Third World Romance

{{Infobox film

| name =

| image = Third world romance.jpeg

| alt =

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| native_name =

| director = Dwein Ruedas Baltazar

| writer = {{plainlist|

Dwein Ruedas Baltazar
Jericho Aguado

}}

| based_on =

| producer = {{ubl|Kookai Libayen|Benedict O. Mendoza|Maria Kristina Cruz}}

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| narrator =

| cinematography = Kara Moreno

| editing = Marya Ignacio

| music = Vincent De Jesus

| studio = {{plainlist|

}}

| distributor = Star Cinema

| released = {{Film date|2023|08|16|df=yes}}

| runtime = 112 minutes

| country = Philippines

| language = Filipino

| budget =

| gross =

}}

Third World Romance is a 2023 Philippine romance film co-written and directed by Dwein Baltazar.{{cite web | url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/9/dwein-baltazar-s-third-world-romance-caps-cinemalaya-19 | title=Dwein Baltazar's Third World Romance caps Cinemalaya 19 | website=Manila Bulletin | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=August 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818004546/https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/9/dwein-baltazar-s-third-world-romance-caps-cinemalaya-19 | url-status=live }} The film stars Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon in the lead roles, with the supporting cast includes Ana Abad Santos, Archie Adamos, and Gardo Versoza.{{Cite news |title=PHOTOS: Carlo Aquino, Charlie Dizon lead 'Third World Romance' premiere night |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/starcinema/articles-news/photos-carlo-aquino-charlie-dizon-lead-third-world-romance-premiere-night-20422 |work=ABS-CBN Entertainment |access-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821174842/https://ent.abs-cbn.com/starcinema/articles-news/photos-carlo-aquino-charlie-dizon-lead-third-world-romance-premiere-night-20422 |url-status=live }} The film tells the story of two blue-collar workers who meet at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and they become co-employees at a grocery store. However, their budding romance is beset by persistent economic difficulties.

Produced by Black Sheep Productions and ANIMA and distributed by Star Cinema, it was released theatrically on 16 August 2023.{{cite web | url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/18/three-solid-reasons-why-the-film-third-world-romance-is-a-must-see | title=Three solid reasons why the film 'Third World Romance' is a must-see | website=Manila Bulletin | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918155819/https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/18/three-solid-reasons-why-the-film-third-world-romance-is-a-must-see | url-status=live }}

Cast and characters

{{cast listing|

Carlo Aquino as Alvin

: A laid-back bagger at Wynn Grocery.

Charlie Dizon as Britney

: An outspoken cashier at Wynn Grocery.

Ana Abad Santos as Ging

: Britney's mother who works as an OFW

Gardo Versoza
Archi Adamos as Dodong

: The supervisor of Wynn Grocery

Iyah Mina
Esnyr Ranollo
Xilhouete
Brian Black
Lady Morgana
Junjun Quintana
Donna Cariaga
Milo Elmido Jr.}}

