LOOK: Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger take chances in life and love in upcoming film
Fate, illness, and the search for meaning intertwine in the upcoming film “Chances Are, You and I.” Rising stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger give life to two individuals bound by terminal diagnoses, seeking answers before their time runs short.
Filming started in 2022 and it took some time for this big screen love story to be finally completed. Partly shot in South Korea, this is the first film produced by director Catherine Camarillo’s company. The trusted director has long been working behind the cam, for some of ABS-CBN’s hit teleseryes and films.
“After the pandemic hit and ABS-CBN franchise wasn’t renewed, my family decided to put up a production company,” Direk CC, as she is fondly called, shared. “My daughter (27) is the screenplay writer.” The director-producer related how the family came up with different concepts and finally decided which one to work on. “We pitched some to a streaming platform and we chose this film ‘Chances Are, You and I.’ That’s how it started. Kaya nandirito po tayo ngayon. Ito po ‘yung una naming ipapalabas under Pocket Media Production Films.”
While COVID caused the delay in production, the film’s team powered through the tough times, even the weather. Filming abroad was intentional according to Direk CC. “Talagang gusto ko sana, I wanted to capture the snow. Nasakto. Ang ganda noong lumabas sa visuals,” the soft-spoken director said. She admitted, “We had a hard time dealing with the weather, of course. Sobrang lamig. Pero nagulat ako sa dalawang ito. They stayed to the vision of the script. Aral nila ‘yung mga linyahan nila. Hindi ako nagkaroon ng problema.”
Kelvin Miranda, Director Catherine Camarillo, and Kira Balinger
“I was really inspired by how they portrayed the roles,” the generous director said, complimenting her two main actors. She described what they are doing as “pure love” and “hard work.”
“Kahit natagalan, maganda naman po. Worthy maipalabas sa mga sinehan,” Direk CC reassured the audiences and Kelvin’s and Keira’s fan.
Sol and Gabi: Opposites Bound by Circumstance
Kelvin Miranda portrays Sol Sikat, a young man burdened with a brain tumor and a bleak outlook on life. Haunted by loss and impending mortality, Sol lives in a state of weary resignation. Kira Balinger brings to life Gabi Sinag, Sol’s opposite – a vibrant soul who radiates optimism despite her tumor diagnosis. Gabi’s spirit refuses to be extinguished by the reality of her illness, as she chases every chance for joy and dreams of a normal life.
Challenging Destiny and Chasing Happiness
The two meet by chance in a hospital, their shared condition leading to a soul-searching conversation that challenges the core of their outlooks on life. Gabi, the eternal optimist, questions if their lives are fated and if they have any real choice in their path. Sol, the realist, urges her to accept limitations. A defiant spark ignited, Gabi challenges Sol to one last adventure – to discover if their shared destiny leads to happiness or an inevitable end.
A Quirky Journey Guided by Fate
With no clear destination in mind, Sol and Gabi agree to let chance determine their course. A flipped coin will dictate their moves, reinforcing the concept of a predetermined path. This unpredictable journey guides them through whimsical decisions, raw conversations, and a gradual unraveling of their guarded hearts. As love blossoms, Gabi miraculously finds her mother, and Sol reconnects with his estranged father.
Tragedy, Love, and the Cost of Memory
Their shared love gives Sol a reason to fight for his life, but tragedy awaits as an accident lands them back in the hospital. Gabi faces a risky, life-altering surgery. The uncertainty of her survival – and the potential loss of memories – leaves their future hanging in the balance. Sol, pained by the prospect of being forgotten, chooses to spare Gabi the reminder of his fragile state and leaves her life.
Can Love Outlast the Fog of Memory?
Though both find success with their surgeries, their paths diverge. Determined to assist in Gabi’s recovery, Sol’s best friend Namu takes steps to reunite the pair, believing the memory of their love is the key to Gabi’s full healing. Can destiny, or the strength of their bond overcome the fog of forgotten memories?
“Chances Are, You and I” promises to be a heartfelt reflection on terminal illness, love, the meaning of life, and the delicate fight to retain our happiness. Screening schedule will be announced soon.
