Actress Liza Soberano recently opened up about her 2017 romantic comedy “My Ex and Whys,” expressing mixed feelings about the film’s portrayal of its female lead.
During an appearance on the “TigerBelly” podcast, Soberano reflected on the movie she starred in alongside her former real-life partner, Enrique Gil, and directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana.
While acknowledging her fondness for the project, Soberano criticized what she viewed as problematic messaging regarding the female protagonist, Cali, a relationship blogger dealing with betrayal.
“I like this movie, too, but at the same time, I don’t like the misogynistic take on it very much,” Soberano admitted.
The actress pointed out that the storyline shifts focus away from Cali’s pain over being cheated on, turning her into the target of public backlash for speaking out. Instead of receiving sympathy, the character faces a public cancellation and is labeled a man-hater.
“And then later on, people start hating on her for being such a man-hater and then she gets like cancelled,” Soberano recalled.
Soberano also questioned narrative choices later in the film, including Cali’s efforts to reconcile with her ex-boyfriend, Gio, primarily to appease public perception.
“And so, she’s now trying to make up with her ex so that she can prove to everyone that they’re okay,” she explained.
Released in February 2017, “My Ex and Whys” became a major box-office success and remains one of the defining projects of the LizQuen love team, cementing Soberano and Gil’s popularity in Philippine cinema.