My Canditate Spreads Joy & Cheer Amidst The Schorchingly Hot Election Season

From Quantum Films, MJM Production, Buchi Boy Films and Tuko Film Production, producers of the award-winning and box-office films “English Only, Please!” and #Walang Forever, come another surefire hit, the rom-com (romantic comedy) “My Candidate.

The movie topbills Romantic Comedy King Derek Ramsay, Screen Darling Shaina Magdayao and award-winning actress Iza Calzado.

Quark Henares’ newest directorial job smacks of today’s headline-hogging issues surrounding the upcoming polls and the bickerings involving supporters of various candidates.

But according to the director, “MC” doesn’t delve into serious topics like vote-buying, mud slinging and electoral fraud.

If at all, Shaina’s knack for romantic comedy is one big revelation in the movie considering that this is her first in such a genre.


“Isang malaking challenge ang movie na ito for me dahil alam naman ninyo na laging drama ang ginagawa ko. Ako si Billie, isang communications/life coach ni Derek na maraming lihim at nalulong sa drugs, boyish na ibang-iba sa hitsura ka.

“Kailangang kong i-detach ang sarili ko sa typical roles that I normally play. But with the help of my director and hip-hop mentor, sana ay naitawid naman namin. First time ko to do a rom-com. Alam ninyo naman na iyak lang ako nang iyak,” says Shaina.

Direk Quark affirms Shaina is perfect for her role.

“I love working with Shaina. I think siya lang ang artista naka-work ko na inaaway ako tungkol sa character niya which I love. I can’t imagine anyone else in the role. I’m really, really happy to finally work with this talented young lady,” Direk Quark muses.

“My Candidate” actually shows more of the fun side of politics.

“We don’t want it to become a satire, too serious. May isang scene na parating nangyayari sa campaigning. Like pumunta sila sa isang birthday ni Mayor. Tapos, may opening prayer tapos may cross-dresser na host, tapos biglang may sexy dancers. Usual Filipino election in the Philippines,” the director relates.
Derek plays the role of the ideal candidate molded into being an outstanding public speaker by Shaina’s character. In the film, he is up against his ex-girlfriend (played by Iza), who is running for the same post.

“Si Shaina, very complicated ang personal life. Marami siyang hugot pero we don’t want to be dramatic naman. Strong ang character niya at ako naman ay weak na hindi marunong kumonek sa outside ng distrito ko,” Derek says of his character in “My Candidate.”

Of course, Derek and Shaina share romantic moments in the film and dabbles in a few sizzling kissing scenes, one of which took all of seven takes.

“My Candidate” is indeed a welcome break from all the bickerings that accompanied the May 9 polls.

My CandiDATE Synopsis

Ivy league graduate and political scion Congressman SONNY SUAREZ has all that it takes to become a Senator - except for the one thing that gets you elected: charisma.

Determined to improve his lackluster showing at the polls, Sonny's team hires BILLIE PONO, a smart and sassy life coach. With Billie at the helm of is "personality make over", Sonny learns to be more authentic. And he also finds himself falling for his coach.

The campaign proves to be an uphill battle with many twists and turns, especially due to the sudden emergence of VERA SANCHEZ, Sonny's ex, who has declared her candidacy for the Senate.

Will Sonny emerge victorious?

It opens in theaters nationwide starting May 11.