Kapuso actress Beauty Gonzalez takes on a deeply personal role in the upcoming faith-based film ‘Paquil’, where she not only stars as the lead but also shares the screen with her real-life daughter, Olivia Crisologo, who is making her acting debut.
Directed by Lemuel Lorca, Paquil is set in the historic town of Pakil, Laguna, known for its strong religious devotion and rich cultural heritage. The film is scheduled for nationwide release on February 12, 2025, and has already received international recognition at the Five Continents International Film Festival in Venezuela.
‘Paquil’ follows the journey of Cristina (Beauty Gonzalez), a former actress who returns to her hometown after a series of career setbacks and a terminal illness diagnosis. In her quest for redemption, she rediscovers her faith and takes on the mission of reviving komedya, a traditional theatrical art form deeply rooted in Pakil’s history. Along the way, she meets Paolo (JM de Guzman), an enigmatic man who shares her passion for preserving the town’s fading legacy.
As Cristina and Paolo work together to bring komedya back to life, they not only rebuild their town’s cultural identity but also find healing and renewed hope within themselves.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Paquil is the acting debut of Beauty Gonzalez’s nine-year-old daughter, Olivia Crisologo, who plays the younger version of Cristina.
During a media interview, Beauty shared how Olivia ended up in the film: “Tinanong ako one day ng director namin kung pwede ba siyang gumanap na young me. Sabi ko, basta walang linya kasi hindi siya masyadong fluent sa Tagalog,” she recalled.
However, upon arriving on set, Olivia was unexpectedly given speaking lines—including a crying scene.
“Pagdating namin sa set, biglang nagkaroon ng linya. Then biglang iiyak. Siyempre ako ‘yung mas kinakabahan sa kanya, but thankfully, we were all there to support her. Nairaos naman namin, and she did one take lang,” Beauty said proudly.
Despite the pressure, Olivia impressed the production team with her natural performance.
“She did very well, and I didn’t expect na makuha niya agad. Since sinasama ko siya sa taping since baby pa siya, parang na-observe niya na rin ‘yung ginagawa ko,” Beauty added.
Although Olivia enjoyed the experience, she has no immediate plans to pursue acting further.
“She realized na mas gusto muna niya mag-school. Maybe pag malaki na siya, she can get into it (acting),” Beauty said.
Beauty’s leading man, JM de Guzman, expressed admiration for her performance, noting how much she has grown as an actress since their last collaboration in ‘Angelito: Batang Ama’.
“Si Beauty, nagulat ako sa kanya kasi huling naka-trabaho ko siya, comedy pa ang ginagawa niya noon. But she’s so deep here in Paquil,” JM said.
He also highlighted Beauty’s ability to convey emotions through her eyes.
“Mga bitaw niya, if you’re not prepared as an actor, you would be shocked. Malalamon ka sa eksena, ‘di mo mababalik. I’m proud to have worked with her again,” he added.
Beauty, in turn, praised JM for his exceptional acting skills.
“My God! I’m more amazed at him. ‘Yung mata-mata lang, ‘di na ako nakakasagot sa kanya,” she said.
“He has the most beautiful eyes. Those eyes na minsan ko lang nakikita sa actors. They don’t need to talk, their eyes say a lot.”
Director Lemuel Lorca describes ‘Paquil’ as a “love letter” to the town of Pakil, Laguna, home to the miraculous Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba. The film aims to highlight the town’s rich traditions, particularly its devotion to komedya, a theatrical art form that has long been associated with the town’s history.
Alongside Beauty and JM, the film features a stellar cast, including Yayo Aguila, Leandro Baldemor, Lilet Esteban, Kych Minemoto, Arnold Reyes, Lou Veloso, and Joel Saracho.
At the film’s premiere night, Beauty turned heads in a 100-year-old vintage Filipiniana from Glorious Dias, a well-known collector of antique fashion.
“Gusto ko, ‘pag tumanda ako, magda-drive ako with my black scarf, with my belo, papuntang church. Ipagdadasal ko lahat ng mga kasalanan ko araw-araw, hahaha!” she joked.
Meanwhile, with Valentine’s Day approaching, Beauty and her husband, Norman Crisologo, have planned an epic road trip.
“We’re going on an epic road trip. The two of us… we’re going up North. Para kaming teenagers. We’re just gonna drive and we will just look for a hotel, kahit saan kami mapapadpad,” she shared.
“Pupunta kami sa hometown niya sa Ilocos Norte. Then, we’re going to Pagudpud. On the way there, dadaan kami sa mga favorite places namin.”
With its heartfelt storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and rich cultural themes, ‘Paquil’ promises to be a must-watch film for Filipino audiences.
The film, produced by Resiko Entertainment Productions, is set to screen in 100 cinemas nationwide starting February 12, 2025.
