"Kung Paano Siya Nawala" starts with the character of JM de Guzman, Lio, unable to recognize the person he's been with through the night. To him, their face changes the moment they turn. A condition he calls face blindness. Then he meets the free-spirited girl, Shana, played by Rhian Ramos. Her jolly attitude and impulsive nature intrigue Lio, drawing him into her whirlpool of allure. Little did he know that she, herself, is haunted by her troubled past.
At first, "Kung Paano Siya Nawala" sounds bizarre yet familiar. A boy randomly meets a girl, then they fall in love but must go on their separate ways until a serendipitous moment brings them back together. It's easy to map-out Ruiz's blueprint as it appears in countless movies and TV shows. However, there is something in his film that makes it rather unforgettable.
"Kung Paano Siya Nawala" thrived by immersing us into the drama and letting us experience the challenges faced by our protagonists. Through small and large details, we get a grasp of what's going on inside Lio and Shana's head making us feel their disorientation and affliction. Especially Lio, who's cognitive impairment is presented cleverly and creatively by Ruiz.
"Kung Paano Siya Nawala" is not shy in showing that these characters we are watching are human. They are vulnerable and in dire need of connection. The movie prospers because it doesn't hide these flaws, unlike other romantic-comedy films, it instead embraces them. It's honest in showing that there are obstacles that are difficult to overcome and that two broken people falling in love doesn't make them whole.
The casting of JM de Guzman and Rhian Ramos is perfect for this film. Their chemistry is a tad hard to sell but, they're convincing and dainty to watch. Ruiz's direction is also admirable. He handled the movie well enough to hit its mark.
"Kung Paano Siya Nawala" might've been formulaic yet, it works because Ruiz gambles in subverting some variables to have the narrative serve his characters and not the viewer's expectations. This movie is unforgettable because it reiterates that we all have our secret battles to overcome. It's honest and truly delves into the subject it's discussing.
It's a must-watch in my books.
3.5/5
