Love blooms in Jollibee Studios’ My Crush is a Cactus Killer

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Sometimes, it’s the unexpected change and uncertainties in our lives that bring us to a deep realization that our fate, indeed, has a funny way of making things fall into place. The same is true for the characters of Mandy and Mikey — the main characters in Jollibee Studios’ first-ever three-episode mini series, My Crush is a Cactus Killer.

Mandy and Mikey, played by Gigi de Lana and Raphael Balaccua, respectively, are plant-lovers who faced setbacks in their professional and personal lives due to the pandemic. Struggling to put their lives back together, they discover how their shared love for plants may just bring them a deeper connection.

“What I love about my character is how accepting she is,” said singer-actress Gigi De Lana. “She doesn’t judge and gives up. This story is about believing that there is still hope for when you make a decision and set your goals, even if there are a lot of things that hinder you,” she continued.

See how love blooms with Mandy (Gigi de Lana) and Mikey (Raphael Balaccua) in Jollibee Studios’ My Crush is a Cactus Killer mini-series

Known for her vocal prowess, Gigi has been put under the showbiz spotlight with her new venture as a leading lady in My Crush is a Cactus Killer. This transition into an acting career has become a journey of growth for Gigi, one that she pursues with joy, love, and passion.

“First love ko ‘yung singing but acting is also a big accomplishment for me and something that I’d love to continue to explore.” According to her, both crafts have allowed her to embrace her vulnerability.

Life’s challenges and love for plants bring Mandy and Mikey together in this heartwarming Jollibee Studios’ mini-series

Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Jollibee Studios’ My Crush is a Cactus Killer is a quirky romance story that shows how to find joy in love despite the struggles that come along the way. And when it comes to narrating stories like this, no brand does it quite like Jollibee.

With over 700,000 subscribers on the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and millions of views on each of their viral videos, Jollibee continues to share short films that tug at the heartstrings of its viewers.

When asked about her initial reaction to the opportunity, Gigi was quick to say that it was an automatic “Yes” for her. “I’ve been such a huge fan of Jollibee’s short films. I think what makes it popular is it makes people laugh, fall in love, cry, and most importantly, binibigyan kami ng lesson sa bawat kwento,” said Gigi.

Her co-star Raphael Balaccua also has this to say, “Working with the creative minds behind the new Jollibee series has been such a joy. With Direk Sigrid guiding me and Gigi, I feel confident that we gave justice to the characters of Mandy and Mikee because I know the right emotions were pulled from us.”

Catch the three-part Jollibee Studios series, My Crush is Cactus Killer, now out on Jollibee Studios’ YouTube page. Share your kilig online through Jollibee’s official social media pages.

Kwentong Jollibee’s short films define love with true, modern-day Pinoy stories

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What is the real meaning of love? This is the question that Jollibee aims to answer with its latest heartfelt and swoon-worthy Kwentong Jollibee Valentine's series.

Back at it again after the series’ continuous success, Jollibee and McCann WorldGroup keep Kwentong Jollibee episodes real and fresh by exploring new, true-to-life stories unique to the experiences of Filipinos in these current times. 

Find the real meaning of love with Kwentong Jollibee’s heartfelt Valentine's films now available on the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and Jollibee Facebook page.

The shorts 600 Days and Dream Guy are directed by Antoinette Jadaone, while ILY is directed by JP Habac. Both acclaimed filmmakers have captured the hearts of Pinoy audiences with previous Kwentong Jollibee episodes–LDR (2021) by Jadaone and the smash-hit One True Pair The Movie (2021) featuring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo by Habac.

To date, the series has amassed more than 44.6 million views on the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and the Jollibee Facebook page combined.

“What makes every Kwentong Jollibee film resonate and touch the lives of Filipinos is that these stories are rooted in the Filipino experience. We continuously make an effort to have our viewers know that their emotions, situations, problems, and successes are seen and heard while constantly reminding them that while the world may change, love will always remain constant and unflinching,” said Arline Adeva, Jollibee Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.

Finding the real meaning of love

As we continue to experience “love in the time of corona”, the challenges that come with it have repeatedly redefined love for some and shown the real meaning of love to others. 

In this year’s Kwentong Jollibee Valentines series we get a genuine snapshot of this era - from lockdown relationships to K-drama crushes – as well as nuanced definitions of love from different perspectives.  

“One thing that sets Kwentong Jollibee apart is how it’s always current and timely. It’s culled from life lessons and stories of different people through experiences brought by the times,” said Sid Samodio, McCann WorldGroup Philippines Executive Creative Director.

