Original subtitles

Hong Kong.

A haven for countless Filipinos who flock to it for work.

Here we become their storekeepers, waitresses,

musicians, office workers,

but most of all, their domestic helpers.

Like me.

Finding employers also prove to be a game of chance.

If you luck out,

you might even end up with a sadist for a boss.

That's why you take what you get, even if it kills you.

Any way you look at it,

you won't make this kind of money back home.

Good thing I'm almost out of here.

It's been quite a while since I last went home.

I've passed up on six Christmases,

six New Year celebrations,

and six birthdays of each of my children.

At last I'm leaving this hellish paradise for good.

Josie! Josie!

Why didn't you wait for me?

Can you smell it?

We're breathing Philippine air!

It smells so good!

Look, they even sent a band to welcome us!

We're famous!

Of course, we're the new heroes of the land!

Exactly! Give me five!

- Hey, why are you dancing? - Come on!

- Welcome home, ma'am. - Same to you also.

God, Josie, looks like you brought home all of Hong Kong!

I'm going to sell these, you know?

Don't you plan on getting any rest?

Don't start with me.

Have you seen two monkeys being sweet to each other?

Look to your left.

Sorry, sorry.

You're too much!

Well, they're worse than lovebirds!

Where is he?

- Who's picking you up? - Al will pick me up.

I'm sure he's here already.

Lyn! Lyn!

- Al. - Lyn!

Lyn!

How are you?

Thank god you're home. I missed you so much.

I got you the stuff you wanted.

- Huh? - I bought large sizes.

Thanks!

- Josie, meet my husband, Al. - Hello.

This is Josie, the friend I keep mentioning in my letters.

- Welcome home! - Thank you!

So, what about you?

Go ahead. Someone's coming for me, too.

- Are you sure? - Yes!

- Take care, okay? Take care. - All right.

- Keep in touch... - I will.

- Don't lose my number. - Of course.

- We'll go visit Mercy. - I know, I know.

All right, bye.

Josie!

Josie!

Arnel!

- How are you? - Just fine. Where's Norma?

At home, waiting for you.

- Where are my children? - Huh?

Right there! Don't you recognize them?

Michael? Is that you?

Michael, my son!

Look how big you've grown! I didn't recognize you!

My son, you're so handsome, too!

You're so handsome!

Daday?

Is that you?

Is that you, Daday?

You're so pretty!

My baby.

My daughter. Let's go.

Come on.

- Are there any more bags? - That's all.

Wait, where's Carla?

She couldn't come. She has an exam.

Oh, okay. Come on, let's go home!

Look at all the food. Have some, Josie.

Thank you. You should eat, too.

- So, how's Hong Kong? - Still overrun with the Chinese.

- You still crack a lot of jokes. - Hey, son!

You haven't changed.

You bet!

- You still look young! - You're really pretty today.

Hey, Josie, I bet you missed the food here.

Did you think all we ate there were dumplings?

There are many Filipino stores in Hong Kong.

What you have here, we have there, too.

Really? Like what?

Filipino crackers, Filipino sauces, shrimp paste.

They eat shrimp paste?

Yes, there's also Filipino fast food.

- What? - Even our adult tabloids!

- Shh! Your son can hear you. - Sorry, Michael.

You know, you're right. My cousin lives there.

She gets all the local gossip before I do.

That's right. Oh, come here, Michael.

What other Hong Kong story do you have?

Hey, let me tell you,

my boss, he gives me a budget for my food every week.

- You're so lucky! - Yes!

That's why I buy my own stuff, cook my own food.

I even have my own pot and pan!

- So that's how it works there. - Yes.

The kid I look after also got to try my adobo.

- Really? - Yes!

It lightened my workload considerably!

Did the kid like it?

Of course! Here's how it happened, listen.

Since then, Jason, that's the boy I take care of...

- Don't forget the noodles! - All right.

Come on, Daday, go to your mommy.

She's waiting for you. Go. She's over there.

"Stop it, or you won't have any of my adobo!"

He'd shut up instantly.

That's how good our food is!

Go on, go to your mom.

So the adobo is your secret weapon.

Trouble was, my food allowance shrank.

How come?

I suddenly had another mouth to feed!

You're still a prankster!

What were you asking me again?

She was asking you if you missed Filipino food.

Oh, no.

My kids are the ones I really missed.

And my little one over there. Come here, baby.

- Go on. - Come on.

- Go on. Go on. - Go to mommy.

Come here, come here.

I wish I'm like that with my kids.

