Paolo Gumabao and Borracho Films founder Atty. Ferdie Topacio took center stage during the media conference for their highly anticipated romantic drama, Spring in Prague, sharing insights on the film, its production, and the challenges behind its making.
Atty. Topacio was candid in expressing his views on the current state of the Philippine movie industry. He spoke passionately about the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025, highlighting the politics behind it and offering suggestions on how the festival—and the industry as a whole—can improve.
Turning the focus to his latest project, Topacio shared his pride in Spring in Prague. He described the film as visually stunning and cinematic, emphasizing that it is “worth seeing on the big screen.” He also praised Paolo Gumabao for his dedication and performance, saying that casting him in the film was one of his best decisions.
For his part, Paolo Gumabao spoke openly about the challenges of portraying a dual role in the film. He detailed his preparation, acting techniques, and the discipline required to bring authenticity to both characters. Gumabao also praised the professional crew in Prague, noting their respect for time and efficiency on set, which made filming abroad a seamless experience.
Spring in Prague is more than a love story. Set against the backdrop of Europe’s historical and political tensions, the film follows a Filipino resort owner, Alfonso “Alfie” Mucho (Gumabao), and Czech model Maruska “Marie” Ruzicka (Sara Sandeva), whose holiday romance is disrupted by cultural and familial pressures. The narrative reflects broader themes of freedom, democracy, and authoritarian rule, drawing inspiration from the Prague Spring of 1968 and its lasting impact on national memory.
Topacio explained that the story uses the central romance as a metaphor: Alfie represents a democratic Philippines, while Marie is the daughter of a man once close to power in a communist state. “It’s not just a love story,” Topacio emphasized. “There is a clear political subtext that contrasts freedom with authoritarian rule.”
Filmed across locations in Puerto Galera, Tagaytay, Manila, and Prague, the movie uses its settings as emotional textures, moving from tropical warmth to the cold, cobblestone streets of Europe, mirroring the shifting fortunes of the characters. Gumabao noted that cultural differences added subtle tension to the relationship, with Alfie’s openness contrasting Marie’s disciplined and constrained world.
Produced by Borracho Films and directed by Lester Dimaranan, Spring in Prague also celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, using cinema as a cultural bridge.
The film is set for nationwide theatrical release on February 4, 2026.
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