Alay Ng Lupa Sa Daing Ng Dagat

Transcript

SYNOPSIS: ALAY NG LUPA SA DAING NG DAGAT Hango sa Tunay ng mga Pangyayari Dulang Pampelikula Ni Lumalala at dumarami ang problema patungkol sa kabuhayan sa isang bayan sa probinsiya ng Zambales. Malalamang ang Bajo de Masinloc o Panatag Shoal ang naturang nalulunod sa kabuhayang pangingisda ng mga katutubong naninirahan dito. Ang Bajo de Masinloc ay naturang lugar na tinuturing na likas na aquatic ancestral domain ng mga Pilipino mahigit pa sa isang siglo. Isang malaking economic problem nalikha nang walang pakungdangang pagkamkam ng kapitalistang-komunistang China, magmula pa noong 2012. Isang mabuting pamilya ang De Perio na makararanas ng malaking suliranin dahil sa pagkawasak ng kanilang pangkabuhayang sasakyang pandagat nang banggain ng Chinese ship ang banka. Dagdag pa ang pagkaka-utang sa bangko. Tulad sa mga kapus-palad na mangingisda sa lugar, malaking pamilyang mayroong walong anak sila Rolando at Miasol. Ang pangingisda lamang ang tanging ikinabubuhay ng pamilya. Isang gabi, iuuwi sa bahay ng mga De Perio ang wala ng buhay na si Rolando. Isang pangyayari na walang sinumang angkan ang nanaisin ang ganitong trahedya. Ano ang nangyari? Ano ang gagawin na isang mababang pinag-aralang biyuda? Paano bubuhayin ang mga naulilang anak? Masasagot ba ang dalangin? Ang tao, nabubuhay sa maraming paraan, nakatira man sa sa dalampasigan o kaparangan. ALAY ng LUPA sa DAING ng DAGAT (a socio-psycho-economics-political drama; found story for found cinema) HANGO SA MGA TUNAY NA PANGYAYARI Dulang Pampelikula FADE IN 1. EXT. CHINA SEA - EARLY MORNING At the midst of the unstable water of China Sea, a 170 km from the the seashore, virtually nothing is visible. Almost in pitch black in the vast waterscape, it appears, the stars that offerllumination have deserted the skyscape. Seen are five fishing boats that accommodate twenty fishermen, three up to four men in each banca. Silence reigns among the fisherfolks, though engage in their fishing activities. From a couple of fishboat, some fishermen hurl their fishnets into the sea water. After sometime, one darkened ship, strangely gigantic, without trepidation rushes towards the unsuspecting groups of fishermen. Some fisherfolks notice the incoming raging ship. An absolute impending danger lurks, certainly an unforeseen destruction or even death. Hurried and hysterical, some fishermen are shouting, screaming, trying to create loud warnings to the incorrigible riders of the ship. But none of their sympathetic pleas are heard. Relentlessly, the giant mongster of a seacraft rages unto them. The darkened vessel runovers the nearest bancas turning them into pieces of splinters. Screaming and fleeing, the condemned victims dive in to the dark sea water. ALAY ng LUPA sa DAING ng DAGAT (a socio-psycho-economics-political drama) 1 of 97 2. EXT. ESTABLISHING SHOTS-A - TWILIGHT China Sea is dark and bleak. Dark nimbus clouds swiftly blanket the horizon. Not too distant place, blitzkrieg of lighting is occurring. The clouds are forming and thickening into an ominous dome over the sea, spreading swiftly over the site of mountains, hills and fields; exuding an impending doom. Strong winds blow over the dimming fields, hits a herd of goats, apparently bewildered, is scrambling away. 3. EXT. ESTABLISHING SHOTS-B - SAME TIME Along the dusty, rocky roads, the properties whose enclosures are made out of either wire mesh or wood fence, sometimes rows of shrubs. Tall canopies of trees clustered or in rows, provide additional shelters. A neighborhood in this rural, quaint site where the residences are set apart, at least, fifty to hundred-meter distances. Blowing strong wind furrows, without restraint, to the residential area of Sitio San Francisco, a rustic site in the town of Masinloc, a Northern part of Zambales, which is divided by the provincial hi-way into a coastline and planes by the foot of the Zambales Mountain Ranges. 4. EXT. DE PERIO RESIDENCE BACKYARD - SAME TIME Bringing with it, thickening dusts and litters to the backyard of the De Perio Residence. A semi-concrete, two-storey house, weathered though well-kept, is darkened by the impending rain. Faint illumination of the structure, modest and simple, is commonly available in the region. From the backyard, the kitchen belches some smokes. 2 of 97 The oldest of the De Perio Family‟s brood, BONG, 23-year old son, in dirtied white boxer‟s shirt and tattered Bermuda shorts, with a bolo hanging around his waist, is catching chickens. Gust of wind with dusts and dry leaves offer difficulties for the man to complete his task. When he catches a fowl, examining the cackling captive that is appropriate for his purpose, he carries it by its two legs. The chicken, cackling, is struggling from its captive. The captor walks towards a wooden block that is stationed by the windowed wall of the kitchen. Positioning the struggling and cackling bird over the block, he takes the bolo by his waist. About to decapitate it, the man stops and puts down his tool over the wood. He searches for something and finds a bowl beside. Then, he plucks the feathers around the neck of the cackling chicken. Again, he positions his captive over the chopping block. Without hesitation, he picks up his bolo, raises it, and chops off the head of the chicken. Briefly, the fowl croaks as its head falls off into the dusty ground. Readily, blood spurts out from the chicken‟s neck. Its body is still jerking. Unmindful, Bong catches the squirting blood into the bowl with cereals of rice. Jerking still, the bird pours out blood until it subsides and finally ceases to move. The man wipes off his bloody bolo on the feathered body of the fowl and slings it back by his waist. 5. INT. KITCHEN - EARLY EVENING With the decapitated chicken on one hand and bowl of blood on the other, Bong pushes the kitchen door by his body. The son enters and sees his mother, MIASOL/SOL, 40 something, wearing a loose flowery housedress, sautéing over the cooking area. By his backside, he pushes the door to close it. Located at the middle of the working kitchen, a six-seater table, where lies chopped raw papaya, chili leaves and other culinary miscellany is installed. At the right side end is a comfort room; whereas at its opposite side is the cooking area. 3 of 97 Adjacent to the kitchen door locates a window on its wall. Facing the door is an opening, which is covered with translucent curtain, leading to another area. Faint lighting comes from the ceiling. The cooking space has an elevated plank. Close by, stands a cabinet for kitchenware, supplies and miscellanies. The plank holds a gas stove where a boiling kettle is set. Beside it, a clay stove with a frying fan over burning wood is where the mother sautés something. From behind the wooden wall, dissected by the curtained entrance, some syncopated noises of household chore and people talking, though muffled, can be discerned. BONG (In Sambali) Nang, eto na ang manok. (places the bowl with the bowl on the table) Nodding her head, Mila makes a sound of acceptance, while she continues her cooking. Her son moves away and walks to the comfort room at the other end. He closes the door behind him. The mother picks up the chicken, turns around and opens a lid of the kettle between the two stoves. Hot water fumes from it. Gradually, she immerses the fowl into it. She moves it up and down, then, begins to pluck the feathers. Grimacing and moving her face away from the hot fuming water; while she winces away the burning feeling in her fingers. 6. INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING TIME From the entrance with shell drapery, her eldest daughter, BEL, 20 something, in a simple housedress, is about to enter the dining room. Glimpse of children are seen, watching a television show in the receiving room. 7. INT. TELEVISION BROADCAST - SAME TIME Being broadcasted on the news is the latest attack to the Filipino fishermen by the Chinese warship in the highly contested Bajo de Masinloc. Victims of the deplorable incident tell their story as the videos of the previous incidents are being shown on the 4 of 97 television. A focus on one fisherman sadly informs the interviewer that twelve bancas were crushed by a huge Chinese vessel. He adds that they were hit with water cannons and gun shots were fired in order to frighten and to forcibly push them away from the watery site. 8. INT. DINING ROOM TO KITCHEN - CONTINUING TIME The lady continues her walk and pushes away the shell drapery creating soft sounds. The dining table is set. She enters the curtained kitchen and... BEL (In Sambali) Nang, naka ayos na po ang lamesa. As she pulls away the curtain, the sound is muffled. The daughter walks towards her mother and... BEL (In Sambali) May insidente na naman sa Bajo de Masinloc. Gumagrabe na doon. Unmindful of her daughter‟s story, Sol passes the task of dressing the chicken to Bel. SOL (In Sambali) Bel, doon mo na nga gawin sa lababo ito. Immediately, the daughter obeys her mother. She takes the kettle of water with the chicken and places it on the sink by the window. She takes over her mother‟s work. In the meantime, the mother removes the fan for sautéing from the clay stove. A cauldron on the gas stove boils and outpours its contents. Urgently, she picks up the lid that burns her fingers. Instinctively, she drops the hot cover while she... SOL (surprisingly and hurting) Ay! Apo! (pays attention to her condition) 5 of 97 Her daughter turns to her with concern and with slight amusement she turns back to the window and sees the dark horizon where flashes of lighting ensue. BEL (In Sambali) Ma, mukhang malakas po ang ulan. Bel is chopping the dressed chicken over the wood chopping board on the table. SOL (In Sambali) Dali-dali mo na d‟yan, Bel. Baka dumating na si Tatang mo. (beat) 'Yung dalawang kapatid mo. By the window, the mother observes the dimmed surrounding and the impending rain. SOL (continues) (In Sambali) (whispers to herself) Bakit kaya wala pa dito? From the comfort room, Bong, half-naked, looking wet, emerges. BEL (In Sambali) Manong Bong, pagod ka. Naligo ka agad. Pasma hanap mo. BONG (In Sambali) Hindi. Naghugas lang. Natilamsikan ako ng dugo ng manok. Likot, eh. 6 of 97 Glancing at her son, Mila pours in the chopped pieces of chicken into the boiling cauldron. When the eldest son parts away the curtained opening, two young children, OLLY and MIA, 6 and 7 years old respectively, wearing regular house clothes, rush in. Olly with a doll on his hand is running away from Mia who pursues him. BONG (In Sambali) Oy, oy, oy! Ano ba yan?! MIA (In Sambali) Si Olly! Kinuha po ang munyika ko! OLLY (In Sambali) Hiram lang, eh! BEL (In Sambali) Tumigil nga kayo. Doon nga kayo sa labas. BONG (In Sambali) Bakit ba naglalaro ka ng manika? Ano ka ba bakla? Hesitantly, the young boy, Olly, places the doll on the table as he slumps on a chair. The girl, Mia readily takes her toy and walks away while glaring at her brother. MIA (In Sambali) (softly) Bading! Bading! OLLY (In Sambali) (softly) Bee-ik Mia! Bak-ka! Suddenly, flashes of lighting occur. With his hands, Bong is gesturing to his young broods to go outside the kitchen. Immediately, the girl obeys her big brother. The boy resists and stays. Right after, a thunder rolls. The boy hides under the table. The mother curses and then makes the sign of the cross. Laughing, Bong and Mia leave Olly behind. 7 of 97 OLLY (In Sambali) Nang, gutom na po ako. BEL (In Sambali) (amusingly) Malapit na maluto. Doon ka muna sa loob. Standing before the clay stove where a boiling cauldron, Mila takes some soup from a ladle. She gestures to set their dinner. SOL Manganin na ta. 9. INT. DINING ROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME From the curtained opening to the dining room, a long wooden table with corresponding chairs is arranged with plates, glasses and utensils. The windows on both ends of the room allow natural lighting and ventilation. In here, there is an enclosure of two opposite walls with a framed The Last Supper on one side and an old China cabinet on one end; while at the middle of this partition, the entrance is embellished with a drapery of stringed seashells, which opens to the receiving room. At the ceiling, a tungsten bulb provides an illumination. 10. INT. KITCHEN TO DINING ROOM - CONTINUING TIME From the sala where the rest of the family members are gathered and watching a TV show, talks and cheers are heard. Meanwhile, in the kitchen... SOL (In Sambali) Bel, maghain na. Ang mga kapatid mo... Coming out from the curtained entrance to the dining room, the mother with two bowls of rice... 8 of 97 SOL (continues) (In Sambali) Nasaan na ba Tatang n‟yo? (beat) Si Alex, Nika... Trailing behind her is her second to the youngest son, Olly, who readily positions himself on a chair by the end of the dining table and fidgets with his still wet hands. Chimes of seashells ensue, when another brood, ETHEL, 18-year old daughter, in her regular housedress, pig-backing the youngest kid, EDONG, 2 years old, in boxer‟s shirt & shorts, who keeps calling the attention of his mother. ETHEL (In Sambali) Gutom na daw po s'ya, Nang. EDONG (reaching out to his mother) Na-Na!... Na-Na!... OLLY (In Sambali) Nang, ako din po. SOL (In Sambali) (affectionately to Edong) Ay... Be-be ko...