8 Reasons Why “That Thing Called Tadhana” is a Hit

Cinema One Originals have just ended but the craze about this year’s Audience Choice recipient, That Thing Called Tadhana directed by Antoinette Jadaone (Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cutapay; Beauty in a Bottle; Relaks, It’s Just Pag-ibig) is still up in the air.

But why?

Tadhana, starring JM de Guzman and Angelica Panganiban, is about two heartbroken people who goes on a journey up north in an attempt to answer Whitney Houston’s question: where do broken hearts go?

The film is about first encounters, tons of feelings, and lots of John Lloyd Cruz references. Few months before it’s release, we get updates from the director’s Instagram, showing bits and pieces of script, and that alone have caused too much stir not just in our minds, but more so in our hearts.

So, we’re listing down eight reasons on why Tadhana is infectious:

Warning: Feels Trip onwards

8. We all have that one person who left us.

Tanga ka ba?

Let’s begin with the most basic reason why this is a hit –feelings! Whether we admit it or not, we’ve all been in that phase wherein we give our all to that someone only to be left broken and alone. But we still want to try our luck at it, yes? Love is painful but it’s always worth it. And we want to know why this film seems like it’s a, erm, diary.

7. Singing all your troubles away.

If somebody loves you, won’t they always love you?

Ever felt empty inside but a song could somehow ease the pain? Singing a tune or two is the cure.

It took an immense effort and support from everyone aware of this movie for this scene, or rather, song, to be included. As you may know, when the director conceptualized the film, she had only one song in mind: Whitney Houston’s Where Do Broken Hearts Go? but financial problems got in the way. Thankfully, they were able to raise funds from people (not just in the film sector, but also regular moviegoers) who believe in the project.

6. It’s JM De Guzman’s comeback movie.

If looks could kill, I’m probably dead now

After a series of successful TV shows (Angelito; Mula Sa Puso), a memorable stint at Babae Sa Septic Tank, and a few other cameo roles in films (On The Job) and music videos, we haven’t seen much about JM. Now he’s making a comeback, with an indie film yet again, and it’s a romance comedy! What is there not to like? It’s a win-win for all!

 5. The piso quote: “Sa tuwing babanggitin ko siya, ichecheck ko ang Facebook, Twitter o Instagram niya, bibigyan kita ng piso.”

“Piso talaga? Ano tayo, Grade 1?!”

Stalking your ex? Sure, I know you know this feeling. *evil grin*

4. You relate everything to your ex.

Hindi-na-kita-mahal. Makakaalis-ka-na. Yung 8 years namin tinapos niya in 7 words.

Heartbreak seems to give us the gift to connect anything and everything to our beloved. For Mace’s case, this is true.

Anthony: Pati sa ketchup naaalala mo siya?
Mace: Naalala ko siya sa lahat. Sa ketchup, sa Coke, sa pastillas, sa yosi, Cebu, Bulacan, sa dahon ng malunggay.

3. Ever tried crying in public places?

HINDI KO KAILANGAN NG TISSUE!

Mace does it here, without limits, or care about anyone and everyone around her.

2. Metaphors

Loved Shel Silverstein’s The Missing Piece? You will feel it here.

There are lots of metaphor in it and you will love it. I don’t want to spoil, go see it.

1. Sagada

Mace and Anthony in Sagada

Ever been to Sagada? If not, you will mostly likely want to go there after seeing this film. The twelve hour trip, just like the trip to finding love, will be worth it.

[Here’s a guide to help you on your way to Sagada]

Now onto the more important question, what’s next for Tadhana after its run in the Cinema One Originals this November?

Luckily, they just announced on their Facebook page last night that there will be special screenings soon! So stay tuned!