Never Knew Love Like This Before

Manila, 2009. Thirteen-year-old Gino passes his time through television and phone games—until he discovers his father's stash of adult DVDs. When he catches sight of his father flirting with a bar girl in a seedy karaoke joint, Gino begins to question his father's authority and morality. But it's through an unexpected bond through catfishing Giliw, a trans woman from the same nightlife underworld, using his father’s identity, that Gino slowly confronts his longings, boundaries, and the tender confusion of growing up.

Directed by Ronnie Ramos, Never Knew Love Like This Before leans on a strong ensemble — Mimi Juareza, Jian Carlo Catabay, Nel Estuya — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2026.