SAVING CHERRY

Saving Cherry (2026)

Directed by: Ivan Andrew Payawal

Showing the weaknesses of both men and women, the film has all the reasons to play it safe and stay in the middle. Instead, it makes a concise and deliberate choice at the end, making the journey sweeter and more tasteful than a cherry.

In a country where options are limited and judgment is rampant, being given the opportunity to choose is already powerful enough. Yet, being able to choose something for yourself puts the cherry on top.

Kapag napapagiliran ka ng maraming boses na nagsasabi kung ano ang dapat gawin, ang hirap mamili. Dahil may katwiran ang magkakaibang panig, may mga oras na hindi mo alam kung anong landas ba ang kanilang tatahakin. Sa kabila ng mga bulong sa paligid, ang boses ni Cherry ang nanatiling pinakamalakas.

Nanindigan ang pelikula sa kung ano ang gusto nitong sabihin. Dahil dun, nasigip nila si Cherry.

Much of the saving comes from Barbie Forteza. She can easily shift from an over-the-top character into a relatable person. Isang salita lang mula sa kanya ay may kakayahan nang maglahad ng kwento at magbitaw ng iba’t ibang lebel ng emosyon. Kita sa mga mata ang galit. Litaw sa mga aksyon ang pait. Dama sa mga luha ang sakit.

Minsan ay napupunta na siya sa pagiging OA at baliw. Pero sino ba tayo para manghusga ng kanyang pinagdaraanan… gayong hindi naman tayo ang niloko at nasaktan. Ang galit, pait, at sakit ay may kakayahang baguhin ang isang tao.

Magtataka ka kung bakit may pagtataksil na naganap sa mismong araw ng kasal. Sa una, ang voiceover ng isipan ang sinusubukang magbigay ng paliwanag. Sa huli, ang lipunan at ang karanasan na mismo ang nagbigay ng liwanag.

While popping one’s cherry and losing one’s virginity may seem spur-of-the-moment, the film builds the situation just right, making the risky adventure feel like the most satisfying thing to do at that moment.

Side comments from friends not only bring entertainment but also contribute to Cherry’s growth. The group’s chemistry isn’t apparent at first. But as the characters reveal more about themselves, the bond becomes stronger.

Masarap masaksihan ang kanilang confrontation scene dahil nagkaroon ng release ang bawat isa. Nagpaputok sila ng samu’t saring emosyon.

AC Bonifacio is effortlessly convincing, and it’s not at all cringey. Nakakatuwa siya. In her most subtle yet effective performance, Sassa Gurl maintains a straight face while still conveying what she feels. Nandun yung gigil kahit hindi sumisigaw.

Most of the funniest and sexiest lines are assigned to Mika Salamanca, and she is able to deliver with poise and sass. Nagampanan niya ang karakter nang hindi nakakabastos tingnan.

Mikee Quintos is the one to watch out for because she is such a reliable actress. She owns the character and means every word she says. Even when her surroundings get chaotic sometimes, she remains grounded and knows how to stay faithful to her character. Panahon na para masaksihan ang kanyang husay bilang aktres sa big screen.

Even if his character is a cheater, Khalil Ramos brings a sense of remorse to the role, making you consider giving him another chance. Ang galing niyang magmukhang nakakaawa.

Direk Easy Ferrer steals the show for a moment, adding even more laughs to an already hilarious comedy. JC Alcantara and Kokoy De Santos offer completely opposite portrayals, yet both know how to bring fun to the game.

Everyone, from the cast to the crew, works cohesively to make the film appetizing to the eyes, the heart, and the soul.

Mula sa pag-ikot ng kamera habang naghahanap ng lalaki hanggang sa nakaka-enganyong tunog ng washing machine, pinag-isipan kung paano nila ipapakita ang mga bagay-bagay.

Makulit ang script, pero tapat ang mensahe. Riot ang adventure, ngunit maingat ang direksyon. May espasyo upang makahinga at pagnilayan ang kanilang mga sinasabi.

Ang movie themesong na “Hayup Ka” ni Janine Berdin ay may hapdi sa lyrics ngunit matapang pakinggan dahil sa rock genre — tulad lang din ng nagawa ng pelikula.

Mukha itong sexy light comedy sa panlabas na anyo, ngunit handog pala nito ay mabigat na drama. Makabuluhan na problema ang tinatalakay.

Akala mo cherry na pang-dessert lang ang ibibigay, pero full-course meal pala ang inalay. Busog ang experience.

Mahal man o mura ang presyo ng ticket, ito yung tipo ng pelikula na masarap pagka-gastusan. Hindi ka tinipid sa mga kasangkapan upang mapaganda ang pelikula.

With many Filipino films falling short this year,

𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 serves as a saving grace.

𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘

Cast: Barbie Forteza, Mika Salamanca, Mikee Quintos, AC Bonifacio, Sassa Gurl, Khalil Ramos, Joey Marquez, JC Alcantara, Kokoy de Santos, Almira Muhlach, Monina Lawrence, Than Perez, Direk Easy Ferrer

Screenplay by: Ivan Andrew Payawal and Fatrick Tabada

Presented by: Regal Entertainment, Inc.

Release Date: September 2, 2026 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews