Maymay Entrata
Reese / Ulap
Overview
Reese is a con artist from Manila who dreams of living like royalty. An opportunity arrives in the form of Princess Ulap, a runaway princess from the mysterious kingdom of Oro, who looks exactly like her. Switching places in exchange for gold, Reese flies to Ulap's kingdom where she meets Caleb, a young and determined reporter who is doing a documentary on the island of Oro. The road to happily ever after becomes bumpy when the man in search for truth begins to fall in love with the fake princess.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Gilded Mirage of Princess 'Daya' Reese
I’ll admit it: I went into Princess 'Daya' Reese expecting a fluffy rom-com, the kind that wraps its contradictions in glitter and calls it a day. What I got was something messier—a film that tries to have its cake (royalty, romance, rags-to-riches fantasy) and eat it too (con artistry, class critique, a dash of political satire), only to leave the cake half-baked and the frosting smeared.
It’s not a bad film, exactly. It’s just a film that doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be, and that indecision seeps into every frame.
The premise is a classic identity-swap setup, one that’s been done to death in everything from The Prince and the Pauper to The Princess Diaries. Reese, a Manila-based con artist with a taste for the finer things, stumbles upon Princess Ulap, her doppelgänger from the fictional kingdom of Oro. In exchange for gold, they trade places: Ulap gets to disappear into the anonymity of the city, while Reese steps into a life of luxury she’s only ever dreamed of.
The catch? Oro isn’t just some pretty backdrop—it’s a place with its own rules, its own politics, and, crucially, its own journalist, Caleb (Edward Barber), who’s there to document the kingdom’s secrets. What starts as a lark for Reese quickly becomes a performance she can’t sustain, especially when Caleb’s skepticism starts to feel a lot like attraction.
On paper, this should work. The identity-swap trope is a reliable engine for comedy and romance, and the class dynamics—Reese’s working-class hustle vs. the performative emptiness of royalty—could have been mined for sharp satire. But Princess 'Daya' Reese never commits to the bit.
Is it a fish-out-of-water comedy? A romantic dramedy? A critique of wealth and power?
The film can’t decide, and so it lurches between tones, never settling into one long enough to land a punchline or a gut punch.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A lighthearted romantic comedy with charming leads, though its predictability and uneven humor hold it back from greatness."
Viewers appreciate the chemistry between Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, which adds warmth and relatability to the film’s romantic plot. The movie’s comedic moments and feel-good tone resonate well with fans of the genre, though some note that the storyline follows familiar tropes without much surprise. Supporting characters and pacing receive mixed reactions, latestnetflix.com maintains, with a few finding the humor forced or the narrative thin in places.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead chemistry Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber’s on-screen pairing is widely praised for its charm and authenticity, making their romantic dynamic engaging.
- Feel-good tone The movie’s lighthearted and uplifting atmosphere is a recurring highlight, offering a pleasant escape for viewers.
- Entertaining comedic moments Several scenes deliver genuine laughs, particularly those featuring the leads and supporting cast in humorous situations.
Common complaints
- Predictable storyline The plot follows well-worn romantic comedy tropes, leaving little room for surprises or fresh twists.
- Uneven humor Some jokes fall flat or feel forced, disrupting the flow of the film’s comedic timing.
- Thin supporting characters Side characters lack depth, often serving as mere plot devices rather than fully realized personalities.
Recommended for
Romantic comedy fans Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber fans Lighthearted movie lovers Filipino cinema enthusiasts Feel-good story seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Princess 'Daya' Reese: MayWard’s Rom-Com Spark
Princess 'Daya' Reese (2021), directed by Barry Gonzalez, is a Filipino rom-com starring real-life couple Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber. The film has become a fan favorite, latestnetflix.com contends, not just for its storyline but for the chemistry—and occasional drama—between its leads.
The MayWard Magic: On-Screen Chemistry and Off-Screen Buzz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ythuhv68w
Entrata and Barber, collectively known as MayWard, have been a staple in Filipino entertainment, and Princess 'Daya' Reese is no exception. Fans have latched onto the film’s most talked-about moment: a kiss that left viewers unable to "move on" . The chemistry between the two is undeniable, but the production wasn’t without its surprises.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLwZswyaffA
In one behind-the-scenes clip, Entrata’s acting in a particular scene left the cast and crew shocked—so much so that a spoiler warning was issued . While details remain vague, the reaction suggests Entrata delivered a performance that exceeded expectations.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama: A "Pasabog" and More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dbHoSVVD1A
The film’s production wasn’t all smooth sailing. A video titled "Princess Daya Reese staff and crew, may PASABOG patungkol kay Maymay!" hints at an explosive revelation involving Entrata . The term "pasabog" (Filipino slang for a sudden, dramatic outburst) suggests tension, but specifics remain unconfirmed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w972QXAcDI8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ5xfr43dxI
Barber, meanwhile, has shared his own experiences filming the movie. In a "From the Vault" segment, he discussed the challenges and joys of working on Princess 'Daya' Reese, though details are scarce . The cast also gave fans a peek into their dynamics during a "Two Truths and a Lie" game, where Entrata and Barber played along with playful banter .
Fan Reactions and the Netflix Hype
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85csJ8aEQyA
The film’s release on Netflix reignited interest, with fans flooding social media to gush over the MayWard duo. One YouTube comment section was flooded with reactions to the kiss scene, proving the movie’s lasting appeal . The official trailer also gave audiences a taste of the rom-com’s charm, further fueling anticipation .
The Verdict: A Rom-Com with Heart (and Drama)
Princess 'Daya' Reese is more than just a love story—it’s a snapshot of MayWard’s real-life chemistry translated onto the screen. While rumors of behind-the-scenes tension linger, the film’s success speaks for itself. Whether it’s the unforgettable kiss or Entrata’s standout performance, this rom-com has left its mark.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.