Production

The film was announced by Black Sheep Productions.{{Cite news |title=Cinemalaya closing film 'Third World Romance' more than a love story |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/04/23/cinemalaya-closing-film-third-world-romance-more-than-a-love-story |work=ABS-CBN Entertainment |access-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045945/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/04/23/cinemalaya-closing-film-third-world-romance-more-than-a-love-story |url-status=live }} Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon was cast to appear in the film.{{Cite news |title=Carlo Aquino, Charlie Dizon star in 'Third World Romance' |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/19/23/carlo-aquino-charlie-dizon-star-in-third-world-romance |work=ABS-CBN Entertainment |access-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045944/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/19/23/carlo-aquino-charlie-dizon-star-in-third-world-romance |url-status=live }} The trailer of the film was released on July 31, 2023.{{Cite news |title=Charlie Dizon, Carlo Aquino find each other amid struggles in 'Third World Romance' trailer |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/31/23/charlie-carlo-find-each-other-amid-struggles-in-third-world-romance-trailer |work=ABS-CBN Entertainment |access-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045944/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/31/23/charlie-carlo-find-each-other-amid-struggles-in-third-world-romance-trailer |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/175283/mtrcb-third-world-romance-a5132-20230818 | title=MTRCB summons 'Third World Romance' distributor, producer for use of profanity in trailer | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045944/https://www.pep.ph/news/local/175283/mtrcb-third-world-romance-a5132-20230818 | url-status=live }} The film was screened at the 19th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival{{cite web | url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/174888/cinemalaya-2023-opening-closing-films-a4113-20230731-lfrm | title=Cinemalaya 2023: 'Marupok AF' is opening film, 'Third World Romance' is closing film | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045944/https://www.pep.ph/news/local/174888/cinemalaya-2023-opening-closing-films-a4113-20230731-lfrm | url-status=live }} as the closing film.{{cite web | url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/09/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/third-world-romance-to-cap-cinemalaya-19/1904519 | title='Third World Romance' to cap Cinemalaya 19 | website=The Manila Times | date=August 9, 2023 | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045943/https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/09/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/third-world-romance-to-cap-cinemalaya-19/1904519 | url-status=live }}

Reception

=Critical reception=

Fred Hawson, writing for ABS-CBN News, gave praise for the acting performances of Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon, with the former "can still pull off the youthful energy of a guy" despite being in his late thirties. However, he gave criticism for its production design which he deemed as "problematic".{{Cite news |first=Fred |last=Hawson|title=Movie review: Pragmatic love in 'Third World Romance' |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/20/23/movie-review-pragmatic-love-in-third-world-romance |work=ABS-CBN Entertainment |access-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045943/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/20/23/movie-review-pragmatic-love-in-third-world-romance |url-status=live }} Le Baltar, writing for The Philippine Star, also gave praise to the lead stars where Carlo Aquino delivered "an effortless and convincing work, brimming with charm and playfulness that is simply hard to dismiss" and Charlie Dizon's mastering her acting skills in giving her character a "richer inner life" and great use of emotions in which the critic commended. Its written screenplay, Baltazar's direction, Marya Ignacio's editing, and Kara Moreno's cinematography were also praised.{{cite news |first=Le |last=Baltar | url=https://philstarlife.com/geeky/716726-review-third-world-romance | title=REVIEW: Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon highlight the struggles of blue collar love in 'Third World Romance' | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045944/https://philstarlife.com/geeky/716726-review-third-world-romance | url-status=live }}

In contrast, Stephanie Mayo, writing for Daily Tribune, rated the film 1.5 out of 5 stars and gave a negative review, saying that it failed "the audience for suggesting something deeper and with more substance, and failing to deliver" and was called as a "cheap romantic comedy film" that is targeted for children and felt it was staged.{{cite news| url=https://tribune.net.ph/2023/08/20/insincere-superficial-take-on-love-and-labor/ | title='Third World Romance' review: Insincere, superficial take on love and labor | newspaper=Daily Tribune |first=Stephanie |last=Mayo | date=August 19, 2023 | access-date=September 17, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918045945/https://tribune.net.ph/2023/08/20/insincere-superficial-take-on-love-and-labor/ | url-status=live }}

