Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino are ready to show a new side of their love team in ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear’
"KimPau" continues to go through "upgrades" as the love team makes more Filipinos feel the kilig.
From 2023's Linlang to 2024's What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?, the pairing of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino is making its big screen debut with My Love Will Make You Disappear.
The movie has a quirky premise that'll keep audiences on the edge of their seats—Sari (Kim) believes she's cursed because when she kisses a man she loves, they mysteriously disappear. Enter Jolo (Paulo), a brooding landlord struggling with his fair share of heartbreak. Their lives intertwine and they begin to fall for each other as they work together to prevent a community from being displaced. Sari’s alleged curse jeopardizes their growing connection.
For Kim and Paulo, this project brought a different kind of challenge. Linlang was a drama thriller. While their more recent works together were both rom-coms, the love team said they were bringing something new to the table.
"Exploring comedy and romance together is something different for us. Kasi 'yung past projects namin meron silang ibang tone," the actress said in an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe.
"This time, it's a different challenge. Pero [rewarding] din for us kasi napapakita namin yung new side of our tandem sa mga tao, especially now that we're on [the] big screen."
"Iba pa rin yung we're playing different characters. Iba 'yung mga pinagdaraanan, iba 'yung kwento. It becomes something totally new," Paulo added.
Kim further described the upcoming film as an "upgrade" to Filipino rom-coms.
"Para siyang [in-update to] iOS 18 mo 'yung rom-com. Sobrang siyang na upgrade into something na akala mo 'pag nanuod ka, ikaw 'yun."
In My Love Will Make You Disappear, both Kim and Paulo's characters have their own reservations about love. But as their romance blossoms, are they willing to dive in head first into love, even if it means it might disappear?
"May ganoon ba talagang pagmamahal, 'yung hindi nawawala, 'yung hindi ka iiwan kahit anong mangyari?" Sari asks in the trailer.
Love for acting
As they explore the romance and comedy genre together, Kim and Paulo share their love for acting.
"Kami namang dalawa ni Pau, when it comes to our craft, talagang gusto talaga namin umarte," Kim said. "Parang mararamdaman mo sa kanyang (Paulo) na gusto niya talaga umarte. Ako gusto ko din talaga umarte kasi [ito] 'yung outlet ko," Kim said.
The actress added that she always tries to find a little bit of herself in her characters.
"Itong character ni Sari, parang eto talaga 'yung sentiments ng bawat babae na natatakot magmahal kasi baka mawala na naman sila," she said.
Paulo, meanwhile, said that his character Jolo becomes more "colorful" because of those around him like Sari.
"Upon learning about Sari's curse, parang dun naging makulay 'yung buhay niya dahil gumagawa siya ng paraan para ma-in love si Sari sa kanya," he noted.
Asked if their on-screen connection in the film translates to real life, Paulo said, "Hindi naman."
"Well, ako sa akin tingin ko, hindi naman kasi kung anong tinatrabaho namin [is] different from how we are in real life."
When their film hits cinemas, Kim hopes viewers will pick up a few lessons from their newest story.
"Ang gusto kong i-impart sa mga audience is do not be afraid to fall in love. [D]on't be afraid to give love kasi if that love finds you, that love will choose you," she said, adding that the movie also explores self-love and love for friends and family.
What's next for KimPau?
While exact details of upcoming projects remain under wraps, fans are excited about the possibilities. But one thing is for sure, both Kim and Paulo have shown their willingness to push the boundaries of their acting.
"Gusto ko naman mag heavy drama, kasi sobrang magkakasunod na yung light. Gusto ko naman, heavy," Kim said.
Paulo, meanwhile, hopes to be part of a sci-fi project.
My Love Will Make You Disappear, directed by Chad V. Vidanes, premieres on March 26. It also stars Wilma Doesnt, Lovely Abella, Benj Manalo, Nico Antonio, Migs Almendras, Martin Escudero, Karina Bautista, Jermiah Lisbo, and Melai Cantiveros.
