From left: Catriona Gray, Max Eigenmann, Luis Alandy, director Irene Emma Villamor, Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales, and Ian Pangilinan.
By Robert Requintina
Published Jan 31, 2026 11:57 pm
During a public media conference held at Robinsons Ermita, the three stars reflected on the experience of giving and receiving love.
Jericho said, "(I'm a) lover. But on certain days, I am also the loved one. But recently, I taught myself to receive love. This time, I am learning to be the loved one."
Anne answered, "I guess a little bit of both, because while it takes a lot to love a crazy Aquarius like myself, if you end up loving someone who loved me, and if you really love me, the loved one, and when that happens, I give so much love. Hence, I became the lover."
Catriona remarked, "Maybe, I'm the lover. I'm a very loving person."
Celebrating love on and off screen
Produced by Cornerstone Studios and Viva Films, "The Loved One" explores the beauty and challenges of loving and being loved, both on and off screen. It also marks Catriona's first try at acting.
"It was great. Maybe, I was nervous going into it because I respect them both (Anne and Jericho). It was such an enjoyable experience. I was observing how everything goes," the former Miss Universe said, adding that she was amazed at how Jericho and Anne prepared for scenes.
On Catriona's acting, director Irene Emma Villamor (Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story, Meet Me in St. Gallen) said, "She's very instinctive. At first, she was hesitant about acting. She said, 'Direk, I only know how to be excited and happy.' That's how she usually is as a host, right? She's serious about going into acting."
Responding to the director's statement, Catriona said, "I really admire Direk Irene. I love her energy. It was an incredible experience for me. Everyone was so kind and accommodating. I am proud that this is my first acting stint. It's a beautiful story, that's why I said yes to the project."
Director Irene encouraged moviegoers to immerse themselves in the film’s story of love and connection while watching it in the cinema.
"There are moments of thrill and pain. When you're happy, maybe you'll only shed a few tears. But it's different if you're not happy right now.
"If you're on your cellphone while watching this movie, you'll miss out on the experience. You need to have full attention. That's the kind of experience you'll only get in the cinema," she said.
"The Loved One" follows the quiet, high-stakes reunion of former lovers Ellie (Anne Curtis) and Eric (Jericho Rosales), who meet 10 years after their final goodbye.
As Eric waits, he retraces fragmented memories of their relationship, searching for the exact moment they began to fall apart.
The film experience is a celebration of love itself, serving as a poignant guide for anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of a relationship. It poses the haunting questions that linger after every great love: In every relationship, have we ever asked ourselves whether we are the lover or the loved one?
Heightening the romantic experience, the film features the Billboard Philippines Hot100 song "Multo" by Cup of Joe as its sonic heartbeat. The track perfectly mirrors a narrative in which memories refuse to stay buried.