` Gutom na. (takes him to her arms) The mother and child settle on one end of the table. Ethel is about to enter the curtained kitchen when her older sister, Bel, carrying a couple of bowl of tinola comes in. She assists her. They set the bowls on the table. Chimes of seashells ensue as Mia enters the dining room. Readily, Olly stands up and about to spoon food from the bowl when... BEL (In Sambali) Olly, hintay-hintay. ETHEL (aloud, to the sala) Manganin na ta! Witnessing the behavior of Olly, Mia reacts... MIA (In Sambali) (silently) Takaw! Bading! 9 of 97 OLLY (In Sambali) (silently) Beee-ik Mia! Bak-ka! Pointing with her fingers, Bel pacifies the feuding sister and brother. The kid sister sits down side by side with Olly who sits back. BEL (In Sambali) Sinong nanonod ng TV? Mia and Olly burst to laughter and mouth the word, “Multo”. The eldest son, Bong is about to enter the threshold of the dining room when Ethel reacts... ETHEL (In Sambali) Paki patay electric fan. Walking in, Bong weaves through the seashell curtain as it produces some distinct sounds. The brother whispers, “Patay na”. He then takes the chair between Mia and Olly and opposite Bel and Ethel. Fronting the dining table where the dinner is on-going, a prominent yet old photo of the Last Supper is on the wall. Eating is punctuated by intermittent, brief chatting and noises of the forks or spoons on the plates and glasses during the dinner. Sol observes her entire family members who appear to appreciate her cooking. Her attention focuses to an empty space, opposite hers. In a somber mood, she is observing the other cabizera, where another head of the family, her husband, should be occupying. Edong, seating to her left side, reaches out to her. Lightning strikes once again. 10 of 97 From the open window behind the mother, a gust of wind blows in to the dining room. Affectionately, the mother cuddles her son to her arms. Some children react to the sudden change of condition. The mother with her son stands up and walks towards the window. Looking out, she sees the dark night. She is closing the window when a loud thunder strikes. The youngest son holds on tight to his mother. 11. INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING TIME Strong gust of wind hits the main door and bangs it wide open. Readily, it reaches the curtain of shells and causing it to disturb its inactivity. The children are reacting, bothered and concern. While gesturing with his hands, Bong quickly stands up and parts the shell curtain, causing some familiar noises. Walking in a rush to the sala, the eldest shuts back the front door as the wind and drizzle impose themselves. Hurriedly, he tackles a big window, after which, he closes the smaller opening in the room. 12. INT. DINING ROOM - SAME TIME Meanwhile, in the dining room, the eldest daughter, Bel, is pointing to the direction of the other open window at the other end of the room as Ethel stands up and... ETHEL (In Sambali) May bagyo ba?! Ang taas ng araw kanina. (walks towards an open window) The young lady takes in charge in closing the window.She then returns to her seat. 11 of 97 Seemingly relieved, they still express concern, except Olly, who looks unaffected. When their brother returns and joins the rest in the dining room, Olly... OLLY (burps loudly) Ay, Apo! Collective amusement and sparing soft laughter are expressed by his family. 13. INT. KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME After dinner, Sol and Edong are sitting together by the kitchen table. On the sink, the oldest sister, Bel is washing dishes, fan, kettle, cauldron and other used kitchenware. Half of the curtain by the entrance is parted aside, presenting the dining room where Ethel tidying and cleaning up. A loud scream reverberates, Olly dashes through the seashell curtain, causing some disturbing sounds. Running after him is Mia, crying. Running around the dining table, the former with the doll in his hand tries to escape from the latter. Meanwhile, the older ones, unmindful, though glance at them. While they are being amused, still continue their chores. The seven-year old sister is fast to catch up with her six-year old brother. The two are struggling, pushing and pulling, with the doll. BEL (In Sambali) Tumigil na nga kayo d‟yan. Still the tug-of-war continues, when the former pushes the latter to the ground. Initially, Mia is stupefied; then lets out a scream. Amused, Samuel simply watches her. 12 of 97 SOL Olly! Olly! (In Sambali) (waving her hand to him) Halika dito. But the boy simply stands by. The girl, crying, runs to her mother. She holds on to her. Looking somber, the mother stares at her naughty son. With trepidation, he walks slowly towards his mother. Suddenly the electric power shuts off. A chorus of exasperation, glee and concern ensues. Jumping, Olly expresses excitement. Giddy, Mia cannot contain herself. The young one with his mother is silent. SOL (In Sambali) Bel, magsindi ng gasera at esperma. BEL (In Sambali) Opo, Nang. ETHEL (In Sambali) (searching around) Manang Bel, nasan ba dito„yung esperma at posporo? BEL (In Sambali) Huwag bibig ang gamitin sa paghanap, Ethel. SOL (In Sambali) Sa may kabinet. 13 of 97 Groping in the dark, Ethel shrieks when she stumbles to something. Someone is uttering, "Aruy! Aruy!"; while Olly and Mia are subduing their laughter. The mother with the two young ones, who both holds on to her, comforts them. Bel and Ethel discover a gasera, a candle and a match; they light them up. The eldest daughter readily positions the gasera on the table beside the mother and the young broods. Unable to control the situation, Ethel is accidentally catching some candle drips on to her hands. Still controlling their laughter, the two youngsters are watching her. In the meantime, Edong is reaching out to the gasera. He blows it off. Darkness spreads as expected reactions from the rest arises. From the dining area, Bong, while focusing a light under his chin, appears like a walking dead. A series of shrieks, howls and gasps is expressed by his family. BEL (In Sambali) Manong Bong! Ano ka ba?! Finally, Olly dashes to his mother for comfort. Mia is giggling. BONG Apay ngay? 14. INT. RECEIVING ROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME The drizzle is pouring outside. Gathered around the receiving room, Sol, sitting on a three-seater, wooden sofa by a closed, big, sliding-type, capiz window, is with the youngest kid, Edong. Standing beside a single-seater wooden sofa, Bong is tinkering on an electric floor fan and TV set. Angled to this wall situates a closed room under the stairway. On a wall is an old poster of The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who nestles a lamb around his arms. Suddenly, there are sounds of a vehicle blowing its horn, which call their attention from the gate. 14 of 97 A pair of feet, scrambling, is discerned from upstairs. Afterwards, voices of man calling. Quizzically, the mother and the eldest son exchange glances. The man in the house walks to the big window by the three-seater sofa and slides it partially and takes a peek. He focuses his flashlight to the direction of the calls. BONG (In Sambali) Sino „yan?! (flashing the light to the frontyard) Curious, the kids look puzzled and the mother inquires from the man of the house. The calls are becoming louder and approaching. A familiar voice calls, "Sol! Sol!". BONG (In Sambali) (recognizing the male's voice) Nang, si Lolo Tino, „ata. With a degree of trepidation, the man of the house turns to the main door, opens it agape and peers through it. TINO (O.S.) (aloud) Sol! Sol! BONG (In Sambali) Nang, si Lolo nga. By the open door, RETINIO/TINO, 50 something, uncle of Sol, in wet polo and pants, looking exhausted, appears. TINO (enters the living room) Sol... 15 of 97 SOL (In Sambali) Tiyo Tino, napasugod po kayo. TINO Si Rolando... Two men, TEMYONG and DICKY, who are both on their 20s, wear wet T-shirts and Bermuda shorts. Another one is a 30-yeard old, Chinese-looking BADONG, wearing wet polo and pants. They appear by the door. Carrying with them a human body, which is prostrated on a plank covered with banana leaves. The men lay down, hurriedly yet carefully, the lifeless husband, ROLANDO DE PERIO, mid-40s. Almost in shock, Bong, standing by the wall, is immobilized. At this instance, one by one, the three sisters, Bel, Ethel and Mia, with each one holding a candle, weave through the seashell curtain. The clanging of shells mingles with their gasps. Rushing down the stairway, which is lit by a candle, Olly, then crouching against the balusters, is overwhelmed. Initially stupefied, Sol, who carries Edong on her arms, is trembling. Uncle Tino, slowly removes the leaves from the dead body, almost decapitated, is drenched with mesh of dirt, water and blood. The mother lets out a terrifying scream. As her body trembles, she cries out. His youngest offspring calls her attention and cries with her. Bel lets out a short scream and holds on to Mia who cringes. Standing still, Ethel covers her mouth to suppress her emotion. Mia, who runs to her mother, hugs her and cries aloud with her. By the stairs, Olly runs down towards his mother but his big brother handles him. They hug each other. 16 of 97 Kneeling before the body of her spouse, the widow... SOL (In Sambali) (hysterically crying) Asawa ko!... Anong ginawa nila sa'yo?! Edong and Mia, who are holding on to their mother, cry out. Bel and Ethel call the attention of their mother. When she gazes up to them, her face is a mesh of her hair, sweat and tears. SOL (continues) (In Sambali) (hysterical crying) Mga anak ko!... (eyes searching thru the dimly lit surrounding) On the wall, The Good Shepherd appears to be looking down at the poor widow. TINO Sol... Sol... (approaches and consoles her) SOL (In Sambali) Tiyo! Bakit ganito?! (she holds on to him) Tiyo Tino! Anong nangyari?! (cries hysterically) TINO (In Sambali) Huminahon ka, Sol. The grieving widow, uncontrollable, pulls away from her uncle. Sobbing aloud, she hugs her two young kids, Mia and Edong. Olly, who rushes to her, is weeping. At this time, Bel and Ethel are crying with their big brother, Bong, who is also in tears. 17 of 97 By the door, the three men who deliver the body are joined by some CURIOS NEIGHBORS, 30‟s to 50s, peasant-looking in ordinary attires. There are, though syncopated, whispers that are on-going among them. 15. EXT. STREET - SUBSEQUENT TIME Though drizzle is pouring on the outside, SOME PEASANT-LOOKING NEIGHBORS, 30s to 40s, in house clothes, curious, are watching the on-going commotion inside the De Perio Residence. Some of the folks enter the gate to the frontyard, then, inquire about the commotion. One of the men, Badong, who delivers the body,is explaining about “the accident”. A few runs away from the site. Along the dimly lit street, a group of teen-agers, RHIA and GIA with two of the De Perio children, 13-year old ALEX and 15-year old NIKA, in regular teen-aged get up, are trudging on the wet ground. Looking exhilarated, they are poking fun on each other. From the opposite direction, one of the folks calls the attention of the De Perio children and informs them about the on-going commotion in their residence. Exchanging glances, the two broods with two mates, Ria and Gia, rush home. 16. INT. FRONTYARD TO SALA - CONTINUING TIME Hurriedly weaving through the crowd in their house gate, the sister and brother are gathering some talks, in syncopated regards. Their two friends trail behind them. Meanwhile, the De Perio family members inside the house are inconsolable. The widow and the three young kids who are sprawled before the prostrated dead body are mourning. On the sofa, the two ladies are sobbing. Close by, the eldest son in grief is being consoled by his friends, Temyong and Dicky. TINO (In Sambali) Walang dapat sisihin dito. Si Dado kasi... 18 of 97 BONG (In Sambali) Anong?!... Sol pays attention to the conversation. SOL (In Sambali) (interrupts and angrily) Magkamag-anak sila!... (beat) (loudly) Bakit ganito?!... (cries out) BONG (In Sambali) Paanong?!... BEL (In Sambali) Hindi! (weeps) TINO (In Sambali) Kanina pag labas namin sa sabungan. (beat) Nagkalasingan kami. Iba na ang inaasal ng asawa mo. (beat) Bilin ko kay Dado, „wag iiwan si Rolly. A painful silence restrains the uncle. Brief exchanges of questioning glances occur among the family members. SOL (interrupting) (aloud) Tiyo?!... Anong nangyari?!... 19 of 97 TINO (In Sambali) Napagk‟wentuhan namin ng asawa mo ang mabigat n‟yong mga problema. (beat) Ang lugi sa mga pangingisda. Ang pagkawasak ng bangka n‟yo sa Bajo de Masinloc. Ang demanda ng banko dahil sa utang n‟yo. (beat) Ang di namin inaasahan ang gagawin n‟ya. (beat) Higit sa lahat, ikaw ang Nakakaalamnang tinatakbo ng iniisip n‟ya. Tears welling from the eyes of the grieving widow still expresses questioning pause, while Tino tells a story… TINO (O.S.) (continues) (In Sambali) Sa gitna nang aming kasiyahan, pansin pa din namin ang lungkot kay Rolly. (beat) Bago magdapit-hapon, Pilit ginusto ni Rolly na mapag-isa. (beat) Bilin ko sa pinsan n‟yang si Dado. Samahan s‟ya pauwi. Pilit s‟yang nagpunta sa talampas sa may dagat. (beat) Ang balita... 