Barbie and Ken in Dollywood/

Angela Bofill’s hit song, “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” was every hopeful romantic’s “national anthem” in the ’80s. The tune has been “millennialized” in Regal Films’ latest offering, topbilled by Barbie Forteza and Ken Chan. Both are just as adorable as the famous dolls. Their movie is like an evolution of love and takes us through all the detours on the way to “happy ever after.”

Here’s my chat with Barbie and Ken: Would you take an ex back? B: He’s an ex for a reason. I end a relationship when I’ve had enough. K: No. It’s a period, not a comma.

What do you find hard to understand about love? B: That when you love, you get hurt. K: How to distinguish between love and infatuation.

What’s the cheesiest thing that someone’s done for you?

B: He wanted to have dinner with me under the stars on my last birthday, but unfortunately, it was raining. So, he surprised me with a huge red rose.

K: “I’m someone who dreams big and if you say yes to my question, then my biggest dream will be fulfilled. So, can you be my baby?”

Is Ken boyfriend or best friend material?

B: Ken is one of my best friends. He’s fun to be with. I don’t plan to change that.

Is Barbie girlfriend or best friend material?

K: Girlfriend material. She’s very caring. She’s the type of girl you would take seriously.

If you had to choose between love and career, which would you pick?

B: I love my career. If the person I love understands that, then I don’t need to give up either.

K: Since I’ve been getting good breaks, I will focus on my career first. Then, when I reach my goals, maybe I can activate my love life again.

What’s the love advice that you follow?

B: It all ends. Never think that it’s your fault. Create good memories with that person.

K: When you love someone, make sure you love yourself, too.

What’s the toughest part of being a millennial?

B: Meeting expectations. I don’t always do good, but I try my best all the time.

K: How unhealthy it is for our relationships that we communicate by text most of the time. Even “lovers’ quarrels” are via text these days. And how to control what we post on social media, especially when we are angry.

PERSONAL: Thanks from the bottom of my heart to my dear friend, JM Ouano, and the rest of my One Tagaytay Place family for a heavenly weekend and an overdose of yumminess at Amacena. INQ