Bela-JC chemistry remains strong in '100 Awit Para Kay Stella'

It took eight years for viewers to find out if Fidel (JC Santos) would finally say the things he always wanted to tell Stella (Bela Padilla). But if you're expecting this possible finale to the “Para Kay Stella” duology to deliver a happily-ever-after ending, you may leave the theater either enlightened or disappointed.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

“100 Awit Para Kay Stella” finds Fidel, who resigns from his corporate job and now works as a ghost songwriter for rising singer Clyde Pelayo (Kyle Echarri), who begins courting Stella, now managing an events company.

Clyde serenades Stella with songs written by Fidel, unbeknownst to him that the lyrics are about her. Stella catches on after noticing certain details, like the “black lipstick” she wore back in college when she and Fidel first met. This revelation sets up a love triangle and raises the question of whether Fidel and Stella could be endgame once and for all.

When “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” was released in 2017 as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, it resonated with audiences for its realistic portrayal of infatuation, what-ifs, and the struggles of speech-deficient people.