Netflix Philippines brings family drama to the screen with “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon,” starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Agot Isidro in a story about family, forgiveness, old wounds, and finding one’s way back home. The film held its media launch at Casa Buenas, Newport Mall, with Sta. Maria, Isidro, director and screenwriter Cholo H. Laurel, and cast members Gabriel Lazaro and Ruby Ruiz sharing insights into the highly emotional film.
Isidro plays Paz, an absentee mother who returns to her family after years away, reopening wounds from the past.
“I was an absentee mother. I was the one who really opened the wounds of the family,” Isidro shared.
Sta. Maria plays Jo, a fiercely independent writer whose life is disrupted by Paz’s unexpected return.
“Biglang dumating ang isang ‘storm’ sa buhay niya sa katauhan ni Paz,” Sta. Maria said, describing how Jo struggles to deal with a mother who never truly acted like one.
A Family Story With Humor and Heart
Despite its dramatic premise, Laurel emphasized that humor plays an important role in making the film feel authentic.
“For drama to be effective as a tool, it has to be funny,” he said.
The director also returns to filmmaking after a 10-year hiatus, with much of the film shot in Marinduque, including scenes filmed at his home, Balai La-hi.
At its core, “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon” explores forgiveness and whether closure is possible without receiving the answers we want. Rather than telling audiences who is right or wrong, the film encourages communication and confronting painful family wounds.
“It does not prescribe you to forgive… It just tells you that this is the Filipino family; these are what relationships are like. You decide,” Laurel explained.
Isidro likewise believes healing ultimately begins from within.
“The healing and forgiveness ay nanggagaling sa sarili. It’s really an inner work,” she shared.
Gabriel Lazaro plays Matti, a troubled character searching for his identity and reconnecting with his family, while Ruby Ruiz portrays Des, a loyal family helper who has witnessed their complicated relationships.
The film’s media launch also featured an exclusive clip from one of its pivotal dining-table scenes, giving guests a glimpse of the emotional chaos in store.
For Sta. Maria, the film also provides a way for audiences worldwide to experience Filipino culture and storytelling.
“Now, they get to see us. The Filipino people. A glimpse into our culture. Who we are as a people and as a nation,” she said.
“Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon” is now streaming worldwide, only on Netflix.
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