As the film rolled to its 125th minute mark, I tried scribbling down a few notes in the dark and gathered as much insights as possible. #WALANGFOREVER (2015)  is an endearing film that could have offered something a lot deeper, but it took quite a different path with its narrative, making the journey a bit baffling.

Here are my thoughts (sandwich-method muna tayo, ah?):

1. Almost half of the cast are Facebook Friends. Tita Edna (Vida-Froilan), nandyan ka rin pala!
2. #WalangForever (2015) is a RomCom that has more “com” than “rom.” Just thinking about it, it can stand as an independent comedy above all else; making use of the romantic flick just as a tightening background for its plot.
3. The film opens with an interview and a flashback. It makes use of additional supporting casts for friends and colleagues, coloring the screen and its plot. It almost ends in an airport scene with someone, crying,  running and pleading. It’s quite predictable. Just like Kris Aquino.
4. Jericho Rosales has maintained his charm since PANGAKO SA’YO (2000 – 2003). His Ethan Isaac in #WalangForever brims with intelligent charisma that is as irresistable as the Angelo Buenaviste he brought to our TV screens more than a decade ago. No wonder we don’t like Daniel Padilla.
5. I take it back. Jericho Rosales was exceedingly charming and lovable until Sid Lucero came along.
6. I think Sid Lucero’s two-minute scene almost robs Rosales the leading man role. See it for yourself.
7.  Jennylyn Mercado proves her talent all throughout. No, there are no punchlines here. I just love her in this film.
8. Pepe Herrera is incredibly lovable and charming as the faithful confidant Aldous. He could be wonderfully funny in his lighter scenes, and seems to be constipated in the heavier ones.
9. Jerald Napoles is classic. Simply classic. #Jeraldings
10. Is Juan Miguel Severo gay? If so, I love him na talaga. Kung hindi naman, ay napakagaling niya.
11. Kim Molina shines so brightly on the silver screen. She shines. Oh! She shines
12. Sarah Pagcaliwagan-Brakensiek as the love-me-hate-me-I-dont-care-kinakapatid-househelp is a scene stealer. I love her, na. Sa kanya pa lang, sulit na binayaran mong ticket.
13. Irma Adlawan makes me cry all the time. Lalo na dito.
14. Sadly, the film tries to argue the idea of perpetual love, but delves on various character issues such as work, inspirations, friendships, and family. Most of the scenes involving the group of friends are relatively longer than expected, you’d think it’ll take them “#forever.”
15. On the other hand, the more intimate scenes of the central characters are realistically and truthfully warm.
16. #WalangForever suffers in its story-telling. It’s narrative thrives to drive home a point and took a great deal of effort to make one. I have been looking for subtle plants and worthwhile payoffs, but there were none. What’s more unfortunate is that towards its end, it wasn’t even worth the wait. And did I mention how much the editing sucks? #Sorry #HonestLang
17. As a whole, the film is pure fun, but there could also be a lot of waiting. Thanks to the amazing performances of the two main characters, and the ensemble of fresh talents. They make #WalangForever extremely watchable and ultimately bearable.
18. 2.5 Stars out of 5.