Mariz Manzan

The biggest love team of the 90s and 00s is back with another masterpiece! Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal reunite in their new Valentine’s special movie, Ex Ex Lovers, directed by JP Habac. 


Released on February 12th, just in time for Valentine’s Day, the film quickly became a hit, drawing in older and younger fans. More than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this rom-com pays homage to the iconic MarJo tandem while offering a sharp reflection on how the Philippines views marriage today.

The movie revolves around Joy (Jolina Magdangal) and Ced (Marvin Agustin), former lovers brought back together by their daughter, SC (Loisa Andalio). Joy is a strong, independent single mother raising SC after Ced left, with Magdangal delivering a heartfelt performance that balances protectiveness and warmth. On the other hand, Ced is a laid-back, hardworking Filipino based in Malta, with Agustin's natural humor adding charm and lightness to his character. The real catalyst for their reunion is SC, who, longing for a "complete" family, concocts a plan to bring her parents back together, just in time for her wedding to Joey (JK Labajo). The first part of the film is set in Valletta, Malta, where Joy finds Ced to ask him to help her stop SC from rushing into marriage.

The climax of the film delivers a bold critique of the Philippine status quo on marriage and divorce. A heated confrontation between SC and Joey's parents exposes the divide, with conservative mindsets clashing against a call for progress on divorce. SC stands her ground, being affected by Joey’s parents’ outdated stigma surrounding separated parents and their children. 

During a confrontation with Joey, Ced and Joy reflect on their own failed marriage, admitting they rushed into it without truly understanding each other. The film masterfully highlights how the lack of a divorce law in the Philippines often does more harm than good, leaving people trapped in unhappy relationships. It suggests that while divorce may be frowned upon by tradition, it is often a more humane and realistic option compared to annulment or lifelong cohabitation.

What makes Ex Ex Lovers even more impactful is its ending. Joy and Ced, despite their complicated past, come to a realization: they are soulmates, but in a platonic sense. After the long and grueling process of their annulment, Joy proudly reclaims her maiden name — San Pedro. Two years later, they find themselves back in Valletta, the place where Ced once took Joy on their anniversary when she followed him to Malta. In a full-circle moment, they share a bottle of champagne, a nod to Ced’s tradition, acknowledging their bond not as romantic partners but as platonic soulmates, as best friends — just as they were before they got married. 

This mirrors Marvin and Jolina's real-life dynamic, an on-screen pair for nearly three decades, yet remaining platonic soulmates off-screen. It’s a beautiful reminder that not all soulmates are lovers; some are friends or even family who stand by you through every chapter of life.

Nostalgia is definitely one of the movie's main motivators. Marketed as the ultimate MarJo reunion, Ex Ex Lovers struck a sentimental chord with both millennial and Gen Z audiences. The clever character names pay tribute to Marvin and Jolina's iconic 90s rom-com, “Labs Kita, Okey Ka Lang?” Joy’s full name, Mary Joy San Pedro, references Bujoy and Mary Ann, Ned’s two love interests in the film. Meanwhile, Ced’s name is a combination of Ned and Cenon, Bujoy’s love interests. The film even mentions Bujoy's famous line, “I made the stupidest mistake of falling in love with my best friend.” The presence of their Gimik co-stars Judy Ann Santos, Mylene Dizon, and Dominic Ochoa further fueled the wave of nostalgia that the viewers felt while watching the movie. These subtle yet meaningful throwbacks give Ex Ex Lovers an undeniable charm, bridging past and present in a way that feels both heartwarming and fresh.

Ultimately, Ex Ex Lovers is more than just a rom-com. It is also a thought-provoking look at love, marriage, and the evolving dynamics of relationships in Filipino society. It challenges outdated beliefs while still embracing the magic of romance, all wrapped in the comforting familiarity of Marvin and Jolina's timeless chemistry. With the success of this film, they once again prove that their tandem remains as impactful and well-loved as ever. 

So if you're craving a mix of heart, humor, and just the right touch of heartbreak, this movie is a must-watch!