20 of 97 Silence and anxiety envelop the family members. TINO (In Sambali) Nalaglag s‟ya sa talampas... (beat) Tumalon s‟ya... Almost, a thunder may have hit the household upon the revelation of the sad, bad news. Wailing before the dead body of her husband, the widow is uncontrollable. The children echo the grief of their mother. Close to the door, the eldest son is kicking the wall. The two teen-agers, Nika and Alex, emerge by the door. Some people are whispering. NIKA (In Sambali) Nanang!... Anong nangyari?! Upon seeing the bloody dead body of her father, the lasslets out a shrilling shriek. Immobilized, she begins to cry, while the lad behind her... ALEX Tatang! Her body is trembling as her older sister, Ethel, hugs her. ALEX (continues) (In Sambali) Anong nangyari kay Tatang?! (turns to his big brother) Kuya?! Instead of saying a word, Bong braces his arms around his teen-aged brother. Together they weep. Standing by the door, the two teen-aged friends of the De Perio children are... 21 of 97 RHIA (In Sambali) (silently to each other) Kanina lang tawa sila ng tawa. Tapos ngayon... GIA (In Sambali) (silently to each other) Oo nga. Mahirap ang sobrang saya. Merong masamang- - The former interrupts by nudging the latter. Seating beside the widow, Tio Tino... TINO (In Sambali) (consoling her) Sol. Sol. (beat) Mas higit ka ngayon kailangan ng mga anak n‟yo. Unmindful of her kin, the grieving bereaved... SOL (In Sambali) Rolly! Rolly, bakit ganito ka?!Di dapat ito! (beat) Ang daya-daya mo! Nang-iiwan ka! (beat) Ay, Apo! Ang asawa ko! (cries out) Without saying a word, the uncle confirms his support to her niece. He braces her around his arms, while the young offsprings are sobbing beside them. 22 of 97 17. EXT. FRONT YARD - SUBSEQUENT TIME Although, silence has taken over the De Perio household, the drizzle outside has continued. Passing by, a few folks cast inquisitive look to the dimly lit house. Dogs are howling. 18. INT. MASTERS BEDROOM - LATE NIGHT The electric power has resumed. Though faintly, the tungsten bulb provides light from the ceiling. In the bedroom upstairs, two capiz-designed windows square the rectangle bedroom where a queen-sized, bamboo bed, adrawing cabinet, and an antique-looking, tall aparador with glassed doors are set. The two elder sisters, Bel and Ethel, are with their mother. They open the glassed door of the aparador. They are searching on the row of hanged clothes and to the piles of fresh, clean clothes. BEL (In Sambali) Nang, alin kaya dito ang dapat? The mirror reflects the widow, who silently mourns, and is being sandwiched by the door and a drawing cabinet. Ethel gazes around the room. Her attention leads to the personal effects and a small, framed, wedding photograph of their parents, Rolando and Miasol, atop the cabinet. BEL (In Sambali) Ito kaya? (shows man's clothes to her mother) Still, their grieving mother remains unresponsive. 23 of 97 ETHEL Nang?... Bel returns the clothes to the aparador. The eldest daughter kneels down and moves towards the bed. The lady draws out an old wooden chest from under the bed and opens the lid. In it, she gazes upon the contents, plastic bag covers white clothes. She takes them out, takes a dress, a wedding garb. It is an old wedding dress, presumably, her mother‟s. Unmindful, the mother squats down on the floor. The two mourning daughters proceed to their searching in the chest. Recognizing other white clothes for men, they readily but gently, pick them out. The daughters then... ETHEL Nang... BEL (In Sambali) (takes out the man‟s clothes from the bag) Eto... Eto ang tama... The old wedding photograph of the husband and wife in a frame is seen as the mother‟s voice is heard... SOL (O.S.) (In Sambali) Ang guapo ng Tatang n‟yo... (beat) Noong suot n‟ya „yan sa kasal namin. The eldest daughter approaches her mother and embraces her dearly. The former sobs on her shoulder. The latter with tears in her eyes maintains her composure. Subduing her emotion, Ethel covers her mouth as tears well from her eyes. 23 of 97 SOL (O.S.) (In Sambali) Para kay Manong Bong mo sana „yang Barong Tagalog. 19. INT. FAMILY ROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME Dim yellowish light emanates from a lampshade in a corner and provides fuzzy images of the children, lying on the matted floor, who are sleeping under the mosquito net. The family room can accommodate, eight children with the father and mother, the entire family of the De Perio. It has a wide, sliding-type, capiz window across a bedroom. Angled to it, is a small space, of similar designed window at the end that faces the stairway. In here, a two-seater, Commodore wooden chair, a side table atop a lampshade and an over-used electric fan are located. The wheel of the electric floor fan, languidly moves, back and forth, and creating whizzing sounds. Side by side lying down, Olly is beside Nika whose one side has Edong and Mia. All past asleep, except two siblings, the teen-aged daughter, Nika, is nestling the youngest brood, Edong, who keeps whining. From under the kulambo, Nika sees her older sister, Bel tiptoeing out of the bedroom. Looking through the net, she observes Ethel carrying blankets and towels, walks towards the stairway. Afterwards, they are followed by their mother, Miasol, who for a while takes a gaze of her children. The teen-aged daughter, Nika carefully gets up and watches her relatives, descending the stairs. 20. INT. STAIRWAY - SUBSEQUENT TIME Gradually descending the stairs, Sol cuddles the clothes of her husband close to her bosoms. There are voices talking from downstairs. 25 of 97 TINO (O.S.) (In Sambali) Sunduin ko sila Maricel at Ernesto. (beat) Sabihin mo kay Nanang mo, dating kami dito bukas. BONG (O.S.) (In Sambali) Opo, Lolo. Makakarating po. The widow, still, manages to take a glimpse of her uncle walking away. 21. INT. RECEIVING ROOM - SAME TIME The eldest son closes the door, after which, he nudges his brother, Alex, who dozes off on the sofa. BONG (In Sambali) Bangon na d‟yan, Alex. (gesturing toward a room under the stairway) Tulog na doon. Wobbling, Alex rises up and proceeds when... SOL (In Sambali) Nasaan ang Tatang n‟yo? Both brothers cease to move and momentarily silent. The eldest son breaks the silence. BONG Nang?... Standing behind the partition of the seashell curtain in the dining room, Bel... BEL (In Sambali) Nang, „andito po. 26 of 97 SOL (In Sambali) Tulungan natin si Tatang n‟yo, mga Anak. Standing before their deceased loved one, the three De Perio ladies, Miasol, Bel and Ethel, observe in silenced reverence. When the eldest son. . . BONG (In Sambali) Nang, sabi po ni Lolo Tino. „Wag daw muna natin sana galawin si Tatang. (beat) Para daw sa medico legal. The widow breaks down again and slumps on a chair. Ethel consoles her. BETH (In Sambali) Pero Manong... (beat) Babayaan nating ganyan si Tatang? (beat) Ayusin naman natin, kahit konte. SOL (In Sambali) (crying) Ano pa ba ang makukuha nila sa asawa ko?! (beat) Ano pa ba ang magagawa nila sa Tatang n‟yo?! (cries out) Bong gestures something by his hands to proceed to the task. He dismisses himself towards the kitchen. 27 of 97 22. INT. DINING ROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME Entering the dining area, the teen-ager, Nika, parts the curtain away as the gentle pealing of shells follows. She observes in one corner. Rolando's body, enmeshed with dirt, water and blood, lies in estate on the dining table. The yellowish tungsten lighting exudes a sickening, sad state. The widow gazes at the lifeless body of her husband whose face is covered with a sheet of cloth. The mother whispers something to her eldest daughter, Bel; after which, she approaches her husband. One after another, the eldest son approaches; right after, the third child, Ethel, joins them. The teen-ager, Alex, appears as the gentle clanking of shells follows. The teen-aged lad walks towards his mother. But the eldest daughter stops her young brood and whispers something to him. Turning back, the lad weaves through the clanking shell curtain. Standing before their deceased loved one, the three De Perios, Miasol, Bong and Bel, observe in silenced reverence. Bong leaves passing through the curtained kitchen. Miasol unfolds a blanket. Bel and Ethel assist their mother. From neck down, the ladies spread the blanket over Rolando. Parting away the kitchen's curtained partition, the surviving man of the house re-enters the dining room, carrying with him a pail of water, basin and knife. He places the basin and knife on the table and closely seats the pail of water on a chair. Sol removes the cloth over her husband‟s face. Exposing the dirty, bloody face of the deceased shows an appalling sight. Her tears roll down her cheeks as she is hurting. She stops and sits down. The eldest daughter pulls away half of the blanket from neck to the waist on her father's body. 28 of 97 While Ethel scoops water from the pail and pours it into the basin, her face registers an uncomfortable, hurting feeling. She soaks a face towel on the basin. When her sister, Bel reaches out for the wet towel, she whispers something to her. She dismisses herself. 24. INT. KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - CONTINUING TIME Ethel dismisses herself from the room to the kitchen. She opens the window by the sink and takes a sigh. She is weakening. Meanwhile, the widow stays in the cabizera of the table. She gently caresses the hair of her husband. Steadying her trembling hands, Bel wipes clean her father's face with the towel. She stops and looks at her older brother. Her brother takes over her task. BEL (In Sambali) Ethel, kumusta ka d‟yan? ETHEL (In Sambali) Opo, Manang. Magpaparikit na. In the kitchen, the lady turns to the cooking area. She picks up some charcoals from under the elevated plank, pours them on to the clay stove. She begins to burn them. Back to the dining area, the son uses the knife to shear off the T-shirt worn by his father, but it does not work. He appears bothered. His mother stops him. SOL (In Sambali) Bong, dito ka. Hugasan mo ang buhok ni Tatang mo. Exchanging position, he obeys his mother's instruction, while she moves away. Sol returns with a scissor. She cuts off the shirt of her husband. 29 of 97 The mother and her eldest daughter assist each other to pull off carefully the sheared cloth. When Bong is washing the deceased's almost decapitated head; although gently and carefully, Bong's trembling hands give him away. His mother, touching him, steadies his hand, while nodding to assure his son. SOL (In Sambali) Si Tatang mo „yan, anak. BONG (In Sambali) (embarrassingly) Pasens‟ya na, Nang. Looking peculiar, Ethel takes a peek from the kitchen. Then, she continues to fan the burning charcoals in the clay stove. Pealing of the seashell curtain arises when Alex, carrying an old, wooden, iron board and an old-fashioned flat iron, comes in. SOL (In Sambali) Kayo na muna ang magtuloy. BONG (In Sambali) Opo, Nang. SOL (In Sambali) Alex, doon 'yan. (pointing to a corner) Bigay mo kay Manang Ethel mo ang plantsa. Eavesdropping, Ethel readily enters the room and reaches out for the flat iron. Her teenaged brother hands it over to her; afterwards, he faces the table. Dutiful and respectful, the two De Perio brothers, Bong and Alex, continue to wash their father's body. 30 of 97 Ethel enters the dining area. She gives the flat iron loaded with ambers to Nika, who in turn hands it over to their mother. The teen-ager then takes a refuge in a corner. Time flies. The silence and almost hypnotic movements of the family members are punctuated by a gentle banging on something that creaks. In a corner of the room, whenever Sol lifts the old-fashioned flat iron and slides it over the pair of pants spreads on the rickety ironboard, an odd sound of a bang and creak arises. Curious, Nika looks at her mother who does the ironing as the sounds continue. The teen-aged daughter walks towards her mother and gets a clothes hanger. She takes it upon herself to assist her and hangs the ironed pants. This time, the widow spreads out the white, polo Barong and takes a look at it. When they are about to finish their chore, again, certain peculiar sounds become apparent. Whenever the mother irons the Barong, the series of a bang and creaking occur; right after, sizzling sounds follow. The sizzle is likened to water thrown to a hot fan. One at a time, the children, curious, takes a look of their mother. As she irons the shirt, the widow's tears drop, one after another, over the cloth that gets steamed up by the hot metal. The acts present an apparent, silenced mourning of a dutiful bereaved. Bong, gesturing with his hands to Alex, he... BONG (In Sambali) Labas mo 'tong mga gamit, Alex. (beat) Tapos, mag-mop ka. 31 of 97 ALEX (In Sambali) Opo, Manong Bong. The teen-aged son immediately takes the order of his big brother. The lad gathers all the used stuff. He leaves the room and walks to the kitchen‟s entrance. 