‘Ang hirap, sobra!’: Kelvin Miranda, Kira Balinger share challenges of their first film together, shot in Seoul

Would you take your own chances with a flip of a coin? Chances are, you could meet your soul mate… That’s the premise of the new romantic drama film ‘Chances are, You and I,’ starring Kapamilya actress Kira Balinger and Kapuso leading man Kelvin Miranda. Set amidst the bustling streets of Seoul, the film unfolds against the backdrop of the city’s winter chill. In a recent pocket interview with their director, Catherine O. Camarillo, Balinger and Miranda shared insights into their experiences filming in a foreign land with a different climate and culture.

Joined by a talented ensemble including Al Tantay, Tart Carlos, Anne Feo, Gian Magdangal, and Bae Jin Ho, the film raises the profound question: “If our lives are already pre-determined, do we really have a choice on what we do?”

“Chances are, You and I” follows the story of two patients grappling with similar sicknesses, who find themselves questioning the possibility of happiness in the face of impending death. As an act of resignation to their fate, they embark on a journey to find happiness within the confines of their circumstances.

Shot against the backdrop of South Korea, the film captures the essence of the city’s busy streets and serene landscapes, adding depth and authenticity to the story. However, the experience of shooting abroad was not without its challenges.

Miranda, who plays Gabriel Sinag, or Gabi, candidly shared his experience of battling the cold weather during filming: “Ang hirap, sobra!” Despite the use of tools and layers to ease the process, the biting cold of Seoul proved to be challenging. “Kasi kapag nag-cut, talagang manginginig ka sa sobrang lamig, kahit ilang patong na yan, may apoy na kami diyan, may heat packs na kami diyan, doble-triple na yung ano namin… ang lamig talaga, sobra!

“Pero once na marinig na namin yung ‘Action,’ ewan namin ba’t nawawala yung nginig e. Hindi namin alam. Pero pag narinig ulit namin yung ‘Cut!’, ayan na ulit,” he continued. “So, nakaka-enjoy din kasi parang bago siya sa pakiramdam, bago siya sa proseso mo. So, marami rin akong natutunan as an actor, kasi hindi naman lahat e particular sa setup, sa lugar na ginagalawan kapag umaarte.

“Kasi ako, as an artista, ganun ako e. Parang may pakialam ako sa kinikilusan ko, sa gagalawan, sa set. So, para sa akin, yung ganung klima ibang-iba talaga siya.

He also revealed that it is his first time to ever leave the Philippines, making their trip all the more memorable.

“Kasi first time ko rin makapunta ng Korea. Actually, first time kong makalabas ng bansa. So, yung kultura, yung [Chances are, You and I,] yung nagdala sa akin sa experience na ‘di ko makakalimutan. It’s an unforgettable experience and marami akong natutunan. Yun yong masasabi ko sa experience ko.”

Yet, amidst the discomfort, Miranda found solace in the rhythm of the production, immersing himself fully in the character once the director called for action.

“Sobrang hindi ko siya ma-explain, kasi iba-ibang aspeto e, iba-ibang larangan. Pagdating sa personal kong buhay, pagdating sa craft ko, pagdating din sa pakikisalamuha ko. Kasi, iba yung kultura nila e, sa kultura nating mga Pinoy. Iba rin kung papa’no kami makipag-usap do’n, iba kung paano kami kumilos. So, adjustments siguro yon. Masaya siya!”

Similarly, Balinger (as Soleil Sikat, also known as Sol) found herself grappling with the emotional and physical challenges of shooting in a foreign environment.

Reflecting on her time filming, she confessed, “Honestly, ang masasabi ko po, hindi ko po alam kung umiiyak ako dahil sa emosyon o dahil po sa ginaw. Hindi ko po talaga alam! But honestly, during that trip, yung trip namin sa Korea, I honestly learned a different kind of focus na kailangan kasi it’s a responsibility.”

In the midst of the chill, there was a profound sense of learning and adaptation for her.

“We have to give what the story is asking, or what Direk is asking for. Hindi pwedeng hindi ko gawin just because I feel cold or because it’s a different environment…”

As “Chances are, You and I” prepares to make its theatrical debut on May 29, the memories of their time in South Korea linger as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.

Produced by PM Productions Inc. in partnership with Happy Infinite Productions Inc., the film is distributed by Regal Entertainment.

Additionally, “Chances are, You and I” has been selected as one of the Spotlight Entries of the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival, to be held in Nagoya, Japan, on May 25-26.