In My Life (2009 film)

In My Life is a 2009 Philippine drama film directed by Olivia M. Lamasan from a story and screenplay she co-wrote with Raymond Lee and Senedy Que. The film stars real-life mother and son, Vilma Santos-Recto and Luis Manzano, and John Lloyd Cruz, with the supporting cast includes Tirso Cruz III, Dimples Romana, Vice Ganda, and Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino.

Produced and distributed by Star Cinema, the film was theatrically released on September 16, 2009.

Shirley Templo is a ruthless woman. Many people deal with her strong attitude only for fear of her cold stare, or her outlash. She works as a librarian in a school and lives in a compound owned by her ex-husband, Benito Salvacion. Many of the Salvacion family members that live near the compound, even including her eldest daughter, Dang, plead with her to sell it to make a profit and move to a more suitable living area. Hard-headed as she is, Shirley refuses and feels betrayed by her two daughters, Dang and Cherry, for even siding with their father who left them nearly fifteen years ago. Even more upset, she finds out that Dang plans to emigrate to Australia. Alone in the Philippines, Shirley decides to move to New York City with her youngest and only son, Mark, who is gay. Mark is unaware, however, that this supposed vacation of his mother is actually a permanent visit.

Upon her arrival to the States, Shirley is picked up at the airport by Noel Villanueva. Thinking he was only hired to help, she rudely offers him payment for his services, but he declines. As she walks around the apartment, she notices pictures of Mark and Noel being affectionate toward each other. She then realizes that Noel is actually Mark's new boyfriend. Although she has been aware of Mark's homosexuality since his high school years, she gives Noel plenty of trouble and hard times. The story reflects how Shirley changes her attitudes and views about two men that become a big part of her life, and how she accepts the reality that has been presented to her. Unfortunately, unforeseen tragedies occur, and a rift between Shirley and Noel arises. But as she understands Mark's reasons for having her be around Noel all this time, she resolves her issues with him and soon embraces him as a member of her family.

• Vilma Santos-Recto as Shirley Templo: A ruthless librarian who moves to New York with her son. Though born in the United States (due to her American mother), she hasn't stepped onto American soil.
• Luis Manzano as Mark Salvacion: Shirley's gay son.
• John Lloyd Cruz as Noel Villanueva: Mark's lover.

• Vice Ganda as Hillary: Mark and Noel's fellow Filipino friend in New York.
• Nikki Valdez as Mia
• Dimples Romana as Andrea "Dang" Salvacion, Shirley's oldest daughter
• Rafael Rosell as Vince
• Tirso Cruz III as Benito Salvacion: Shirley's ex-husband
• Paw Diaz as Cherry Salvacion, Shirley's younger daughter
• Nonie Buencamino as Mr. Villanueva: Noel's father
• Shamaine Buencamino as Mrs. Villanueva: Noel's mother, who has breast cancer
• Arnold Reyes as Albert Salvacion, Dang's husband
• Aaron Junatas as Boylet Salvacion: Dang's oldest son and Shirley's grandson
• Cha-Cha Cañete as Kat Kat Salvacion: Dang's younger daughter and Shirley's granddaughter
• Kakai Bautista as Millet
• William Rothlein as Elai: A bagel shop owner

Initially, Manzano turned down the role of Mark Salvacion and admitted he was uncomfortable with the intimate scenes between the two male characters. He accepted the role after reading the script and understanding the character. His mother and co-star Vilma Santos, meanwhile, made it clear that she did not influence Manzano's decision.^[1]

John Lloyd Cruz stated that he had no problem with the gay scenes, saying that he would do it as an actor.

The film was theatrically released on September 16, 2009. The film received a television premiere on Cinema One on July 18, 2010.^[2] It also received a terrestrial television premiere on ABS-CBN on Christmas 2010, with almost 10 percent of national households tuned in (according to Kantar/TNS ratings).^[3]

In My Life was met with acclaim from critics and at the box office. Many people praised the storyline, meaning, and acting of Vilma Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, and Luis Manzano.

The film garnered an unexpected ₱20,000,000 on its first day of release, and nearly ₱80,000,000 on its opening weekend.^[4]

By the end of 2009, In My Life placed second on the Top 13 local 2009 Philippine movies list just behind You Changed My Life, which also starred Cruz. In My Life would have broken Philippine movie records if not for Typhoon Ondoy.

• 4th Genio Awards (January 2, 2011)

• Best Actress - Vilma Santos
• Best Actor - John Lloyd Cruz
• Best Supporting Actor - Luis Manzano
• Best Screenplay

• In My Life at IMDb