25. INT./EXT. BACKYARD/KITCHEN/DINING ROOM CONTINUING TIME In the backyard, the young man squeezes the towels and right after flops those over the wood slab stationed in the windowed wall. Afterwards, he throws the bloodied water into the ground. With the pail, basin and knife, Alex enters the kitchen. He washes the housewares and himself in the sink. Returning to the dining room with dry rugs, he mops the floor. Subsequently, the older family members present, in concerted effort, dress up their beloved departed. Looking calm and solemn, they posted, one by one, four lit candles on the four corners of the table. 26. INT. RECEIVING ROOM TO DINING ROOM - LATE EVENING In the sala, illumined by the tungsten bulb and lighted candles before the altar on a table, three of the De Perio daughters, Bel, Ethel and Nika are kneeling as they recite the rosary. Behind the ladies, their brothers, Bong and Alex, join them in prayers. Their mother, cuddling a sleeping Edong in her arms, is seated behind her older children. With a rosary in her hand, she quietly prays. She looks up to the wall next to the stairway where a poster of The Good Shepherd is posted. Turning behind her, she can take a glimpse of the remains of her husband in the adjacent room. 32 of 97 As the electric floor fan near the foot of the stairs moves, back and forth, it causes the pealing of the seashell curtain; attracting the window‟s attention towards the source of the sound. The reflected shadows of the stringed shells on the floor are strangely marked. From her end, she can discern, seemingly, pair of legs walking, back and forth, in the dining room. Noticing the signs, she slightly turns her head when a gentle breeze blows that seemingly whispers, “Sol, Beh”. Almost abruptly, Miasol turns towards the dining area. Behind the partition of stringed shells, Rolando is standing and seemingly waits for her. In disbelief, she gasps. Her disturbed reaction causes her son, Edong, to whine. While maintaining her composure, she notices her eldest son staring at her. She continues her prayers. Still wondering, she takes a glance at the dining room. She sees her husband‟s estate lies on the table. 27. INT. DINING ROOM - SAME TIME Slowly, the widow with her son stands up and walks towards the dining area. Gradually, she weaves through the shell partition causing its pealing. Standing solemnly before the remains of her husband, she observes him when the youngest son who becomes whiny again. She then... SOL (In Sambali) Edong, Anak... Si Tatang mo... The boy turns around and gazes at his deceased father. Innocently, he points his finger at him, seemingly inquiring as his mother nods her head. After that, the mother settles to a seat in the cabizera. The recitation of the rosary is still audible from the sala. 33 of 97 Even if her exhaustion and sleepiness show, she continues praying with her siblings in her station. The dark night, ultimately, has turned calm and quiet, except from the peculiar yet familiar callings, in syncopated manner, of some nocturnal animals from the outside. Looking at the window while sitting on a chair, the mother lulls her young offspring in her arms. The boy whose arms and legs are wrapped around her and is positioned in the opposite direction, whispers... EDONG (affectionately) Ta-Ta... Ta-Ta... SOL (In Sambali) Sino, Anak?... From behind them, the mother can discern a shadow standing, while her son... EDONG Ta-Ta... Ta-Ta... The woman turns around slowly. Her husband, Rolando, in his pristine wedding attire, stands before them. He smiles at them. Her mouth gaping to say a word, but to no avail; she turns teary-eyed instead. Although weakening, she manages to smile back. Miasol is immobilized. Rolando approaches and wraps his arms around them. He kisses her cheek. She hears a voice calling and becoming more distinct when... ETHEL (O.S.) (In Sambali) (gently nudges her mother) Nang, gising na po. The widow, almost slouching in the chair, with her sleeping son wraps around her, dozes off in her seat. She awakens. 33 of 97 ETHEL (continues) (In Sambali) Nang, gising na po. Dumating po si Tiyo Dante. Ethel walks away and enters the kitchen. Bel approaches and... BEL (In Sambali) Akina po si Edong. (takes her brother and leaves) From the receiving room, her cousin, DANTE, 40s, in polo and pants, weaves through the clanking drapery made out of stringed shells. DANTE (In Sambali) Kumusta na kayo, pinsan? Still recovering from her dreams, the widow cannot utter a word. Her relative expresses his condolence while he takes a look of his deceased cousin-inlaw. He takes a seat beside her. DANTE (continues) (In Sambali) Nalaman ko sa mga naghatid dito ang nangyari. (beat) Nang mabalitaan ko, sumugod na ako dito. (beat) Hinila ko „yung isang kambing. Para magamit sa lamay. The wearied woman nods her head to express gratitude. Carrying a tray with mugs of coffee, Ethel re-appears in the room and gives a mug to her Uncle Dante. She places another mug beside her mother. 35 of 97 She walks away to the sala, weaving through the sound-ensuing drapery, when Bong enters. BONG (In Sambali) Nang, gusto mo iakyat muna natin si Tatang? Alas, his mother reserves her answer. But the surviving man of the house pursues the issue. BONG (continues) (In Sambali) Nang, maraming tao dito bukas.Kailangan nating may kikilusan. SOL (In Sambali) Oo, anak... (beat) Iakyat natin si Tatang n‟yo. (beat) (whispers to herself) Para naman makapagpahinga s‟ya. Quizzical, Dante takes a glance of his kin, after which, he... DANTE (In Sambali) Tamang-tama kasama ko d'yan sila Temyong at Dicky. (beat) Tawagin mo dito, Bong. BONG (In Sambali) Oho, Tiyo Dante. The eldest of the De Perio‟s brood walks away and parts the shell partition as the familiar sound ensues. 36 of 97 28. INT. RECEIVING ROOM TO FRONTYARD SUBSEQUENT TIME With her sleeping, young brother around her arms, Bel sits in the sala. Her suitor, Temyong, wearing dark shirt and Bermuda shorts, sits beside her. His companion, Dicky, who wears a polo and long maong, quietly looks out of the door, taking his coffee. Peering through the room under the stairs, Bong is calling the attention of his teen-aged brother, Alex, waking him up. DICKY (In Sambali) Bong, buntis pala „yung dalang kambing ni Uncle mo. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Kakatayin ba „yon? P‟wede alagaan at paramihin. BONG (In Sambali) Kaya ba natin? TEMYONG (In Sambali) Pagtulungan. Hingi tayo ng tulong sa barangay. At sa iba pang LGU. Meanwhile, Ethel is gently rousing her teen-aged sister, who slouches and dozing off on a single-seater sofa. Both the big brother and the teen-aged lad get out to the front door. They see the pregnant goat tied up in a corner of the house. 29. INT. DINING ROOM/KITCHEN - LATE EVENING After sometime, Ethel and Nika part the shell drapery by attaching them to the threshold. After which, they set aside the kitchen‟s curtain. 37 of 97 The two men, Temyong and Dicky enter the dining room. The suitor makes the sign of the cross before the body. His companion, holding his hat by his chest, bows his head. Ethel offers them chairs to settle. DANTE (In Sambali) Paano 'yung kabaong, pinsan? Looking exhausted, the bereaved shakes her head. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Kung papayag po kayo, Nang.Marunong naman kami mag-karpentero. Gazing at him, the widow expresses her approval. DICKY (In Sambali) Meron ho tayong mahihinging kahoy. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Opo, Nang. Kaya na po namin. Miasol notices her daughter, Bel, who is standing at the dining entrance, faintly smiles at her. With firmed approval, she reaches out to her daughter‟s suitor and... SOL (In Sambali) Maraming salamat, Temyong. (beat) Dicky. TEMYONG (In Sambali) „Wag na kayong mag-intindi, Nang. 38 of 97 The other man simply nods his head to express acceptance. The mother signals to her eldest daughter who is standing at the room‟s threshold to come forward. When she approaches, her mother holds her hand, then reaches out to her suitor and holds his hand. The elderly woman stands up from her seat, tugging along the man and the lady with her. In quandary, Temyong follows his future mother-in-law. Bel, teary-eyed and at attention to her mother, obeys. The two visitors, Dante and Dicky, appear puzzled and exchange glances. Nearby, the female broods, Ethel and Nika, in wonderment, hold on to each other. Like a matchmaker, between the lady and the gentleman, together, she presents them before their dear departed. The matchmaker places both the hands of the lovers over the chest of her husband. Meanwhile, the De Perio brothers, carrying a wood plank, re-appear in the kitchen. Assisting each other, they wipe it dry with rugs. When the brothers are about to bring it into the dining area, Temyong with urgency approaches them to assist. Dicky follows him. The group of men rests carefully the wood beside the deceased. Two men, Alex and Dicky, steady the plank. Three men, gently and carefully, hold the body. Holding his father‟s head with utmost care, Bong... BONG (In Sambali) Dahan-dahan lang. (beat) Sabay-sabay ang buhat at baba. 39 of 97 Together, Dante takes charge of the torso. Temyong gets a grip of the legs. Simultaneously, they lift and settle the body on to the plank. The ladies are standing, side by side, on one corner. The widow makes the sign of the cross. The two sisters, Ethel and Nika, gather the lighted candles on the table. Carefully and gradually, the entourage of men bears the body and begins to walk to the threshold of the room. Nika gives one to her mother when she... SOL (In Sambali) Nika, Ethel, mauna kayo. Ilawan n'yo si Tatang n'yo. 30. INT. STAIRWAY - SUBSEQUENT TIME Immediately, the ladies with lit candles proceed ahead of the bearers. Ethel begins her ascent to the stairs. Nika gives one lighted candle to her elderly, Bel, who is cuddling their brother. Then, she hastens to the stairs. With much care and effort, the entourage of five is steadying the body not to slip off the carrier as they climb up the stairway. Commotions among the men, though syncopated, arise. Trailing behind, the widow and her daughter, who cuddles her sleeping brother, hold lighted candles. The De Perio ladies recite prayers. Like a funeral procession in concerted effort, it ascends the stairway. 40 of 97 31. INT. FAMILY ROOM - CONTINUING TIME The commotions of the people along the stairway must have awakened the sleeping children. While the youngest child is past asleep, Mia and Olly are crouching against each other in one corner under the mosquito net. They can see two figures, with lit candles, slowly emerging from the stairway. Ethel switches on the light in the family room. Nika unties the strings of the mosquito net. MIA Manang Nika! Manang Nika! Mia gets out of the net and runs to her sister Nika. She holds on to her arm. Olly hastens towards his big sister, Ethel. But he gets caught inside the net. Still, he holds on to her and silently cries out. She silences him. MIA Apay ngay?` NIKA (In Sambali) Si Tatang. Iaakyat dito. MIA (In Sambali) Bakit dito? NIKA (In Sambali) Eh, syempre. ETHEL (In Sambali) Doon sila Tatang at Nanang sa kwarto nila. With much effort and care, the entourage ultimately reaches the second floor. 41 of 97 The mother and her two children, trailing behind, reach the top. Ethel guides the group to the bedroom. Upon seeing their mother, the young kids approach her. 32. INT. MASTERS BEDROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME Through the sliding capiz window, the mother can take a glimpse of the moon against the dark sky. Inside the bedroom, Rolando‟s estate lies on the bed that is lighted by four candles on its four corners. With a rosary in her hand, Miasol is squatting on the matted floor. On each of her sides, her three young offsprings, Mia, Olly and Edong, lay asleep. Olly, who is half-asleep, crawls to his mother and rests his head on her thigh. For a while, the mother examines her offsprings closely. She caresses them dearly. Gazing at her husband, she... SOL (In Sambali) Rolly, Beh... (beat) 'Wag mong kalimutan ang mga bata. Si Olly... kamukha mo. Si Mia... sa'kin kumuha. (beat) Mabuti silang mga bata. (beat) Kahit saan ka man makarating. Mahal ka nila. By the gaping window, the moon seemingly in attention turns to come closely. 42 of 97 33. EXT. RAVINE BY THE SEA - NIGHT The drizzling night is falling... The ravine facing the China Sea is dark and bleak. Fog blankets the site as the drizzle blinds the vision. Trudging through the perilous site, Rolly, wearing wet plain clothes, is groping in the dark. The crashing of the sea waters against the rocks below is reverberating. Atop the terrain, another man, DADO, late 30‟s, in wet shirts & pants, are struggling with Rolly. Both are apparently drunk. The latter tries to pacify the former who appears distraught. They separate ways as the fog thickens and the drizzle continues. Rolly walks away from Dado, while his voice trailing, “Ikaw na ang bahala sa pamilya ko”. Walking through the darkened path, his voice shouts, “Miasol!...” as it soars and falls through the site. The thickening fog engulfs the dead body... 34. EXT./INT. KITCHEN/ FRONTYARD - EARLY MORNING Smokes are belching out from the kitchen of the De Perio‟s Residence. A gust of wind is blowing to the dimly lit house. Bong with Temyong and Dicky are fixing a canopy extending from the façade of the structure. Meanwhile, the three sisters, Bel, Ethel and Nika are busy preparing breakfast. Suddenly, the eldest daughter becomes alarmed for the smoke is climbing upstairs. 