A Very Special Love

Cathy Garcia-Sampana's 2008 Filipino film follows Laida, who takes a job working for the youngest son of a well-known family. She had admired him from a distance for years; once employed, she meets the real person. The interest is the difference between admiration and knowing. Miggy is cold, disorganised and takes no one seriously; rather than make Laida's effort endearing, the narrative asks how long going unanswered can last. Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz lead, and their rapport began a pairing that continued for a long time in Filipino cinema. The tone is light and the songs foregrounded. Who it's for: those who like Filipino romantic comedy. Who it's not for: viewers expecting an equal relationship; the film keeps the woman's effort at the centre for a long stretch.