MANILA, Philippines — Two of Philippine cinema’s most beloved stars, Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, reunite on the big screen in the highly anticipated romantic drama The Loved One, set to hit theaters nationwide on February 11, 2026, just before Valentine’s weekend. The film — directed by celebrated romance filmmaker Irene Emma Villamor and produced by Viva Films in partnership with Cornerstone Studios — aims to blend heartfelt storytelling with mature reflections on love and second chances.
The Loved One centers on Ellie (Curtis) and Eric (Rosales), two former lovers whose lives take unexpected trajectories after a decade apart. A teaser released by the studio shows them recalling memories of a past relationship — from carefree dates to deeper emotional bonds — before fate brings them back together again. The story explores unresolved feelings, the pain of letting go, and the question of whether love can be rekindled after time and life’s changes.
Adding another layer to the film’s narrative is the acting debut of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who plays a supporting role as a co-worker of Eric’s character. Gray underwent workshops to prepare for her first major acting project and has spoken about both the excitement and pressure of introducing her craft on the big screen.
The creative team’s choice of theme song — the popular track Multo by local band Cup of Joe — has already generated buzz, with the teaser surpassing millions of views online soon after its release, signaling strong public interest well ahead of the film’s debut.
In crafting intimate scenes between the lead actors, the production employed an intimacy coordinator to ensure comfort and professionalism on set, highlighting a more thoughtful approach to portraying romance in modern Filipino cinema. Both Curtis and Rosales noted the ease of working together and how their familiarity helped them navigate sensitive scenes without awkwardness.
To encourage wider theater attendance, especially during a challenging period for the local film industry, Viva Films announced special ticket pricing for The Loved One at SM Cinemas — ₱275 in Metro Manila and ₱230 in provincial locations — a deliberate move to make the Valentine’s offering more accessible to moviegoers.
The Loved One not only marks a significant reunion for Curtis and Rosales — their first full film together in over a decade since Baler and their last TV pairing in Green Rose — but also reflects a shift toward more emotionally grounded, character-driven stories designed to resonate with mature audiences.
Audiences and critics alike will be watching closely when the film opens nationwide next month, as The Loved One aims to become one of the season’s definitive Valentine’s releases.
