Cover Film still from 'Hayop Ka: The Nimfa Dimaano Story" / Avid Liongoren

Whether you're single, in a relationship, married, or would rather label things as 'complicated'—these films will surely give you a large helping of kilig and swoon-worthy moments

Movies have been part of our dating traditions: may they be in the theatres or at home while we "Netflix and chill". And what better way to celebrate this day of romance than spending it with your amour over a good tearjerker or simply hilarious flick and bowls of popcorn?

Here are some personal picks that we think you may have missed from your watchlist. Though some of these have already earned accolades of their own right, they are not as massively popular as the blockbuster hits. Still, they are worth watching or rewatching especially this Valentine's Day:

1. Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story

This adult animated romantic comedy from Avid Liongoren breaks away from the usual animations we get and delivers a powerful mix of real-life drama, satire, and raunchy scenes and dialogues befitting of its title and art concept. It follows the silent battles of Nimfa Dimaano, a pussycat saleslady, who gets torn between two lovers: Roger, her longtime boyfriend/live-in partner, and Iñigo, a truly rich and successful guy she fell in love with after their chance meeting at the mall where she works. With Nimfa always dreaming of a more comfortable life, she makes choices throughout the film that makes her see what truly matters most in life and love.

Watch it here

2. Saving Sally

An earlier labour of love from Liongoren, this live-action animated film was a gamechanger when it entered the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. Based on a 2002 short story written by the film's screenwriter, Saving Sally took 12 years for Liongoren and his team to finish. In 2017, the film won Special Jury Prize, Orient Express Section Special Jury Award, and the Audience Award at the Fantasporto, an international film festival in Portugal. It basically tells the story of unrequited teenage love and portrays serious issues like domestic violence and physical abuse through the eyes of the youth.

Watch it here

3. Elise

Bert's childhood sweetheart returns to his life and suddenly it seems that his life is tumbling down yet eerily familiar. More than just an average romantic comedy, this film pulls off honest and sincere storytelling. 

Watch it here

4. Sleepless

This offbeat rom-com film won the NETPAC Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2015 QCinema, where its male lead Dominic Roco also bagged the Best Actor title. It follows the story of Gem, an insomniac call centre agent who meets Barry, a newbie in the company. Together, they've spent the nights together while the world is asleep and had their friendship developed organically. In 2018, CignalPlay released a spinoff series of the same title and featured three pairs similar to Gem and Barry, trying to find a connection in the wee hours.

Watch it here

5. Kung Paano Siya Nawala

Lio, who has face blindness, couldn't remember the woman he slept with the night before. This condition has given him difficulty in building lasting relationships and even friendships in his life. And yet, he meets Shana, one who accepts his flaws and understands that she has flaws in herself, too. This slow-burn film finds beauty and harmony in a world full of faults and disappointments.

Watch it here

6. A Girl + A Guy

Here's a modern tale of young adults navigating the tricky world of relationships, connection, and intimacy in today's society. We find two young people, Raf and Fiona, taking different approaches to move on after breakups. When they finally found each other and are almost ready to see if a lasting relationship would blossom out of it, the pandemic happened.

Watch it here

7. Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon

Set five years after the events of Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa, this film reunites ex-lovers Sam and Isa who are both happy in their current relationships. Here we witness their struggle to find closure in their affair and journey with them in their search for answers if they are truly destined for each other.

Watch it here


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