MMFF 2023: “Broken Hearts Trip” Starring Christian Bables, Teejay Marquez, Petite, and Iyah Mina

Get ready for a Christmas season filled with laughter as the comedy-drama film “Broken Hearts Trip” hits cinemas nationwide on December 25. 

Brought to Filipino audiences by BMC Films in collaboration with Smart Films, this film promises to be a heartwarming and entertaining addition to the 49th edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival.

Leading the cast of “Broken Hearts Trip” is the award-winning actor Christian Bables, known for his recent role in the popular Kapamilya primetime series “Dirty Linen.” As he wraps up the year, he once again showcases his remarkable acting skills.

When asked about his prospects of winning the best actor award for his role this year, Bables shared, “I did my best. Sa lahat naman ng mga pelikulang ginagawa ko, hindi ko ini-expect talaga yung mananalo ako o hindi. Basta I do my best as an actor.”

He further expressed, “Sana, kung ipagkakaloob ni God at ng pagkakataon, thank you. Pero kung hindi, alam kong mas deserve nung mananalo kung hindi man ako ‘yun.”

On another hand, if he is to choose between receiving yet another acting award and claiming box-office success, this was his response: “Kung pwede, both. Yung box office para yun sa mga sumugal, nagtiwala doon sa pptensyal ng pelikula. Yung award, recognition yun para sa hard work na ginawa ng actors, director, ng lahat. Kung pwedeng both, pag papipiliin ako ng isa, wag na lang.”

Serving as the host and one of the three ‘Judgers,’ Bables is joined as judges by character actress Tart Carlos, and, of course, 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Jaclyn Jose.

Broken Hearts Trip delves into the lives of five brokenhearted LGBTQ individuals who are given a chance to heal in some of the most beautiful places in the country.

These five LGBTQ individuals are portrayed by Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Petite, Iyah Mina, and Andoy Ranay.

After enduring countless heartaches, frustrations, and seemingly endless grief, they are finally offered the opportunity of a lifetime when a corporate agency sponsors a reality competition titled ‘The Broken Hearts Trip.’ The show takes them on a series of journeys to some of the most stunning tourist spots in the Philippines, namely: Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu; Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Magdalena, Laguna; Lobo, Batangas; as well as Bangkong Kahoy Valley and Mt. Banahaw in Dolores, Quezon.

But there’s a catch! To continue in the competition, the contestants must remain single at the end of their journey. A one-million-peso cash prize awaits the last gay man or trans woman standing - the chosen one.

In each destination, in each episode, one is spotlighted as they confront their past and navigate the road to recovery. While not every step and activity may go exactly as planned, each experience offers a valuable lesson. The journey continues, but will they make it to the next destination?

Will it be a pursuit of money or a quest for love? It’s the perplexing question that each participant must answer as their experiences grow more enriching and exciting. In the final leg of the show, one winner will emerge with not only the prize but also a fresh lease on life.

Joining the lively ensemble of cast members are Jay Gonzaga, Ron Angeles, Argel Saycon, Arnold Reyes, Kevin Posadas, and Sinon Loresca, each in their engaging roles.

The screenplay of Broken Hearts Trip was written by Archie Del Mundo based on an original story by Lex Bonife.

It is executive produced by Benjie M. Cabrera, Omar Tolentino, and Power Up Workpool Inc.

Here’s the statement from the producers: “We are grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the prestigious roster of MMFF producers. Our film’s edge is BHT’s emphasis on some of the local tourist spots in the country as it depicts stories of being loved, heartbroken, picking up the pieces, and moving on. People want to be entertained. Broken Hearts Trip makes you laugh and cry, all while taking you to scenic places around the country. It’s funny, dreamy, and brave at the same time.”

Join the high-spirited ride of this comedy-drama film and feel the warmth of fun, adventure, and life lessons in a story that puts the spotlight on moving on and letting go. Broken Hearts Trip is coming this Christmas 2023 to cinemas across the Philippines!