Andoy Ranay reveals Nadine Lustre, James Reid's first on-screen kiss in 'Diary ng Panget' was unscripted
When Nadine Lustre and James Reid shared their first on-screen kiss in the 2014 romantic comedy film Diary ng Panget, it was the start of a love team that would eventually capture the hearts of thousands of fans. However, director Andoy Ranay revealed that the kiss was originally not part of the script at all.
During his guest appearance on the Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast, which is hosted by Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, Ranay had the chance to share some behind-the-scenes details about the film's production.
"Doon sa Diary ng Pangit, sabi ni [Viva Communications Chairman and CEO Vic Del Rosario, Jr.], kailangan ko daw i-launch si James Reid tsaka si Nadine as the newest love team ng Viva na parang dapat Sharon [Cuneta and] Gabby [Concepcion]," Ranay recalled.
"Sabi ko, 'Ang tall order ng Sharon-Gabby. Sandali naman, maghinay-hinay tayo, Boss Vic.' Sabi niya, 'Ay hindi, Direk, kailangan kasi may mga bago na ngayon na lumalabas. Sabi ko, 'Okay, sige.' So, ginawa namin 'yung Diary ng Pangit," he continued.
Ranay pointed to a scene near the end of the film where Lustre's and Reid's characters confessed their feelings for each other and shared a kiss. According to him, this iconic moment was actually not included in the original script at all.
"Dapat 'yun, parang [maglalapit] lang sila tapos cut. Tapos sabi ko, 'Ano bang hindi ginagawa ng love teams ngayon sa unang pelikula? Ay, maglaplapan!'" Ranay said, laughing.
"Parang pwede naman na. 'Ilan na ka naman si Nadine?' Tanong naman ako. So tinanong ko naman 'yung dalawa, 'Okay lang ba kayong mag-kiss diyan sa eksena na 'yan. 'Yung talagang kiss na kiss ha? 'Yung todong kiss,'" he added.
Lustre and Reid were both on board.
Ranay continued, "Pagtingin ko, nandun 'yung nanay ni Nadine. [Sabi niya,] 'Direk, totoo ba?' Sabi ko, 'Yes, mommy, ilau-launch sila. Ikasisikat nila ito. Tara na.'"
"'Yung JaDine na branding that time, kailangan may something different... parang iba silang love team eh," he explained.
Diary ng Panget served as the launchpad of Lustre and Reid's love team, also known as "JaDine." Following the success of the film, the pair signed a contract with ABS-CBN and have since starred in projects, such as On the Wings of Love, Till I Met You, Talk Back and You're Dead, and more.
The two eventually turned their on-screen romance into a real-life relationship. However, they have now separated since 2020 to focus on their personal growth and careers.
Lustre is now in a relationship with entrepreneur Christophe Bariou, while Reid has since been dating Issa Pressman.