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| (From left) BJ Forbes, Lawrence Roxas and Dana Alexa Cada |
In the most recent report by the Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB), the Philippines recorded 4,633 newly confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases from January to March 2026.
Although that's said to be a slight decrease from the same period in 2025, it's still alarming considering that many of those affected are just teenagers.
That's why writer and director Lawrence Roxas decided to do the movie "Behind The Smile." Starring BJ Forbes, Jennica Garcia, Ejay Falcon and Dana Alexa Cada, the story follows a brilliant student crossing paths with a young mother who has HIV. Together, they learn that true strength is not in hiding the pain—but in smiling through it and helping others rise again.
"We shot sa Calapan City because doon ang aming town," said Roxas at a special screening last week. "Sa MIMAROPA Region 4B, pinakamataas ang kaso sa Mindoro---at ang Calapan City ang may pinakamataas sa Mindoro."
Roxas ensured the movie gives helpful and sound information about the disease to help guide viewers and lessen the stigma surrounding HIV.
"Behind The Smile" serves as a comeback of sorts for BJ who had been slowly emerging from hiatus few years after going under radar when he focused on other aspects of his life.
Recall that BJ became a finalist in the "Eat Bulaga" contest ""That's My Boy," and even became a mainstay on that show for a while.
Is it hard transitioning from child to adult actor?
"Yes, mahirap, dahil may mga tao who tell me, 'Anlaki mo na pala!' na parang hindi sila maka-recover," he said. "Syempre, hindi man naging tuloy-tuloy ang growth ng career, kasama sa judgment ng tao yon na tipong 'Anon'ng nangyari sa yo?' But I'm happy naman and I'm showing the public na hindi natin kailangan i-meet ang expectations ng iba to be happy."
We also spoke briefly with Dana who is being introduced in the movie. Turns out she has joined a lot of pageants in the past and she is now dipping her finger into show business.
"It was very challenging for me, especially nung nakita ko ‘yung script—pure Tagalog,” Cada said. “But with the cast direk has chosen, they made me feel very comfortable."
"Behind The Smile" is co-produced by Yellow Brick Road Production, GO Films and ETVR Construction.
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