''Etiquette for Mistresses'' is a 2015 Philippine romantic-drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name written by Julie Yap-Daza and Patrick John Valencia. It features an

ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that is composed of multiple principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast to ...

including

Kris Aquino Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino (born February 14, 1971), professionally known as Kris Aquino (), is a Filipino television host, actress, producer, socialite and businesswoman. Dubbed as Philippine's "Queen of All Media", Aquino has hos ...

Claudine Barretto Claudine Margaret Castelo Barretto (; born July 20, 1979) is a Filipino actress, singer, and entrepreneur. Popularly dubbed as “''The'' ''Optimum Star''” by various media outlets, Barretto has won 3 FAMAS Award including 2 Best Actress w ...

Iza Calzado Maria Izadora Ussher Calzado-Wintle (born August 12, 1982), known professionally as Iza Calzado (), is a Filipino actress, television host, dancer and model. She is dubbed as the "''Goddess of Horror Films''" by local media for her acting prowes ...

, Cheena Crab and

Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...

. The film tackles the lives of five successful and glamorous women whose friendship is based on their common weaknesses—they are all trapped in the prison of their hearts. The film is also the first Filipino film to open simultaneously nationwide and worldwide in Europe, Middle East, and North America. The film opens with 15 million pesos on its opening day and received positive reviews from movie critics for its cinematography and unique storyline.

Synopsis

Chloe is a feisty mistress involved with a politician, Georgia plays the role of a chef who will eventually have a redemption arc. Ina, the former lounge singer and a neophyte who goes to Manila to seek for "true love" she believes, Stella, a lawyer who gets involved with a well-known TV personality, and Charley, a wealthy mistress, round up the roster of "other women".

Plot

Georgia (

), Stella (

), and Charley (Cheena Crab) were watching a video scandal of a caught mistress by the wife. Charley tells them that she experienced the same scenario and instead watched the movie with her kids at the Waltermart to avoid the wife. Stella ended the conversation that she only met Ambet Viloria at home to avoid any scandal. In a lounge bar, Chloe - the most rebellious and rule breaker mistress was embarrassed in the cancellation of credit card by her lover Gabriel. In anger she throws her phone accidentally not knowing someone was hurt. Stella helps her out of prison but asks her not to tell what happened with the other girls. Meanwhile, Georgia was tasked by her lover to train a new woman of Frank Ayson - a rich politician and boss of her lover. She reluctantly agrees and meets up with Stella in a coffee shop to get some advice before going to the airport and meet Ina, the new mistress. Ina was ecstatic at first but became quite depressed as she learned from Georgia that despite having a luxurious condo and a luxurious life, she cannot live with Frank, for whom she left her life in Cebu for. She is even more frustrated by the rules given by Georgia, which includes never calling Frank and never showing herself in front of him unless he asks her to. She ends up depressed as the days passed and overdoses herself by alcohol. Georgia rushes her to the hospital where she meets Chloe. The next day, Georgia introduce Ina to Stella, Chloe and Charley. The girls start to form a stronger friendship and bond at SM Aura and a beauty salon using Charley's credit card. Ina meets up with Frank at a Christmas caravan with Chloe's help. Georgia angrily tells Ina that she shouldn't break her rules. Chloe discovered that Gabriel had another mistress. In Georgia's absence, Ina stays with Charley and accompanies her in an auction but she is caught by Wang Gie's wife and has been suspended from going out. Ina chooses to stay with Stella in a court room but an accident causes Stella to fly abroad leaving Ina alone. She decides to go back to Cebu to reunite with her family, but is disappointed when she sees that they have learned to live a life without her. This convinces Ina to stay a mistress. Ina attends Senator Adelle Ayson's birthday party to get a glimpse of Frank with Chloe's assistance. Georgia was horrified in the meeting of the two and confronts Chloe. The incident separates Chloe from the rest of the group. A news breaks out that Ambet Villoria is missing and the mistresses reunite with Stella who is hiding him in a safe house. Prior to the accident, Ambet was diagnosed with cancer and is nearing death. After a talk with Gabriel's wife, Chloe faces her friends again but nobody is interested to listen to her realization that their lovers will never choose them. The girls learns that the police has found their location through Chloe. Charlie decides to break a rule in order for Stella and Ambet escape using Frank Ayson's influence and the public plane of Wang Gie. Georgia has one more rule for Ina and both of them leave their partners. Chloe then accepts the job that was offered to her, Stella visits Ambet's grave, Charley returns to the Philippines with her two kids, Georgia marries a guy with twins and Ina becomes a singer and marries a handsome man.

