David Licauco and Shaira Diaz Loveteam Launched in ALV Films’ ‘Because I Love You’

ALV Films gives a timely twist to the rich boy-poor girl love story in ‘Because I Love You’ with the country’s budding love team of David Licauco and Shaira Diaz. The film is directed by award-winning director Joel Lamangan.

Arnold Vegafria, ALV Films President, sees much potential in the partnership of David and Shaira. Vegafria says, ‘For this project, I wanted to launch new artists, new faces, a new love team. I know it’s a big risk, but I strongly believe in the movie’s potential. It’s fresh content, and a very aspirational story, and I hope the movie spreads through word-of-mouth.’

‘With their combined strengths as influencers and exemplary role models for the youth, they can rightfully be hailed as today's fast-rising millennial icons. I have always believed in David and Shaira's acting potential, and it's high time that they get their first big break through this launching movie.’

‘I have always been excited about producing movies, because it’s my way of giving back to the industry. We hope to create more jobs and make the industry flourish, and make our films competitive in foreign film festivals,’ Vegafria adds.

One of GMA’s highly anticipated talents, David gives life to the cool, quiet and reserved executive and heir to his family’s business empire, Rael. His conservative roots have shaped him into stereotyped thinking, which includes affairs of the heart. Summer, played by Shaira, is a ‘tenacious, street-smart firefighter’ who proudly continues her departed dad’s heroic legacy, which is quite opposite the dream of her mother who wants her to be a flight attendant or a beauty queen.

Initially, netizens noticed the chemistry between David and Shaira in Magpakailanman’s ‘Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali’ in July 2018. The couple’s portrayal trended in social media and in March 2019, the two guested in GMA 7’s web project, ‘One Hugot Away’. David and Shaira have appeared in GMA-7’s top-rating teleseryes. Shaira has acted in ‘Contessa’ (2017), ‘Pamilya Roces’ (2018), and currently, in ‘Love You Two’ (2019), where she plays ‘Sam’, the younger sister of Jennylyn Mercado. David, meanwhile, had marked roles in ‘Mulawin vs. Ravena’ (2017), ‘Kapag Nahati Ang Puso’ (2018) and ‘TODA One I Love’ (2019).

David and Shaira only have good words for each other. David finds working with Shaira a blast and he loves the way Shaira handles her dramatic and kikay sides in their scenes, including love scenes. Similarly, the Artista Academy alum found working under Director Joel Lamangan as a privilege, ‘Knowing his reputation as a strict and disciplinarian director, I’m happy that we survived,’ she said. Preparing for his role, David extensively trained in horseback riding and polo, and a chopper was used to give the authentic ‘old rich’ vibe to his character. 

‘Because I Love You’ stars Martin del Rosario, Michelle Dee, Samantha Lopez, Bernadette Allyson, Monsour del Rosario, Mr. World Philippines 2018 JB Saliba, Timothy Lawrence Yap, Bryan Benedict, IC Mendoza, Victor Basa, Rob Sy, Chris Leonardo, LM Mercado, Afi Africa, Melo Merkona, Jao Mapa, and Mosang. Special cameo appearances are by Miss Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron, Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla, RJ Ledesma and newly-elect Senator Francis Tolentino.

To ensure the quality of the movie, the producers spared no expense in the movie’s highlights, such as recreating the lavish cinematic backdrops, which would remind viewers of 1990’s ‘Pretty Woman’, which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

‘Because I Love You’ was written by popular Wattpad writer and TV Director, Charlotte Dianco. The movie is the second offering of ALV Films for this year. Kris Lawrence performs the theme song, which was rearranged by Vincent de Jesus. ‘Because I Love You’, was popularized by Julian Lennon. The movie is produced by ALV Films in cooperation with Garahe Films and distributed by Regal Films, ‘Because I Love You’ opens in local cinemas on June 26