Ogie Diaz, Mama Loi, and Tita Jegz with Expat Media in Dubai on July 25, 2025 ahead of the UAE premiere of How to Get Away from My Toxic Family. EXPAT MEDIA

Popular showbiz figure and talent manager Ogie Diaz revealed that a second installment of the movie How to Get Away from My Toxic Family is already in development. The big reveal happened during a media conference with Expat Media in Dubai, where Ogie and his co-hosts Mama Loi and Tita Jegz were in town for the UAE premiere of the movie that struck a nerve with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). “We’re working on the sequel already. The working title is Uncle Sam,” Ogie shared. “It’s still centered on the OFW story because the story isn’t over yet," he said in Filipino. Ogie and his co-hosts met with Expat Media editors ahead of the UAE screenings, personally signing copies of the latest Expat Media Special Edition magazine and talking about their most memorable lines from the film. “Anong akala nyo, tumatae ako ng pera sa Dubai?” Ogie said, laughing. “That’s the go-to line of frustrated OFWs, especially when someone’s asking for money again,” he said in Filipino. “One of my favorite lines is, ‘Mabait lang kayo sa akin pag may kailangan kayo’ (‘You’re only nice to me when you need something’),” Mama Loi added.

UAE welcomes OFW-centered drama

The UAE premiere of How to Get Away from My Toxic Family was held on July 26 at Star Cinema, Al Ghurair Mall in Dubai, followed by a second screening on July 27 at Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, with Ogie and his entourage in attendance for both meet-and-greet events. The premiere had been postponed from its original June schedule due to travel issues brought on by the Iran-Israel conflict. Now back on track, Diaz confirmed it’s full steam ahead for the global rollout. Written by John Bedia and directed by Lawrence Fajardo, the film centers on Arsenio, portrayed by Zanjoe Marudo, a Filipino man battling the guilt and manipulation that comes with being a family breadwinner. Set in Tondo and Clark International Airport, the narrative captures the emotional weight of familial expectations, a topic that many OFWs silently carry with them across borders. “OFWs and balikbayans will see themselves in this story,” said Zanjoe, who returned to the big screen after a two-year hiatus. “Even abroad, the mental load of family never really goes away. The film encourages viewers to set healthy boundaries.” For Ogie, the film is personal. “If you can’t take it anymore, it’s time to leave,” he said. “If it’s no longer good for your mental health, let go. Take care of yourself first.”

Sequel: Uncle Sam

While details are still under wraps, Diaz confirmed that the planned sequel, Uncle Sam, will explore the continuation of Arsenio’s journey—this time reflecting the experience of moving abroad and dealing with a different kind of cultural pressure. “The second part will show how hard it is to adjust abroad while still carrying family trauma. We want to keep it real, and funny, but with a deeper message,” Ogie said in Filipino. The film premiered in Los Angeles in May and has since toured Australia, Japan, Houston, San Diego, and San Francisco. Its Philippine premiere is scheduled for July 30. Featuring an ensemble cast including Susan Africa, Richard Quan, Nonie Buencamino, Kim Rodriguez, Lesley Lina, Keena Pineda, and Juharra Asayo, the movie balances humor and raw truth—offering a sobering yet heartfelt look at generational trauma and toxic Filipino family dynamics. CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page