Cast and characters

The Mistresses

as Georgia Torres - The oldest among the

mistresses Mistress is the feminine form of the English word "master" (''master'' + ''-ess'') and may refer to: Romance and relationships * Mistress (lover), a term for a woman who is in a sexual and romantic relationship with a man who is married to a d ...

, a chef and successful owner of a high class restaurant. She is the most proper and well mannered among the group who teaches them with the rules she kept. *

as Innamorata "Ina" Del Prado - a Cebuana lounge singer who fell in love with the rich politician Frank Ayson. She left her life at Cebu in exchange of living together with Frank but ended up stuck in the condo unit bought for her by Frank. She is the youngest among the mistresses. *

as Chloe Zamora - The most fearless and reckless mistress. She often takes risks to meet her lover even if the wife is in the same place. She is the rule breaker among the group. *

as Stella Garcia - A no-nonsense lawyer and mistress of the broadcaster Ambet Villoria. She believes in true love and happy ending on mistresses. *Cheena Crab as Charley Mariquit - The richest mistress among the group who treats her friends with leisures. She is cheerful and generous and mother of two children.

Supporting cast

Helen Gamboa Helen Gamboa Sotto (born Helen Albent Gamboa; May 7, 1945) is a Filipina actress, singer, dancer and former beauty queen. Personal life Gamboa was born Helen Albent Gamboa at 6:35 PM on May 7, 1945 at Maternity and Children's Hospital (now ...

as Conchita San Diego - she is a philanthropist and most respected of the group of women the women look up to her and Georgia admires her *

Tirso Cruz III Tirso Silvano Cruz III (born April 1, 1952) is a Filipino actor, comedian, and singer. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Regarded as a "matinee idol", Cruz is a FAMAS Award and Gawad Uria ...

as Ambrosio "Ambet" Villoria * Eddie Gutierrez as Gabriel "Gab" Castronuevo *

Freddie Webb Freddie Nelle Webb (born November 24, 1942) is a Filipino retired basketball player and coach, former politician, and television and radio personality. Education He completed his elementary education at San Beda College and his degree in Bach ...

as Roberto "Rob" Mariano *

Zoren Legaspi Zoren Lim Legaspi (; born January 30, 1972) is a Filipino actor and television director. He is best known for appearing in several television shows such as ''Ika-6 na Utos'', '' Mulawin'', '' Now and Forever: Ganti'', ''Majika'', ''Enchanted Ga ...

as Frank Ayson *

Cherry Pie Picache Cherry Pie Sison Picache (born May 27, 1970) is a Filipino actress who has starred television and in mainstream and independent films and has worked as a print and TV commercial model for Palmolive, Camay, and Eskinol. Cherry Pie is notable ...

as Betsie Galvez-Villoria *

Aiko Melendez Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez (), is a Filipina actress and politician. Her father, Jimmy Melendez (born Jim Shinoji), was an actor. Her half-brother, Jam Melendez (son of Jimmy Melende ...

as Senator Adelina "Adelle" Ayson *

Pilar Pilapil Pilar, Portuguese and Spanish for pillar, may refer to: People * Pilar (given name), a common abbreviation of ''María del Pilar'', including a list of people so named * Pilar (surname), a list of people surnamed Pilar or del Pilar Places Argen ...

as Eliza Castronuevo *

Sam Concepcion Samuel Lawrence Lopez Concepcion (born October 17, 1992) is a Filipino singer, dancer, actor, VJ and host. Concepcion emerged as the winner for the Big Division of the first season of ''Little Big Star'' in April 2006. Concepcion currently h ...

as the Young Guy *

Divine Aucina ''Dear Uge'' is a Philippine television comedy anthology broadcast by GMA Network. Starring Eugene Domingo and Divine Aucina, it premiered on February 14, 2016 on the network's Sunday Grande sa Hapon line up replacing ''Wowowin''. The show conc ...

as Leah (Ina's Friend) *

Arci Muñoz Ramona Cecilia Datuin Muñoz (born 12 January 1989), professionally known as Arci Muñoz (), is a Filipino actress, model, singer and dancer. She is the vocalist of the Filipino rock band Philia and currently serving in the Philippine Air Force ...

