Toni And Alex Gonzaga Talk About Their Experience Working Together In A Movie For The First Time In 'Mary, Marry Me'

TONI GONZAGA says she didn’t expect that her movie “Mary, Marry Me” with her sister, Alex, will make it as an official entry in the coming Metro-Manila Filmfest. “Hindi talaga naman ine-expect na makakapasok kami sa festival kasi originally scheduled ang movie namin for a January 2019 playdate as we’re both January born,” she says. “January 16 ang birthday niya at January 20 naman ako, so birthday presentation sana namin ito. E, kaso nakuha nga kami sa festival, kaya sobrang saya namin and we’re very thankful na napili kami ng screening committee as one of the official entries. We’re very excited kasi first time namin ni Alex na maging part ng Metro Manila Filmfest nang magkasama. Ang sarap pala ng feeling na kasali at may pelikula kang ipalalabas in time for Christmas. Dati kasi, nanonood lang kami ng filmfest entries pag Pasko, lalo na yung ‘Shake Rattle & Roll’. Now, may entry na kami at thrilled kaming sumama sa Parade of Stars.”

Alex says working with her Ate Toni is a big blessing. “I’m really thankful na nagkasama kami kasi gusto ko talaga maranasan yung experience of us working together at ngayon, alam ko nang sobra siyang perfectionist, laging nai-stressed, kaya ito na ang first and last movie namin. Joke!”

“Ganyan talaga si Alex, laging nang-aasar, ayaw magseryoso,” says Toni. “Dapat sana, sa abroad kami magpapasko, pero dahil nga may entry kami, we have to stay put and also, may PBB rin kami, e.”

The movie is produced by Toni’s husband Paul Soriano’s company Ten17P and Toni’s own company, Tin Can (which stands for her nickname Tin and Can means she CAN do anything.) Toni herself came up with the story idea for the movie, which is a combination of a romcom and a family movie. In the story, Toni is Mary Jane and Alex is Mary Anne. Alex is a balikbayan who is all set to marry Sam Milby as Pete, who happens to be Toni’s ex-BF. Toni even acts as their wedding planner, but along the way, complications occur when the feelings of Toni and Sam for each other are rekindled, causing a big and painful rift between the sisters.

“May comedy ang movie, meron ding drama, at meron ding bugbugan, action,” cracks Alex. “But in the end, it’s a feel good movie pa rin perfect for the entire family during the holiday season. After this, lahat tayo, mas mamahalin natin ang ating mga kapatid.”

Supporting them in the movie are Melai Cantiveros as Alex’ hilarious best friend from the States who speaks only in English, with Bayani Agbayani and Moi Bien as a couple who helps the sisters. This is the directorial debut of RC de los Reyes, who has supported many name directors in Star Cinema for several years now and has also worked as a producer for Paul Soriano. He says he enjoyed working with sisters Toni and Alex because they’re both intelligent actresses who are easy to get along with.