In My Life (2009 film)

In My Life
Directed by	Olivia Lamasan
Written by	Raymond Lee Olivia Lamasan
Produced by	Tess Fuentes
Starring	Vilma Santos-Recto John Lloyd Cruz Luis Manzano
Cinematography	Charlie Peralta
Edited by	Marya Ignacio
Distributed by	Star Cinema
Release date	September 16, 2009 (Philippines)
Running time	2 hours
Countries	U.S.A. Philippines
Languages	Tagalog, English
Box office	₱135,700,000

In My Life is a 2009 Philippine gay-themed comedy drama film produced by Star Cinema, starring Vilma Santos-Recto, John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano. The film is directed by Olivia Lamasan, and filmed mainly in New York City. The movie describes the change a mother goes through by the acts of two men who happen to be lovers. They teach a woman how to love.

Synopsis

Shirley Templo (Santos-Recto) is a ruthless woman. Many people deal with her strong attitude only for fear of her cold stare, or her outlash. She works as a librarian in a school, and lives in a compound that is owned by her ex-husband, Benito Salvacion. Many of the Salvacion family members that live near the compound, even including her eldest daughter, Dang, plead with her to sell it so they can make a profit, and she can move to a more suitable living area. Hard-headed as she is, Shirley refuses and feels betrayed by her two daughters, Dang and Cherry, for even siding with their father who left them nearly fifteen years ago. Even more upset, she finds out that Dang will want to move out of the Philippines to Australia. Leaving her alone in the Philippines since all her children moved out, Shirley decides to move to New York City with her youngest and only son, Mark Salvacion (Manzano). Mark is unaware, however, that this supposed vacation of his mother is actually a permanent visit.

Upon her arrival to the States, Shirley is picked up at the airport by Noel Villanueva (Cruz). Thinking he was only hired help, she rudely offers him payment for his services, but he declines. As she walks around the apartment, she notices pictures of Mark and Noel being affectionate toward each other. She then realizes that Noel is, in fact, Mark's new boyfriend. Although she was aware of Mark's homosexuality since his high school years, she gives Noel plenty of trouble and hard times. The story reflects how Shirley changes her attitudes and views from two men that become a big part of her life, and how she accepts the reality that has been presented to her. Unfortunately, unforseen tragedies occur, and a rift between Shirley and Noel arise. But as she understands Mark's reasons for having her be around Noel all this time, she resolves her issues with him and soon embraces him as a member of her family.

Cast

Starring:

• Vilma Santos-Recto as Shirley Templo
• Luis Manzano as Mark Salvacion, Shirley's son. (Manzano is Santos-Recto's son in real life as well.)
• John Lloyd Cruz as Noel Villanueva, Mark's lover.

Also Starring:

• Vice Ganda as Hillary
• Nikki Valdez as Mia
• Dimples Romana as Dang Salvacion
• Rafael Rosell as Vince
• Tirso Cruz III as Benito Salvacion
• Paw Diaz as Cherry Salvacion

Production

Casting

Initially, Manzano turned down the role of Mark Salvacion and admitted he was not comfortable with the required intimate scenes between the two male characters. However, after reading the script and understanding the character, he accepted the role. His mother, Vilma Santos, wants to make it clear she in no way influenced Luis to make that decision because she would not do that.

John Lloyd Cruz states that he had no problem with the required intimate scenes with the other male character. He said he would do it as an actor, and for the purpose of the film. It is known that both John and Luis are straight.

Reception

In My Life received a generally favorable outcome both financially and through reviews. Many people praised the storyline, meaning, and acting of Vilma Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, and Luis Manzano. This film was a daring act by John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano both portraying gay characters, and yet they did not disappoint the audience.

The film garnered nearly ₱20,000,000 on its first day of release, and nearly ₱80,000,000 on its opening weekend. This was a remarkable start of the movie for the outcome was never expected to be that high.

By the end of 2009, In My Life placed second on the Top 13 local 2009 Philippine movies list just behind You Changed My Life which also stars John Lloyd Cruz. As of January 2010, its box-office gross has reached ₱135,700,000. It can be noted that another reason for the success of the movie is the partnership of Vilma Santos and John Lloyd Cruz; two highly acclaimed Pilipino actors.

External Links

• In My Life at IMDb
• In My Life Official Trailer from ABSstarcinema