Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera reunite in new comedy film

Jerald Napoles and Pepe Herrera are reuniting on the big screen in the upcoming comedy film “Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa,” after starring in the 2025 comedy film “Sampung Utos Kay Josh.” 

Directed by Raynier F. Brizuela, the new film follows Don (Herrera), who learns he has only 24 hours left to live after receiving a grim diagnosis.

Before his time runs out, he embarks on one final mission—to find what is said to be the most delicious bowl of pares in the world, inspired by a viral vlog and a cherished memory of his late grandmother.

Article continues after this advertisement

Joining him is his loyal best friend Mola, played by Napoles. What begins as a simple food trip quickly turns into a series of chaotic adventures as the pair are pursued by a corrupt doctor who wants Don’s healthy liver.

During the film’s press conference on Tuesday, July 28, the director explained that the title goes beyond the popular Filipino beef dish and serves as a metaphor for friendship.

Brizuela said he inherited the title from the finished script, but researching the history of pares gave it a deeper meaning.

He recalled reading about how the original creator of a well-known pares business and one of its cooks eventually went their separate ways and established different restaurants.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Parang yung title is Pares, pero hindi magkapares ‘yung dalawa (The title is Pares, but the two are no longer a pair),” Brizuela said.

The filmmaker said the story centers on two former best friends searching for the “pinakamasarap na pares sa balat ng lupa” (the most delicious pares on Earth), making the dish a symbol of relationships that have drifted apart.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Bukod sa kalokohan, kwento siya ng dalawang ex-best friends na hahanapin ‘yung pinakamasarap na pares sa balat ng lupa,” he said.

For Brizuela, the film ultimately explores friendship and reconciliation, particularly reconnecting with friends people may have lost touch with or had conflicts with over the years.

The film also stars Christine Bermas, Gene Padilla, Yanyan De Jesus, TJ Valderrama, Kedebon Colim, Jobelyn Manuel, James Caraan and Nonong Ballinan.

“Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa” opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 26. /jpv