Kathryn Bernardo recently opened up about her unforgettable journey while working on Hello, Love, Goodbye (HLG), the 2019 blockbuster that cemented her status as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation. During a heartfelt interview, the actress was brought to tears as she recalled the challenges and triumphs of portraying Joy, an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong, in what became the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.
The film, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, marked a significant moment in Kathryn’s career, not only because it was her first time being paired with another leading man, Alden Richards, but also because of the deeply personal and emotional journey it demanded.
She reflected on the intense preparation for the film, from immersing herself in the lives of overseas Filipino workers to learning to navigate the streets of Hong Kong as her character. Kathryn admitted that the physical and emotional toll was immense. “There were days when I felt drained. But looking back, those were the moments that made me stronger, not just as an actress, but as a person.”
While Kathryn worked on HLG, her longtime partner and on-screen love team, Daniel Padilla, was not part of the project. Fans were initially surprised when Kathryn took on a film without Daniel, as the two had been exclusively paired for nearly a decade. Kathryn admitted that stepping away from their partnership for the film was daunting, but Daniel’s unwavering support gave her the courage to push forward.
“He told me, ‘Kaya mo ‘yan. Do this for yourself, and I’ll always be here to support you.’ That meant the world to me,” Kathryn shared, her eyes welling up with tears. Despite not being physically present, Daniel’s encouragement was a source of strength for her throughout the filming process.
The film’s success exceeded all expectations, with its universal themes of sacrifice, love, and self-discovery resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Kathryn revealed that the character of Joy left an indelible mark on her, teaching her to appreciate the resilience and sacrifices of OFWs.
“Joy reminded me of how strong Filipinos are, how far we’re willing to go for the people we love. She’s a character I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Kathryn said.
Her tears during the interview reflected not just her gratitude for the opportunity, but also the profound impact the role had on her personally. “It’s not just a movie for me. It’s a reminder that we all have the strength to face our struggles, no matter how impossible they seem.”
As Kathryn reminisced about Hello, Love, Goodbye, she also expressed her gratitude to the entire team behind the film. From director Cathy Garcia-Molina’s guidance to her co-star Alden Richards’ unwavering support, Kathryn credited everyone involved for making the journey one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.
With tears in her eyes, Kathryn ended by saying, “HLG will always be a turning point for me, not just in my career, but in how I see myself and the world. It was tough, but I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
Her emotional recollection is a testament to the impact of Hello, Love, Goodbye—a film that continues to inspire audiences, proving that Kathryn Bernardo’s artistry goes beyond boundaries, and her heart shines through in every role she takes on.
