Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano (Photo by ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ)

Film director Paul Soriano ensured that his romantic relationship with actress Toni Gonzaga did not have a bearing on their movie, “A Journey Home.” 

“We kept it professional. During the shooting, she’s Gayle (name of Toni’s character) and I’m her director,” said Paul at the press conference for the film held at Dulcinea Tomas Morato on Sept. 19. 

The two even consciously kept a distance from each other while on the set.

“I stay in the dressing room while he mingles with the crew,” Toni recalled.

Toni described her beau as “a perfectionist, ma-detalyado" when he is at work. "Nakaka-seven takes kami para lang makuha ang gusto niya,” said she.

Paul, on the other hand, said that Toni “easily gets” everything he instructs her to do.

The two added that it was easy for them to focus on work because of the reason they accepted the project in the first place.

“It’s a huge honor to be part of this film because it’s (our) way of giving back to the Lord,” said Toni.

The actress admitted that she found essaying a serious role in her first indie film challenging.

“Mahirap po talaga kasi nasanay ako dati na light lang, perky-perky lang. Pero dito, serious (ako) at may mga anak.”

Paul rejoined: “I told her what I thought Gayle had been through. She’s the wife who doesn’t get enough credit from her own husband (played by Joem Bascon) whom she loves so much.”

“I had to ask my Mom tungkol sa mag-aasawa, kung ano yung mga pinagdadaanan nila,” Toni added.

“A Journey Home” is Jubilee Evangelical Church – Youth for Christ Ministry’s offering in celebration of its’ 10th year anniversary.

The film tells the story of an estranged father (played by Soliman Cruz) who seeks the forgiveness of his embittered children (played by Joem Bascon and Athena Tibi).

“We hope that people will want to better themselves after watching this film. It’s a feel-good movie that I think we need in these times,” Paul said.

“A Journey Home,” produced by Francis Lua, has been approved for competition in the Gideon Flame Christian Film Festival. It is also for review in the Cinemanila Film Festival.

Other cast members include John Manalo, Cha-cha Cañete, Lance Raymundo, Lara Morena, Aislinn Lim, and Pastor Jay Banzuelo, with the special participation of Tia Pusit.

The one-night-only free screening of “A Journey Home” will be on Oct. 3 at SM Megamall Cinemas 8, 9, and 10.