as Amanda *

Candy Pangilinan Maria Carmela Espiritu Pangilinan , popularly known as Candy Pangilinan, is a Filipino film and television actress and comedian. She won best actress for CineFilipino 2016 and Los Angeles International Film Festival for the movie ''Star na si ...

as Joy del Prado/Ina's Eldest Sister

Guest appearance

Derek Ramsay Derek Arthur Ramsay Jr. (born December 7, 1976) is a British-Filipino model, actor, and host. As of 2019, he is an exclusive talent of GMA Network. In 2021, he file for indefinite leave and is currently inactive in showbiz to attend personal li ...

as Arthur Clemente *

Piolo Pascual Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual (, born January 12, 1977) is a Filipino film and television actor, singer, model, and producer. Early life Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual was born on January 12, 1977, in Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center located in Malate ...

as Edward Cervantes *

Yayo Aguila Yayo Aguila (born Maria Rosario Racelis Aguila; September 13, 1967) is a Filipina actress whose career began through the cult film series ''Bagets''. Career Yayo Aguila's career began in 1982. Her breakout film was the cult film ''Bagets'', wh ...

as Marla *

Dexter Doria Dexter Doria is a Filipino veteran actress. She has appeared in more than 175 films and several television programs from ABS-CBN and GMA Network. Career In 1977, she appeared in such movies as ''Elektrika Kasi, Eh!'', ''Tisoy'', ''Babae!'', ''I ...

as Alicia *

Kyline Alcantara Kyline Nicole Aquino Alcantara Manga (; born September 3, 2002) is a Filipina singer, actress, dancer, host, and podcaster. Born in Ocampo, Camarines Sur, Alcantara began acting at age seven and made her television debut in '' Star Circle Que ...

as Charlie's daughter *Yuan Carido as Charlie's son *

Chinggoy Alonzo Ramón "Chinggoy" Alonzo (; July 22, 1950 – October 15, 2017) was a Filipino actor in theater, movies, and television. He was nominated for FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor in ''Ikaw Naman ang Iiyak'' (1996). Career Alonzo was active in the ...

† as Ramon *

Menggie Cobarrubias Domingo "Menggie" Cobarrubias (August 10, 1951 – March 26, 2020) was a Filipino actor who appeared in approximately 200 television shows and films. Cobarrubias received a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1979 film ...

† as Dr. Santiago *

Jenny Miller Jenny Miller (born February 5, 1980) is a Filipino actress. She is known on her role as Beverly Castro in the TV remake of the 1989 film ''Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita'' that aired on GMA Network in 2008 and she is currently a freelance artist. ...

as Tara *Mel Kimura as Mrs. Eroles *

Manuel Chua Manuel Chua (born ) is a Philippines, Filipino model, actor, businessman, and politician. Acting career He was discovered in the Filipino version of a reality game show, ''Pinoy Fear Factor'', which was aired on ABS-CBN from November 2008 to ...

as Manuel *

Chokoleit Jonathan Aguilar Garcia (June 25, 1970 – March 9, 2019), better known by his stage name Chokoleit, was a Filipino comedian, actor, and TV host. He was best known for his role as Pearly Shell in the Philippine television series ''Marina''. Edu ...

† as Bailey *Rina Inojales as Dionesia * AJ Dee as Man in car *Ahwel Paz as Ezra *Sophia Lim as “cute” Girl in mall

Production

Filming

The production team started to shoot the film in early July 2015, the moment when Kris officially got back for the film and finished early September 2015.

Full cast and crew

*Directed by:

Chito Roño Chito may refer to: *Chito Calvo (1903–1977), Filipino basketball player, swimmer, and coach *Chito Garcia (1924–2015), Mexican baseball outfielder and manager *Chito Gascon, Filipino lawyer, civil organizer, and human-rights activist *Chito J ...

*Starring:

, Cheena Crab, and

. Together with:

, and

. With The Special Participation of:

and Eddie Gutierrez *Produced by: Jane Torres (associate producer), Lea A. Calmerin (line producer), Pauline Bianca Javier (line producer), Marizel Samson Martinez (supervising producer),

Charo Santos-Concio María Rosario Navarro Santos-Concio (born October 27, 1955), popularly known as Charo Santos-Concio or simply Charo Santos (), is a Filipino people, Filipino media executive and actress. She is the host of ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'', the longest-runni ...

