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To kick off the holiday season, Netflix is getting into the festive spirit early this year by unveiling its See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 lineup, featured in the inaugural Netflix Station ID. The stars of three eagerly anticipated Filipino titles set to premiere on Netflix—namely, “Can’t Buy Me Love” (featuring Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan), “Keys to the Heart” (with Zanjoe Marudo and Elijah Canlas), and “Replacing Chef Chico” (starring Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, and Sam Milby)—came together for a heartwarming Christmas caroling session at Barangay Netflix.
Joining the celebrities above were some of the country’s most sought-after celebrities who played prominent roles in recent Netflix hits like “Missed Connections” (featuring Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, and Chie Filomeno) and “What If” (with JM de Guzman), both of which claimed the coveted Number 1 spot on Netflix’s top list shortly after their launch. The stars of “Seasons” (Lovi Poe and Carlo Aquino), another highly regarded film that made its Netflix debut, also sent their holiday greetings.
The heartwarming video is brimming with Christmas spirit and, for eagle-eyed viewers, includes hidden references to six beloved Pinoy Netflix titles. Can you spot them all?
- Kurt and Charlie (Lovi Poe and Carlo Aquino) from “Seasons” extend their season’s greetings on a neighbor’s gate.
- Dolly de Leon from “Keys to the Heart” makes a cameo appearance on a vinyl record cover.
- The vinyl record from “Keys to the Heart” spins as the carolers belt out their festive tunes.
- “Can’t Buy Me Love” lights up on a karaoke machine, inviting viewers to sing along.
- A Bingo shaker, a playful nod to one of the main characters from “Can’t Buy Me Love,” also serves as a musical instrument.
- The crates from “Replacing Chef Chico” appear as our stars gather for a joyous feast.
Netflix takes immense pride in offering a diverse range of compelling Filipino stories and talents. During the See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 launch, prominent local directors expressed their excitement about having their work featured in this year’s lineup and explained why these titles are a perfect fit for a Pinoy Christmas.
Manny Palo, director of “What If,” emphasized that Christmas is a time for reflecting on the past year, the milestones, the setbacks, and the decisions that shaped our lives. His film, “What If,” resonates with this theme, encouraging viewers to ponder the “what ifs” in their own lives.
Kerwin Go, the director of “Keys to the Heart,” shared that his upcoming film is a must-watch during the holiday season because it celebrates the concept of family, even unconventional and blended ones. It emphasizes the importance of friends who become like family and neighbors who hold a special place in our lives.
Director Dan Villegas described “Replacing Chef Chico” as a story of love, friendship, and acceptance, particularly as Ella, the sous chef, takes over Hain’s kitchen. He highlighted its suitability for the Christmas season, where these themes of togetherness come to the forefront.
Antoinette Jadaone, showrunner of “Replacing Chef Chico,” added that this series is perfect for watching with family and loved ones during Christmas. Each episode unfolds a story of family, friendship, or love, often celebrated through food. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to showcase Filipino cuisine on a global stage, allowing viewers from around the world to savor the flavors of Filipino culture.
This holiday season, the See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 lineup proudly presents an array of top-notch local content, both available and upcoming, on Netflix. These films and series make for a perfect watchlist to celebrate a heartwarming Pinoy Christmas with family and friends.
REPLACING CHEF CHICO
Launch date: Coming soon
Directed by: Dan Villegas
Showrunner: Antoinette Jadaone
Cast: Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby
CAN’T BUY ME LOVE
Launch date: October 13
Watch the date announcement here
Directed by: Mae Cruz Alviar
Cast: Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano
Logline: Donny plays “Bingo,” a popular online seller juggling different jobs, while Belle plays “Caroline,” who hails from a traditional wealthy Chinese family.
KEYS TO THE HEART
Launch date: Coming soon
Directed by: Kerwin Go
Cast: Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, Dolly de Leon
Logline: Troubled and alone, a boxer moves in with his long-lost mother and autistic pianist brother — but must fit in with a family he hasn’t known for years.
WHAT IF
Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix
Directed by: Manny Palo
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, JM de Guzman
Logline: When a pair of newlywed musicians get trapped in a storm on their island honeymoon, they must face difficult truths that could tear their marriage apart.
SEASONS
Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix
Directed by: Easy Ferrer
Cast: Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino
Logline: After a string of failed relationships, two best friends make a deal to take risks and look for love again — but they might just find it in each other.
MISSED CONNECTIONS
Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix
Directed by: Jelise Chung
Cast: Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno
Logline: After an unforgettable encounter, a hopeless romantic turns to an app to seek out a man she just met — but is he really what she’s looking for?
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