43 of 97 35. INT. MASTERS BEDROOM/YARD - CONTINUING TIME In the bedroom upstairs, Miasol, who rises up from her sleep, is coughing due to the smokes that have gathered inside. Initially, the mother observes the three young ones, Mia, Olly and Edong, who are sleeping on the matted floor. In haste, she stands up and opens the windows. The woman observes the dark weather. When her attention shifts to the yard, Bong is looking at her. She signals to him to come up. Facing the mirror of the tocador, the widow buns her hair and from it she can take a glimpse of her dead husband on the bed. She turns around to examine him and gazes at her young kids, after which, her eldest daughter is calling by the door. Bel, with a cup of coffee, enters the bedroom and hands over the drinks to her mother. Afterwards, the eldest man of the house appears by the door. He observes his sister, who gathers the droppings of the candles, when their mother... SOL (In Sambali) Bong, ano kaya ang p‟wedeng mapakain mamaya? BONG (In Sambali) Kayo, Nang. (beat) Marami tayong bigas d'yan...mga mais... manok... SOL (In Sambali) Sige, yung mais. Iluto na. (beat) Ang dalang kambing ni Tiyo Dante mo... 44 of 97 BONG (In Sambali) Nang, buntis.Sayang naman. (beat) Mais at manok na lang. BEL (In Sambali) Nabanggit ni Temyong, Nang. Maraming magdo-donate ng makakain. BONG (In Sambali) Sabi din ni Dicky. Nodding her head, she confirms her decision. He leaves the room. Meanwhile, the widow retrieves the wedding gown from the aparador and calls the attention of her daughter. SOL (In Sambali) Bel, kasintahan mo si Temyong. BEL Nanang... SOL (In Sambali) Mabuti s'yang tao. Masipag tulad ng Tatang mo. With her wedding gown at hand, the mother closes the glass door of the aparador. She bids her daughter to come close to her. Gradually, Bel stands up and walks towards her mother. Her mother holds her arm and they both face the mirror on the aparador. She then fits her old wedding gown over her daughter. 45 of 97 SOL (In Sambali) Azul, isang luma at isang hiram. (gazes at her with a faint smile) P‟wede pa ito, Anak. Konteng ayos lang. The daughter opens her mouth to speak but not a word comes out; instead, she turns around to her mother and hugs her. 36. EXT./INT. FRONTYARD TO RECEIVING ROOM CONTINUING TIME The canopy extending from the house façade is built. Two sets of tables with chairs are set opposite each other. There are long benches beside. A motley of men and women, the neighbors who have witnessed the previous commotion last night, are taking coffee; while a couple of men are smoking. Playing, Mia and Olly are getting noisy. Alex shoos them to silence. Entering the gate, Tino and his wife, LEA, mid-40‟s, both are wearing semi-casual black attires. With them is their 13-year old daughter, MARICEL, in dark-looking dress and their 19-year old son, ERNESTO, in black shirt and pants, arrive together. Upon noticing the arrivals, the De Perio children greet them. The teen-aged son ushers them inside the house. 37. EXT./INT. STREET TO FRONTYARD TO LIVING ROOM CONTINUING TIME From the window of the living room, Sol, dressed in black clothes, and her aunt, notice two vehicles parking outside of the fence. People in the frontyard observe the new arrivals. The first to alight from the old beaten truck is BRGY. CAPT. CARLOS ORDONEZ, mid50‟s. He is with a 40 something, KAGAWAD RUDY LABIO. Both wear their barangay office‟s uniform in green and yellow polo shirts and dark pants. 46 of 97 From the second vehicle, a stainless semi-open jeepney, a duo of uniformed policemen emerges. The first one is SPO2 ROBERTO MALAY, in his 40‟s. He is followed by another policeman, PO2 JULIAN NIETO, in his 30‟s. Pleasantries among the folk people and the guests are exchanged as they pass along the yard. Uncle Tino greets the new arrivals and accompanies them to the house. LEA (In Sambali) Si Barangay Kapitan Ordonez.Makikiramay. By the main door, the visitors express pleasantries while the Kapitan... ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Sol... Lea, and‟yan ka pala. (beat) Magandang umaga po. Simply, the widow nods her head while her aunt-in-law... LEA (In Sambali) Kapitan, magandang umaga din po. Pasok po sila. Greeting the homeowners, the visitors enter the sala. ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Sol, nakikiramay kami sa inyong pamilya. Kilala mo na si Kagawad Rudy Labio. LABIO (In Sambali) Nakikiramay po, Mam. . 47 of 97 ORDONEZ Sila naman si SPO2 Malay at PO2 Nieto The other two policemen express their condolences as they are introduced to the widow who acknowledges them. Both in dark-colored dresses, Ethel and Nika are peering through the drapery of stringed shells. Seated side by side on the long wooden sofa, the capitan del barrio and the kagawad are seated together, next to the two policemen. The widow and the aunt-in-law are seated at the other wooden chair. ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Mabait at matulungin ang asawa mo, Sol. (beat) Nang mangyari ang insidente sa Bajo de Masinloc at nasira ang kinabuhay n‟yo. Naimungkahi ko kay Rolly ang mag-iba ng proyekto. Kap. Ordonez looks at Kgd. Labio and... LABIO (In Sambali) Maaaring maaga pa po imungkahi sa inyo ito sa kasalukuyan.Pero, paranaman maka-gaang sa damdamin ninyo. (beat) Andito kami para po makatulong.Dahil na din sa nangyayari sa Panatag Shoal. 48 of 97 LEA Panatag Shoal? ORDONEZ Bajo de Masinloc. TINO (In Sambali) Di kaya gerahin tayo ng mga Intsik? P‟wedeng p‟wede tayong salakayin dito. LEA (In Sambali, makes the sign of the cross) Ay, Apo! „Wag naman po Ninyong itulot. MALAY (In Sambali) Mabuti pa nung nandito ang mga Amerikano. Kahit smuggling, wala. NIETO Takot lang ng mgaIntsik na „yan sa Kano. The two De Perio daughters, Ethel and Nika, are listening as the younger one serves the guests something to drink. Lea gestures to the visitors to take the refreshment. The policemen oblige. TINO (In Sambali) Wala pa bang solusyon ang gobyerno sa problemang „yan? ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Naisampa na po ang kaso sa international tribunal. 49 of 97 LABIO (In Sambali) Isipin po natin ang kasalukuyan. (beat) Bilang po sa LGU, isa sa livelihood project ng barangay ang magalaga ng mga kambing. (beat) Hindi po maselan at madalingparamihin. Di madalingtamaan ng peste. Maganda ang merkado. SOL (In Sambali) Parang, may nabanggit sa akin si Rolly. (tears welling from her eyes) Kaya lang... ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Kung ang iniisip mo funding, Sol.May mga tulong kaming binibigay sa mga constituents. TINO (In Sambali) Saka may nag-donate na ng kambing. LABIO (In Sambali) Pagkatapos po ng babang luksa,pasiyam. Mag-usap ulit tayo. Both women appear content. The two young daughters by the door dismiss themselves. 50 of 97 ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Siya nga pala, Sol. May sadya din sa iyo sila SPO2. With a pocket-sized notebook and a pen, Nieto is ready to take some notes. MALAY (In Sambali) Para lang po sa records, Mam. Maitanong ko lang. Ano po po ang pangalan ng biktima? SOL Rolando De Perio po. MALAY (In Sambali) Ano po ba ang relasyon n'yo sa biktima? SOL (In Sambali) Asawa ko po. MALAY (In Sambali) Ilan po ba ang anak nila? SOL Mga walo po. With a tray of kakanin, Nika enters the living room and begins to distribute them. A quick pause occurs when Malay... MALAY (In Sambali) Ano po ba ang natapos n‟ya sa pag-aaral. SOL High-school lang po. 51 of 97 LEA Mag-classmate kami. MALAY Kayo po, ni Mam? LEA (In Sambali) Hindi po. Si Rolly, ang asawa n‟ya. MALAY Mga ilan taon na po? Quickly exchanging glances, the two women look quizzical. MILA & LEA Ako po?! MALAY Hindi po. Ang biktima. A bit amused, Malay and Nieto quickly looks at each other. SOL K'warentay singko po. MALAY (continues) (In Sambali) Saan po bang parte ngkatawan tinamaan ang biktima? Distraught, the widow opens her mouth but no word comes out from it. Approaching, Tino explains instead. The two men in uniform quickly exchange glances. MALAY (continues) (In Sambali) Maaari po bang masuri, Sir? 52 of 97 Glancing to his niece, the uncle signals to accommodate the request of the investigator. TINO (In Sambali) Opo, nanduon po sa taas. (beat) Tara po. 38. INT. STAIRWAY - CONTINUING TIME Guiding the investigating policemen and the officials from the barangay, Retinio is about to climb up the stairs, when Bong, wearing black T-shirt and shorts, appears and... BONG (In Sambali) Kap, „yung po palang dalan‟yong kambing buntis „yung isa. ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Oo, pangako ka kay Tatang mo. „Yan nga ang sinasabikong business sana n‟yo. LABIO Alagaan at paramihin po. Readily expressing his gratitude, the eldest son recognizes the good gesture. As he dismisses himself, the group continues their climb upstairs. The widow and her aunt trail behind them. 39. INT./EXT. MASTERS BEDROOM/YARD - CONTINUING TIME In the bedroom, Malay and the other policeman are inspecting the wound on the body. Near the door, Brgy Capt. Ordonez and Kgd. Labio are standing, beside them is Tino at the threshold. By the window, Sol and Lea are observing. 53 of 97 ORDONEZ (In Sambali) Rolly, dinala ko na iyung pangako kong mga kambing. Regalo ko na sa pamilya mo. (beat) Huwag mo akong dalawin. May alta presyon ako. An uncomfortable amusement becomes apparent. The widow looks sad while her aunt soothes her. Suddenly, noises ensue from the ground area. Seemingly, sounds of pathetic and disturbing plea are heard. Looking up to his investigating colleague, Malay appears bothered. He signals to him as to what seems to be happening outside. Nieto hastens to walk to the window. Labio follows him. The two women turn to the window. The Brgy.Captain strides towards them. Retinio disappears. From upstairs, the seniors are looking out of the windows. They witness Bong and Ernesto dragging two struggling goats in the backyard. NIETO (In Sambali) Bossing, mga kambing lang pala. LABIO (In Sambali) (approaching Malay) Tuloy lang. Walang problema. The investigators continue their task. Like a punch line, Tino re-appears and... 54 of 97 TINO (In Sambali) Kakatayin „yung kambing. Exchanges of uncomfortable glances, almost comical, are expressed by the group. But the widow looks bothered. From downstairs, the commotion continues. 40. EXT. FRONTYARD TO STREET - CONTINUING TIME Leaving the De Perio Family, some pleasantries are exchanged among, the kagawad, the barangay captain, the policemen and the town folks. Together with Ordonez and Labio, the policemen take into their respective vehicles. They drive away. 41. EXT./INT. AROUND THE DE PERIO RESIDENCE - NOON In the backyard, Temyong and Dicky busy themselves to finish the makeshift coffin. Meanwhile, the group of Bong and Ernesto, assisted by Alex and Badong, are butchering a few chickens. A few bystanders are watching the task. The kitchen is belching smokes. The De Perio ladies, Bel, Ethel and Nika, assisted by Maricel, Rhia and Gia are busy in their culinary chores. Chicken cuisine is being cooked. Dogs are fighting over the heads of the chickens. Lunch of adobo and friend chicken, corn and rice are being served. More people are arriving. More food is being served. Card games are starting. While some people are watching; others are chatting. Texting and selfies are seen. 55 of 97 Children are playing. A festivy of barrio folks are overlapping with a funeral vigil. 42. EXT./INT. YARD/LIVING ROOM/STAIRWAY - CONTINUING TIME The men from the neighborhood, Temyong, Dicky and Badong, in dark-colored clothes, who are monitored by Bong De Perio, have finished the casket for the departed. Passing along motley of people, who are engaged in some social activities, they carry the wooden oblong box. Two of the De Perio children, Mia and Olly, in dark-hued clothes, with their PLAYMATES, 7 to 9 years old, stop their games as they observe. Entering the living room, the carriers proceed to climb the stairs. BONG (In Sambali) (climbing up ahead) Dahan dahan. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Sige lang. Alalay kami. Up at the end of the staircase, Nika who cuddles Edong takes a glimpse and observes. When the group is about to reach the end of the stairway, she withdraws and walks to the entrance of the masters bedroom‟s. 43. INT. MASTERS BEDROOM - CONTINUING TIME Inside the bedroom, Sol is sitting at the edge of the bed adjacent to the body of her husband. Lea stands right beside her. Bel is behind the two women. As his estate lies on bed, Rolando wears his white wedding Barong and pants. Four lit candles are posted around the four corners. When the four carriers of the casket that is composed of Temyong and Badong at one end, while at the other end is Bong and Dicky, enter the bedroom, the three women casually move away and stand in a corner by the window. 