Positive love energy electrified the “Love You So Bad” Media Day and Trailer Launch, where the cast and crew delivered feel-good chemistry and early-2000s sparkle at the Dolphy Theater on December 8. Headlined by Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, and Bianca de Vera, the film is a major co-production between Star Cinema, GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment — a historic team-up now set to dominate the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival. The coming-of-age romance is directed by Mae Cruz Alviar, with screenplay by Crystal San Miguel.

From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the Y2K theme stole the spotlight. Cast members and “Pinoy Big Brother: Collab Edition” alumni Xyriel Manabat, Ralph de Leon, and Vince Maristela, along with Zach Castañeda and Reign Parani, brought playful, retro-inspired charm as they posed at the rotating photo booth before entering the theater. Their vibrant fashion choices perfectly matched the film’s youthful energy.

Director Mae Cruz Alviar also turned heads with her effortlessly stylish look — a crisp white shirt paired with a black skirt — embodying chic fun as she posed with finger hearts and danced for the cameras, setting the tone for the lighthearted celebration.

The film’s main trio showcased their characters through signature colors and Y2K flair. Will Ashley radiated cool simplicity in a sky-blue long-sleeve polo with a necktie and classic black slacks. Dustin Yu stood out in his bold yellow leather jacket layered over a white polo and paired with black slacks and tie, leaning into his bright persona. Bianca de Vera, channelling Savannah’s bubbly party-girl spirit, sparkled in a pink dress that captured her youthful, high-energy charm.

Inside the Dolphy Theater, the atmosphere was more festive than formal. A mobile bar onstage allowed the cast to grab drinks mid-conversation, turning the media Q&A into a laid-back hangout session — a refreshing departure from the usual press event tone.

Excitement peaked when the official trailer played. “Love You So Bad” follows Savannah (Bianca) as she navigates the confusing yet thrilling territory of young love, torn between two men offering very different kinds of affection: Vic (Will), the steady motivator who pushes her toward her best self, and LA (Dustin), the devoted protector who shares her emotional highs and lows. The trailer’s blend of kilig, tension, and nostalgia made it clear: this love triangle is set to shake up MMFF 2025.

Bianca de Vera was visibly moved upon seeing the trailer on the big screen for the first time. Growing up watching Star Cinema romances, she described the moment as a dream come true. “Seeing our very own trailer, grabe, napaka-rewarding. Natutuwa ako para sa little Bianca na nangarap.”

Writer Crystal San Miguel distilled the heart of the film in one line: “It’s a story of three young people who got caught in this love triangle, and makikita natin, two different kinds of love story talaga s’ya.”

For Will Ashley, Vic’s strength lies in his unwavering effort. “It’s really more of the efforts, I guess. Feeling ko doon mas nagma-matter… Basta mahal ko si Savannah,” he said, emphasizing the character’s earnest devotion.

Dustin Yu reflected on the emotional demands of LA. “I would say same kami kung paano kami magmahal sa isang tao, pero ‘yung bigat ng character ko, medyo malayo,” he explained, hinting that LA’s internal struggles will hit audiences right in the heart.

Director Mae provided thoughtful insight into the dynamic between the boys. “Si Vic… he’s the motivator. He wants what’s best for her and strives to bring out the better version of Savannah,” she said. Meanwhile, LA fills a different emotional space: “He’s the protector… Kadamay n’ya sa the highs and the lows… a lot of lows.”

Staying true to Savannah’s candid, kikay confidence, Bianca offered her own advice to anyone caught in a real-life love triangle: “Take your time in choosing, hindi naman tayo nauubusan ng oras para mamili… Just love as much as you want to. Hindi mo kasalanan na maganda ka at minamahal ka ng dalawang tao.”

With its vibrant Y2K flavor, irresistible chemistry, and heartfelt storytelling, “Love You So Bad” promises to deliver the biggest kilig rollercoaster of the holiday season. Catch Savannah, Vic, and LA’s intertwined fates on the big screen as the film hits cinemas on December 25 — only at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival.