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Exes Baggage
Exes Baggage
Exes Baggage
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Exes Baggage
Theatrical film poster
Directed byDan Villegas
Written byDwein Baltazar
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyCarlos Mauricio
Edited byMarya Ignacio
Music byArlene Flerida Calvo
Production
company
Distributed byABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.
Release date
  • September 26, 2018 (2018-09-26)
Running time
104 minutes[1]
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Box office₱355.50 million (International)[2]

Exes Baggage is a 2018 Filipino romantic comedy-drama film directed by Dan Villegas, starring Angelica Panganiban and Carlo Aquino. The film was produced by Black Sheep Productions as their theatrical debut and is distributed by ABS-CBN Films.[3][4]

The film also marks as Aquino and Panganiban's long-awaited reunion movie.[5]

Plot

[edit]

The story begins two years after the break up between Pia and Nix Cabangon and they are invited to a party hosted by the married couple Reyna and Tops. It shows some flashbacks where Pia and Reyna gazed on Nix at the bar which led Pia to begin their romantic relationship with Nix after they both explained their main problems about their exes and Nix's hospitality to her. As soon as Pia sees Migs and his family at a superstore, Nix becomes jealous which leads them to have a fall out with each other at their home and mentions Nix's ex-girlfriend Dwein. Nix soon apologizes to Pia for his rash behavior and mentions his ex. As Dwein showed up with Tops for the furniture she wanted for Nix, this caused Pia to get jealous, realizing that Nix still had feelings for her and she was the main reason why Pia had broken up with Nix.

Back at the present day, the two reintroduced themselves after their break up until Tops' announcement to have a second baby (calling Reyna as his first "baby") with Reyna as the band plays the song that Nix sang for Pia in their previous relationship. When both Pia and Nix almost kissed, it was revealed that Pia already has a boyfriend named Anton who called her to come home which causes Pia to leave the party. As Pia gets inside the car to drive home, Nix shows up to say goodbye to her while calling her car "Ogie" (Pia named it in the beginning of the film). Pia refuses to call back Anton and decides to reconcile with Nix.

Cast

[edit]

Release

[edit]

The film released its one-minute teaser in the production company's Facebook page on August 4, 2018, and the video garnered almost 2 million views.[6] The second teaser was released via the production company's Facebook page on September 1, 2018, where the theatrical released date is also revealed, releasing the film theatrically on September 26, 2018.[7]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Exes Baggage earned an estimated amount of ₱21.6 million on its first day of showing.[8] As of October 5, 2018, the film earned ₱206,693,044.73 domestically.[9]

The film earned a total of ₱355.50 million in domestic and international showings as of October 23, 2018.[2]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Exes Baggage

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Exes Baggage is a 2018 Filipino romantic drama film directed by , starring and in the lead roles. The story follows Pia and Nix, former lovers who reunite unexpectedly after two years and attempt to rekindle their connection while confronting emotional scars from their past. Released on September 26, 2018, the film explores themes of , personal growth, and the complexities of second chances in , drawing from real-life inspirations to depict healing from heartbreak. Produced by Black Sheep, a production outfit under ABS-CBN Films, Exes Baggage received positive reception for its authentic portrayal of modern relationships and the strong chemistry between its leads. Panganiban plays Pia, a resilient woman dealing with the aftermath of a painful breakup, while Aquino portrays Nix, a man grappling with his own regrets. The screenplay, written by Dwein Baltazar, emphasizes intimate dialogues and subtle emotional depth over dramatic tropes, contributing to its appeal among audiences seeking relatable romance narratives. Critically, the film holds an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 on based on 313 user reviews, praised for its realistic handling of ex-partner dynamics and avoidance of clichéd resolutions. It premiered at a time when Filipino cinema was increasingly focusing on character-driven stories, and its availability on streaming platforms like has broadened its international reach since 2020. The movie was a commercial success, grossing ₱355.50 million internationally, and highlights cultural nuances of Filipino relationships and societal expectations.

Content

Plot

Exes Baggage centers on Pia and Nix, two young professionals in the whose past romance ended in heartbreak two years prior. The story unfolds primarily in the present day, beginning with their chance reunion at a mutual friend's bar opening, where both have been invited as guests. Initially, their encounter is marked by awkwardness and lingering tension, but as the evening progresses, shared conversations draw them back into each other's orbit, reigniting a subtle attraction amid the celebratory atmosphere. Through a nonlinear structure incorporating flashbacks, the narrative delves into the origins of their relationship and the factors that led to its dissolution. Pia and Nix first connected during a period of personal growth, with Nix embracing a solitary life centered on his music and Pia channeling her energy into advocacy for her beliefs. However, external pressures such as demanding careers and internal doubts about maintaining individuality within a partnership gradually eroded their bond, culminating in a painful influenced by unresolved emotional issues from prior experiences. These revelations surface during their renewed interactions, where candid discussions expose the "baggage" they carry—symbolized metaphorically as unpacked luggage—highlighting confrontations with , insecurities, and the scars of past relationships. The film's central conflict revolves around their emotional journey as they navigate these revelations, grappling with post-breakup trauma and self-doubt that question the viability of . Key plot devices, including intimate dialogues that peel back layers of hidden wounds and reflective moments tied to nostalgic elements like a familiar song, underscore the thematic exploration of balancing personal independence with the vulnerabilities of partnership. Ultimately, the protagonists' path leads toward potential healing, as they confront whether can overcome the weight of their shared history.

