Sam Milby is back. Well, not that he was on hiatus or something. It's just that he's back in our all-time favorite genre, the rom-com. He's making this comeback extra special because he's starring alongside IRL couple Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado. And after working with them, Sam had his own realizations about handling relationships.
Up close, the connection between the three actors felt like they were longtime friends already. Well, after all, Jennylyn and Sam had already starred as leads in the 2015 rom-com film, The Prenup. Now, 10 years later, they're even more comfortable with each other—and Dennis, of course.
In a conversation that Sam, Dennis, and Jennylyn had with Cosmopolitan Philippines on February 13, Sam divulged that Jennylyn was one of the reasons why he accepted the project at just one glance. "Well when it was offered, this movie to me, it [The Prenup] was one of the reasons why I also accepted this project. I really enjoyed working with them," Sam expressed.
Beyond the excitement of working with two of this generation's top celebrities, Sam found inspiration in Dennis and Jennylyn's relationship. He observed how calm and effortless their love was, even with the added dynamic of working together—something Sam struggled with in his own past relationships with co-workers.
Dennis and Jennylyn's work as a couple absolutely struck something in Sam. He says, "Seeing their love, their dynamics, and how they work together kahit mag-asawa—'coz I've always felt it hard to mix love and personal life at work. I'm inspired by seeing how well they work together...They're so connected, walang problema. I just find it inspiring."
We continued the conversation with Sam saying, "Pwede [palang] maghalo ang work and love life, and they make it seem so easy."
Jennylyn retorts, "Kaya naman eh," which prompted Sam to share more about his past relationships. "Oh I've had relationships where I did work together 'yung love life ko and it was rough. 'Pag may problema, grabe away namin sa set. Yeah, oh my gosh..." he recalled without dropping any names, bringing laughter to the room.
When we asked the couple if they have any advice or tip for Sam on balancing love and career, Dennis responded, "'Yung sa'min naman, 'yung relationship namin, kung papaano kami magtrabaho ngayon, ibang-iba naman kumpara dati. Marami kaming pinagdaanan, lagi kaming nag-aaway. Pero siyempre, 'pag napagdaanan niyo na ang lahat ng 'yon, 'pag na-resolve niyo na ang lahat ng issues, na-address niyo na lahat ng mga concerns na dapat niyong malaman, feeling ko 'dun pa lang magiging maayos—feeling ko kahit saan pa kami magsama, magiging okay kami."
What is the plot of Everything About My Wife?
Their film, Everything About My Wife, tells the story of Dom (Dennis) who asks his neighbor Miguel (Sam) to purposefully steal his wife, Imo (Jennylyn). Dom realized he wants an out from his marriage Imo, and so he aims to make Imo cheat on him. That is, until Miguel really falls for Imo.
Jennylyn Mercado's Character In Everything About My Wife
Jennylyn says her character Imo—who she describes as a nagger—has taught her to choose the battles she's gonna start. In other words, Imo has taught her to be more intentional when it comes to commenting about a relationship.
"May mga tao na hindi kayang pigilan 'yung mga nasa isip nila, 'yung gusto mong sabihin. Minsan ganon ako pero ilalagay natin as lugar. Tsaka sa ngayon, 'yun 'yung natutunan ko eh.. 'Yung mga maliliit na bagay, hindi na dapat pinapalaki. 'Yun as much as possible, palampasin mo nalang, okay lang 'yan. Minsan tawanan mo na lang," Jennylyn underscored.
Dennis Trillo's Character In Everything About My Wife
For Dennis, he's learned that one should exert effort in all ways possible, especially when getting to know one's partner. "Ako siguro 'yung pagbibigay importansya sa patience, sa pag-unawa, 'dun sa effort na kilalanin talaga 'yung partner mo. Feeling ko 'yun 'yung napakaimportante, dahil 'pag hindi mo kilala ang isang tao, mahirap siyang pakisamahan nang matagal."
Sam Milby's Character In Everything About My Wife
And then there's Miguel. Sam defines Miguel's character as a casanova who had a lot of heartbreak to resolve after losing his loved one. Sam, again, gained some insights about love because of his character this time. "I feel like a lot of people believe na when you find that one perfect person, 'pag nawala 'yung person na 'yan, wala na. Ganon si Miguel, parang give up na ako [Miguel] sa love, because 'yung babaeng para sa akin, wala na siya sa buhay ko,"
Sam added, "He had the love of his life, and then wala na. And he gave up on love. He was just whatever. He just wants to enjoy life. Parang may void sa puso niya, and he's trying to fill that void. But I think you can have that person na—that you feel was the one for you, 'pag nawala sa buhay mo—you can still find love. Laging may pag-asa para sa pag-ibig."
The 40-year-old actor noted how finding love even with such a major heartbreak should not hinder someone from finding new love once again. "I think there's someone that can love you and make you happy at the same. Opening yourself up to allowing people into your life and giving them a chance," he concluded.
Everything About My Wife is directed by Real Florido and will be available in Philippine cinemas starting February 26.