(executive producer) and

Malou Santos ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (doing business as Star Cinema or ABS-CBN Films) is a Filipino film studio and film and television production company and film distributor headquartered in Quezon City. It is one of the major film studios in t ...

(executive producer) *Story by:

*Screenplay by: Kriz G. Gazmen and Patrick John Valencia *Music by: Carmina Cuya *Cinematographered by: Neil Daza (director of photography) *Art Directed by: Ana Lou Sanchez *Production Designed by: Shari Montiague *Film Edited by: Carlo Francisco Manatad *Sound by: Nicholai Policarpio Minion (re recording designer), Darwin Dela Cruz (boom operator: AFPI TSAR), Noel Urbano (dubbing supervisor), Immanuel Verona (sound effects supervision: Wildsound Studios) *Camera and Electrical Department: Cesca Lee (camera operator), Ading Bagasona (drone camera assistant operator: RSVP), Joel Casaol (crane operator), Gary Gardoce (additional photography) *Costume and Wardrobe Department: Bang Pineda (production stylist), Gian Laxamana (assistant stylist), Angelito Posadas (wardrobe), (as Angge Posadas), Adonis Barsuela (wardrobe master)

Casting

The film stars

, who came back to the business after two years of hiatus, this also serves as her comeback launching with

Star Cinema ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (doing business as Star Cinema or ABS-CBN Films) is a Philippines, Filipino film studio and film and television production company and film distributor headquartered in Quezon City. It is one of the major film ...

and

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...

, Cheena Crab (who also came back to the

Philippines The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no), * bik, Republika kan Filipinas * ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas * cbk, República de Filipinas * hil, Republ ...

after migrating to the States) and

, who backed out at first but was convinced to play the role later.

Music

* The official theme song of the film is "

You Don't Own Me "You Don't Own Me" is a popular song written by Philadelphia songwriters John Medora, John Madara and David White (musician), David White and recorded by Lesley Gore in 1963, when Gore was 17 years old. The song was Gore's second most succe ...

" performed by

Lani Misalucha Lani Bayot Misalucha (; born Lani Dimalanta Bayot; August 3, 1969) is a Filipino singer who performs pop, rock, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, and operatic arias. Her ability to sing across several genres gave her the title "Asia's Nightingale ...

. The song was originally performed by

Lesley Gore Lesley Sue Goldstein (May 2, 1946 – February 16, 2015), known professionally as Lesley Gore, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. At the age of 16, she recorded the pop music, pop hit "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), I ...

and was included in the soundtrack of the film

The First Wives Club ''The First Wives Club'' is a 1996 American comedy film directed by Hugh Wilson, based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Olivia Goldsmith. The film stars Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton as three divorcées who seek retribution ...

. It was written and composed by John Madara and Dave White. * Kim Chiu recorded two songs for the film "Duyog" and "Labyu Langga" as part of its soundtrack.

Reception

Box-office

On its first week, the film earned P63,681,347.00 on its first week run in theaters which premiered on September 30. The film, through its 4-week run earned ₱93,060,831.36 according to

Box Office Mojo Box Office Mojo is an American website that tracks box-office revenue in a systematic, algorithmic way. The site was founded in 1998 by Brandon Gray, and was bought in 2008 by IMDb, which itself is owned by Amazon. History Brandon Gray began ...

Critical reception

The film received a lot of positive reviews because of its unique story line and cinematography. According to Rappler, 'Etiquette for Mistresses' is a breath of fresh air amidst the countless films about infidelity that offer nothing more than outrageous confrontations as cheap entertainment.''" says movie critic Oggs Cruz. According to Philbert Dy of www.ClickTheCity.com, "''‘Etiquette for Mistresses’ is Worth Considering, Even After it Falls Apart.''", he gave a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. ''Etiquette for Mistresses'' received a Grade B from

Cinema Evaluation Board of the Philippines The Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) is a body of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, tasked with grading Filipino films by quality. It is represented in the Philippine Film Export Services Office. The CEB was established in 2003, succ ...

References

External links

* {{Chito S. Roño 2015 films Philippine romantic drama films Films about Filipino women 2015 romantic drama films Star Cinema films 2010s Tagalog-language films Films based on Philippine novels 2010s English-language films