Spring in Prague, a new romantic comedy co-produced by the Philippines and the Czech Republic, premiered in Manila on May 28. The film, which stars Filipino actor Paolo Gumabao and Czech actress Sara Sandeva, tells the story of a cross-cultural romance that begins on the beaches of the Philippines and continues in the heart of Europe.
Directed by Lester Dimaranan, Spring in Prague was shot in locations across the Philippines, including Puerto Galera and Tagaytay, as well as in the center of Prague. The production also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, adding a layer of significance to its release. Producers are hoping the film will secure a spot in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) later this year.
Spring in Prague centers on Alfonso (Gumabao), a Filipino resort owner, who falls in love with Maruška Růžička (Sandeva), a Czech tourist visiting the Philippines. After a brief but intense connection, Maruška returns to Prague, prompting Alfonso to follow her in search of answers. The story explores themes of love, cultural exchange, and the unexpected paths that bring people together.
The film’s narrative also touches on deeper themes of diplomacy and shared values. Executive producer Ferdinand Topacio described the film as “a romantic comedy with depth and historical allusions,” emphasizing its role as a symbolic celebration of the friendship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
The production team visited the Philippine Embassy in Prague during the final days of filming, underscoring the film’s role in fostering cross-cultural ties.
For lead actress Sandeva, Spring in Prague marked her first experience working on a Filipino film set. Despite cultural differences, Sandeva spoke of the similarities she found during filming to Inquirer.net.
“I didn’t have to adjust so much even though things are done here very differently compared to where I come from. People on the set, whether here or in Czech, have one thing in common—it’s our passion for work. We all want to come up with a good movie,” she said.
While Spring in Prague has not yet been scheduled for a commercial release, producers are hopeful it will be part of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival lineup, a major event in the Filipino film calendar. The project is notable for its international collaboration, with scenes shot on location in both the Philippines and Czechia and a multicultural cast that includes Marco Gomez, Elena Koziova, and Keahnna Reyes, among others.
For Gumabao, the film represents a milestone: his first leading role in an international production. “It’s such good fortune to have Prague as my introduction to Europe, and to do it for a film that bridges nations,” he said during the Manila premiere.
