After 16 years, Baron Geisler and Cristine Reyes reunite to showcase their acting skills in a movie that explores the dynamics of a blended family.

During the media conference for the movie "Dearly Beloved" under Viva Films, Baron and Cristine shared their thoughts on the challenges of being in a blended family. In real life, both stars also grew up being in a similar situation.

"Sa experience ko na lang, to be part of a blended family, it took a lot of effort on my part as a father. Ito na lang: mahalin mo lang ang mama nila, at reresptuhin ka ng mga bata," Baron said.

"Ang pinakabida dito sa 'Dearly Beloved' ay ang mga tao na part ng blended family. Pero kahit na hindi. Marami kayon makukuha not only as husband, a wife, son, a daughter. Makakarelate kayo kasi this is about unconditional love.

"Kung mahal mo, panindigan mo yung choice na yun. Dahil gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, kung kaya mong panindigan yung mga sakit, at mga problema na darating sa buhay ninyo, bilang lalaki, dapat itaas mo ang bandila mo para sa mahal mo," Baron said.

He added: "Having a powerful script and the people behind this film, napaka-powerful ng lahat: bitaw ng linya, eksena, may magic." 

Cristine said: "Watch and learn guys sa story ng 'Dearly Beloved.' Mabigat talaga ang 'Dearly Beloved' dahil sumasalamin ito sa reyalidad ng ibang pamilya rin na nasa sitwasyon."

She added: "Una kong naisip sa idea ng blended family is 'Modern Family' kasi nanonood ako nun eh. Comedy yun eh ginagawa lang nilang light. But 'Dearly Beloved' is a dramatic film. Iba naman ang atake rito. 

"On realizations (of being in a blended family), it takes a lot for a person to handle a situation like a blended family. It's not just the person but also the children.

"It takes a lot of compassion to understand the situation ng relasyon namin, relasyon ng mga bata, sa stepkids. It also takes a lot of maturity to handle the family and other related factors.

"I know sa mga ideal family, there are many responsibilities already. If you are in a blended family, it's double," Cristine said.

Both Cristine and Baron first worked together for the Kapamilya series Eva Fonda in 2008.

Step into the lives of Deo (Baron Geisler) and Shel (Cristine Reyes), whose paths cross at a bar, leading to an instant connection. As they embark on a journey together, building their own families and basking in the joy of their love, they face a reality that is far from perfect.

Both Deo and Shel are still legally married to their former partners and are now living a blended family with all their children – Gelo (Deo and Shel’s son), Nathan (Shel’s son with her ex-husband), Trixie and Levi (Deo’s children with his ex-wife). Despite them and their children being open to their complex setup, other people’s judgments and the standards of social norms later on affect them.

How will Deo and Shel keep their new family and relationship from imploding? Will their love and trust for each other be enough to stay strong? Or just like their past relationships, things will slowly slip away, and they’ll be too tired to hold on?

"Dearly Beloved" also stars Phoebe Walker as Rhoan (Deo’s ex-wife), JC Tiuseco as Keith (Shel’s ex-husband), together with child actors Althea Ruedas, Robbie Wachtel, Tyro Daylusan, and Charles Law who play as Deo and Shel’s children. Also starring Ivan Padilla, Rey PJ Abellana, Marissa Sanchez, Ana Luna, Erica Ladiza, Guji Lorenzana, and Nicco Manalo.

A film by Marla Ancheta, the same director who brought us the critically acclaimed heartwarming movie Doll House, which also starred Baron Geisler and Althea Ruedas. 
  
From Viva Films, choose the right person, choose the right love. Catch "Dearly Beloved" in cinemas nationwide this Black Saturday, March 30.