# Third World Romance

Third World Romance is a 2023 Filipino romance film co-written and directed by Dwein Baltazar. The film stars Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon in the lead roles, with the supporting cast includes Ana Abad Santos, Archie Adamos, and Gardo Versoza. The film tells the story of two blue-collar workers who meet at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and they become co-employees at a grocery store. However, their budding romance is beset by persistent economic difficulties.
Produced by Black Sheep Productions and ANIMA and distributed by Star Cinema, it was released theatrically on 16 August 2023.

## Cast and characters

* Carlo Aquino as Alvin
    A laid-back bagger at Wynn Grocery.
* Charlie Dizon as Britney
    An outspoken cashier at Wynn Grocery.
* Ana Abad Santos as Ging
    Britney's mother who works as an OFW
* Gardo Versoza
* Archi Adamos as Dodong
    The supervisor of Wynn Grocery
* Iyah Mina
* Esnyr Ranollo
* Xilhouete
* Brian Black
* Lady Morgana
* Junjun Quintana
* Donna Cariaga
* Milo Elmido Jr.

## Production

The film was announced by Black Sheep Productions. Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon was cast to appear in the film. The trailer of the film was released on July 31, 2023. The film was screened at the 19th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival as the closing film.

## Reception
### Critical reception

Fred Hawson, writing for ABS-CBN News, gave praise for the acting performances of Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon, with the former "can still pull off the youthful energy of a guy" despite being in his late thirties. However, he gave criticism for its production design which he deemed as "problematic". Le Baltar, writing for The Philippine Star, also gave praise to the lead stars where Carlo Aquino delivered "an effortless and convincing work, brimming with charm and playfulness that is simply hard to dismiss" and Charlie Dizon's mastering her acting skills in giving her character a "richer inner life" and great use of emotions in which the critic commended. Its written screenplay, Baltazar's direction, Marya Ignacio's editing, and Kara Moreno's cinematography were also praised.
In contrast, Stephanie Mayo, writing for Daily Tribune, rated the film 1.5 out of 5 stars and gave a negative review, saying that it failed "the audience for suggesting something deeper and with more substance, and failing to deliver" and was called as a "cheap romantic comedy film" that is targeted for children and felt it was staged.

### Accolades

| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Result |
| 2024 | 47th Gawad Urian Awards | Best Actress | Charlie Dizon | Won |
| 2024 | 47th Gawad Urian Awards | Best Director | Dwein Ruedas Baltazar | Won |
| 2024 | 47th Gawad Urian Awards | Best Music | Vincent de Jesus | Won |
| 2024 | 47th Gawad Urian Awards | Best Production Design | Eero Yves Francisco | Won |
| 2024 | 7th Eddys | Best Actress | Charlie Dizon | Won |
| 2024 | 7th Eddys | Best Musical Score | Vincent de Jesus | Nominated |
| 2024 | 2024 FAMAS Awards | Best Actress | Charlie Dizon | Nominated |
| 2024 | 2024 FAMAS Awards | Best Cinematography | Kara Moreno | Nominated |
| 2024 | 2024 FAMAS Awards | Best Production Design | Third World Romance | Nominated |
| 2024 | 4th Pinoy Review Awards | Best Director | Dwein Baltazar | Nominated |
| 2024 | 4th Pinoy Review Awards | Best Lead Performance | Charlie Dizon | Nominated |
| 2024 | 4th Pinoy Review Awards | Best Cinematography | Kara Moreno | Nominated |