56 of 97 The men lay down the coffin on the floor beside the bed. Immediately, Bong extinguishes the lighted candles. His eldest sister helps him. Afterwards, he positions himself at the side of his father's head. Temyong takes the other side of the torso while Badong is at the other side. Dicky stays at the feet. BONG (In Sambali) Tulad nang dati. Sabay-sabay buhat at baba sa kabaong. The body of Rolando is being transferred from the bed to the coffin. The relatives are weeping. The casket with Rolando‟s body is descending along the stairway. Atop the stairs, Miasol and Lea with lit candles in their hands, are trailing behind the funeral entourage. 44. INT. RECEIVING ROOM - CONTINUING TIME In the receiving room, the carriers install the coffin. The teen-aged siblings begin to cry with their older sisters. A wreath from the barangay is being brought in. Bystanders and visitors look on, while some appear to sympathize. In tears, the widow stands by her dead husband. Lea joins her. Unexpectedly, she faints. Her kin catches her fall. On the wall, The Good Shepherd appears to serve as a staunch support. 45. INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING TIME A group of five, wearing black and dark-colored attires, emerges at the front door of the De Perio Residence, two senior citizens of LOLO-1 and LOLA-1, mid-60s,with younger-looking couple, CRIS and ELLA, on their 40‟s. 57 of 97 Trailing behind them, Dado, in black attire, who appears remorseful, takes a seat in one corner of the sala. Immediately acknowledging and hastily approaching the arrivals, the two elderly sisters, garb in dark-colored dresses, Bel and Ethel... BEL Lolo... Lola... (kisses their hands and hugs them) ETHEL (In Sambali) Wala na po si Tatang. (crying as she embraces them) LOLO-1 (In Sambali) Si Nanang n‟yo? BEL (In Sambali) Nasa loob lang po. When the grandparents are hugging their grandchildren, the grandmother appears distraught. ELLA (In Sambali) Sinabihan kami ni Tino. Nakakagulat naman ito. CRIS (In Sambali) Bakit ba nagkaganun?! (beat) Sumugod na kami agad dito. All of a sudden, the grandmother, rushing towards the coffin, screams and cries aloud. Two KIDS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD, 5 to 6 years old,in houseclothes, run towards the mourning grandmother. They are toying on a doll. Then, they begin - pulling and pushing - over the doll. Noisily, they struggle when suddenly the head gets pulled off. It rolls besides the feet of the old woman. 58 of 97 She lets out a scream and... LOLA-1 (In Sambali) Rolly!... Rolly!... Anak ko!... (beat) Bakit nangyari sa„yo „to?! Rushing to her, the grandfather and granddaughters approach and console her. The uncle and aunt join them. Hysterical, she becomes uncontrollable, even if, her husband pacifies her. Sympathizers seated on the rows of chairs are observing. People are peering through the window. Secretly, someone is taking a video of the incident through a celfone. The commotion continues to unfold when Miasol, with Olly and Mia, gets inside the living room. The kids dash to their uncle and aunt who in turn hug the two. ELLA (In Sambali) Mga pamangkin ko. Ang babata pa, ulila na sa ama. Weeping, the elderly embrace the young ones. Acknowledging his sister-in-law, the uncle holds her shoulder. SOL (In Sambali) Mabuti nakarating kayo. CRIS (In Sambali) Kapatid namin si Rolly. Nandito kami para sa inyo. In turn, the sister-in-laws hug each other. More people take a peek at the window and at the door. 59 of 97 The widow approaches her in-laws. The grandfather acknowledges her daughter-in-law when... LOLA-1 (In Sambali) Ay, Sol! Anong nangyari sa anak ko?! Both in tears, the two women embrace each other, while the father-in-law consoles them both. After sometime, the uncle whispers something to the widow. They settle on a row of chairs. Beside the in-laws, Sol and Dado are... DADO (In Sambali) Wala akong nagawa, Pinsan.Ang tanga ko. (beat) Pareho na kaming lasing noon.Nagpilit s‟yang umakyat sa talampas. (beat) Sabi ko sa kanya, sandalilang. (beat) Umihi lang ako... In tears, the cousin-in-law is hitting his head with his open palm. Startled, the relatives look confused and anxious. DADO (continues) Tapos... Tapos... The widow holds the hand of the grieving man. MILA (In Sambali) Wala kang kasalanan. Walang may gusto sa nangyari. 60 of 97 Whispers and commotions linger. 46. EXT./INT. FRONTYARD TO LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON In the afternoon, the activities continue. While the condoling crowd passes through the frontyard, a trio of SENIOR MALE/LOLO and SENIOR FEMALE/LOLA,late-60s, and a twenty-something, YOUNG-LOOKING MAN/COUSIN, arrive. They all wear simple, dark-colored clothes. For a while, they greet and exchange pleasantries with some acquaintances among the group of people. Some folks notice them as the three arrivals hastily walk to the frontyard, when the teen-aged son, Alex, in dark-colored shirt and Bermuda shorts... ALEX (rushing to the visitors) Lola! Lolo! (kisses their hands) The grandparents hugtheir grandson immediately. SENIOR MALE/LOLO (In Sambali) Si Nanang mo, Apo? YOUNG-LOOKING MAN/COUSIN (gently nudges his shoulder) Pinsan... Acknowledging his cousin, he... ALEX (In Sambali) Tena po sa loob. By the door, Sol appears. Trailing behind her is Nika. In the verge of tears, the widow rushes to her parents. SOL Itay! Inay! 61 of 97 SENIOR FEMALE/LOLA Anak kong… The two women are hugging and consoling each other. The teen-aged granddaughter runs to her grandfather who in turn hugs her. Alex and his cousin observe them. SENIOR MALE/LOLO (In Sambali) Pasens‟ya na, anak. Kaylan lang namin nalaman. Takbo kami dito agad. (beat) Nasiraan ang sasakyan namin sa daan. YOUNG-LOOKING MALE\COUSIN (In Sambali) Di pa nga po nasabihan ibang kamag-anak natin. 47. EXT. AROUND THE HOUSE - EARLY EVENING In a lit corner of the yard, a group of seven noisy MALES, ages 30 to 50, in ordinary attires, are gathered around a table with a bottle of tuba and a bowl of pulutan. Most men hold filled-up glasses, while a few has half-empty. With bowls of food, Temyong joins the gang. Badong, who mingles with the jovial crowd, acknowledges him. TEMYONG Mga Manong, Lakay... (places the bowls on the table) Sisig.Papaitan. The male folks welcome the generous gestures. 62 of 97 TEMYONG (In Sambali) Gipit sa k‟warta, Manong. (beat) Umaasa nga sa donasyon ng pagkain. Two of the men echoes, “‟Yan ang masaklap”. “Nasira na ang pinagkakitaan sa Bajo de Masinloc. Bawal nang mangisda”. A brief silence when... MALE-5 (In Sambali, to one of the men) Ikaw, Lakay. Mag-donate ka ng tuba. Nakakarami ka na. Brief laughters ensue. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Tsaka, wala naman nang hinihintay. MALE-1 (In Sambali) Ano ba talaga ang nangyari kay Rolly? Kayo nilaBadong ang magkakasama. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Binilin na ni Lolo Tino sapinsan.Kay Dado ang pag-uwi. MALE-2 Naku, si Dado pa! 63 of 97 One of the man echoes, “Ano, tinulak sa talampas?!” BADONG (In Sambali) Ssshhh! And‟yan si Dado. Marinig kayo. MALE-4 (In Sambali) Magpinsan sila. Mga bata pasila, magkasundong magkasundo. MALE-1 (In Sambali) O, ano nga?! TEMYONG (In Sandali) „Wag naman, mga Manong, Lakay. Wala naman may gusto sa nangyari. Silence reigns over them. Whispers about a possible suicide swiftly lingers when a croaking voice from the karaoke bursts. MALE-6 Magmula nang ginulo-gulo tayo ng mga Intsik sa ating sariling lugar. Nagkaloko-loko na ang pamumuhay natin. MALE-4 Pambu-bully sa Bajo de Masinloc. Strong sentiments arise among the fishermen. 64 of 97 MALE-4 (continues) Panahon pa ng mga ninuno natin, walang gumugulo sa kinabubuhay natin d‟yan. MALE-2 & 3 Dagit-dagat! Pati tubig alat, inaangkin! Badong is scratching his head. He looks bothered. MALE-3 (In Sambali) „Yung teritoryo natin ang kinakamkam.Pananakup na naman „yan. MALE-2 Putang-inang mga kumunistang Tsekwang „yan! Swapang! BADONG Konteng preno naman, mga Lakay. (beat) May lahing Intsik ako. MALE-3 Badong, dito ka na pinanganak at lumaki sa Zambales. MALE-2 Nananalaytay sa dugo mo, baguong. A duet of males echoes, “Saluyot pay!”. Laughters ensue. 65 of 97 MALE-4 (In Sambali) Nung nand‟yan ang US Naval Base, ang mg aAmerikano, nagko-combat training sakabilang bundok paharap ng China Sea. (beat) Maraming nuclear warships at submarines. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Di ba nga panay palipad ng mga jet planes? BADONG (In Sambali) Wala ngang smuggling dito. MALE-6 (In Sambali) Takot lang ng mga singkit sa mga puti. Suddenly, one of the male folks reacts by spitting out his drinks. MALE-5 Putang-ina! Ano ba „to?! Suka na „to! MALE-2 Ay, Apo! Sinong nag-donate n‟yan?! The gangmates are laughing and sneering. MALE-1 (In Sambali) Di kaya tayo bumbahin dito? Sugurin tayo at ratratin dito. 66 of 97 MALE-3 (In Sambali) Naku, wala tayong kalaban-laban. MALE-1 Umalis nga ba ang mga Amerikano dito? MALE-4 Hindi. Andun, may base sa Saranggani. MALE 2 & 3 (humorously) Na kila Manny Pacquia! Rowdy, a group of children rushes to their area. Badong and another man shoo them away. One of the kids recognizing his father among the group asks something from him. MALE-1 (In Sambali) Ang tanong, ano ba ang ginagawa ng gobyerno natin? MALE-4 (In Sambali) Naidulog na sa international Tribunal ang kasong ito. Sa ITLOS. MALE-5 Itlog?! Bakit itlog?! MALE-4 ITLOS. International Tribunal on the Laws of the Sea. One of the folks echoes, ”Nag-bobo ka manin, Lakay!” 67 of 97 MALE-2 Meron pang UNCOS... UN... U--N... Ewan! MALE-4 UNCLOS. TEMYONG (In Sambali) May mga programa ang barangay. Para sa Alternative Livelihood Program natin. BADONG (In Sambali) Oo. Okay naman sila Mayor at Gov. MALE-2 Malapit na ang election. Meanwhile, the card players on the table nearby are getting heated up. 48. INT./EXT. LIVING ROOM TO FRONTYARD - CONTINUING TIME A group of elderly MATRONS dons in long, loose and black dresses, who serves as the dung-aw or mourners, arrive. The women enter the living room. They position themselves near the casket. The mourning commences. In one corner of the living room, a group of WOMAN, on their 40s, wears dark-colored casual clothes, are gossiping. WOMAN-1 (In Sambali) Kawawa naman si Miasol. WOMAN-2 (In Sambali) Baka, mag-asawa pa. 68 of 97 WOMAN-3 (In Sambali) Ano ka ba?! Walo na ang anak. WOMAN-1 (In Sambali) Magsing-edad lang kami. At may itsura si Miasol. WOMAN-2 Oo naman. Sharon Cuneta „nung highschool natin „yan. The women manage to hum the Sharon Cuneta‟s early song, “High-school life... “ WOMAN-1 Oo nga, pati katawan. Giggling ensues among them. WOMAN-3 (In Sambali) Kayo kasi mahilig. Malandi. (fingering Woman-1 by her side) WOMAN-2 (In Sambali) Kung p'wede ang mga lalake, p'wede din tayo! Again, they giggle. The trio of mahadera ends up laughing. Nearby, the teen-aged Nika secretly glares at them, when she notices a good-looking teen-ager, DONIE, in a muscle shirt and slacks, who is texting on his celfone, is entering their yard. Her face glows. He recognizes and approaches her. DONIE Nika, nakikiramay. 69 of 97 The overwhelmed teen-ager tries to say something. But her voice gives her away. DONIE (hands her over an envelope) Pinabibigay nila Daddy. Konting tulong daw. (beat) Nakita mo ba si Gladys? (looks around) Dumating na ba s‟ya? NIKA And'yan na. Donie readily recognizes GLADYS, teen-ager, wearing a sexy dark colored dress, is waving her hand with a celfone. Beside her are her teen-aged FEMALE FRIENDSchatting. DONIE Gladys! (dashes toward her) NIKA Salamat di- - But her reaction is ignored as he runs to the other teen-agers. Witnessing the situation, her friends, Rhia and Guia, approach her. GUIA (In Sambali) Cute nga sana. Kaya lang, bulag. RHIA (In Sambali) Ano kaya ang nakita kay Gladys? Di naman cute. Dinaan lang sa make-up. 70 of 97 GUIA Parang si Kris Aquino. Maganda lang „pag naka make-up. The two lasses burst to laughter. NIKA (In Sambali) Maganda naman si Gladys. Tsaka, bagay sila. RHIA (In Sambali) Pa-humble effect. Talaga lang?! 49. EXT./INT. GUIA (In Sambali) Tulak ng bibig. Kabig ng dibdib. AROUND THE HOUSE - TWILIGHT TO NIGHT The sad estate of the De Perio Family is reflected in the twilight of the day. However, there are social activities surrounding the funeral vigil that remains festive. Texting and selfies are the accessories of the times. Smoke belches on each game table that is surrounded by rowdy crowds. A person is reminding the winner not to forget their tong or donation to Rolando. Chitchats among the elderlY take colorful tones and spicy flavors. The children‟s games are non-stopped and they are getting uncontrollable. There are people singing that are accompanied by guitar playing, as well as, karaoke singing. The dung-aw, reciting prayers and rendering tears, competes with the rests. On the wall, The Good Sheperd seemingly serves as silenced witness. 50. INT. A SHELTER - NIGHT In the midst of these revelry and ceremony, Bong, Temyong and Dicky are busy attending to the delivery of a baby goat in an adjacent shelter. 