Shivangi Sinha
In Netflix’s Filipino drama film, ‘A Journey’, the power of friendship, love, and reunions takes center stage. When Kaye Abad’s character receives a cancer diagnosis, she chooses to forego treatment. Instead, she enlists her husband, portrayed by Paolo Contis, to orchestrate a soul-stirring trip across Tasmania. Along for the emotional ride is her best friend, played by Patrick Garcia, as they set forth on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and pronounced bonds.
In the trip that follows the three of them revisit old memories and the life that they lived. They shed all their inhibitions, share and reorient their lives in a direction that they want to. Under the direction of RC Delos Reyes, the film underscores the importance of the journey that one takes and the people that they take it with. It attempts to convey the idea that the destination is only a product of the path one chooses and the focus should always be on what comes before it. Given the universal emotion that the film taps into, it is important to scrutinize if any real-life story inspired the film.
Genuine Friendships Make A Journey Real
‘A Journey’ serves as a heartwarming reunion for the main cast members of the beloved TV series ‘Tabing Ilog’, which captivated audiences from March 1999 to October 2003. This hit series showcased some of the Filipino entertainment industry’s most prominent actors and quickly became a favorite among young audiences. ‘Tabing Ilog’ was celebrated for its exploration of friendship and served as a coming-of-age drama, navigating the trials and triumphs of its characters’ journeys through life with humor and charm.
Kaye Abad, Paolo Contis, and Patrick Garcia, who were integral to the success of the series, also play the lead roles in the film, paying homage to their beloved characters from ‘Tabing Ilog’. This has been done in various ways. Firstly, in the film, the three characters are shown to be born and raised in a province where the landmark is a river. In the series, the same river was an important point of reference too. Similarly, the iconic theme song from the series has also been used as the background score for the film’s trailer.
The authenticity of ‘A Journey’ is deeply rooted in the genuine bond shared among the actors during their time working together on the series. This sincere friendship shines through in the film. The chemistry and camaraderie that developed off-screen among the cast members translate seamlessly onto the screen, infusing the film with a heartfelt connection that resonates with audiences. It is this genuine camaraderie that not only enriches the storytelling but also lends an undeniable sense of warmth and sincerity.
In an interview, the actors disclosed that the producer of ‘A Journey’ harbored a deep admiration for ‘Tabing Ilog’ and had long envisioned a reunion project. Upon arriving on set, they experienced an immediate sense of familiarity and camaraderie, as if no time had passed since their days on the series. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate once again, the actors felt incredibly fortunate to reunite and bring their shared vision to life on screen.
After a four-year hiatus from the screen, Kaye Abad found herself feeling nervous as she returned to acting. While she had enjoyed occasional acting for fun with her husband, this marked her first time back on a professional set. Delving into a full-fledged drama was an entertaining yet daunting prospect for her, but the presence of her friends made the transition smoother. Similarly, Patrick Garcia experienced a sense of restarting as he returned to work on a film set.
While the film may not be based on a true story, it is a true story of the friendship of the people working behind the scenes. A treat for the fans of travel films, for the fans of ‘Tabing Ilog’, and for the fans of heartwarming stories that set the stage for a tearjerker, ‘A Journey’ has everything for everyone. It is a reminder that cherished memories are more precious than anything anyone can acquire in life and it is all that one seeks.
Read More: Best Movies About Cancer on Netflix
