A significant international collaboration is underway as Regal Entertainment, a powerhouse in Philippine cinema, teams up with Singapore-based post-production and co-production specialist Mocha Chai Laboratories. The partnership centers on 'One For The Road,' a new film helmed by acclaimed Filipino director Kip Oebanda, known for 'Bar Boys.' The news was first reported by Deadline.
'One For The Road' is currently filming entirely in the Philippines with a predominantly Filipino cast and crew. It has also garnered support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)'s International Co-Production Fund (ICOF), underscoring its potential and the collaborative spirit of its production.
The film's narrative, co-written by Oebanda and Victor Villanueva, follows four high school best friends—portrayed by Elijah Canlas, Gian Bernardino, Emilio Daez, and JM Ibarra—as they navigate their mid-twenties. As careers, relationships, and the general demands of adulthood begin to pull them apart, a shared tragedy forces them back together, leading to a transformative road trip. This journey compels them to confront long-suppressed grief, blending elements of road-trip comedy with heartfelt coming-of-age drama. Additional cast members include Nour Hooshmand, Sofia Trazona, and Mika Reins.
Michelle Chang, co-founder of Mocha Chai Laboratories, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Regal Entertainment, a company I’ve long wanted to partner with because of its extraordinary legacy in Philippine cinema." Chang highlighted the film's universal appeal, adding, "'One For The Road' is a universally resonant film and what better way to start this journey than bring together Regal’s deep connection with Filipino audiences and MCL’s experience in international co-production and post-production."
The film holds a personal resonance for both producer Keith Monteverde of Regal Entertainment and director Kip Oebanda. Monteverde shared, "I am too familiar with what it feels like to be young, trying to ‘grow up,’ while the world around you keeps narrowing your options and closing doors." He emphasized that the film "puts a spotlight on struggles that many young Filipino men carry quietly today."
Oebanda further elaborated on the film's deeper themes, noting, "There seems to be a pervasive sense of loneliness and isolation in modern cities and in capitalist societies, and it is by design." He aims to tackle the rarely addressed issues of burnout and isolation, particularly among men in the Philippines who are often socialized to suppress emotions. "I want to make a film that will reach the masses with the message that we need to support and check on each other and normalize talking about grief and our mental health struggles," Oebanda explained. He believes the film can deliver this vital message while remaining "a hilarious, fun movie without skirting away or downplaying the issue at hand," acknowledging that many cope with grief through humor and adventure.
Mocha Chai Laboratories will also lead the sound design for 'One For The Road,' bringing their expertise demonstrated by their recent Singapore-Thailand co-production, 'Decalcomania,' which earned a Best Sound Design nomination at the 2026 ContentAsia Awards.
'One For The Road' is slated for release in the second quarter of 2027, promising a compelling exploration of youth, friendship, and emotional resilience.