A devoted son who is bent on giving his devoted mother a good life is faced with a dilemma when the object of his affection decides to migrate.
To be able to follow his love , the son needs to find his mother a good man to look after her. But the brief separation of the mother-son leads to deeper realizations of what they truly want and need in life..
Maricar’s world revolves around her son Mateo who she raised single handedly. She has been overly protective and extraordinarily taking care of his needs – specially cooking for him. Mateo has been loving Czarina from a distance, when she finally reciprocated it was time for her to move to Singapore.
Mateo can not in his heart leave Mama Maricar, so he devised a plan to find her a good man who can look after her when he leaves. At first the plan of Mateo made Maricar furious, eventually she saw the pure intention of her son.
After a series of dating, Maricar assures Mateo that she will be fine. Mateo finally leaves for Singapore to pursue his career ambition and Czarina. The separation and distance made Maricar discover her happiness outside her son. On the other hand, being away from Maricar made Mateo realize that truly home is where his heart is.
2) The Winning Tandem of Nuel Naval and Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario returns in “Family of Two”
After snagging 25 awards from 8 award-giving bodies for their successful Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2022 entry, “Family Matters,” Ms. Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario and Direk Nuel Naval are back in another heartwarming film spotlighting a mother and son portrayed by Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards in “Family of Two” (A Mother and Son Story).
As writer and director, Ms. Mel and Direk Nuel first teamed up in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” Mel shares, “It was in 2009 that we had a chance to work together in MMK. Nuel was supposed to direct an episode the following day, but he wasn’t comfortable doing it kasi he was not happy with some parts of the script.
The episode writer could not do the revision as he was out of town. As creative manager, I was compelled to do the revisions overnight para lang pumayag siya to shoot next day.”
“Tumaas ang respeto ko sa kanya, kasi may ibang directors na makapag-taping lang would take liberties with the script. Si Nuel never mo mapupuwersa mag-shoot pag di confident sa script. Nuel would graciously offer na kahit di muna siya sumweldo basta hihintayin niyang maayos ang script. After this sobrang na-appreciate ko siya as a professional. Years later, I felt he was ripe for film. That’s when I recommended him for “A Secret Affair” (2012),” Ms. Mel shares.
After their first successful team-up, five more films followed: This Time (2016), Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019), More Than Blue (2021), Family Matters (2022) and Adik sa ‘Yo (2023).
Direk Nuel describes his bond with Ms. Mel, “We are good friends to begin with. We share the same family values and work ethic that’s why we get along so well. Basang-basa na namin ang isa’t isa. She need not describe a scene in detail for me to get what she wants to say. I guess alam na rin niya how I will interpret her written work. I think it’s also trust and respect we share with one another that makes our tandem click.”
Ms. Mel adds, “We nurture each other’s creativity. Madali kaming nagkakaintindihan sa personal na buhay at trabaho. Malimit kami magkuwentuhan tungkol sa pamilya namin, minsan magkakaiyakan pa tapos sasabihin namin – Gawin natin yan sa movie!” Both are known for their family-themed collaborations.
“Kahit sa mga teleseryes, core competence ko ang family stories. Siguro kasi lumaki ako sa masayang pamilya. Sobrang appreciated ko sa mga magulang ko, kapatid, extended family like uncles, aunts, and cousins. Tapos ang Kuya ko may parenting education advocacy.
Marami akong natututunan sa kanya. Naging napakamapagmahal ng pamilya ko, kaya siguro lumaki akong masayahin – bitbit ko yung pagpapahalaga sa pamilya sa mga kwentong sinusulat ko,” reveals Mendoza-Del Rosario.
While Direk Nuel stresses, “Doing family-related films is an advocacy for me. It is also a tribute of sorts to my parents–to be able to share the family values they have inculcated in me. I grew up in a close-knit, religious and very traditional Filipino family.
And this is reflected in my works as a director. For me, these family values will never go out of fashion, and must be shared with our audience. It’s basic at hindi dapat mawala sa consciousness ng mga Pinoy. Love begins at home.”
In “Family of Two” (A Mother and Son Story), Cuneta plays Maricar, a selfless mother who only wants the best for her son. Her life revolves around her son Matty played by Richards, a loving son any parent would want as a son in-law.
The film is by CINEKO Productions and is one of the ten official entries to the MMFF 2023. It will open in cinemas nationwide on December 25.
3) CINEKO PRODUCER, MAYOR ENRICO ROQUE – PROUD ABOUT FAMILY-ORIENTED FILMS THEY’VE PRODUCED
“Firstly, I’m happy with our 2022 MMFF entry ‘Family Matters’ — having earned 3rd biggest gross, we recouped our investment plus a little profit… Never mind the recognition it was denied of during the MMFF Awards Night… What mattered was we’ve made a beautiful movie that got recognized in several other award-giving bodies. God gave back to us the honors full, heaping and overflowing…
“I can say we’ve got a lucky team with Director Nuel Naval and scriptwriter Mel del Rosario… Every time she comes up with a good story and script, Tita Mel immediately submits it to Cineko…
“They’re both a joy to work with… We don’t only make movies with Direk and Tita Mel… we do films harmoniously like a family…
“The story of FAMILY OF TWO is dear to my heart. My mother was a single mother who brought up two siblings — me and my brother, board member Ricky Roque.
“I’d be unfair if I say that FAMILY OF TWO is better than FAMILY MATTERS, but that’s the truth: FAMILY OF TWO is a lovely movie — Very heartwarming, yet light to watch, you laugh heartily while shedding tears unknowingly.
