LA Santos and Kira Balinger, the stars of the film “Maple Leaf Dreams,” consider it a tribute to the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
In the film, LA portrays the role of Macky, a restaurant manager who willingly embraces his girlfriend Molly’s plan to migrate to Canada.
Molly, as played by Kira, believes the move apt, hoping for a better life for her family.
Together, they navigate the challenges of fitting in while tirelessly working toward the fulfillment of their dreams.
“I think hindi lang ito tribute sa OFWs, para na rin ito sa mga Pilipino na may mga family members na nagtratrabaho abroad,” LA said.
The two actually got to hobnob with OFWs in the course of making the film.
LA shared, “Hindi namin makakalimutan ni Kira yung mga nakasama naming OFW doon sa Canada kasi grabe yung hospitality nila. Grabe yung pagkabait nila talaga.”
Kira on her part said, “I think the hardest part is really wanting to do the OFW role properly–with all honesty kung gaano talaga kabigat yung buhay OFW.”
To portray their roles as blue-collar employees convincingly, both LA and Kira spent time working in similar establishments while there.
When asked about their message for OFWs, LA expressed, “As Macky, I really tried my best na ma-represent kayo nang maayos kasi ‘yun lang din yung gusto ko as an actor–yung marepresent yung mga tao sa tamang paraan. I hope yung mga OFW, kahit papaano mapasaya kayo ng movie namin ni Kira.”
Kira added, “Sa ating mga OFW, people may look down on you, people may
discriminate you, but please always remember that you are one of the strongest, most loving FIlipinos that we have and we are so proud of you.”
Directed by Benedict Mique as produced by 7K Entertainment, “Maple Leaf Dreams” will screen in Canada soon.