71 of 97 They are joined by Bel and Ethel, as they bring in the necessary requirement. Temyong, with the assistance of Bel, who appears knowledgeable regarding goatraising, closely attend to the mother and kid. 51. EXT. BACKYARD - CONTINUING TIME In one dark corner of the backyard, a LAD and LASS are smooching. Teen-aged friends, BOY and JUNIE, are peeping tom. Boy is videoing through his celfone, when Alex appears and... ALEX (In Sambali) (softly) Hoy! Anong ginagawa n‟yo d‟yan?! BOY (In Sambali) (softly) „Wag kang maingay. JUNIE (In Sambali) (softly) Di ba sila ano „yan? The three rascals are laughing when... LAD (In Sambali) (almost shouting) Hoy! Alis kayo d‟yan! Laughing, the trio dashes away. Looking uncomfortable and embarrassed, the lass moves away from her lover who urgently persists to his advances. He lures her. Initially, she spurns him but gives in to his charm. 72 of 97 Passing by, the trio notices Bong and Dicky smoking, side by side, in one dimly lit corner of the backyard. They enter the kitchen. 52. INT. RECEIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM - SUBSEQUENT TIME The dung-aw, composing of several matrons, are performing their tasks. Alex and his peers emerge in the living room. He takes a glimpse of his mother and his sister, Nika, Auntie Lea with the rests of their relatives and visitors. The teen-aged son sees condolatory guests taking photos, chatting and texting through their celfones. The teen-agers leave the receiving room, passing through the main entrance. With her teen-aged daughter in tow, the mother notices her Daughter Ethel talking to a portly and medium-built ELDERLY WOMAN, 50s, wearing a fit white dress, in the dining area. ELDERLY WOMAN (In Sambali) (sips coffee) O, Ethel. Napag-isipan mo na ba alok ko sa iyo? (beat) Lalo na ngayon. Kailangan may makatulong sa pamilya mo. ETHEL (In Sambali) (fixing dishes) Hindi ko pa ho alam, Manang. ELDERLY WOMAN (In Sambali) Maganda sa Maynila. May naghihintay na sa iyong trabaho doon. 73 of 97 ETHEL (In Sambali) Hindi pa nga ho alam nila Nanang. ELDERLY WOMAN (In Sambali) Kung gusto mo, ipagpapaalam kita. (beat) Makapagpapadala ka ng pera dito sa pamilya mo. The trio of mahadera appears in the dining area. Upon noticing the Elderly Woman, they instinctively put up a front of snobbery. WOMAN-1 (In Sambali) Ethel, makahingi naman ng coffee. ETHEL (In Sambali) Oho. Eto po. (gestures to serve them) ELDERLY WOMAN (In Sambali) (stands up and goes out) O sige, ha. Dito muna ako. ETHEL (In Sambali) (to the Elderly Woman) Pag-iisipan ko ho, Manang. Immediately, the three mahadera flocks around the lady. WOMAN-2 (In Sambali) (sips coffee) Naku, Ethel. „Wag kang magtitiwala sa bruhang „yon. 74 of 97 WOMAN-3 (In Sambali) Baka mapariwara ka. (sips coffee and burns her lips) Ay, puta! ETHEL (In Sambali) Wala ho. The mahaderas express their gratitude for the cups of coffee. They continue their chit chat. From the sala, Miasol with Nika and Maricel, appears and... SOL (In Sambali) Ethel, ang mga kapatid mo? ETHEL (In Sambali) May tinata- - The mahaderas prop up and approach the widow whom they try to console. Withdrawing and walks to her sister, Nika tries to shield her annoyance. Maricel observes. NIKA (whispers to Ethel) Ang pa-plastic ng tatlong „yan. MARICEL Oo nga. ETHEL (In Sambali) Baka marinig ka. With trays of refreshment and snacks, Nika and Maricel leave and return to the sala. They offer them to their visitors and kin as they chat with them. 75 of 97 53. INT. DINING ROOM TO KITCHEN - SAME TIME Back to the dining area, Miasol walks to the kitchen. The mother sees her eldest daughter, Bel with her boyfriend, Temyong, washing dishes in the sink. She listens. TEMYONG (In Sambali) (softly& gently) Pahinga ka naman. BEL (In Sambali) Nakakahiya nga sa iyo.Ilang araw ka nang kilos ng kilos d'yan. TEMYONG (In Sambali) 'Andito ako para sa iyo. The doting boyfriend wraps his arm around her shoulder. The dutiful girlfriend rests her head on his shoulder. When the widow enters the kitchen, the lovers acknowledge her. Silently, the mother walks to the comfort room at the end of the area. She enters. Loud noises and more commotion are happening in the house of the De Perios. When Miasol emerges from the bathroom, she sees her two daughters, Bel and Ethel, reading a letter by the sink. They are intensely talking. Ethel pockets the letter in to her dress, while Bel... BEL (In Sambali) Gusto mo salabat, Nang? SOL (In Sambali) Tubig lang. 76 of 97 ETHEL (In Sambali) (proceeds to get water) Ako na, Manang. (beat) Etong suman... (prepares some for her mother) The mother takes a seat by the kitchen table. Ethel serves her. Before Bel leaves the kitchen, she... BEL (O.S.) (In Sambali) Ethel, magsabi ka na kay Nanang. SOL (In Sambali) Anong sasabihin? ETHEL Nang, suman. The daughter takes a seat beside her mother who begins to take the suman. ETHEL (In Sambali) (continues) Natatandan po n‟yo si Carmela? Her mother looks at her while nodding her head. SOL (In Sambali) Anak ni Mareng Azon. (beat) „Yung nasa Hongkong. ETHEL (In Sambali) Nagsusulatan po kami. A bit excited, she brings out the letter and shows it to her mother while... 77 of 97 ETHEL (In Sambali) (continues) Kailangan daw po ng isang makakatulong sa bahay. (beat) „Yun daw pong boss n‟ya ang gagastos sa lahat ng kakailanganin ko. Alex enters from the backdoor. Briefly, he looks at her relatives and... ALEX Suman sa halaya. The teen-ager helps himself with the rice cake. He keeps on glancing at them. SOL (In Sambali) Gusto mong mag-abroad? ALEX (O.S.) Saan galing po „to? ETHEL (In Sambali) Kila Auntie Lea. The daughter adds more shredded coconut and sugar to her mother's rice cake. The teen-ager sits near his kin while he eats. SOL (In Sambali) Kaya mo na ba mag-isa, anak? ETHEL (In Sambali) Hindi naman po ako mag-iisa doon, Nang. Kasama ko po si Carmela. 78 of 97 ALEX Nang Ethel, „yung rubber shoes ko, ha? At this instant, Nika enters the kitchen and... NIKA Rubber shoes ka d‟yan. The teen-ager briskly joins her family. She tenderly touches her mother‟s shoulder and moves towards her older sister while she... NIKA (continues) Graduation ko na next year, Manang Ethel. „Lam mo na. (fixes her food) ALEX Ga-graduate ka ba?! NIKA Hoy! Ako yata sa De Perio Familyang beauty and the - - ALEX (interrupting, points his finger on her) The beast! Beast! (making fun of her) NIKA (pointing to herself) Beauty and Brain! The mother and her elder daughter appear amused. SOL (In Sambali) At si Manang Ethel n‟yo ang pinaka henerosa. 79 of 97 Readily, Nika moves closely to her big sister and... NIKA Oo nga. ALEX (O.S.) Sipsip. ETHEL (In Sambali) Nanang, ano pong disisyon n‟yo? SOL (In Sambali) Magpaalam ka din kay Tatang mo. The mother spoons a piece of the rice cake and feeds her daughter who willingly takes it. The latter then wraps her arms around the former‟s shoulders. From the dining room, Bel emerges with a big container and... BEL (In Sambali) Nanang, nagpadala pong afritada si Mareng Azon n'yo. (puts the food on the table) Nodding her head, Sol rises up to go to the sink while she gestures to Ethel to help her big sister. Excited, Alex and Nika examine the food. ETHEL (In Sambali) Alex, hanapin mo nga sila Mia at Olly. ALEX (In Sambali) Sandali lang, Nang Ethel. 80 of 97 NIKA (In Sambali) Malamang nandun sa nanganak na kambing. SOL (In Sambali) Nanganak na ang kambing? ETHEL (In Sambali) Kagabi, Nang. Babae, paramihin daw natin sabi ni Kap. Ordoneza at Lolo Tino. 54. INT./EXT. KITCHEN/BACKYARD - CONTINUING TIME From the window of the kitchen, Sol, while she washes her hand on the sink, tries to recognize the two male figures in the far end, dimly lit corner of their backyard. DICKY (softly) Biyahe na ako ulit next week. BONG Tuloy na alis mo? A brief silence reigns between the two men. Waiting for response, Dicky is staring at Bong who avoids looking at him. DICKY Mami-miss kita. Bong glances at Dicky but quickly looks away. BONG (In Sambali) Sulat ka. DICKY E-mail. 81 of 97 BONG (In Sambali) Malay ko do‟n. (beat) Sulat. Mas personal. Preybeyt. DICKY Private. BONG (In Sambali) Simple lang naman ako. DICKY „Yan naman ang nagustuhan ko sa iyo. The apple of the eye maintains his composure. The suitor reclines forward and rests his elbow on his thigh. BONG (In Sambali) Maraming salamat sa pag-aasikaso mo. DICKY Para sa 'yo kahit ano. Silence reigns between them. DICKY (continues) (In Sambali) P'wedeng bang - - BONG (interupting) Sssshhh!... Again, silence... 82 of 97 BONG Andito lang ako. (beat) Kaibigan mo ako. DICKY Mahal kita. The singing from the karaoke machine turns aloud. Briefly, Bong wraps his arms around Dicky's shoulders. He then rises up and... BONG (rises up) Tara, mangan ta. Gutom na ako. Bong who stoops over his friend extends his hand. Dicky looks up to the apple of his eyes. He reaches out to him. They hold each other hands. When Dicky rises up, he hugs him tightly close to him. Bong welcomes his gesture. From the window of the kitchen, Miasol witnesses the tenderness between his son and his friend. Back to the lovers, he pulls away gently from his friend who follows to his bid. Both walk towards the house. 55. INT. DINING ROOM/KITCHEN - CONTINUING TIME Meanwhile, in the dining room, Bel who is carrying Edong is calling the attention of his mother. Her boyfriend is trailing behind them. EDONG (reaches out) Na-Na... Na-Na... BEL (In Sambali) Nang, antok na daw s'ya. SOL (In Sambali) Ay! Antok na ang bebe ko. (takes him to her arms) 83 of 97 In the next room, Ethel and Nika are busy preparing the snacks for the visitors. Alex, with his young sister and brother, enters the dining area. ALEX (In Sambali) O, eto na. Ayaw paawat. Nasa kambingan. Immediately, Mia and Olly dash to the dining table and take a look at the food. MIA (In Sambali) Nang Ethel, gusto ko po 'to. OLLY (In Sambali) Gutom pa po ako. NIKA (In Sambali) Oy! Maglinis na. (beat) Malapit na kayo matulog. ETHEL (In Sambali) Mia, Olly, doon na kayo sa kusina. May pagkain din doon. Andoon si Nanang. BEL (O.S.) (In Sambali) Dito kayo! 56. INT. KITCHEN - SAME TIME The young duo dashes to the kitchen. Their eldest sister assists them. Miasol takes a glance of her brood and the additional family member, Temyong, the future son-in-law, when Bong and Dicky enter the room. BONG Afritada! Mangan ta! 84 of 97 With his hands, Bong gestures to his friend to join them. SOL (In Sambali) Temyong, Dicky, sumalo na kayo. The two male guests acknowledge the invitation. Everybody gathers around the kitchen table to partake. Miasol lulls her youngest child to sleep. After awhile, the mother walks towards the open window and looks out. She observes the festive mood among their guests. When she looks up, she sees the full moon that seems to watch her back. 57. INT. RECEIVING ROOM - MORNING Inside the De Perio Residence, the family members and their relatives are preparing to leave for the funeral procession. Some sympathizing people hastily empty their seats and proceed to go out. Few good men, one by one, carry two to three bouquets of flowers out of the house. Someone is videoing the event. On the wall, The Good Shepeard serves as the silenced witness of the departure. 58. EXT. FRONT YARD - SAME TIME Intermittent grouped conversations, in syncopated manner, arise in the frontyard . A 3-year old, BOY, in white T-shirt and short pants, who is crying, appears to have lost his parents. A MOTHER, 20's, in a black dress, emerges and takes him while she... 85 of 97 MOTHER (In Sambali) Likot mo! Kaya ka nawawala! A trio of MATRONS, 50's to 60's, in loose black dresses and veils, states... MATRON-1 (In Sambali) Magmimisa ba si Pader sa kapilya para kay Rolly? MATRON-2 (In Sambali) Diretso na sa sementeryo. Di maganda ang ginawa ni Rolly. MATRON-3 (In Sambali) Ssshh! Sobra kayo. Di naman siguradong nagpakamatay 'yung tao. MATRON-1 Biktima sila dito. Tayong mga Pilipino. MATRON-3 (In Sambali) Tama ka diyan. Mapagpatawad ang Diyos. A GROUCHY-LOOKING WOMAN, 30's, in dark colored dress, who appears snooty to everyone, walks on a slippery ground and... GROUCHY WOMAN (slips and slides) Ay! Puki ko madulas! Aaayyy! 86 of 97 59. EXT. FRONTYARD - CONTINUING TIME Solemn, the pallbearers composing of Bong, Temyong, Dado and Dicky are carrying the coffin along the yard. A parked caretela drawn by a carabao waits in the gate. A few is taking videos through their celfones, while some are texting. When they are about to unload the oblong box, the carabao turns unruly and pulls away. Escalating commotions ensue. The crowd waits and observes. Dante and Ernesto, at the helm, pacify the animals. The pallbearers continue their assigned job. 60. EXT. STREET - CONTINUING TIME The funeral procession, slowly, move along the muddy and stony road. Muddy and rocky, the road with potholes full of dirty water proves to be difficult to tread for the crowd of mourners. At the middle of the path, the water buffalo ceases to move. Ernesto tugs the animal to continue its trip. But it does not budge. After which, the beast of burden moves its bowels, right after, it urinates. Walking close by, people, who are bothered and offended, turn away. Some find the situation amusing however. 61. EXT. CHAPEL FRONTYARD - SUBSEQUENT TIME The Chapel of St. Francis, modest and simple, represents a Catholic religiosity of a hundred or so members of the parish. High-pitched roof made out of aging galvanized irons, walls of unpolished and weathered hollow blocks, old slender windows, and weathered sliding front door, are typical features of a place of worship in the region. The interiors can approximately accommodate the entirety of the parishioners. 