“So what are we, colleagues having sex? I guess you just fucked me,” Lovi Poe’s character, topnotch lawyer Alexis Miranda, declares to J.M de Guzman’s Atty Adam Lucero in the trailer for Guilty Pleasure.
In typical Regal Films fashion, the trailer of this courtroom drama, spiced with sexual tension, tantalizes viewers with snippets of provocative dialogue and the lawyers’ private acts of lasciviousness.
Director Connie Macatuno explains that one of the film’s themes explores the blurred lines between consent and coercion, and complicated interpersonal dynamics.
Jameson Blake with mentor Lovi Poe
Alexis Miranda and Adam Lucero work together at the Atticus law firm, where a young lawyer, Atty. Math Caliente, eventually becomes Alexis’ mentee. Later, Alexis establishes her namesake firm. The trio reunite in court when Alexis’ client, a male influencer accused of assaulting a female influencer, goes on trial. The lawyers from Atticus are representing the female influencer, who claims she was assaulted.
“The film humanizes lawyers,” Macatuno says. “They’re often portrayed as prioritizing intellect over emotion. But like everyone else, they have love lives and personal struggles.”
Filipino clothes and accessories take the spotlight in ‘Guilty Pleasure.’
She also aims to promote Filipino nationalism through the main character’s wardrobe. “This is the first time a mainstream film has consciously showcased Philippine fashion.”
Macatuno made news in 2022 when she directed and styled the teleserye Broken Marriage. The main character, a doctor, wears trendy Pinoy styles instead of the staid white coat and scrub suit. While most of the modern Filipiniana clothing in the TV show was off-the-rack, Macatuno had some pieces customized for Poe.
Her brand, Lokal, created a piña top with Volga sleeves and paired it with a blue ikat skirt by Nino Franco. She also incorporated pieces from other brands at the Katutubo pop-up market, such as Vara blazers, jewelry from Piezas, Alchemista, Joyce Makitalo, and Farah Abu, Zarah Juan accessories, Zaccaris 1725 woven leather bags, Orias Essentials bags, and Abel Philippines for soft furnishings. In courtroom scenes, Alexis dons a terno top by Rhett Eala and a smock top by Good Luck Humans.
Jameson and Lovi at the renovated underpass near Manila
For her research, Macatuno consulted lawyers and judges who were Lokal’s clients. “I visited the court to observe,” she explained. “The lawyers are patriotic and embrace Filipino attire. Men often wear suits or piña barong Tagalog, while some female lawyers prefer more understated Filipiniana styles. The choice of attire can depend on their status, as Filipiniana can also be a luxury. Judges wear Filipiniana under their robes. Lawyers uphold the laws of the Philippines, and their fashion choices in court are a way of expressing nationalism.
‘The lawyers are patriotic and embrace Filipino attire. Men often wear suits or ‘piña barong’ Tagalog, while some female lawyers prefer more understated Filipiniana styles’
“The specific attire depends on the judge,” Macatuno continued. “Some judges are more traditional, while younger lawyers may dress differently. My research revealed that the current generation supports Filipino luxury labels. This trend is evident in the legal world as well. Pop-up markets like Artefino and Katutubo have brought Filipiniana into the public consciousness.”
Macatuno believes that Filipinos should become accustomed to seeing contemporary Filipiniana in commercial films. “The second storyteller is the fashion—not just the silhouette but also the material, weaving, and embroidery traditions,” she explained. “Styles may evolve, but these crafts have been passed down for generations and remain constant in the cultural community.”
Guilty Pleasure is Macatuno’s third film for Regal and one of the last projects approved by the company’s founder, Lily Monteverde. Macatuno previously worked with Poe in C’est Lovi production company, also a co-producer of this film.
While the trailer suggests that Alexis is as skilled in the courtroom as she is in the bedroom, Poe, according to Macatuno, is a disciplined actress and producer. “We worked together to develop the character of Alexis,” she says. “Poe memorized the monologues, acted with conviction and emotion, and there were scenes where I found myself clutching her hand, laughing, and crying. She has a remarkable range.”
The cast participated in table readings and held private discussions about their intimate scenes. “Once they were on the set, they knew what to do,” Macatuno says. “I prepared myself to capture the scene.
“When I first worked with Lovi in Malaya, I knew I wanted to continue working with her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and kind,” Macatuno recalls. “She never appeared tired during mall tours promoting Guilty Pleasure. When a fan asks for a photo, she always obliges. It’s her way of expressing gratitude.”