Staying true to its purpose of narrating authentic Pinoy stories on Valentine’s Day and other red-letter occasions, the episodes allow audiences to feel both seen and represented. The first episode entitled “600 Days”, in particular, is a sequel to last year’s “LDR” and accurately captures the realities of relationships affected by the pandemic.

“Two years into the pandemic, we found that people were in a state of uncertainty. There have been so many stops and starts, with everybody needing to adjust to the constant changes. And in a world where people are becoming increasingly separated from one another, and where more relationships are formed and maintained online instead of face to face, where can we find the real meaning of love?” he said, explaining the thought behind this year’s Kwentong Jollibee Valentine’s series.

This authenticity is what Pinoys keep coming back to even after years since Kwentong Jollibee’s first viral hit in 2017. With about 800 million views on Jollibee’s official Facebook page and Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and continued sparks of conversation in the digital sphere, it’s safe to say that the Kwentong Jollibee series holds the same space in Pinoy hearts as Jollibee’s langhap-sarap meals. 

Catch all three #KwentongJollibee Valentine’s Day special shorts; “600 Days”, “Dream Guy”, and “ILY” on Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and join the conversation on Jollibee’s official Facebook page.  

CREDITS

Client: Jollibee

Marketing Head, Jollibee Global & Jollibee Philippines: Francis Flores

Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement and Digital Marketing: Arline Adeva

Brand Engagement Manager: Beatriz Cruz

Senior Trade Marketing Manager: Jen Orven Ariel Zaragoza

Assistant Brand Manager: Marie Joyce Marfori

Assistant Brand Manager: Paul Lorenz Chua

Social Media & Digital Content Officer: Jean Vittorio Sabado

Agency: McCann Worldgroup Philippines, Inc.

Executive Creative Director: Sid Samodio

Associate Creative Directors: Ming Salcedo for 600 Days, Marlon Borreo for Dream Guy, Flem Anonuevo for ILY

Art Directors: Gabby Alcazaren for 600 days, Rica Lao for Dream Guy, Karl Ricalde for ILY

Associate Managing Partner: Mitzie Lim-Nacianceno

Associate Business Group Director: Joms Robles

Account Managers: Chloe Adarayan, Pau Frayco

Planning Director: Earl Javier

Jr. Planner: Nathan Edades

Mapper: Sam Manaloto

 

600 Days

Producer: Mariel Cruz

Executive Producer: Jenny Gapiz

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Director of Photography: Theo Lozada

Production Designer: Ben Padero Carlo Tabije

Assistant Director: Shai Advincula-Antonio

Production Manager: Denice Javier

Production Staff: Jo Anne Brios-Simsuangco, Paolo Bianco Jabillo, Viel Santos

Makeup: Janzeil Siachongco

Caster: Toots Gallardo

Livesound: Drew Milallos

Gaffer: Joey Vela Baltazar

Propsman: Jimmy Torado

VTR: Jaye Kalvz Bueno

Offline: Benjamin Tolentino

Online: Terminal 6

Grading: Emerald Lee

 

Dream Guy

Producer: Mariel Cruz

Executive Producer: Jenny Gapiz

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Director of Photography: Pao Orendain

Score: Len Calvo

Production Designer: Alvin Francisco

Wardrobe: Mica Carreon Claudine Vizconde

Assistant Director: Marjorie Darunday Sales

Production Manager: Denice Javier

Production Staff: Jennifer Ann Olmillo, Thea Alcantara, Nica Dalisay, Carlos Salonoy

Makeup: Janzeil Siachongco

Caster: Toots Gallardo

Livesound: Drew Milallos

Gaffer: Jay Linaga

Propsman: Nino Ruzol

VTR: Jaye Kalvz Bueno

Offline: Benjamin Tolentino

Online: Terminal 6

Grading: Emerald Lee

 

ILY

Producer: Jho Moya

Executive Producer: Jenny Gapiz

Director: JP Habac

Director of Photography: Tristan Salas and Neil Bion

Production Designer: Monica Sebial

Assistant Director: Aly Villanueva

Caster: Toots Gallardo

Production Manager: Bea Angulo

Production Staff: Daissa Silvan, Gian Torrenueva, Pauline Sangalang

Post House: Terminal 6

Offline Editor: Renard Torres

Online Editor: John Keith Jose

Colorist: Jan Andrei Cobey

Post-Production Coordinator: Riah Tonio