‘Only We Know’: The seven-year journey of Charo, Dingdong and a love story for the present

Metro Manila, Philippines- When “Only We Know” finally graced the screen, it carried more than just the weight of its characters' emotional complexities, it carried seven years of waiting, maturing, rediscovering, and holding onto a story that refused to be rushed.

In a recent interview for Newswatch Plus, the film’s principal creatives, screen icon Charo Santos-Concio, leading man Dingdong Dantes, and acclaimed writer-director Irene Villamor, gathered to talk about a journey that was both cinematic and deeply personal.

Growing with concept

The film began with a whisper, "maliit na maliit na konsepto [a tiny concept],” as Villamor described it. But even that whisper had the weight of something fated.

“Nauna sila [they were first[,” she said, referring to Charo and Dingdong. “We knew we wanted to work together, and from there, the story grew.”

Charo said she looked forward to the project with patience and quiet excitement. “Patience is a virtue,” she said, reflecting her long-standing belief that timing is everything.

For Dingdong, the appeal was instant. “You don’t say no to a dream team - Ma’am Charo and Direk Irene? That’s a gift.”

Seven years in the making

Over seven years, what began as a love story blossomed into something more profound. Life had happened to the cast and crew, grief, growth, changing worldviews - and all of it shaped the final form of “Only We Know.”

“Maraming nangyari sa buhay ko. Mas may appreciation ako ngayon sa tunay na kahulugan ng pagmamahal. Loving deeply. And I brought that into Betty,” said Charo, speaking with a grace that mirrors her character Betty.

[Translation: A lot has happened in my life. I now have a deeper appreciation for the true meaning of love - loving deeply. And I brought that into Betty.”]

Dingdong echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that both the world and their perspectives had shifted.

“Kung ginawa namin ito seven years ago, baka iba rin ang kinalabasan. Ngayon, mas malalim na ang intindi namin sa tema,” he said.

[Translation: If we had done this seven years ago, it might have turned out differently. Now, we have a deeper understanding of the theme.]

Villamor said the story found its moment post-pandemic, in a world marked by distance and disconnection.

“Now is the perfect time. This isn’t just a love story. It’s about reaching out, making connections when it’s easier not to.”

One of the film’s most resonant themes is its embrace of emotional ambiguity. The relationship between Betty and Ryan is not boxed into conventional labels.

"Outside of labels and definitions, loving is loving, it’s universal. Seeing someone for who they are, loving unconditionally, that’s what matters,” said Charo.

Dingdong added, “These situations, these ‘gray areas,’ they’re real. People are experiencing them. We just wanted to do justice to their stories.”

Becoming Betty and Ryan

Both actors dove deep into their roles, seeking emotional truths that would shape their portrayals. For Charo, Betty’s emotional honesty required vulnerability and a return to self.

“Kapag nagmahal ka, magmahal ka ng todo. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Pain is part of love. That’s what makes joy bittersweet,” she said.

[Translation: When you love, love with your whole heart. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Pain is part of love - that’s what makes joy bittersweet.]

Dingdong took a research-based approach, conducting character studies for insight. But much of the magic, he says, happened on set.

“Most of the discovery happened while we were acting. It’s in the moment you truly become the character.”

“Only We Know” came at a time when audiences look for authenticity, connection, and stories that reflect their emotional landscapes. It offers no perfect endings, no templated resolutions - just honest explorations of what it means to love.

“In a time when people are surviving rather than living, this film reminds us that connection matters. Even if it’s imperfect. Especially if it’s imperfect,” said Villamor.

“Only We Know” premieres in cinemas nationwide.