“Project Baby” made its big-screen debut in style as stars, industry personalities and supporters filled Eastwood Cinemas for its June 9 red carpet premiere.
Led by Sue Ramirez and Rico Blanco, the romantic comedy-drama centers on a woman who chooses to pursue motherhood independently, a premise director Eric Quizon hopes will spark conversations about evolving family dynamics.
Among those who attended the premiere were Ramirez’s boyfriend Dominic Roque, actor Donny Pangilinan, veteran actor Epy Quizon, singer Dionela and partner Meizy Mendoza, Patrick Ramirez, director Easy Ferrer, and Regal Entertainment executives Roselle and Keith Monteverde.
Joining the lead stars on the red carpet were cast members Arra San Agustin, Yasser Marta, Kimson Tan, Christian Ty, Charuth, Drei Arias, Jonathan Perez, Shecko Apostol and Jazzil Sarinas.
Produced by Regal Films, the film follows Sandy (Ramirez), a 31-year-old advertising agency founder who decides she wants to have a child without waiting for marriage or a long-term partner. Confident in her decision, she embarks on a carefully planned search for a suitable father for her future child.
Her plans, however, are tested when she meets Migo (Blanco), a free-spirited artist whose growing presence in her life begins to challenge the boundaries she has established. As Migo becomes close to Sandy’s family and friends, what starts as a practical arrangement gradually develops into something more complicated.
Speaking during the premiere, Quizon said the story explores the many ways people can embrace the idea of parenthood, whether through raising a child, building a family or nurturing something meaningful in their lives.
“In the end, you can be a parent to anything. When you nurture or build something, you become a parent to it. You can be the parent of a project, right? I’m like that with my family as well. It’s something I can really relate to, even though I’m not in my 30s like the lead character. Men don’t really have the same biological clock. My father was even able to have a child at 65. That’s why men my age can still relate to this kind of story,” Quizon said during the premiere.
The veteran actor-director also revealed that the project had been in development for years before eventually landing in his hands. The screenplay was originally intended to be directed by Joey Reyes, but circumstances led to a different path for the film.
Quizon added that the movie also marks a meaningful collaboration with Regal Entertainment, a company he has been associated with since his early years in show business.
The director likewise praised the ensemble cast, saying audiences will get to see different sides of the performers, including Ramirez and Blanco.
“I’ve directed Sue before as a romantic actress, but it turns out she’s also naturally funny. And Rico is someone I see perform differently on stage, but what he does in this movie is something else. There will be many surprises along the way, and I hope audiences enjoy them,” he pointed out.
“Project Baby” also stars Matt Lozano, Alex Calleja and Alice Dixson. The film is now showing in cinemas nationwide.