JC Santos, Valeen Montenegro find personal connections in ‘I Remember You’

Real-life reflections meet on-screen emotions as JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro find personal connections with their characters in I Remember You, an upcoming romance-drama inspired by true events.

I Remember You follows Gani (JC Santos), a hardworking bank employee sent to Boracay to save a struggling branch. But Boracay holds memories—years ago, he was set to marry Debbie (Valeen Montenegro). Their relationship ended when Gani’s focus on his career left Debbie feeling alone.

While in Boracay, Gani meets Isay (Sarah Panguiton), a self-made single mom who slowly helps him open his heart again. Just when he starts moving forward, Debbie unexpectedly returns.

For JC Santos, stepping into the role of Gani felt personal and familiar. He saw parts of himself in the character, especially when it came to work ethic and passion.

“Nakaka-relate ako in a way na I am also dedicated to my work. I enjoy doing my work. I love, I’m passionate, and …descipline para sa work ko. I always prepare for this. I think yun yung pagkapareho namin nung character ko,” he shared.

Known for his roles in 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets, and Miracle in Cell No. 7, JC Santos has built a reputation for portraying emotionally grounded characters with quiet strength. In I Remember You, he brings that same sincerity to a man torn between the past and a possible new beginning.

Valeen Montenegro, a well-loved comedic actress known for her roles in Love. Die. Repeat (2024), Bubble Gang (where she rose to fame in the Balitang Ina! sketch), To Have and To Hold (2021), Beautiful Justice (2019), and My Korean Jagiya (2017), takes on a more dramatic and introspective role as Debbie—a woman who once kept quiet but is now learning to find strength in her vulnerability. While widely recognized for her comedy, Valeen steps out of her usual lane in I Remember You to showcase her emotional depth and dramatic range.

“Ako, paano ako nakaka-relate, before, I used to yung parang ‘Ah, okay na yan.’ Parang hindi ko nasabi yung mga gusto kong sabihin, ‘Okay na yan’. Pero now, mas attached na ako hindi ko na nakikita yung vulnerable side ko as a weakness but as strength na to really say what I want, to not be afraid to ask questions kahit na alam kong medyo nakakatakot yung magiging answers,” Valeen shared.

Directed by Boboy Yonzon and produced by Bente Productions, a proud member of CARD MRI, I Remember You opens in cinemas nationwide on July 9, 2025.