In the passionate world of Philippine cinema, few directors bring as much finesse, heart, and storytelling elegance to every frame as Catherine ‘CC’ O. Camarillo. With over two decades of dedication in the industry—beginning as an assistant director behind the scenes of ABS‑CBN TV dramas like ‘Mara Clara’ (2009), ‘May Bukas Pa’ (2010), and ‘Wild Flower’ — Direc CC carved her path toward filmmaking excellence .
Transitioning beyond small-screen beginnings, she has guided digital series, spotlighting emerging talent in ‘Tara G’, and authored mainstream hits for Pocket Media Productions like ‘Chances Are You and I’ and ‘That Kind of Love’, both released in 2024.
A snapshot of her standout works includes, Assistant Director (ABS‑CBN TV dramas): ‘Mara Clara’ (2009), ‘May Bukas Pa’ (2010), ‘Wild Flower’.
Digital Series Director: ‘Tara G’ (2022)
Feature Film Director & Producer:
‘Chances Are You and I’ (2024) – Romantic drama starring Kelvin Miranda & Kira Balinger
‘That Kind of Love’ (2024) – Romantic comedy with Barbie Forteza & David Licauco; premiered at Jinseo Arigato Int’l Film Fest and Philippine cinemas
Screenwriter: ‘Muslim Magnum .357’: ‘To Serve and Protect’ (2014); Co‑writer on ‘Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill’ (2013)
‘Chopsuey’ (2007) – Early directorial venture, exploring cultural identity
Working closely with her daughter, creative producer and writer Ellis Catrina Camarillo, Direc CC co‑founded Pocket Media Productions, Inc. in 2020, a rising star in Philippine cinema. Their collaborative spirit is encapsulated in the slogan: “Lahat ng kwento ay may kwenta” – truly, every story matters. Direc CC herself acknowledged the steep learning curve of producing.
“The hardest hurdle for me was encountering the learning curves of producing films… preparing the budget, creating and negotiating contracts.
Meg & Ryan (2025): A Love That Speaks Volumes
Direc CC’s latest work, ‘Meg & Ryan’, dives deep into modern romance, with Rhian Ramos playing a flawed yet relatable Meg Zamonte, and JC Santos as Ryan Cañete—a 35‑year‑old virgin whose emotional journey unfolds gently on screen.
Released under Pocket Media Productions, Inc. and Pocket Media Films, the film opens nationwide August 6, 2025 .
Direc CC shares how the film’s title sprung from the affection the team had for the characters.
“Si Manay Gina [Tagasa] is a fan of Meg Ryan… When we were doing the collaboration… we realized ‘Meg & Ryan’ speaks of the character of the story…”
She also emphasized the emotional rigor behind post‑production and timing.
“Sobrang naging challenge ‘yung timing… sobra akong na‑emosyonal kasi talagang kinumpleto ko ‘yung gusto kong makuha… sa editing at sa post,” Catherine continues.
Rhian Ramos marveled at CC’s meticulous approach.
“In fairness to Direc Catherine, she’s very particular. She knows what she wants… we could spend time on that scene until she gets the right scene.”
JC Santos added his admiration…
“The longer you prepared, the better it became… Working with her… was effortless.”
Direc Catherine is a director with heart, ambition, and poise.
What sets Direc CC apart is not just her growing filmography but her unwavering focus on character truth and visual excellence. Her penchant for detailed scenes and emotional resonance has elevated each film—her projects have been selected for international screenings, such as ‘That Kind of Love’ at Japan’s Jinseo Arigato festival .
Her altruism is equally compelling. In 2020, during the pandemic, she co‑built solar lamps with Ria Atayde to support Filipino communities through the Light It Forward campaign —a testament to her community spirit beyond the camera.
What’s next for Direc CC? With ‘Meg & Ryan’ poised for its August 6 release, audiences are in for a beautifully executed marriage of story and emotion. CC’s trajectory suggests more depth, more nuanced storytelling, and cinematic ambition. Whether on set or behind budget meetings, Direc Catherine Camarillo embodies the heart of modern Filipino cinema.
Don’t miss ‘Meg & Ryan’ in cinemas nationwide starting August 6, 2025. Expect a compelling journey of self‑discovery, love, and raw emotional truth—guided by the steady, sensitive hand of Director Catherine Camarillo.
Catherine Camarillo stands as a beacon of emotional sincerity and creative ambition—crafting films that resonate, uplift, and leave an indelible mark on Philippine cinema.
