Is there a second chance following infidelity?
This is the question posed to viewers by “Relyebo,” a film written and directed by Crisanto Aquino now showing on Vivamax.
It follows the story of Jimmy (Sean De Guzman) and his wife Amor (Christine Bermas), simple folk with big city dreams.
Trouble ensues after Jimmy finds works as a security guard at an apartment building.
There he will meet the luscious Ms. F (Jela Cuenca).
They will become lovers.
Unfortunately for Jimmy, Amor will discover his betrayal, going on to break up with him.
Will Jimmy continue his relationship with Ms. F or will he try and persuade Amor to give him another chance?
The film has sex scenes aplenty.
It’s a surprise as Aquino is not known for such.
He is best known for the 2019 romantic drama “Write About Love,” which received wide acclaim, going on to win numerous awards.
As to why he created “Relyebo,” he explained, “Simply put, I wanted to challenge myself. In ‘Relyebo’ I’m kind of testing my flexibility as writer, as director.”
As to the film’s main message, he related, “It’s about second chances, love, forgiveness. Dapat mapanood ito ng marami dahil kuwento natin ito. It’s very Filipino. Ganito tayo eh, nagkakamali man sa huli bumabangon, nagbabago.”
It is also part of his effort to honor security guards.
“Tuwing pauwi ako ng bahay galing shoot, usually madaling araw or early morning, lagi akong may nakikitang mga security guard na nakakatulog sa labas ng establishment na binabantayan nila in the performance of their duties. Just imagine, magdamag silang gising to do their job at napakarami nating security guards compared to other countries. So, why not a story about them? Gusto ko silang bigyan ng mukha at ipakita rin ano pinagdadaanan nila,” he shared.