87 of 97 The exteriors have several trees clustered in the backyard. Colorful foliage of shrubs outlines the side yards. The frontyard is welcoming. The façade is wet and muddy due to the continuous downpours a day ago. When the funeral entourage reaches the chapel, it comes across a herd of goat along their path. The animals, looking strong and healthy, gather together and make their distinct noises. Some are still videoing through their celfones. The entourage, initially, takes its time. It allows people, trailing behind, to take a pause. The funeral procession gives way to a FATHER and a MOTHER,who cuddle a baby, with their COMPANIONS, in their 20s to 30s, are attired in their Sunday‟s bests, to pass by. Coming out from the chapel, apparently, the family and its followers, looking bright and full of glee, have attended a baptismal ceremony. Afterwards, the pallbearers, Bong, Temyong, Dado and Dicky take the casket from the caretela. 62. INT. CHAPEL/ALTAR - CONTINUING TIME Miasol together with her siblings proceeds to the church. The procession, silent and somber, enters the place of worship. Inside, the De Perio Family and relatives take the benches in the front row facing the altar. The rest of the attendees settle themselves among the vacant rows of pews. Looking at the altar, an aged cross serves as backdrop of an elevated wood plank. The group of pallbearers settles the coffin on the plank. After which, they join the rest. An old PRIEST, in his 70's and a young MALE ASSISTANT, 20'S emerge. Both are wearing their religious ceremonial garb. Immediately, the priest performs the last sacrament, which is seemingly short and solemn. When he finishes his prayers, he then sprinkles the holy water on to the oblong box. In black attire and veil over her head, Miasol rises up from her station and walks towards the coffin whose backdrop is Jesus on the Cross. 88 of 97 Initially, she takes a look of her husband in the coffin and turns to Jesus on the cross. The widow, even blurring with tears in her eyes, manages to stare at the holy image. She places her two hands over the box as she looks up to the cross, then, raises her right hand , as if, to offer. SOL (In Sambali) (whispers) Apo, maraming salamat po para Inyong anak. (beat) Tanggapin po Ninyo s‟ya. Initially, she looks over her husband, then she faces the sympathizing crowd and... SOL (In Sambali) Ang esposo ko si Rolando... (beat) Alam ng lahat... mabait at mabuti s‟yang tao. (beat) Wala s‟yang inaatraso. (beat) Bakit kailangang mangyari ito sa kanya?! At the foot of the altar where the dead Jesus on the Cross and the dead person in the casket is venerated, the grieving Miasol, before the condolatory crowd, wails. The eldest son, Bong approaches hastily to her rescue. The eldest daughter, Bel rises up from her feet. Someone's phone is ringing. A group of attendees hush it. Meanwhile, the mother and the son are standing before the coffin of their departed. She reaches out to her son and takes a grip of his hand. Still clutching her son‟s hand, the bereaved stoops down to the coffin and wraps it with her other arm. 89 of 97 SOL (In Sambali) (whispering to the departed) Rolly, Beh... Maraming salamat sa ating anak... (beat) Si Rolando De Perio, Jr., marapatin mong s‟ya na ang ama ng kanyang mga kapatid. (beat) Ang magsisilbing moog ng ating tahanan. Gazing at her husband, she kisses the mirror that shields over her husband‟s face; afterwhich, she wipes away her tears on it with her veil. At this instance, from the open side door of the chapel, a small, young goat, crying out, enters. Below the feet of the statue of St. Francis of Assisi, seemingly, the animal is searching for its mother. Miasol walks towards the lost kid. The mother takes it to her arms and consoles it. Standing before St. Francis of Assisi, she looks up to the Holy Patron of the Animals. Seemingly, a gentle light from above descends upon them. 63. EXT. HIGH-WAY - SUBSEQUENT TIME The overcast sky is gray and dull. Along the muddy, stony road that parallels to the high-way, the funeral procession proceeds. The crowd is trudging along. Videoing, chatting and texting through the celfones continue. The absence of the sun but with the high humidity is enough to debilitate the composure of the people. The condolatory people, who join, are soaked with their sweats; caused by the summer heat and humidity. 90 of 97 Perspiration is swiped away by hands, handkerchiefs or clothes. Umbrellas or native sombreros offer shelters to some. Shielding off from heat or glare with hands or cloth, covering the faces and heads. Abanicos also serve to bid air. Provincial busses traverse along, in high speed. The passengers with nonchalance take a look at the procession at the side of the thoroughfare. Thick smokes from the passing tracks cause the crowd to wince away. Some folks cover their noses. With their native abanicos, others fan away the dark pollution. Traveling from the opposite direction, a semi-open jeepney approaches. Full of youngsters, who are wild and wily, are hooting and howling. At the top of their voices, they sing a wild, latest ditty. One of passengers gives them the finger. Another one makes faces. A phalanx of motorbikers virtually occupies, ruling over, the entire high-way. In concerted thundering motors, they dash in while doing their stunts. Annoyed and stultified, the mourners and sympathizers bear the situation. Several meters to its destination, water caught in on the high-way is like shallow pools filled with dirty water. When suddenly, a truck in high velocity runs through it; resulting to a splash that rudely douses over the procession. Drenched and humiliated, the crowd expresses a mélange of emotions. Still recovering from the drenching incident, some folks, annoyed, are swiping off the excess water. Others are drying themselves either with handkerchiefs or face towels. 64. EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUING TIME The condolatory procession finally reaches the‘Sementeryo Ng Barangay San Francisco’. The site of life‟s rest bears white. Its simplicity and age signify a sense of unadorned importance. Typical in some provincial areas when, once a year, it is embellished; if necessary, visited because it is inevitable. 91 of 97 After a long trudging, they reach a wet mound of soil. The caretela drawn by a carabao that carries the remains of the deceased, gradually, parks beside the mound. The four designated pallbearers, Bong, Temyong, Dicky and Dado, take over their assigned task. The burial procession waits. Cousin Ernesto and Uncle Dante lay out a pair of ropes near the six-foot, rectangle hole. The casket carriers settle the burial box over them. Retinio and Badong carry the funeral wreaths and install them around the site. The surviving De Perio Family, with the rest of their relatives, gathers around their dear departed. The mourning mother of the deceased buries her head over her husband‟s chest, while she keeps on pounding him. At the opposite and around the hole, the sympathizing people gather around. Mourning is conveyed through weeping and crying. The attending relatives appear to cry louder, verbally expressing their grief, than the family members. Surrounded by the crowd gawking at them, one by one, the female siblings of De Perio place wild flowers over the casket. Sol, carrying Edong, hops him over the coffin, while from the opposite direction Bong reaches out for his brother and takes him to his arms. The elderly males exchange glances and gesturing to each other to take the ropes. When they are about to raise the coffin, the widow signals to stop... SOL (In Sambali) Sandali lang... The mother makes the sign of the cross. She reaches out to Ethel. Braces her arm around her daughter, they both step closely to their deceased loved one. SOL (In Sambali) Rolly, Beh... Sa iyong pamamaalam... (beat) MORE 92 of 97 con‟t SOL Nagpapaalam si Ethel upangmagtrabaho. Gustong makatulong sa atin. (beat) Kahit saan ka man. Bantayan mo s‟ya. Finally, she bends over to her husband‟s casket, then, hugs and kisses him. The mother turns to her oldest offspring and signals to lay his father to rest. The designated men to lower the oblong box into the hole for its final rest proceed with their burial assignment. Expressions of grief become more amplified as the coffin is being lowered down to the ground. Afterwards, members of the De Perio Family, one at a time, picks up loose soil and casts it into the hole. A few and motley of the funeral attendees begin to turn away from the poor man‟s grave. The eldest son and the future son-in-law, take the task to shovel soil into the hole, burying the dead. Slowly and quietly, the family members with some kin trail behind the crowd. 65. EXT. ESTABLISHING SHOTS - MORNING The summer sun, though partially is concealed behind the overcast sky, presents a tad of brightness. China Sea reflects like a crystal mirror. Gentle wind furrows the tall foliage of trees. Some birds, chirping, fly to the horizon. 93 of 97 66. EXT. GRASSY MEADOWS BY A HILLY SITE - MORNING Time flies. From the East, the rays of the sun shine bright and warm. In a verdant green and grassy meadow by the foot of hilly site where thriving trees grow, noises of familiar animal‟s sounds are apparent. A herd of goats, looking healthy and strong, are grazing around the area. Familiar voices of young people, though syncopated, become distinct. 67. EXT. FARM WITH A NIPA HUT - SAME TIME The eldest son, Bong, bared-chested and in Bermuda shorts, sitting under the shade of a hut, reads a letter. Nearby, the youngest pair of the family brood, Olly and Mia, both in simple house clothes, is doting on a baby goat. The teen-agers, Nika and Alex, in working farm clothes, carrying a kaeng of assorted vegetables, arrive and approach their big brother. ALEX (In Sambali) Sulat! Kanino galing, Kuya? BONG (without looking at him) Kay Dicky. Almost in a duet, the two teen-agers... ALEX & NIKA Pabasa. His brother casts a stern look at them and stands up while he folds the letter. BONG (hides the letter in his back pocket) Personal! Preybeyt! 94 of 97 Giddy, the couple of teen-ager exchanges a malicious gaze at each other. BONG (continues) (to Nika and Alex) Apay ngay?! Subduing themselves, the lass and lad proceed to their task. BONG (O.S.) (In Sambali) Marami pa tayong alagain. Meanwhile, Temyong, wearing a boxer‟s shirt and old pants, with a pair of kaeng of vegetables, is approaching. Alex helps him. BONG (In Sambali) Oy! Olly, Mia. Hindi laruan „yang beybing kambing. TEMYONG (In Sambali) Bayaw, wala pa ba sila Bel? The brother-in-law expresses a negative reply. In a while, Nika announces the arrival of the other members of the De Perio Family. 68. EXT. GRASSY MEADOWS - SAME TIME In a loose, simple frock, Bel, tugging along her 3-year old son, BIBOY, in boxer‟s shirt& shorts, promenades along the grassy meadow. Nika approaches them and dotes on her nephew. Her sister instructs her something. Trailing behind is Ethel, who wears a modest blouse and skirts, with two baskets of provisions. Her teen-aged sister tries to help her with her loads. She instructs her to do something instead. Behind them, Miasol with a 5-year old, EDONG, both in simple houseclothes, is carrying a box. 95 of 97 The mother observes their thriving livestocks amid the greeneries. Her eyes survey the site. Nika approaches them. Her mother hands her over the box. Curious, the daughter takes a peek and... NIKA Birthday cake ni Biboy! Three years old na pala pamangkin ko. Her youngest brother pokes her and... EDONG (In Sambali) Manang Nika! Dami ko assignment. NIKA (In Sambali) Nursery lang. Ano ba „yang K-12? SOL (In Sambali) Turuan mo daw s‟ya. 69. EXT. FARM WITH A NIPA HUT - CONTINUING TIME Suddenly yet gently, a herd of goats with their familiar noises is rushing nearby. When Sol turns to observe, she notices a man. A FAMILIAR-LOOKING MAN, in his 30‟s, wind-blown light hair and beard, wearing a faded long, loose garb, is guiding his flocks. Observing, the woman appears amused yet quizzical. A familiar sight yet seems not fitting for their site. The Shepperd, resembling the poster posted in their house, picks up a strayed young goat. When the Mystical Man passes her by, she sees Rolly, in his pristine white attire, beside Him. Standing by, Rolly smiles and gently waves his hand to Sol. Immobilized, the wife smiles back to her husband. It is, as if, time stands still. When... 96 of 97 NIKA (O.S.) Nanang! Nanang! Approaching, Edong gently pulls his mother hand and... EDONG Nang, tena na! As if waking up from a deep reminiscence, the mother turns to her son. Tugging each other, they walk along. When she turns back her head, she sees – only – the herd of animals grazing on the meadows. In turn, the mother pays attention to her son talking. Their voices trail along as they walk to join their family in their hut. Under the mango-bearing trees, where a big table is set, the growing De Perio Family, along with their livestocks and green produce, share among themselves – as they normally do – a sumptuous meal, merry conversations and prosperous co-existence with their surroundings. (SLOW) FADE OUT. THE END 97 of 97