Charo Santos on playing the leading lady in her first romance film alongside Dingdong Dantes: 'It was unthinkable'
In her 50 years in showbiz, Charo Santos has never starred as the leading lady in a romance film—until now.
The veteran actress will appear alongside Dingdong Dantes, a man who is no stranger to the genre, in Only We Know, a May-December romance between retired teacher Betty and grief-stricken engineer Ryan.
"First romantic movie pala ni [Santos] na meron siyang ka-partner na leading man," Dantes shared in an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe.
"Nakwento niya sa'kin na [out] of her 200 films na nagawa, 'yung iba dun na-pair siya with [the] likes of Christopher De Leon. Siyempre in-assume ko na love story din siya. Hindi pala."
Santos and De Leon shared the screen for several movies, including musical comedy Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, and political thriller Gumapang Ka sa Lusak.
Meanwhile, Santos described being paired with Dantes as "unthinkable."
"At this late stage in my career and to be his leading lady. It's very refreshing. It's something new, something different. It was an exciting experience."
"I'm a complete woman," she said about playing the leading lady. "The woman in me emerges in Betty."
A story seven years in the making
At a poster reveal event earlier in May, the film's director Irene Villamor bared that the project was first started seven years ago with Dantes and Santos in mind.
However, because of scheduling and circumstances beyond their control like the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie was delayed.
"Nakatulong naman siya (time) in refining the material... Nagka-iba-iba lang ng iterations, but it's the core, it's between these two people na parehong may hinahanap or may hinihintay," she said.
Santos added that the film would have been different if it were released earlier. "Marami kaming pinagdaanan na sa paningin ko nakadagdag sa aming understanding and appreciation of the characters."
Since 2018, Dantes has become a dad of two while Santos joined ABS-CBN's board of directors.
'A rare chance'
For Dantes, working alongside Santos is a "rare privilege and chance" that he didn't want to miss.
"'Pag kaharap mo at katrabaho mo ang isang icon, living legend, parang nag-uunfold in front of your eyes yung kanyang artistry," he said, noting that the role was made all the more valuable because of their characters' connections.
"Sila lang nag-uusap all throughout the film at may deep connection sila magmula umpisa hanggang dulo."
In the trailer for the film, Betty laments having the same routine. Then, she crosses paths with Ryan, who helps her out around the house. The two get closer, and talk about diving into this "relationship" without a label.
Villamor, however, noted that Only We Know is a bit different from recent age gap movies in Hollywood, which are "very sexual." In 2024, the film Idea of You was released, starring 42-year-old Anne Hathaway and 30-year-old Nicholas Galitzine.
"It's not that story. It's not the predator preying on the young men type of kwento," the director said, with Santos adding that it's also not about a younger man "looking for a mama."
Asked about the lessons on love from the movie, Santos said that she learned it's okay to be vulnerable from Betty.
"When you love, love deeply."
Meanwhile, Dantes said he learned a lot, but quipped, "Okay ang overlanding camping. Maraming mangyayari 'pag ginawa mo 'yun."
For her part, Villamor said that the movie teaches the generosity of the heart.
"Parang kasi sa relasyon, you want to hold your partner na parang may grip ka or control, but kailangan mo silang hayaan maging tao ng sarili nila."
Only We Know hits theaters on June 11.
