Cebu makes stunning backdrop for ‘Kasal’

JUNE has been famed to be the month of weddings, but Star Cinema advanced this with an invitation to its 25th anniversary tribute, “Kasal,” directed by Ruel S. Bayani. It stars Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay and Paulo Avelino—and Cebu, which is the location for the film.

Alonzo plays a simple public school teacher named Lia Marquez, who teaches at the Sto. Niño Elementary School in Malabuyoc town.

Avelino is Philip Cordero, a young bachelor who will soon run for mayor. He has been in love with Lia since they were kids.

Meanwhile, Lia’s ex-boyfriend Wado dela Costa, played by Derek Ramsay, is back from Dubai—don’t worry, this is not a spoiler, just something to spin the viewers’ mind.

One could really feel the Sugbuanon atmosphere in the movie with Cordova’s 10,000 Roses, which is hailed as a good spot for anniversaries and marriage proposals. From the bay view of the sunset to the luminescence of the white flowers, everything is undeniably romantic! Now, who would not say “A thousand times yes!” to a gentleman with a fancy ring on his hand with the backdrop of 10,000 Roses?

And here’s another pretty scene: Doing your morning jog at the Top Lookout (a.k.a. Tops) in Busay then someone asking you out on a date. Given the mesmerizing scene one only witnesses in novels, could one actually say no? Lia knows that feeling.

Lucky for those who have cars and brave are those who take the habal-habal (motorcyle for hire) just to go to Tops. But it’s not just a place for lovers; it’s also a great place to have drinks—just as Wado and Philip did.

And it wouldn’t be Cebu if filming didn’t include the Taj Mahal of the Philippines, the Temple of Leah on the Cebu Transcentral Highway in Cebu City. The movie mentioned the history of the structure. It was built with the immortal love of Teodorico Soriano Adarna to his wife for 53 years, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. It was constructed in 2012.

The movie suggests that Temple of Leah is fit for pre-nuptial shoots with its fine architecture overlooking the view of Cebu.

Other Cebu structures and landmarks in the movie are the Sergio Osmeña Bridge or the first bridge linking Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, Solea Mactan Cebu Resort in Lapu-Lapu City and the Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City.

Having these spots in the movie ups Cebu’s tourism potential.

Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, should definitely watch “Kasal.” It is still showing in cinemas nationwide. (Jazzy Lyle S. Samson, CNU Intern)