Based on true stories, “I Remember You” tells the story of Gani (JC Santos), a bank employee sent to Boracay to help revitalize a struggling branch of their microfinance-focused bank.
Boracay stirs up old memories—years ago, Gani was supposed to marry Debbie (Valeen Montenegro), but their plans fell apart when Gani’s ambitions led to Debbie feeling lonely. The island brings back past pain, but Gani encounters Isay (Sarah Panguiton), a self-made single mother who gradually wins his affection. As their bond deepens, Debbie unexpectedly arrives on the island.
Is this Gani’s second chance at a failed romance, or is this a new beginning?
Bente Productions is proud to present its very first film – I Remember You, Director Boboy Yonzon’s debut feature. Yonzon, primarily known as a visual artist and author, ventures into the world of cinema for the very first time to tell a story about second chances amidst the backdrop of an ever-changing world. With the film, he yearns to help viewers feel seen in their struggles not just in love, but the most basic of needs, which is why he partnered with Bente Productions, a member of CARD MRI – a world class leader in microfinance that champions the everyday Filipino.
In the film, Gani helps struggling small business owners in Boracay to keep afloat – something that is at the heart of Yonzon and Bente’s advocacy.
“First of all, Bente Productions, Inc. was formed specifically to tell the stories of the disadvantaged sectors. We believe that, through entertainment, we could inform. The first offering of the company hews closely to real events. In a plenary brainstorming, what stood out was what really happened in Boracay – with the bank and the people it serves. The challenge was how to make it into a feature film.”, Yonzon says.
The clear answer was centering the film on love – love for and from your family, your community, and maybe that special someone – all people that inspire you to keep going through all the struggle.
To do this, Yonzon would call the help of JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro to tell the story of I Remember You. “We wanted for the leading role, somebody whose celebrity does not steal away the authenticity of the chcaracter; Parang low key but amiable and down-to-earth. We looked for somebody who is amidst a great party, but feeling sad. As for the leading lady, we wanted somebody who instantly looked aristocratic, lovely. The kind of person who some people usually avoid because she looks snobbish, but is kalog pala.”, Yonzon shares.
JC boasts an impressive filmography starring in critically-acclaimed films such as Family Matters (2022), On Vodka, Beer, and Regrets (2020), Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019), Babae at Baril (2019), and 100 Tula Para Kay Stella (2017). In I Remember You, he leads the film with is already trademark earnestness and sincerity in every role he plays.
On the role of Gani, JC says – “I am always drawn to heroic characters. Characters who you can trust to save the day for those who are in need. I enjoy creating circumstances kung bakit sila ganun passionate sa ginagawa nila.”
Valeen, on the other hand, is a well-loved comedic actress known for her roles in shows such as Love. Die. Repeat (2024), Bubble Gang (where she rose to fame for her role in the Balitang Ina! sketch), To Have And To Hold (2021), Beautiful Justice (2019), and My Korean Jagiya (2017). While known for her comedy, Valeen flexes her dramatic acting chops in I Remember You.
“What drew me to Debby is how real she is. She’s strong but soft, confident but still searching. She’s not trying to prove anything—she just wants the truth, and she’s ready to face it no matter how painful. I think that kind of emotional maturity and vulnerability makes her really special.”, Valeen says.
In a world that forces us to adapt and change to the harshest of conditions at a moment’s notice, Director Boboy Yonzon invites viewers to help each other through these struggles, and if necessary, give each other second chances – “It is important to deal with struggles in a world that appear to be more complicated each year. We need to understand them and, if it is within your power, help ease the struggles. Foolish at it may seem, we hold hands with the viewers In recognizing these.”
Valeen adds – “It’s a film that deserves to be felt. You’ll witness the beauty of Boracay, the stillness, and the emotional journey of the characters. It’s not just about love—it’s about healing, timing, second chances, and even the real-life struggles we don’t always talk about, like financial decisions and sacrifices.”
JC hopes that the film can inspire people to help each other and their community when times get rough – “Aside from it being a story of love and second chances and the journey of a man’s passion to help the community.”
I Remember You will be showing in cinemas nationwide this July 9, 2025.
I Remember You is a story for those that dare to hope and dare to dream even in the face of an extreme and ever-changing world. If you’ve lost faith in love and life, come witness a story about giving yourself a second chance to live once more.
