Siargao Gets a Starring Role in the Romance 'Unconditional'

A dreamy scene of the island waves of Siargao opens Adolfo Alix Jr.'s film "Unconditional," setting the tone for a tender love story that explores not just romantic love, but also the bonds of friendship and of the parent-child relationship.

- By Nathalie Tomada

In this film, Siargao becomes more than just a backdrop — it emerges as a character in itself, a "silent witness" to the growing connection between the central characters portrayed by Rhian Ramos, as the heartbroken social media manager Anna, and Allen Dizon, as the local named Greg who helps run a café while taking care of his ailing mother.

Early in the story, it is revealed that Allen's character is a transman, and the island seemingly offers a kind of comforting anonymity — a space where he can live quietly, away from his past, until Rhian's character arrives.

As their connection deepens, so does the need to reveal the truth — not just "flaws and imperfections," but the honest, authentic self.

Produced by BR Film Productions (owned by US-based former actor Brandon Ramirez), "Unconditional" opens in cinemas on June 25. The screenplay was written by Jerry Gracio, based on a concept developed by direk Adolf five years ago.

"I also wanted to make a love story. But with so many out there, I thought, 'What about other kinds of stories?' I asked myself, 'What if the situation involves a transman, but it's not something you hide?' Because before, it's treated as a twist. Before, it was always revealed like, 'Oh, she used to be a woman,'" the director explained.

"But now, in this day and age, we're more open to all possibilities. So it's better if you already know from the start."

For someone who hasn't been to Siargao, the film can serve as a teaser or primer on the island.

"There were definitely challenges," Rhian said about filming in Siargao. "But for me, as an actor on the shooting side, I wouldn't consider it difficult. We were shooting every day with one day off.