Cinematic storytelling and sound come together in the official music  film of Pansamantala. The short tells the heartfelt story of two teenage boys, Lance and Benj, as they navigate love, loss, and longing in their sleepy coastal town set in Pangasinan. Directed by the visionary Kring Kim, the film brings to life the deep emotions woven into Press Hit Play’s new song, Pansamantala, resonating with audiences through themes of friendship, feelings, and faith.

The Pansamantala audio track was officially released on March 28, 2025, followed by the music film premiere on March 29, 2025, on the Press Hit Play YouTube channel.

The film captures the essence of young love and the bittersweet reality of parting ways, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of relationships. The plot twists artfully unravel as the soundtrack adds waves of emotions to each scene. With its dramatic revelations, Pansamantala is set to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Given the visual storytelling, sentimental music, and relevant themes, it will also pique the interest of OPM supporters, Asian Pop fans, and even BL (Boys’ Love) enthusiasts.

The Inspiration Behind the Music Film

The moment Kring Kim heard Pansamantala, she knew she had to bring it to life. She shared that there was something about the song that resonated with her on an emotional and artistic level. Her passion and vision convinced the production team to trust her direction, leading to the creation of this deeply moving project.

The song was written by Charles Morrison Rodriguez, one of Press Hit Play members who was also an operating room nurse. “I actually wrote this song during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), a time when many of us experienced heartbreak in different ways… I was working at a hospital, where I witnessed firsthand the grief of families losing loved ones to the virus,” Rodriguez shares.

Bringing the Story to Life

The project was spearheaded by Cheryl Trinidad, CEO of SuperbUs Entertainment Production, who worked closely with Kring Kim as the Executive Producer. Initially planned as a simple video, the vision evolved into a full-fledged music film after Cheryl and partner Executive Producer Chester Trinidad saw its potential to create a deeper emotional connection with audiences after Kring Kim’s concept proposal. Despite tight schedules and limited resources, the project came together moved by sheer dedication and passion.

For the lead roles, Dustine Mayores and Kurt Deseo were chosen to portray Benj and Lance. Dustine was the clear choice from the start, having displayed serious acting skills in a few roles after his Pinoy Big Brother stint. He has also already built a strong working relationship with Kring Kim, who directed Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul (2023), where Dustine played the role of Prince Dizon. Meanwhile, Kurt was discovered through online talent scouting. “The casting team presented a couple of candidates for the role but there was something about Kurt that stood out, and my instinct told me he was the perfect fit,” says Cheryl Trinidad.

The rookie actors showed great chemistry and brought raw intensity to their roles, especially in the emotional beach clips. While filming the most powerful scenes, even the staff on set were in tears, according to the production team.

A Message from the Team

Director Kring Kim shares the film’s deeper message: “The film is a reminder that love is revealed, expressed, and accepted in many different ways. I feel like this story needs to be told now because many young people feel lost and confused, and believe that their lives have no value, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The meaning of life is to find the love and light within us, and the purpose is to give it away.”

Executive Producer Cheryl Trinidad adds: “This marks my first venture into short film production, and certainly, it won’t be my last. Producing a music film like ‘Pansamantala’ feels like building a bridge between the creative vision of the writer/director and the emotional connection with the audience. As a Producer, I need to uncover the heart of the story, grasp its essence, and work alongside an incredible team to bring that vision to life. While there were certainly challenges along the way as we made the music film, I’m incredibly grateful to have collaborated with the talented Director Kring Kim and a dynamic, youthful team whose passion and dedication exceeded expectations. It’s truly essential to have a team that works relentlessly to ensure the project is delivered to its fullest potential.”

Songwriter Charles Rodriguez sums up the song: “Life is fleeting, and everything is temporary. Don’t be afraid to love deeply and allow yourself to be loved in return. Cherish the moments you share, and create lasting memories that will stay with you forever. Embrace each precious moment, for life is short, and we never know when our time with those we hold dear may come to an end.”

To reach wider audiences and build momentum, the team is launching a full-scale digital marketing campaign for the music film. Watch out for TikTok trends, YouTube reaction videos, and media collaborations with magazines and newspapers. Fans are also encouraged to share their personal Pansamantala moments online, reflecting on how the song resonates with their lives.

With its touching cinematic narrative, intense performances, and soul-stirring soundtrack, Pansamantala is not just a music film—it’s an experience. Stream it now and get ready to embark on an emotional journey unlike any other.

LINK to YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtu.be/rsY7Ol5IZV8?si=13Kn2NDgo6jEIE8p

LINK to SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/1ZSVgeuMha9qevMby90qKf?si=bffe27b309f94394