needed actors who can effectively tell the story. So he went with Santos and Montenegro. “We wanted for the leading role, somebody whose celebrity does not steal away the authenticity of the character; parang low key but amiable and down-to-earth. We looked for somebody who is amidst a great party, but feeling sad. As for the leading lady, we wanted somebody who instantly looked aristocratic, lovely. The kind of person who some people usually avoid because she looks snobbish, but is kalog pala,” Yonzon shares.
Santos boasts an impressive filmography, starring in critically-acclaimed films such as Family Matters (2022), On Vodka, Beer, and Regrets (2020), Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019), Babae at Baril (2019), and 100 Tula Para Kay Stella (2017). In the new movie I Remember You, he leads the film with his trademark earnestness and sincerity.
“I am always drawn to heroic characters. Characters who you can trust to save the day for those who are in need. I enjoy creating circumstances kung bakit sila ganun passionate sa ginagawa nila,” Santos reflects on his role.
Montenegro, on the other hand, is a well-loved comedic actress known for her roles in Love. Die. Repeat (2024), To Have And To Hold (2021), Beautiful Justice (2019), and My Korean Jagiya (2017) and her stint in the comedy show Bubble Gang. While known for her comedy, she flexes her dramatic acting chops in I Remember You.
“What drew me to Debby is how real she is. She’s strong but soft, confident but still searching. She’s not trying to prove anything—she just wants the truth, and she’s ready to face it no matter how painful. I think that kind of emotional maturity and vulnerability makes her really special,” she says.
In a world that forces us to adapt and change to the harshest of conditions at a moment’s notice, Director Boboy Yonzon invites viewers to help each other through these struggles, and if necessary, give each other second chances.
“It is important to deal with struggles in a world that appear to be more complicated each year. We need to understand them and, if it is within your power, help ease the struggles. Foolish at it may seem, we hold hands with the viewers In recognizing these.”
“It’s a film that deserves to be felt. You’ll witness the beauty of Boracay, the stillness, and the emotional journey of the characters. It’s not just about love—it’s about healing, timing, second chances, and even the real-life struggles we don’t always talk about, like financial decisions and sacrifices.”
Santos hopes that the film can inspire people to help each other and their community when times get rough. “Aside from it being a story of love and second chances and the journey of a man’s passion to help the community.”
I Remember You will be showing in cinemas nationwide this July 9, 2025.
Watch the trailer here:
