Article by Aimee Julia Pua

It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 30, guy or girl, rich or poor—you’ll encounter romantic heartbreak multiple times in your life. Even if you’ve never been in a serious relationship before, I’m sure you’ve witnessed a friend or family member crying his/her heart out over a bad breakup, or a big fight with their significant other.

Whether it’s your own or someone else’s, we have to do something about it. Aside from ice cream and a round of drinks, the best cure can be a good, hopeful movie with friends and family. With the help of When in Manila readers, I’ve gathered (and categorized for easier recommending—see how much I love you guys?) a list of 30+ movies from the past decade that will work better than bandaids on ripped hearts:

9 Pinoy Movies from the 2010s and Onwards to Help You Mend a (Romantically) Broken Heart

#WalangForever (2015)

Directed by Dan Villegas. Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Jericho Rosales.

Being an avid fan of Jennylyn, I personally went out of my way to watch this one when it first came out. While the movie isn’t a groundbreaking one that’ll change your life, it’s still worth the watch if you’re looking for a heartwarming film with great acting that’s easy to empathize with. The story may be a bit stereotypical as a whole, but the film presents a lot of the little things that we can easily relate to.

100 Tula Para Kay Stella (2017)

Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. Starring Bela Padilla and JC Santos.

Literally everyone I know was talking about this movie when it was first released. It’s pegged to be a hugot movie more than anything, and is seemingly highly recommended for anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love.

(WATCH: JC Santos and Bela Padilla in Kilig Trailer For ‘100 Tula Para Kay Stella’)

A Second Chance (2015)

Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. Starring John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo.

This one here’s a bit of a classic Pinoy romance movie. It’s the sequel to One More Chance (released in 2007), and shows the issues and struggles of married life. It’s a captivating story that proves how partners can put their problems aside for each other, as long as they both make an effort to do so.

Ang Nawawala (2012)

Directed by Marie Jamora. Starring Dominic Roco.

Ang Nawawala (What Isn’t There in English) is a poignant movie all about family, friends, and romance. The scenes between lead actor Dominic Roco and his love interest Annicka Dolonius are said to get you squealing and giggling like a teenage fangirl. I’m definitely going to watch this one ASAP.

Camp Sawi (2016)

Directed by: Irene Villamor. Starring Andi Eigenmann, Bela Padilla, Yassi Pressman, Kim Molina, and Arci Muñoz.

Everyone experiences different kinds of heartbreak and deals with it in different ways. This is what the movie’s five gorgeous female leads send across to the audience. If you want something lighthearted with lots of comedy, watch Camp Sawi.

Can We Still Be Friends? (2017)

Directed by Prime Cruz. Starring Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz.

This one’s my personal recommendation. Can We Still Be Friends? presents a predictable story between a problematic couple who can’t seem to decide if they want to break up or stay together. Like #WalangForever, this movie features a lot of the little joys and little issues brought about by a relationship. It’s easy to see yourself in the characters of Diego (Gerald) and Sam (Arci).

(WATCH: ‘Can We Still Be Friends Trailer?’ Make Me Want to Tinder Because It’s ‘Sobrang SAYA!’_

I’m Drunk, I Love You (2017)

Directed by Jaime Habac, Jr. Starring Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino.

I haven’t seen this one yet, but it’s said to have a really honest and funny script featuring unrequited love. It’s more of a story of moving on rather than a love story. The film gives a fresh take on an otherwise recycled trope.

Kita Kita (2017)

Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. Starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez.

Again, we have another highly talked-about and anticipated movie. In fact, it even surpassed Heneral Luna as the country’s top grossing indie film! It’s a lot more lighthearted than the other movies on this list, but it’s just as impactful and beautifully executed. Lea and Tonyo’s story will definitely bring back the magic of love!

That Thing Called Tadhana (2014)

Directed by Antoinette Jadaone. Starring Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman.

That Thing Called Tadhana was dubbed as “The Ultimate Hugot Movie of 2014” because of all the quotable lines mostly blurted out by Angelica’s character. This movie tells the story of two people who meet abroad and upon returning to the Philippines, travel to different places together. Both of them had been brokenhearted in the past and eventually find solace in each other.

Thank you to our WIM Squad members, Jessica Ezra, Jerenze Christian B. Cuaki, Maria Christine Zaldua, Bryan Hosingco, April De Ocampo, Joselle Marie Fajardo, Sabrina Basilio, and Cessmarie Villones, for the amazing recommendations!

Let me know in the comments below if you agree with these! Don’t forget to watch out for part 2, where I’ll be sharing international heartbreak-mending films, as well.

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