Hugot Ba?

    I've only recently found interest in watching local films for the absolutely ridiculous misconception that they were baduy or more for the lower class. (Really, past self, really?) What I've learned from falling in love with the uniqueness and truly Filipino humor of your typical local romcom? They're just a whole new level of amusing and enjoyable, whether you're there for the laughs or for the hugot.  
     
     What is hugot? Hugot is a Filipino word that translates to "drawing out," and it's interesting to see that it's become quite the stuff of novelty in today's media. When you watch a romantic movie that hits so close to home and makes you feel all the feels, that is HUGOT. You draw out the situation from the movie and see how it relates to your own experiences, thus allowing yourself to enjoy a full-on cryfest. Go right ahead, no one's judging. Grab some friends (tissues and a tub of ice cream) because here's our list of classic Filipino hugot films for your next movie marathon. Possible spoilers ahead.

Paano Na Kaya? (2010)
"Sana minsan makita mo rin ako. Kasi ako, ang nakikita ko, ikaw lang."

     Starring one of Filipino showbiz' favorite love teams of all time, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson play the roles of Mae and Bogs, two best friends struggling with the onset of a possible love affair. If there was ever a time you've ever wanted to be seen as more than a friend but could never really win that person's heart, this movie is for you. This film is so full of hugot lines and moments it's almost impossible to choose the best one. This one will really get you to think, would you really go so far for love if you know your only real chance lies within the boundaries of being a good friend? If shit hit the fan, would it be so easy to pick up the pieces, or would it hurt twice as much because you lost a friend and at the same time a lover? Though its formula may have been a staple in the industry, this movie really touches on so many aspects of love and friendship AND THE FEELS ARE JUST TOO REAL.

My Amnesia Girl (2010)
"Kaya lang, tumatagos naman sa buto. Lungkot. Ang lungkot lang na umabot kami sa ganito."

     Another Toni Gonzaga classic, this time with everyone's favorite guy-next-door actor, John Lloyd Cruz. Apollo and Irene may have had something special but it's not a hugot film until someone leaves the other at the altar. Sorry, spoiled. This film will make you want someone to surprise you with gifts and other sweet gestures the way Apollo does. Nganga na lang yung prompose ng crush mo sa'yo. Did he cover your entire house with post-it notes of all the reasons why he loves you? Didn't think so. Aside from these antics, it's really a film that talks about pain and suffering, and how we never really forget. We can pretend, but it's not that easy. It's a story about a love that may not have forgotten but has completely forgave. 

Starting Over Again (2014)
"How do I unlove you?"

     Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga star as Marco and Ginny and are here to make us ugly cry about things like lost love and love that should be let go of. As the movie progresses, the scenes take us forward and backward in the ups and downs of Marco and Ginny's love story. This movie teaches us that we could have everything figured out at one point, but things can still fall out of place somewhere down the road. This one's for those who lost in love and want to start over again (cue sarcastic laughter) even though the universe doesn't seem to want that to happen. It's a story about timing, playing around with the ideas of what could have been versus what is.

That Thing Called Tadhana (2014)
"'Wag mo hintayin na may magtulak sa kanya pabalik sa'yo. Hilahin mo. Hangga't kaya mo, ‘wag kang susuko, ‘wag kang bibitaw. Sorry, mahal ko eh."

     Apparently everyone's new favorite hugot film. Half joke. This story features Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman in a more modern Filipino film setting. On a seemingly aimless trip to nowhere, Mace and Anthony go from strangers to friends, from Baguio to Sagada. I personally love the honesty in the lines of this movie and how the two characters form such a connection as they share stories of their own battles in love. This one is for those who put their trust in the hands of such a silly thing called tadhana. Destiny. Silly as it is, sometimes we can't help but count on it. Do you believe that we should wait for the winds of destiny to take us to that special someone, or should we chase after them ourselves?

One More Chance (2007)
"You chose to break my heart."

     Let's go back 8 years. (Yes, 2007 was 8 years ago.) This film will always be a classic hugot film. The fashion may be a little outdated, but the story is pretty much still true to life. Who could ever forget Basha and Popoy's ever so heart-crushing exchange of words? This one's for those who decided to let go of love played safe in hopes to search for themselves elsewhere. Maybe there's too much love that we tend to manipulate the other and fail to see that. This film talks about exactly that. To all the Basha's out there who were brave enough to let go, but found a way back when things were more clear, this film is a sure hugot even after almost a decade later.
 
     What are some of your favorite hugot films? 


- Nikki Alarilla
click on photos for sources