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Look: SunnyPH, a nostalgic journey to rediscovering the beauty of friendship

04.06.24
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Photos: Viva Films

Friendship, love, and nostalgia—witness the “sunniest” reunion of friends as Viva Films proudly brings the Philippine adaptation of the Korean movie Sunny hitting theaters on Wednesday, April 10.

Featuring a blend of original Viva babies and the new generation Viva stars, Sunny tells the story of former high school friends who come together to grant their friend’s dying wish.

The film shifts between two timelines. In the present day, we see Annie (Vina Morales), a dedicated housewife and mother. While visiting her mom in the hospital, she unexpectedly sees Chona (Angelu de Leon), her high school friend. She learns that Chona is battling terminal cancer and only has few months left to live. Chona expresses her desire to see their group of friends called “Sunny” one last time before something happens to her.

Through a series of flashbacks, audiences are transported back 25 years when Annie (Heaven Peralejo) is a high school transferee. She is teased for being a “province girl” until she meets the tough Chona (Bea Binene). Chona befriends Annie and introduces her to the members of her circle: Dang (Abby Bautista), Janet (Ashley Diaz), Becky (Heart Ryan), Gwen (Ashtine Olviga), and Sue (Aubrey Caraan) who acts cold towards Annie.

Together, they endure the highs and lows of high school - from rivals to crushes, to silly dances, and crazy shenanigans.

The now-adult Annie manages to find Dang (Candy Pangilinan), who is now a life insurance agent; Janet and Becky (Tanya Garcia, Katya Santos), for their part, are in deep financial woes; and Gwen (Sunshine Dizon), who has a completely different persona now. However, Sue (Ana Roces) is still nowhere to be found.

As Chona’s health declines, will Sue eventually show up to complete the group? How will they face the challenge of saying goodbye to a dear friend? Watch how they celebrate their friendship and make new memories together… one last time.

Sunny is a remake of the 2011 Korean movie of the same name, which became that year’s second highest-grossing Korean film.

This adaptation is directed by Jalz Zarate who is also behind the Pinoy version of another Korean movie, Spellbound. Mel Mendoza-del Rosario (Miracle in Cell No. 7, More Than Blue) wrote the screenplay.

Upon Viva Films’ release of the official trailer for Sunny on March 12, positive reactions filled the comment section. The three-minute preview earned enthusiasm from netizens who expressed that they are “looking forward to this adaptation,” and even declared that “the casting is giving.”

The trailer also features the film’s official theme song - a new version of the Eraserheads classic hit “With a Smile” sung by Shanne Dandan.

In an interview, Angelu shared that working alongside her Viva “batch mates” felt exciting.

“Nakakatuwa kasi parang lahat ng ’90s babies, pinagsama-sama. Umikot 'yung VIVA ng era na ‘yun, nandoon lahat.”

Ana echoed the same sentiment to the press, and even recalled what went down during their look test. “Nu'ng nagkita-kita kami, para kaming mga bata nagsisigawan,” she said. “Parang reunion nga, e. So, parang true to life ‘yung nangyari."