Star Cinema has officially announced its upcoming family drama Meet, Greet & Bye, featuring an all-star cast led by Piolo Pascual, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos Labajo, Joshua Garcia, and Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. The film is directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the filmmaker behind Seven Sundays, Four Sisters and a Wedding, and Three Words to Forever.
Along with the announcement, a teaser was released on June 23 offering a first look at the film’s emotional tone. The over-a-minute-long video opens with soft piano music as framed family photos—both old and recent—are shown inside a warm, lived-in home. Throughout the teaser, voiceovers of the characters can be heard calling out to their mother, played by Soriano. The mood slowly shifts from nostalgic to somber, ending in silence as their calls go unanswered.
At a look test for the film, Garcia-Sampana called the story a personal one. “This movie is very close to my heart,” she said. “It will be my love letter to my children, just as it might be every parent’s letter to their child—and hopefully the other way around.”
She said that while family dramas are rewarding, they can also be emotionally difficult to make. “It’s something beautiful to talk about, but also scary—because it brings out all your ghosts.”
She added that Meet, Greet & Bye also aims to spotlight the Filipino family on a global stage. “I want to introduce the Filipino family to the world—how we raise our children, how strong our family ties are. I want to show them how we love.”
Pascual, returning to the family genre, said he was struck by the script’s emotional weight. “The script was something I had to keep putting down—not just because it’s emotional, but because it’s deeply moving,” he said. “You really see our Filipino culture in it.” He added, “Star Cinema will always be my home.”
Mariano said working with a fresh cast is both nerve-wracking and exciting. “I’ve never worked with any of them, and it’s such a breath of fresh air for me. Of course, there are nerves, but I’m excited. The script truly feels like coming home.”
Labajo, making his first appearance in a Star Cinema film, said the dynamic on set already feels right. “The chemistry we all have—not just the cast, but everyone here—makes me feel like this is going to be fun. It’s not going to feel like work.”
Garcia, also doing his first family drama, shared his excitement about the ensemble. “It’s my first time working with Piolo, and my first time teaming up with JK. Belle and I have worked together before, so I’m looking forward to this.”
Meet, Greet & Bye begins filming soon. A global theatrical release is in the works.
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