What are you looking for?
For aspiring pilot Gem (Janella Salvador), her dreams are front and center – and everything she does must lead to where she wants to be. For cafe owner and surfer JC (RK Bagatsing), what he’s looking for is right in front of him – he’s already living the dream.
A love story set against the picturesque backdrop of Mati, Davao, two seemingly different people learn how to tell when something is for real – or if it’s merely fleeting.
WAF Studios and Mentorque Productions are proud to present Fleeting – an official entry in this year’s Puregold CinePanalo film festival – which will showcase 8 original feature films at Gateway Cineplex 18. The film is Catsi Catalan’s directorial debut – but she’s no stranger to the festival, having produced the internationally-travelled Pushcart Tales from the inaugural edition of Cinepanalo last year. Despite directing for the first time, Catsi has already built up a vast body of work as a Producer on films such as Kono Basho, Uninvited, and Under Parallel Skies.
“My first visit to Mati in Davao Oriental felt like discovering a story waiting to be told. Its untouched coastal beauty became the perfect metaphor for the fleeting moments we often overlook in the pursuit of success,” Director Catsi says about the inspiration of the film.
“The film also reflects the new generation who are prioritizing their careers, sometimes at the cost of personal relationships,” she added.
On choosing the leads for the film, Director Catsi explains the choice to cast Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing for the roles of Gem and JC – “It was an intentional decision to pair actors who had never worked together before. I wanted fresh chemistry, something unpredictable yet deeply authentic.”
On how she landed on Janella and RK – “Janella has this innate charm and emotional depth that perfectly embodies Gem’s ambition and vulnerability. RK, on the other hand, has a quiet intensity and grounded presence that make him the ideal J.C.”
Janella also shares why she was drawn to the character of Gem – “This is like a love letter to our youth – which I feel like people my age are going through. So I really related to the character, and I’m sure a lot of people will be able to as well.”
Janella was a previous collaborator of Director Catsi on Under Parallel Skies, with the young actress already boasting an impressive filmography – starring in Mallari, Darna, and The Killer Bride.
RK, on the other hand, connected to JC in how he views life – “JC is the kind of guy who finds joy in the familiar. He’s rooted in his town, loves his café, and cherishes the simple life by the beach. He understands that fulfillment doesn’t come from relentless pursuit; it’s about discovering the beauty that’s already in front of you.”
RK had also previously worked with Director Catsi on Uninvited, an entry to last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. RK has established for himself a reputation both as an indie darling and mainstream actor – with credits in notable films such as Uninvited, Love Child, Shake Rattle and Roll Extreme, Cuddle Weather, and Apocalypse Child.
When asked about the experience of shooting in Mati, RK shares – “I think it’s the first time na merong nag-shoot na pelikula sa Mati. More than the place, the beach, ‘yung mga magagandang tanawin, it’s really the people na gusto naming makilala ng mga tao doon sa pelikula.”
Director Catsi further explains – “It is an under-represented town. Marami akong nakanood ng film, na ang unang reaksyon nila, may lugar palang ganito. So it is an honor to be the first film to be shot in this town.”
The film also highlights Davao’s status as the chocolate capital of the Philippines, which the film will hopefully further promote, as hoped by Janella – “Some people know about it, but it’s not widely known yet. And I hope this film will help na makilala ng tao ‘yung Mati, and ma-in love din sila sa place.”
When asked about what makes Fleeting’s story important today, Director Catsi had this to say – “Fleeting speaks to anyone who has ever had to choose between love and career, and it doesn’t dictate a right or wrong path—it simply poses the question.”
Salvador also adds – “It’s never too late para abutin ’yung pangarap mo. No matter how many times it seems hopeless to you, never stop trying. I feel like you’ll regret it more kung may what ifs ka in the future tas you didn’t go for it. So, jump in and do it.”
Bagatsing agrees – “In a world that constantly pushes us to chase bigger dreams and crowded cities, Fleeting offers a counterpoint. It celebrates the beauty of stillness, the strength in building a life in one spot, and the richness of finding peace in the present.”
“I believe audiences will see themselves in Gem and J.C.—in their struggles, choices, and the fleeting moments of happiness they share,” Director Catsi says.
“It (Fleeting) serves as a gentle nudge to remind us that true happiness isn’t always about the next destination; sometimes, it’s about soaking in the moment and appreciating where you are right now,” RK adds as a final word.
Janella chimes in as well – “I don’t know if this film is a love letter or real talk, but pagdating sa age na ’to—like midlife, quarter-life, mga nagkakacrisis, that’s always our struggle. We don’t know how to balance our dreams.”
Fleeting is screening at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to 25, with regular tickets at PHP250 each, with students, PWD, senior citizens, and Aling Puring Cardholders/Members at a discounted price of PHP200 per ticket.
Fleeting is the film for those looking for something more to life and those that are content with it. For dreamers, and for those living in the moment. Come witness a story about seizing the day, taking flight, and two hearts meeting in the sky.