=Accolades=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" !Year !Awards !Category !Recipient !Result !scope="col" class="unsortable" \| {{abbr\|Ref.\|Reference(s)}}
rowspan="12" \|2024 !scope="row" rowspan="4" \| 47th Gawad Urian Awards \| Best Actress \| Charlie Dizon \|{{Won}} \|rowspan="4" \|{{cite web\|last=Cerezo \|first=Anna \|title=LIST: 2024 Gawad Urian winners \|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/6/23/libo-libong-blooms-nakisaya-sa-bini-run-1903 \|publisher=News.ABS-CBN.com \|date=June 9, 2024 \|access-date=June 23, 2024}}
Best Director \|Dwein Ruedas Baltazar \|{{Won}}
Best Music \|Vincent de Jesus \|{{Won}}
Best Production Design \|Eero Yves Francisco \|{{Won}}
scope="row" rowspan="2"\|7th Eddys \|Best Actress \|Charlie Dizon \|{{Won}} \|rowspan="2" \|{{cite web\|title=Here are the nominees for 7th EDDYS \|url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2024/6/15/here-are-the-nominees-for-7th-eddys-007 \|website=Push.abs-cbn.com \|access-date=June 24, 2024}}
Best Musical Score \|Vincent de Jesus \|{{Nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="3"\|2024 FAMAS Awards \|Best Actress \|Charlie Dizon \|{{Nom}} \|rowspan="3" \|{{cite web\|last=Presillas \|first=Bryan Ferdie \|title=FAMAS Award 2024: Full list of winners \|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/features/102136/famas-award-2024-full-list-of-winners/story/ \|website=GMA Network \|date=May 27, 2024 \|access-date=June 23, 2024}}
Best Cinematography \|Kara Moreno \|{{Nom}}
Best Production Design \|Third World Romance \|{{Nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="3" \|4th Pinoy Review Awards \|Best Director \|Dwein Baltazar \|{{Nom}} \|rowspan="3" \|{{cite web\|title=Nominado sa 4th Pinoy Rebyu \|url=https://www.philstar.com/banat/showbiz/2024/02/17/2333995/nominado-sa-4th-pinoy-rebyu- \|website=The Philippine Star \|date=February 17, 2024 \|access-date=June 24, 2024}}
Best Lead Performance \|Charlie Dizon \|{{Nom}}
Best Cinematography \|Kara Moreno \|{{Nom}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

!Year

!Awards

!Category

!Recipient

!Result

!scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}

rowspan="12" |2024

!scope="row" rowspan="4" | 47th Gawad Urian Awards

| Best Actress

| Charlie Dizon

|{{Won}}

|rowspan="4" |{{cite web|last=Cerezo |first=Anna |title=LIST: 2024 Gawad Urian winners |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/6/23/libo-libong-blooms-nakisaya-sa-bini-run-1903 |publisher=News.ABS-CBN.com |date=June 9, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}

Best Director

|Dwein Ruedas Baltazar

|{{Won}}

Best Music

|Vincent de Jesus

|{{Won}}

Best Production Design

|Eero Yves Francisco

|{{Won}}

scope="row" rowspan="2"|7th Eddys

|Best Actress

|Charlie Dizon

|{{Won}}

|rowspan="2" |{{cite web|title=Here are the nominees for 7th EDDYS |url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2024/6/15/here-are-the-nominees-for-7th-eddys-007 |website=Push.abs-cbn.com |access-date=June 24, 2024}}

Best Musical Score

|Vincent de Jesus

|{{Nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="3"|2024 FAMAS Awards

|Best Actress

|Charlie Dizon

|{{Nom}}

|rowspan="3" |{{cite web|last=Presillas |first=Bryan Ferdie |title=FAMAS Award 2024: Full list of winners |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/features/102136/famas-award-2024-full-list-of-winners/story/ |website=GMA Network |date=May 27, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}

Best Cinematography

|Kara Moreno

|{{Nom}}

Best Production Design

|Third World Romance

|{{Nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="3" |4th Pinoy Review Awards

|Best Director

|Dwein Baltazar

|{{Nom}}

|rowspan="3" |{{cite web|title=Nominado sa 4th Pinoy Rebyu |url=https://www.philstar.com/banat/showbiz/2024/02/17/2333995/nominado-sa-4th-pinoy-rebyu- |website=The Philippine Star |date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=June 24, 2024}}

Best Lead Performance

|Charlie Dizon

|{{Nom}}

Best Cinematography

|Kara Moreno

|{{Nom}}