LA Santos, Kira Balinger feel grateful for ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ cinema release in PH & Canada

Fresh from its Philippine premiere at Sinag Manila on September 4, the romantic-drama film starring Kira Balinger and LA Santos, Maple Leaf Dreams, is now hitting cinemas nationwide starting on September 25.

Directed by Benedict Mique, who is known for the hit Netflix film Lolo and the Kid, ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ will also be shown in Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver starting on September 29.

During the movie’s red carpet premiere night at Gateway Cinema 12 on September 20, both Kira and LA are proud of the hard work and thankful for the opportunity to create the film, with special hopes that OFWs will connect with the movie.

LA Santos said, “Matagal naming pinaghirapan ni Kira ‘to. Saka talagang alam naman nating lahat na sobrang hirap gumawa ng pelikula ngayon. Kaya sobrang grabe… taos-pusong pasasalamat ko na natuloy itong Maple Leaf Dreams na ‘to. Kaya maraming salamat talaga sa inyo.”

As for Kira Balinger: “I’m overflowing with gratitude right now. …Yung marinig ko yung reaction ng mga tao na nandito ngayon, I just feel so happy na, I hope that you, guys, liked it.

I hope that, you know, may mga OFW na mapapanood itong movie namin and they will see it as a tribute.”

In the story co-written by Benedict Mique and Hannah Cruz, Kira and LA portray Molly and Macky, a couple who move to Toronto to seek better jobs. Along the way, they experience personal, professional and cultural setbacks that test their decision and their love. Aside from Joey Marquez, Snooky Serna, Ricky Davao, Malou Crisologo, Jong Cuenco, Jeff Gaitan, Hannah Thalia Vito, Luke Alford, and Kanishia Santos, the cast also includes Filipinos based in Canada such as Benito Mique, Wilson Martinito and beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago.

Eighty percent of the film was shot on location in Canada, several scenes feature popular spots like Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Kensington Market, Eaton Center and downtown Toronto.  

Filming in Canada for several weeks opened the eyes and hearts of Kira and LA to the beauty of the “Great White North”, and the real situation of Canada-based Pinoys. “Kahit maganda na yung buhay ng mga kababayan natin doon, lagi pa rin nilang sinasabi sa amin na mas gusto pa rin nila sa Pilipinas,” revealed LA.

The film has created anticipation among Fil-Canadian communities. “They are very excited to watch because this is their story,” said Roselle. “A lot of Filipinos still miss home and watching a Filipino film is their way of connecting to the Philippines,” Roselle underscored.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, those who’ve seen it at an advanced screening have praised “Maple Leaf Dreams” for the powerful performances of Kira and LA, the authenticity and message, among other wonderful elements.

“Hindi siya typical love story. Survival ito paano lumaban sa isang relationship, paano maging Pilipino sa ibang bansa, at paano maging mahirap,” said actor Mac Manicad. “Ang ganda! Thumbs up! Walang filter na buhay ng mga OFW,” described Wattpad writers Lala Flores, Demi Chan and JosevfTheGreat.

“Na-tackle ang different aspects like family, love, relationships and OFW issues. It gives so much insight,” said Andy Krishane Garcia, Andrea Christina Book, Samantha Mayor, Lorenzo Pardiñas, Kyle Binasa of the Ateneo Film Organization.

Director Avel Sunpongco said “Nafeel ko ‘yung struggles ng mga mahal natin sa buhay. The movie gives us a lot of hope para sa atin. Laban lang! Bangon lang!”

David Chu and Raphaele Ramos of the Animo Film Lab urged people to watch saying, “Dapat makita ng mga kababayan natin dito para malaman ang sakripisyo ng mga kababayan natin sa ibang bahagi ng mundo.”

The movie had a celebrity red carpet premiere at Gateway Cinema 12 last September 20. The family and friends of the cast and production team attended the event to show support; among them were Janella Salvador, Jameson Blake, Gillian Vicencio, Ogie Diaz, Mama Loi, and many more. 

“Maple Leaf Dreams” is produced by 7K Entertainment, Lonewolf Films and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, and distributed by Quantum Films in the Philippines and Robe Entertainment in Canada.