Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 entry 'Rekonek' avoided a potential billing controversy among its actors, as its cast is united by one guiding principle: the story comes first.

This was confirmed by Bela Padilla, who said she didn't mind her name being placed third behind Gerald Anderson and Carmina Villarroel in the official movie poster of 'Rekonek,' especially since Gerald is the co-producer.

“Ako naman po, alam ko naman anong lugar ko sa industriya, So, wala naman po sa akin. Hindi ko nga napansin. (As for me, I know my place in the industry, So, it's not mine. I didn't even notice)," Bela noted during a pocket mediacon for "Rekonek" held at Reality MM Studios in Makati City.

"I can't question that, eh," the actress-director pointed out when asked if the billing was important to her. "Because if I question that, that means I think I'm bigger than Miss Carmina or Sir Zoren or Miss Gloria, di ba? Which I don't."

Bela added that in the same vein, "I'm not going to argue my position with Andrea Brillantes since I know naman how many films I've done and what TV shows Andrea has done. So it's okay."

For his part, Reality MM Studios president Erik Matti admitted that casting is really a challenge when there are several big-name stars in a film.

"Yang casting ang isa sa mga pinaka mahirap na part with so many actors involved, di ba? Ayaw naman namin ng in order of appearance, or alphabetical order. Parang cop-out so mahirap talaga. (Casting is one of the most challenging parts with so many actors involved, right? We don't want to do it in order of appearance or alphabetical order. It's like a cop-out, it's challenging)," he stated.

The hierarchy of names notwithstanding, Bela said she was so"pleasantly surprised" working with Andrea in "Rekonek", where they play sisters.

She also admitted that she is not aiming for any awards, but quipped that if MMFF will recognize 'Rekonek,' it should be for the "Best Ensemble Acting."

"Sakto lang po yung binigay ko dito. Binigay ko po kung ano lang yung nararapat. Pero, light lang naman po kasi yung character namin. Hindi naman kami umiyak ni Andrea.Sabi ko nga po sa inyo, tawa lang kami ng tawa ni Andrea dito. (I just gave what was appropriate for the role. My character was meant to be light anyway. Andrea and I didn’t really cry. As I said, we were mostly laughing the whole time)," she narrated.

Aside from Gerald, Carmina, Andrea, and Bela, the "Rekonek" cast includes Zoren, Cassy, and Mavi Legaspi; Ms. Gloria Diaz, Charlie Dizon, Kokoy De Santos, Kelvin Miranda, Angel Guardian, Alexa Miro, and Raf Pineda.

The film marks Bela's return to the MMFF after her last festival entry, "Miracle in Cell No. 7" in 2019. She describes her comeback as timely and meaningful.

“This is my MMFF era again,” she said, smiling. “Masaya ako kapag MMFF kasi I don't really celebrate Christmas in real life. I like seeing people happy.”

She added that the festive atmosphere, mall tours, and cinema visits are all part of what makes the season special for her. “I’m excited to see our film first, of course, and then watch the rest. Support local tayo,” she said.

Producer Dondon Monteverde, CEO of Reality MM Studios, explained that "Rekonek" carries a heartwarming theme that will resonate strongly with Filipino audiences: the experience of being away from home during Christmas due to a worldwide internet outage.

He noted that the film grew from a simple concept: what happens when travellers suddenly lose internet access, and flights are cancelled days before Christmas? From that idea, the filmmakers developed multiple characters, including an OFW (played by Bela) whose inability to return home adds drama to the situation.

“Filipinos are everywhere in the world,” Monteverde added. “And during Christmas, not being able to go home, especially without the internet, is a big deal.”

An official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, "Rekonek," directed by Jade Castro, opens in cinemas nationwide starting Dec. 25.