Buddy Movie: EA Guzman and Shaira Diaz Star in Filipino Film Shot in Finland
Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
Buddy, a new Filipino family film shot entirely in Finland, is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines. The movie opened nationwide on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Philstar reported.
Real-life couple EA Guzman and Shaira Diaz-Guzman star in the film, along with Michael De Mesa and Benjie Paras. It is produced by MAVX Productions and rated PG.
What the Buddy Movie Is About
Michael De Mesa plays Jojo, a retired seaman and widower. He travels to Helsinki with his best friend Ben, played by Benjie Paras. Jojo hopes to reconnect with his grown children, whom he has not seen in years, Philstar reported.
However, he finds that his kids have grown distant and are closer to Ben, their godfather. As a result, his efforts to fix things bring up old hurt and family struggles. So, the film is a story about friendship, family and second chances.
Buddy Movie Cast
- EA Guzman: One of Jojo’s grown children
- Shaira Diaz-Guzman: Lead cast member
- Michael De Mesa: Jojo, a retired seaman
- Benjie Paras: Ben, Jojo’s best friend
- Also starring: Elisse Joson, Elijah Canlas and Empoy Marquez
A First for Filipino Film
Buddy was shot in Finland earlier this year, GMA Network reported. In fact, EA and Shaira even celebrated their first wedding anniversary during the shoot. The story uses Finland, often called the world’s happiest country, as its main setting.
What the Director Said
Buddy is the first film directed by Erwin “Lucky” Blanco, the president and CEO of MAVX Productions. He did not plan to direct at first. “Wala kasi talaga akong plano mag-direct,” he said, which means he really had no plans to direct, according to Philstar. Instead, he called the move something he did “out of frustration, out of need.”
Blanco also shared plans to show the film in Finland on December 12 and 13. “We have 17,000 Filipinos there,” he said. Because of this, he hopes the screenings bring some happiness to overseas Filipino workers.
Buddy Movie: Key Details
- Now showing: Since November 4, 2026, in cinemas nationwide
- Director: Lucky Blanco
- Producer: MAVX Productions
- Rating: PG
- Filmed in: Finland
Who Should Watch Buddy
Buddy is a good pick for families, since it is rated PG. In addition, it may hit close to home for anyone with a parent or loved one working abroad. Also, fans of EA and Shaira will enjoy seeing the real-life couple share the screen for the first time as husband and wife.
What Happens Next
The film is in cinemas now. Then, it heads to Finland for special screenings in December. So, if you love family stories with a bit of travel, catch Buddy on the big screen this weekend.
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