Cast

The principal cast of Exes Baggage features and as the romantic leads, whose characters navigate the challenges of rekindled love amid personal histories. Supporting performers round out the ensemble, highlighting interpersonal tensions and emotional support systems central to the film's exploration of relationships.
  • Angelica Panganiban as Pia, an ambitious career woman confronting the emotional scars of previous heartbreaks.
  • Carlo Aquino as Nix, an introverted individual who favors solitude yet is pulled toward new romantic possibilities.
  • as Reyna, Pia's confidante and friend who plays a key role in facilitating their reconnection.
  • as Migs, Pia's ex-boyfriend whose presence underscores unresolved past conflicts.
  • as Dwein, Nix's former girlfriend, contributing to the narrative of lingering relational baggage.
The , including these key players, effectively conveys the multifaceted dynamics of love, regret, and growth in the story. Additional credited roles fill out familial and professional contexts, such as background figures in Pia's and Nix's lives, enhancing the film's intimate portrayal of human connections.

Production

Development

The for Exes Baggage was written by Dwein Baltazar, who crafted a centered on the authentic emotional complexities of post-relationship interactions, emphasizing realistic struggles with lingering feelings rather than contrived dramatic conflicts. Baltazar's script drew inspiration from the nuances of modern romantic entanglements, particularly how former partners navigate unresolved baggage in everyday encounters. The film marked the directorial effort of , a filmmaker with a background in Filipino independent cinema, including his work as cinematographer on indie projects and his transition to directing commercial dramas like the 2014 English Only, Please. Villegas' approach prioritized subtle character-driven storytelling to capture genuine relational dynamics. Exes Baggage served as the debut theatrical feature for , a new banner under Films established in 2018 to produce mid-budget films targeting broad audiences with relatable themes. The project was overseen by executive producers including Olivia M. Lamasan and , who aimed to blend indie sensibilities with commercial viability through a focus on emotional authenticity. A key creative decision was casting real-life exes and in the lead roles, leveraging their past relationship to infuse the story with organic chemistry and realism, while centering the plot on healing rather than sensationalizing personal history. This choice stemmed from observations of how actual ex-couples confront modern love's challenges, enhancing the film's exploration of reconciliation without contrived tropes.

Filming

Principal photography for Exes Baggage commenced in 2018, primarily in Metro Manila and surrounding areas in the Philippines, utilizing urban and intimate settings to mirror the protagonists' everyday lives. The film's technical team featured cinematographer Carlos Mauricio, whose approach emphasized natural lighting to foster emotional intimacy in the scenes; editor Marya Ignacio, responsible for assembling the narrative flow; and production designer Shari Marie Montiague, who crafted relatable Filipino environments through detailed set designs. During production, the team encountered logistical challenges related to coordinating schedules amid the lead actors' ongoing television commitments, though no significant delays occurred. Post-production highlighted meticulous sound design to amplify the impact of the film's dialogue-heavy sequences. The visual style incorporated handheld camerawork to lend realism to the reunion scenes, complemented by close-up shots that underscored the characters' vulnerability.

Release

Theatrical release

Exes Baggage was released theatrically in the on September 26, 2018, distributed by Film Productions, Inc. The film's premiere was held on September 25, 2018, in , featuring a black carpet event attended by leads and . A promotional trailer was released on September 12, 2018, emphasizing the tagline of "unpacking" . The marketing campaign utilized trailers and posters that highlighted the real-ex chemistry between Panganiban and Aquino. efforts on platforms built anticipation, including tie-ins with for additional buzz. The strategy targeted young adult audiences by focusing on themes of modern relationships. Internationally, Exes Baggage received limited theatrical releases in select markets including the , , , and on October 4, 2018, as well as screenings at Filipino film festivals, such as the ABS-CBN International film exhibition in in November 2018. It had no wide global theatrical release.

Home media

Following its theatrical run, Exes Baggage became available on home media platforms, broadening its reach beyond cinemas. The film was added to on October 22, 2020, significantly expanding accessibility to international audiences through the streaming service's global distribution. This streaming debut was fueled in part by the film's theatrical , which generated sustained demand for home viewing options. As of 2025, it continues to be offered on major platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV, where it can be rented or purchased digitally. The film premiered on television via KBO on TVplus in February 2019, followed by an airing on Cinema One, an cable channel, on May 5, 2019. Subsequent airings followed on other local Philippine channels, allowing broader domestic viewership through and cable options. Digital purchase and rental became widely available on platforms like starting post-2019, providing on-demand access. As of November 2025, Exes Baggage remains accessible on major streaming services such as Prime Video, with multilingual subtitles enhancing its appeal to global viewers. This ongoing availability underscores the film's enduring popularity in home media formats.

