CENTRAL to the heart and humor of “Batang Paco” is filmmaker Rechie del Carmen, who assembles an eclectic ensemble to ground the film’s spectacle in raw emotion and honest truth.

Del Carmen steers “Batang Paco” with a steady hand, blending action-comedy beats with intimate family drama.

Known for her instinctive storytelling and character-driven approach, she treats every role — big and small — as an essential part of the story’s emotional rhythm.

“Direk Rechie understands that even the loudest scenes need a quiet emotional core,” producer Ana Abiera Del Moral. “She knows when to push the action — and when to let the characters breathe.”

Supporting the film’s leads (Empoy Marquez, Ai Ai Delas Alas, and Cassy Lavarias) is a rich ensemble that adds color, conflict, and heart to Paco’s journey headed by the ever reliable Mon Confiado; Ynez Veneracion who provides a mix if humor and warmth; Chichi Rita who delivers an outstanding performance that transcends her comedic genius; and a delicious sampling of the industry’s most talented character actors such as Richard Quan, Alma Concepcion, Lara Morena, Natasha Ledesma, Kookoo Gonzales, Gerard Acao, Josh Ivan Morales, Kim Rodriguez, Jovi Vargas, and Quentin Molo.

Together, the ensemble creates an imagined world that feels authentic, chaotic, and unmistakably Filipino.

Written by Gina Marissa Tagasa and produced by MiVida Productions, Inc., “Batang Paco “marks the company’s first theatrical offering — setting the tone for bold, emotionally grounded storytelling in 2026.

With Rechie del Carmen as director and a supporting cast that elevates every frame, “Batang Paco” promises more than laughs — it delivers a story powered by love.

“Batang Paco” opens in mainstream cinemas nationwide starting February 18.