Kathryn Bernardo Outsmarts Marian Rivera in Box Office Battle: ‘Hello, Love, Again’ Dominates

As of February 20, 2025, the Filipino film Hello, Love, Again, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, continues to reign as the number one movie on Netflix, attracting immense attention from audiences worldwide. Since its release on the streaming platform on February 13, the romantic drama has held strong at the top of the charts, proving its popularity and widespread appeal.

The Rise of Hello, Love, Again

The success of Hello, Love, Again is a testament to the power of Filipino cinema. Despite facing stiff competition from major international releases, such as Captain America: Brave New World from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Kathryn and Alden’s film has managed to maintain its strong position. The MCU film, despite its high-profile status, struggled at the box office, underperforming both critically and commercially. Many critics labeled it as one of the weakest entries in the Captain America franchise, which no doubt contributed to its lackluster performance.

Meanwhile, the social issue-based film Balota, starring Marian Rivera, also hit theaters during the same week. Despite its relevance to current social issues, Balota only managed to secure the eighth spot at the box office, failing to generate the kind of buzz necessary to dominate in a competitive movie landscape. The comparison between the two actresses and their films has led to the humorous but biting claim that Kathryn has “outshined” Marian at the box office.

The “Kinabog” Comparison

The playful yet pointed comparison between Kathryn and Marian has sparked discussions on social media, with fans and critics alike joking that Kathryn has “kinabog” (outperformed) Marian, one of the industry’s biggest stars, in recent weeks. Despite Marian’s strong following and her significant role in Balota, it seems that Kathryn’s project has captured more attention and garnered greater support from audiences. This success underscores Kathryn’s incredible star power and the ongoing relevance of Filipino-made films, even in the face of major Hollywood blockbusters.

Filipino Cinema’s Resilience

The ongoing triumph of Hello, Love, Again highlights the undeniable strength of Filipino cinema, with local productions continuing to earn the love and support of audiences. Despite the presence of large-scale international films and the heavyweights of Hollywood, Filipino films like Kathryn and Alden’s have proven that the power of local storytelling remains a driving force in the entertainment industry. It is a clear reflection of how far Filipino cinema has come, with local productions making waves not just within the country but across the globe as well.

Kathryn Bernardo’s continued success, particularly in projects like Hello, Love, Again, affirms her status as one of the most influential actresses in the industry. The overwhelming success of her movie has made it clear that her impact goes beyond just her acting skills; she has become a major force in shaping the future of Filipino cinema, securing her place as a box-office queen.

Conclusion: The Continued Power of Local Productions

As Hello, Love, Again continues to dominate the charts, the film’s success serves as a reminder of the growing global recognition of Filipino cinema. It’s not just the star power of Kathryn and Alden that’s driving this success, but the collective support of fans who continue to champion local stories. With the overwhelming success of this film, Kathryn Bernardo has indeed proven that she is at the top of her game, outshining even her most established peers and continuing to make waves in the entertainment industry.