Nearly after 6 years, the ‘Economy Class’ loveteam of Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez known as ‘AlEmpoy’ that starred in the indie hit film ‘Kita Kita’  in 2017 has reunited for a comeback movie ‘Walang KaParis’ written and directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. ‘Walang KaParis’ will be the trio’s second movie together which was shot in Baguio City and Paris, France. 

The story follows a Filipino artist in Paris named Jojo (played by Empoy) who had many past lovers. Still, his heart is captive by an unknown and mysterious woman in his painting. One day, Marie (portrayed by Alessandra) appears and claims to be the woman in his masterpieces. 

In an exclusive roundtable interview, Bernardo promised that it would be a level-up acting from the two leads. On Kita Kita, the script was adjusted for both Alessandra and Empoy since it was their first time teaming up together. This time, the portrayal of the characters was a bigger challenge on how the two will show that they are truly in love as lovers given the fact that they are already close. 

"Hindi dapat bestfriend, dapat ma-inlove na sa isa’t isa and that is the challenge since they are already close already," Bernardo explained. 

"Higher level na. Hindi na cutesy cutesy like Kita Kita na short-lived romance with a tragedy," Alessandra pride the higher level of acting they’ve shown as a pair in this movie.

Alessandra also emphasized the reason why people adore their tandem. She acknowledges that she and Empoy are just simple individuals and believes that the public will also love their upcoming film. 

"Nagustuhan ng tao ang AlEempoy dahil simple lang naman kami, simpleng nilalang. Feeling ko naman magugustuhan s’ya."

Asked on how they can tell that AlEmpoy has "Walang KaParis" (No Match).

"Meron pa bang gustong maging kami? ‘Di kami nagpapa-sweet, kasi ito lang talaga kami. Hanggang dito na lang po kami," Alessandra quipped.

 "Nag-iisa lang si Alex," Empoy respond.

 "Totoo silang tao on screen and off screen," Bernardo said.

During the interview, it was also revealed that BAFTA and Global Globes nominee Dolly De Leon acted as an acting coach for the two in a workshop. Bernardo emphasized that she wanted to challenge Alessandra as a comedian and Empoy on the other hand as a drama actor.

On the box-office success of Kita Kita which garnered more than 300 million pesos, the press asked if there is a certain pressure to overcome the top-billed film of 2017 which Alessandra quickly replied,  “We are happy, number two pandemic, sabay-sabay makakapanood worldwide. Anytime, anywhere mapapanood."

On the other hand, direct Sigrid has her take on the question,  

"It is a big pressure on me, that's why it is hard for me to decide because I can never top Kita Kita. It is an awakening for me. I’m gonna have to reflect on it if I’m gonna do another AlEmpoy film, and if I’m gonna do another, I have to embrace the success of Kita Kita and not be pressured of topping the film just to tell a good story. That's why it took me 2 years to think of another story for them. I want to show their talents as actors as well."

Bernardo shared that she has no plans to create another AlEmpoy film after the success of Kita Kita. She said that she has nothing against the duo since they are really good but she was not ready at the time. The journey of conceptualizing took a year and the script was already finished in 2019 but the pandemic occurred. Bernardo thought it was not meant to be but told the press that she was approached again during the middle of the pandemic. It was a long and tedious process but ended up pulling off and finishing the film in 2021. 

Asked why ‘Walang KaParis' is the perfect film after Kita Kita, Alessandra proudly said, "Wala, it was written and directed by Sigrid eh."

‘Walang KaParis’ will premiere globally in 240 countries only on Prime Video on March 23, 2023. 

Atiklaham!