Reception

Critical reception

Exes Baggage received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its authentic depiction of emotional recovery and post-breakup dynamics. On aggregate review sites, the film holds a 6.5/10 rating on based on 313 user ratings, a 71% approval rating on from one critic review, and an average of 3.1/5 on from over 2,000 ratings. Critics highlighted the strong chemistry between leads and , which grounded the film's exploration of rekindled romance amid career pressures. Reviewers commended Panganiban's witty and candid portrayal of Pia and Aquino's subtle confidence as Nix, noting how their real-life history as former partners added authenticity without awkwardness. The screenplay by Dwein Baltazar was lauded for blending the joys of new romance with the pains of past breakups through sharp dialogue and humor, effectively navigating tensions between professional ambitions and love. Director earned praise for his intimate visual style, orchestrating the ebb and flow of the relationship with emotional depth and treating intimate scenes with naturalism. As one review stated, the film is a "sweet romantic drama led by strong chemistry." Some reviewers noted criticisms of the film's reliance on formulaic romance tropes and a predictable narrative arc, describing it as a "typical" ex-reunion story that follows familiar structures of past films. Despite these elements, the strong performances and relatable themes on insecurities and jealousy were seen as elevating the material, with one critic observing that it handles strict commercial constraints with "barely any false notes."

Box office

Exes Baggage earned ₱21.6 million on its opening day, September 26, 2018, in the Philippines, marking a strong debut for the romantic drama. The film achieved a worldwide total gross of ₱355.5 million over its theatrical run, with domestic earnings forming the majority. By the end of its third week, cumulative domestic earnings reached ₱300.28 million, propelled by robust word-of-mouth that sustained audience interest beyond the initial weekend. This performance positioned Exes Baggage as one of the highest-grossing Filipino films as of 2018, trailing behind blockbusters such as The Hows of Us. International was minor, with the majority of earnings derived from the Philippine market. The film's success was bolstered by ABS-CBN's extensive promotional efforts, including tie-ins with its broadcast and digital platforms, as well as its timely release ahead of the holiday season, which enhanced visibility and attendance. These elements contributed to ' strong entry into major commercial filmmaking, solidifying its reputation for delivering commercially viable content.

Accolades

Exes Baggage received several nominations at major Philippine film award ceremonies, highlighting the strong performances by its lead actors in the romantic comedy genre. At the 37th FAP Luna Awards in 2019, Angelica Panganiban was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Pia, recognizing her emotional depth in navigating post-breakup complexities. The film also earned nominations at the 68th FAMAS Awards in 2019, with Carlo Aquino nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his role as Nix, praised for capturing the nuances of reluctant vulnerability in romance. Similarly, Panganiban received a nomination in the corresponding actress category, underscoring the film's impact on local audiences through its heartfelt storytelling. At the 35th in 2019, the on-screen chemistry between Panganiban and Aquino was acknowledged with a nomination for Movie Love Team of the Year, emphasizing their contribution to the emotional resonance of the romance genre. Additionally, the film's original theme song "All Tonight" was nominated for Movie Original Theme Song. Despite these local honors, Exes Baggage did not secure major international awards or widespread nominations beyond Philippine ceremonies, with recognition primarily centered on the performers' ability to convey authentic relational dynamics.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8835552/
  2. https://www.netflix.com/title/81334877
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvX8axLtwPI
  4. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Exes-Baggage/0RQY3LZY3YCDIQ680E73LX238P
  5. https://tv.apple.com/se/movie/exes-baggage/umc.cmc.73wi8x4zuss2i7ftnw32z6aoc
  6. https://letterboxd.com/film/exes-baggage/
  7. https://internationalsales.abs-cbn.com/internationalsales/offerings/movies/exes-baggage
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8835552/plotsummary/
  9. https://screenanarchy.com/2018/10/review-exes-baggage-2018-a-man-and-a-woman-walk-into-a-bar.html
  10. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/exes_baggage/cast-and-crew
  11. https://www.fandango.com/exes-baggage-214619/cast-and-crew
  12. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/548185-exes-baggage
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8835552/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/exes_baggage
  15. https://www.cinemaescapist.com/2019/02/review-exes-baggage-movie-philippines/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2758967/
  17. https://cinemabravo.com/2018/10/01/exes-baggage-movie-review/
  18. https://corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2019/5/3/angelica-and-carlos-exes-baggage-premieres-on-c?lang=en
  19. https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Sheep_Productions
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  22. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/04/18/watch-first-teaser-for-angelica-carlo-reunion-movie-exes-baggage
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  25. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/25/18/angelica-surprises-carlo-with-kiss-at-exes-baggage-premiere
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  43. https://www.pep.ph/news/local/28571/cargel-movie-exes-baggage-registers-box-office-gross-of-php142-million
  44. https://fdcp.ph/updates/37th-fap-luna-awards-winners-complete-list
  45. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/229219-list-famas-awards-2019-winners/
  46. https://www.facebook.com/IvoryMusicPH/posts/carlo-aquino-and-angelica-panganiban-for-black-sheeps-exes-baggage-have-been-nom/2405749879488627/
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  48. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8835552/awards/
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