STAR Cinema scores a well-deserved box-office hit in the recent mainstream theatrical release of She’s Dating The Gangster (SDTG) starring two of ABS-CBN’s biggest teen stars Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.
SDTG earned a very impressive Php15M on its first showing day and it eventually raked in Php100M in revenues merely five days after its opening.
SDTG is based on Bianca Bernardino’s best-selling Pop Fiction Book of the same title from Summit Media, which recently partnered with Star Cinema for the film adaptations of its successful line of Pop Fiction Books such as “The Bet” by Kimberly Joy Villanueva, “Seducing Drake Palma” by Ariesa Jane Domingo, “Three Words, Eight Letters. Say It, I’m Yours.” by Jade Margarette Pitogo, and “Ang Boyfriend Kong Artista” by Ella Larena.
Summit Media President Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng is rapt with Cathy Garcia-Molina’s big screen interpretation of the novel. “I find the movie very well done,” says Gokongwei-Cheng. “Nakakaiyak at nakakakilig. I think, even though the book was not followed to the letter, it was improved…especially because of the two stories/timelines in the movie.”
Gokongwei-Cheng also shared her feelings with Summit Media’s partnership with Star Cinema, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary in the industry. “Having the stories of our writers brought to life…it is very rewarding for us as a publisher. With the quality of storytelling, acting, and production of the film, we are very happy.” In addition, Gokongwei-Cheng reveals that Summit Media is very excited with its future endeavors with Star Cinema. “We are looking forward to the continuous partnership. We, at Summit Media, completely trust Star Cinema to give justice to the books we publish. There are very few film studios that are really good in filmmaking and storytelling. Summit Media’s Pop Fiction being the number one Wattpad publisher and Star Cinema is a good combination.”
SDTG is a contemporary Filipino love story for all ages. The story revolves around the intertwined lives of a set of young star-crossed lovers (Kenji and Athena, played by Padilla and Bernardo) with a major unfinished business to settle and an unlikely couple (Kenneth and Kelay, also played by Padilla and Bernardo) who unexpectedly finds love in their individual quests to set things right for the people closest to their hearts.
The film carries the universal theme that true love surpasses the endurance of time. The movie also offers an optimistic view on romance as it provides moviegoers hope that they need not look far and wide to find true love, as it could be right in front of them all this time, all along.
SDTG also stars Khalil Ramos, Sofia Andres, Pamu Pamorada, Marco Gumabao, John Uy, Alex Diaz, Igi Boy Flores, and Yana Asistio with the special participation of Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta.
Now on its blockbuster second week, She’s Dating The Gangster is still showing in cinemas nationwide.