Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards reprise their roles as Joy and Ethan, respectively in ‘Hello, Love, Again,’ the sequel to 2019 box-office hit ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye.

Photo from ABS-CBN website

MANILA, Philippines — In “Hello, Love, Again,” the love story of Joy and Ethan — portrayed by Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards — once again brings kilig and tears while also offering valuable lessons to moviegoers.

Helmed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the story picks up where the two beloved characters left off following the events that unfolded in the 2019 box-office hit “Hello, Love, Goodbye.”

Ethan follows Joy in Canada only to break up when life’s challenges arise.

Years later, he returns to fix things in his life and reunites with Joy, who now resides in Canada with her housemates. She makes a living for her family and continues to chase her dreams.

The movie shows the characters’ love for their family and willingness to make sacrifices for their loved ones.

Aside from the prevalent issues on the struggles and challenges of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) that are tackled in the film, there are several love lessons that can be gleaned from the flick based on their characters. (This article contains spoilers ahead).

One such lesson is not to give up on love so easily.

Kathryn and Alden with direk Cathy Garcia-Sampana on the set in Canada of ‘Hello, Love, Again.’
Photo from ABS-CBN website

When problems on personal and family issues emerge, at a difficult time during the COVID pandemic, these all took a toll on Joy and Ethan’s relationship.

The situation prompts Ethan to go back to Hong Kong and he is caught up in a web of life’s trouble and emotional battles. When Joy is about to go after Ethan in Hong Kong, a “cheating” incident leads to their break-up. Later, Ethan comes back to Canada, with his best friend Jhim played by Joross Gamboa, to earn a living for his family and also to reconnect with Joy.

Their feelings for each other are strong despite past issues and “conflicts” that are presented in the film — with Baby (played by Jennica Garcia), who shows her obvious affection for Ethan and even offers him marriage to get a permanent residency status and with Uno, portrayed by Kevin Kreider, who comes “in between” “Marie” and Ethan.

Despite all of these conflicts, Joy proposes to Ethan that they live in the same house and play a couple to help the latter get a permanent residency status. But their feelings become real and Baby and Uno’s characters are put on the sidelines.

Afterall, you can’t force yourself to love a person, right? Moreover, just when the pair acknowledges that they are still fond of each other after what “happened” one night, Joy must leave for the United States to pursue her career over there.

On her way to the airport, she reflects on a lot of things and discovers one thing that she yearns for, “home.”

In the end, love prevails for both of them and they find “home” in each other’s arms. The story makes us believe in second chances and muses about the true meaning of “home.” No matter what happens, true love will find you again.

As for Joy who tries to deny her feelings for Ethan after the painful breakup, but eventually surrenders and realizes that she still loves him. You can’t resist love, apparently.

“Hello, Love, Again” also stars Valerie Concepcion, Jobert Austria, Mark Labella, Marvin Aritrangco, Ruby Rodriguez, and many more.

As of press time, the ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures’ film collaboration has reached a whopping P520M in ticket sales just five days after its release on Nov. 13.

From 500 local cinemas on its opening day, “Hello, Love, Again” is now screening in 726 cinemas nationwide, the biggest reach in local film history.

It’s currently screening in a total of 1,100 cinemas worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Guam, Saipan and London.

The film is also slated to have screenings in Singapore, Malaysia, the Middle East, Cambodia, and Hong Kong this month.

Catch “Hello, Love, Again” in cinemas.