Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita

Synopsis

Immovable unswerving-laced Miguel (Rico Yan) and campus bad girl Mela (Claudine Barretto) shock the people around them when they decide to go out, but they are too afflicted with each other to notice any objection set against their union. The two eventually realize that it takes more than physical attraction to maintain a relationship, for their personality differences turn their initial sweetness into petty arguments and misunderstandings. Their respective bitter exes deal the final blow that sever any chance of reconciliation between the two, as the scheme leaves Miguel feeling cheated and Mela distrusted. Both, however, still feel that the only person who can fill the chasm created by their separation is each other—but how can they have a lasting relationship without trust?

Cast and characters

Plot

Mela is a campus beauty who’s earned the reputation of a “Bad Girl.” But underneath the seductive clothing and uninhibited behavior is a sensitive and vulnerable soul. Mela hides a painful past. Her mother died at a young age, leaving her father desolate and driving him to alcoholism. Numerous beatings from her father caused Mela to run away from home, and seek shelter with an aunt. Despite living an immoral life as a mistress, Mela’s aunt is kind-hearted and loving to her ward. Mela herself constantly seeks acceptance and satisfaction in relationships with different men.

Mela’s current boyfriend, Ryan, is also a troubled soul who cannot get along with his father. The youngest and the only boy among three children, Ryan’s source of emotional support is his mother. Mela and Ryan start off as friends before going steady, but it is not long before Ryan becomes unfaithful.

Hurt and determined to change her destiny, Mela resolves to look for “Mr. Perfect,” who turns out to be Miguel. Rich, intelligent, and good-mannered. A typical aristocrat guy who is always formal, all-business and snobbish. He portrays the typical “guy-next-door” women fall for, but has an superior personality which is a turn-off. Miguel’s only fault is his tendency to rigid self-discipline. Besides being a member of the school’s discipline committee, Miguel also helps manage the family business. Miguel’s father died while he was young, and his mother was left to raise him and his brother. His brother also died, suffering a broken heart from a relationship with an immoral wife.

Mela sets her sights on Miguel, but Miguel refuses to give her the time of day. Mela is relentless, and dares Miguel to a bet, the consequence being, he would have to spend a weekend with Mela. Miguel loses, and, despite his fears, enjoys the company of Mela. During their weekend together, Miguel discovers the beauty in Mela, and falls hopelessly in love.

Love gradually changes Mela into someone who wins Miguel's approval. However, the narrative extends beyond this transformation. Their relationship faces challenges including jealousy, misunderstandings, and hostility from Miguel's mother.

Film locations

Soundtrack