“And of course, Sharon and Alden are both excellent in the film. I don’t know if you’ll share my views when you see the movie yourself. You’ll see a different Sharon Cuneta in it…
“And Alden is also good. They’re perfect as Mother and Son here. Many people can easily relate to the movie,” concludes Mayor and Cineko Producer Enrico Roque.
4) “FAMILY OF TWO: ‘I WISH ALDEN RICHARDS WAS MY SON” — SHARON CUNETA
“We need to watch a simple movie,” Sharon Cuneta said about her MMFF 2023 entry “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” from Cineko Productions.
“I’m telling you — I’ve long wanted a movie like this. I needed to do it,” said Mega when she was offered this project.
“I strongly feel that what we need during these uncertain times are simple films… Uncomplicated… with no pretensions and non- essentials… Real life… Simple,” the Megastar emphasized. “Simple film only, please” she reiterated.
“This is the story of a Mother who is widowed when her only Son was five years old. So, at the age of 5, it’s Son and Mother who are ‘A Family of Two.’
“Through the years, they are really close… Then the little boy/son grows up… it’s just that simple. But it hits you straight in your heart.
“I’m certain that when you watch this movie, there are parts when you’re smiling without knowing that you’re already in tears… that’s the effect it has on me,” Sharon shared.
This is what the moviegoers will experience, too, when they watch “A Family of Two,” especially this Christmas season.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a welcome part of your cinematic experience. It’s really an experience. It’s not just another movie. No…
“To us, it is a whole experience. We know that would be an experience for you also,” Sharon confidently assured.
She added that from the principal photography through its post-production and promo, she felt that Alden (the actor and character) was her real son. It was inexplicable. She and Alden share some common traits, interests, and views. How Sharon wished that Alden was her own son.
“Kidding aside — Alden and I are very much alike. As in, our values, views in life, even our business interests… We’re very much alike.
“Alden is such a nice guy. I really wish… I wish he was my son. I hope Miguel grows up to be like him. Because Miguel is such a good boy.”
Supporting Sharon and Alden in the movie are Miles Ocampo, Jackielou Blanco, Soliman Cruz, Pepe Herrera, Justine Luzares, Donna Cariaga, and with the special participation of Tonton Gutierrez.
Nuel Naval directs from Mel del Rosario’s script.
3) CINEKO PRODUCER, MAYOR ENRICO ROQUE – PROUD ABOUT FAMILY-ORIENTED FILMS THEY’VE PRODUCED
“Firstly, I’m happy with our 2022 MMFF entry ‘Family Matters’ — having earned 3rd biggest gross, we recouped our investment plus a little profit… Never mind the recognition it was denied of during the MMFF Awards Night… What mattered was we’ve made a beautiful movie that got recognized in several other award-giving bodies. God gave back to us the honors full, heaping and overflowing…
“I can say we’ve got a lucky team with Director Nuel Naval and scriptwriter Mel del Rosario… Every time she comes up with a good story and script, Tita Mel immediately submits it to Cineko…
“They’re both a joy to work with… We don’t only make movies with Direk and Tita Mel… we do films harmoniously like a family…
“The story of FAMILY OF TWO is dear to my heart. My mother was a single mother who brought up two siblings — me and my brother, board member Ricky Roque.
“I’d be unfair if I say that FAMILY OF TWO is better than FAMILY MATTERS, but that’s the truth: FAMILY OF TWO is a lovely movie — Very heartwarming, yet light to watch, you laugh heartily while shedding tears unknowingly.
“And of course, Sharon and Alden are both excellent in the film. I don’t know if you’ll share my views when you see the movie yourself. You’ll see a different Sharon Cuneta in it…
“And Alden is also good. They’re perfect as Mother and Son here. Many people can easily relate to the movie,” concludes Mayor and Cineko Producer Enrico Roque.
4) “FAMILY OF TWO: ‘I WISH ALDEN RICHARDS WAS MY SON” — SHARON CUNETA
“We need to watch a simple movie,” Sharon Cuneta said about her MMFF 2023 entry “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” from Cineko Productions.
“I’m telling you — I’ve long wanted a movie like this. I needed to do it,” said Mega when she was offered this project.
“I strongly feel that what we need during these uncertain times are simple films… Uncomplicated… with no pretensions and non- essentials… Real life… Simple,” the Megastar emphasized.
“Simple film only, please” she reiterated.
“This is the story of a Mother who is widowed when her only Son was five years old. So, at the age of 5, it’s Son and Mother who are ‘A Family of Two.’
“Through the years, they are really close… Then the little boy/son grows up… it’s just that simple. But it hits you straight in your heart.
“I’m certain that when you watch this movie, there are parts when you’re smiling without knowing that you’re already in tears… that’s the effect it has on me,” Sharon shared.
This is what the moviegoers will experience, too, when they watch “A Family of Two,” especially this Christmas season.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a welcome part of your cinematic experience. It’s really an experience. It’s not just another movie. No…
“To us, it is a whole experience. We know that would be an experience for you also,” Sharon confidently assured.
She added that from the principal photography through its post-production and promo, she felt that Alden (the actor and character) was her real son.
It was inexplicable. She and Alden share some common traits, interests, and views.
How Sharon wished that Alden was her own son.
“Kidding aside — Alden and I are very much alike. As in, our values, views in life, even our business interests… We’re very much alike.
“Alden is such a nice guy. I really wish… I wish he was my son. I hope Miguel grows up to be like him. Because Miguel is such a good boy.”
Supporting Sharon and Alden in the movie are Miles Ocampo, Jackielou Blanco, Soliman Cruz, Pepe Herrera, Justine Luzares, Donna Cariaga, and with the special participation of Tonton Gutierrez.
