Goodbye with a Side of Lechon shows the story of the Filipino way of saying goodbye. In our culture, a family gathering can mean anything from karaoke to kitchen gossip, but in the end, it’s all about keeping each other close, no matter how loud, messy, or hilarious it gets. This film came from my own reflections on family, distance, and that beautiful chaos we call home.

For Anna, coming back home for her mom’s wake means facing that mix of love and judgment only family can give. Like a lot of us, she’s caught between who she’s become and the family she’s left behind. I wanted to capture that feeling of belonging and alienation in the same breath—the way family can pull you close and push you away all at once. In Filipino families, we don’t just mourn someone who’s passed; we throw them a full, unapologetic “celebration of life.” It’s our way of honoring a loved one’s memory by keeping their spirit loud and alive, even if it means singing off-key or swapping stories that might be, well… exaggerated.

To me, a "celebration of life" isn’t about silence or somber rituals. It’s about filling a room with laughter, food, and the stories that make someone unforgettable. I wanted the film’s look to reflect that—immersive and intimate, capturing both Anna’s quiet grief and her family’s vibrant way of dealing with loss. Think of it like The Farewell or Krisha, but with a side of lechon and karaoke.

Ultimately, Goodbye with a Side of Lechon is a nod to my own roots, to that sometimes clashing but always loving bond we share in Filipino families. It’s a reminder that our heritage, however complicated, is a constant source of strength. And for Anna, it’s about finding closure not just through tears, but through the laughter and resilience that make our memories last.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES