The lead stars of the BL film All The Things I Leave You (Patawid), Benedix Ramos and Justin Paul Basobas, recently met with members of the press for a junket during the film’s premiere at SM Aura in Taguig City. Alongside director Jade Castro and producer Alemberg Ang, the team shared their thoughts on the film’s journey and the significance of its exclusive run at SM Cinemas nationwide beginning June 17.
Set in contemporary Ilocos and across memories of the 1940s, the film follows Jorge, a privileged yet directionless young man, and Kiko, a newcomer hired by Jorge’s grandfather Tino, a retired migrant worker. When Tino passes away, the two protagonists find a hidden cigar box containing unsent letters and photographs that reveal a secret love story between Tino and his best friend, Bong. As Jorge and Kiko piece together this hidden history, they are confronted with their own questions about love, legacy, and the impact of silence and migration on their identities.
Producer Alemberg Ang expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring the film home to Philippine audiences, especially during Pride Month. “It’s rare to have a BL film in Ilokano, and I think it’s the first of its kind. We’re thankful to SM for making this happen,” he said. Ang also shared that at first, both leads were a bit uneasy, especially Justin, for whom this was not only his first film but also his first time taking on a role like this. To help the cast adjust, they worked with an acting coach, and as filming progressed, the actors developed real camaraderie, often spending time together off set.
Justin Paul Basobas, who hails from Alaminos City, Pangasinan, has a background in theater and currently teaches a special arts program in a public school. He started with short films in his hometown, which led to connections in the industry and, eventually, an audition for Patawid. “Acting in a big production like this was overwhelming and a bit nerve-wracking since my experience was mostly local,” Justin shared, but he appreciated the learning experience and the support from his colleagues.
Benedix Ramos, who has experience in both digital content and musical theater, said he admired director Jade Castro even before working on this project. “I was already a fan because of Zoombadings. It’s a great film,” he said. Benedix, who is also from Pangasinan, found it easy to connect with Justin, saying that their shared roots helped them quickly build chemistry on set. He also spoke about the initial awkwardness of preparing for intimate scenes but said the trust between them made the process smoother.
Director Jade Castro said he isn’t expecting the film to be a blockbuster, but hopes it finds the audience who will benefit from seeing it. “Sometimes people don’t want to see movies because of the cost, but you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it. You never know until you try,” Castro said. For him, the film is about legacy, as the title Patawid suggests, and bringing forward stories that have been kept in silence.
All The Things I Leave You (Patawid) offers a thoughtful exploration of heritage, love, and the ways personal stories are passed down and discovered. As it debuts exclusively in SM Cinemas, the film stands as a rare addition to both Ilokano and BL cinema, inviting audiences to reflect on the stories that shape who we are.