After many transformative years, high school " Bicol It Girls" reunites for the wedding of their friend Goldie (Roxanne Barcelo). Considered by many as the least attractive in the group, Emerald (Natalie Hart), Ruby (Cristine Reyes), Perla (Kylie Versoza) and Jade (Meg Imperial) grows doubtful about the truthfulness of the wedding. Why wouldn't they? She doesn't have the picture of the groom-to-be, they only met online and they've only known together for months; one will wonder if this is true love or an elaborate scam.
As the girls play detective to a seemingly fictitious wedding, it seems like the years have separated them apart with much of the time they spent together are filled with banters to one another rather than inspiring life stories and compliments about who they have become. As the heat between the group starts to gradually burn in flame, one honest confrontation between them put their sisterhood in a crossroad. Will love ever prevail? Or will insecurities get the better of them?
Full of unnecessary sexiness, this film can be easily misunderstood by the people who watch it. But by approaching it with a wide-open mind, "Abay Babes" combines themes of superficial judgments, sexual identity, and vanity into a narrative full of compassion and positivity. Although some scenes are needless to be there (like the scene with the fortune teller). Most of it is surprisingly insightful and/or funny, thanks to Roxanne Barcelo and Natalie Hart's outstanding performances. The bond of the Bicol It Girls feels true and fun, a somewhat assurance that true friends are always there for you and are willing to accept you for who you are.
3.5/5
