Third World Happy is directed and written by EJ Salcedo, who currently produces, writes and directs short films, TV commercials, corporate and music videos. He also directs for television. Milby’s notable performance in the said film gained him a Best Actor nomination in the prestigious 34th Gawad Urian Awards of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Sta. Maria earlier garnered a Best Supporting Actress trophy in the Cinema One Originals 2010 awards.
The story unfurls the simple life of a “balikbayan” named Wesley (played by Milby) who has left the Philippines and his girlfriend in order to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. Everything changes when he returned to attend a funeral and reunites with his friends. They help him shine some light on his struggles: to look at his loved one in the coffin, to finally say his last goodbye, to get on with his life and start chasing his dream again. Sta. Maria’s role as Aylyn, Wesley’s former girlfriend, manifests strength of women in facing heartbreak and family challenges, all at the same time. Here, Aylyn is a single mom, working hard as a teacher for her 13-year-old on son. As she meets Wesley again, after 13 years, she’ll finally receive the explanation she has always been wanting—why she was left behind by her beloved guy. Kuya Danny (Richard Quan), on the other hand, has always been the supportive big brother of Wes, who never ventured on anything only for himself, but always for his family. Kuya Danny teaches Wes life’s most important lesson.