Lagaspi in “After I Met You in Tokyo” and Darren Espanto | PHOTOS: JG PRODUCTIONS
We owe it to our followers. They waited for this for 9 years,” stated Cassy Legaspi of the truth that “CassRen,” her tandem with Darren Espanto that was first created on-line, has now been legitimized with a movie venture, titled “After I Met You in Tokyo” (WIMYIT).
“Sure, that is an official CassRen venture. Hopefully, there’s extra to come back. [Our fans] have been affected person. They deserve a CassRen venture,” she advised reporters through the latest media convention to advertise the film starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon.
“Since there’s no extra community conflict, particularly between our respective networks, ABS-CBN and GMA 7, engaged on extra initiatives collectively is one thing that Cassy and I sit up for sooner or later,” assured Darren. “There are lots of potentialities for us to work collectively sometime, aside from for endorsement shoots. I hope it gained’t simply be for this film. It’s so humorous as a result of even our mother and father would generally speak about it and say, ‘Tayo na lang ang mag-produce.’”The movie, codirected by Rommel Penesa and Conrado Peru, is an entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Movie Pageant (MMFF) in December.
Cassy considers being part of WIMYIT a “large honor,” particularly since her personal mother, Carmina Villarroel, as soon as performed Vilma Santos’ daughter within the film “Kapag Langit ang Humatol.”
Darren added: “Although we’re Staff Philippines, to be a part of this movie, which can be an MMFF entry, is a big a part of my life and profession. It’s actually a privilege for me. I used to be additionally starstruck with the folks I used to be capable of work with on the set. My mother is Ms Lotlot de Leon and my grandma is Ms Gina Alajar. After all, my love-team companion is Cassy. It’s one thing that I hope folks will like.”
Whereas some scenes had been shot in Japan, significantly these of Vilma and Christopher’s, the opposite scenes, together with Darren and Cassy’s, had been filmed within the Philippines. Cassy performs Vilma’s grandchild.
First encounter
Darren Espanto (left) and Cassy Legaspi —CASSY LEGASPI/INSTAGRAM
Borrowing the movie’s title, Darren and Cassy first met throughout a manufacturing quantity for the Sunday selection present “ASAP.” Cassy was along with her twin, Mavy.
“I met Cassy’s mother first. She was a cohost of ‘Kris TV’ and I used to be a visitor. They requested me about Cassy and what I considered her. I stated I’ve by no means met Cassy earlier than. Sakto! I lastly noticed her through the live performance of Ariana Grande in Manila (in 2015). My group first rode the elevator, then the entire Legaspi household went in,” Darren recalled. Cassy is Carmina’s daughter with actor Zoren Legaspi.“Each of us had been like, ‘Si Darren ‘yon!’ ‘Si Cassy ‘yon!,” Cassy interjected.
“That was our first encounter, however we didn’t actually meet. We solely met when she appeared in our selection present. She wasn’t a part of any community but once we did this manufacturing quantity collectively,” Darren stated.
“We felt tremendous awkward towards one another,” Cassy recalled. “Take a look at us now. No awkwardness in any respect,” Darren added.
Darren stated their tandem began when folks started teasing them to one another. “Since you saved attempting to manifest issues, that is it,” Cassy advised their supporters, implying that she and Darren now have a film collectively.
Darren stated they didn’t wish to maintain their hopes up once they first heard of an inquiry for a movie venture. “I used to be the one who requested Cassy if she already heard about it. We had been advised that the forged wasn’t one hundred pc full but. We simply knew it was a Vilma-Christopher movie. We each wished to do one thing collectively. That is an official CassRen venture,” he declared. “It’s simpler to have the ability to work with somebody you’ve recognized for a very long time. It makes a giant distinction once you’re comfy together with your companion onscreen and off.”
“I’m pleased that I’m with D. We’ve each been wanting this for thus lengthy. On the set, there have been occasions once we each felt nervous. He would simply have a look at me after which I’d relax. I understand that once we’re on the set, we don’t really want to behave as a result of it reveals that we click on,” she noticed.
Greater than greatest mates
Darren stated that whereas they’ve recognized one another for some time, it was through the pandemic lockdowns, by social media, that he and Cassy actually related. “That’s one thing that positively had a giant half to play, it added as much as the place we’re as we speak,” he stated.
This led to reporters asking if the 2 now take into account themselves “greater than mates.” To this, Darren replied: “We’ve answered this query in lots of interviews already. The reply has at all times been ‘sure.’ We’re greater than mates … we’re greater than greatest mates.”
With out admitting something, Cassy added: “He’s a particular individual to me. I suppose since we all know one another properly, we settle for one another’s flaws. It comes naturally.”
Cassy stated even her dad requested her about her relationship with Darren as soon as. “I didn’t reply. I simply laughed [at the question]. My mother and father suppose he’s very good. He’s such a gentleman. My mother and father know I’m in good palms with him.”
Darren’s mother and father appear to really feel the identical towards Cassy. “They belief Cass. After they know I’m along with her, they don’t ask anymore what time I’ll be residence. Each of our mother and father are safe once we’re collectively,” he added. In truth, recalling a visit to Japan in February with their respective mothers, Darren stated, “Cass and I went out, simply the 2 of us, they usually didn’t ask us for updates.”
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“After I Met You in Tokyo,” produced by JG Productions, additionally options Kakai Bautista, Gabby Eigenmann, Lynn Cruz, John Gabriel and Jacky Woo. The forty ninth MMFF will run from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7. INQ