I missed my kids so much.

Hold on, did you know that Michael is a scholar?

In the entire history of my family,

he's the first one to go to a private school!

And not to brag,

but his grades are so high, I only pay half of his tuition.

You're so lucky!

- It's such a big consolation! - A consolation indeed!

- I wish my kids were like yours. - I know.

- Here, I got it in your size. - Thanks!

Wow! Ralph Lauren.

Let me take a look at this...

Josie, these are top of the line!

- Kids, thank your Aunt Josie. - Thank you, Aunt Josie!

It's nothing, Norma. Come on.

You know those are fake. That's not expensive.

Hey, bring home some of these.

So what? That's what they're known for.

- Right. - They're copycats.

Besides, once my children wear these,

it'll look like the real thing.

- Bring these. - Hey, do you have more of these?

Let's sell them.

Don't worry, we've got a lot to sell, not just shirts.

Look inside my luggage. I've listed down the prices.

Which one of these things are we gonna sell?

I'm sure this will sell out fast.

- They're so beautiful! - They're at the bottom.

Here, at the very bottom.

Hold on, I have something for you.

- Wow, a Pony bag! - It's for you.

- Thank you, it's beautiful! - Hold on. Wait, wait, wait.

- It's my favorite. - These are for the kids.

- Thank you. - There.

- Mwah! - So pretty!

Say thank you.

- This is worth 1,500? - Of course.

- Pony... - This is for you.

- What's this? - That's for you.

- For looking after my kids. - You don't have to. No.

Take it, it's nothing.

Hey, Arnel, tell your wife to take this.

- Arnel, this is $100! - Thank you, Josie!

- Well, if you insist. - Let's close this up.

- Thanks, Josie. - Hey, Michael!

Stay still!

I have something to brag about now.

Hey, don't take this!

This one's for you. Take good care of it.

It's the heaviest thing I brought home.

- Okay? - Thank you.

Here's more. I got you some shirts and jeans.

And... see!

Basketball shoes!

- Huh? - But I don't play basketball.

Oh, what do you play then?

Chess.

Oh. Well, then, wear it next time you play chess.

You'll look like a star! Right, son?

That's right! Those are nice shoes.

Thank your mom!

Thank you, Mom.

Anytime. Here.

All of these are yours, all right?

Daday, time for your presents!

Look, Daday, this is Kermit.

- Come here! - Wow! Look, Daday.

- Come on! Here's more. - Go on.

- Come here! - Go on, go on.

Here, let me.

Daday, look what I got you.

There. The color suits you! It's pink!

It also comes in blue, see?

This will look great on you! And this...

See? Aren't they beautiful?

- It's so pretty! - It suits you. Look.

- It matches your dress! - It fits you!

- Don't I get a kiss? Come on. - Go, kiss her.

- That's it! Mm! - There.

- Here's more. - Wow, that's a lot.

- Here! See? - Wow.

Look at these. There's still a lot, wait.

Carla?

Carla!

I've been waiting for you. What took you so long, huh?

How are you? I missed you so much.

Come here, I've got a lot of presents for you.

Here, I got you these clothes and shoes.

Look at this. Here.

Good thing we're the same size. I didn't struggle finding this.

Look at this bag. It'll look good on you.

I got you some jeans.

Here, try these on. I'm sure it'll fit you.

Leave it there, I'll look at them later.

I'm tired.

Wait, have you eaten? I'll get you something.

- I'm done. I'm going to bed now. - Okay, get some rest.

Tomorrow, let's...

Josie.

Send that thing home, will you?

You've been holding onto it for two weeks already.

Yeah, you don't want it to look worn out

when it gets to your kid, do you?

Just one more week.

Who knows, she might feel my embrace when she holds it.

In that case, I'll help with the hugging.

It's got enough hugs.

- Send it over. My god. - Come on, let's go.

There's a big sale at Causeway Bay.

Shopping again?

- Let's just go! - All right.

You really like throwing money, don't you?

Oh, baby. No, no.

Oh, no, no, no. Oh, wait, wait, baby.

There, there, there.

Oh, no.

There we go, there we go.

♪ My cogon shack ♪

♪ Though very small ♪

♪ The plants that live there ♪

Don't, don't.

Oh, no. Okay, here.

Okay, okay. Here's your milk.

Oh, no, no. Hold on.

Don't cry, I just have to call my baby.

Wait. Oh, oh.

Oh, here.

Wait. Wait just a minute, okay?

Hold on.

Hello?

Hello, Rudy?

Rudy, it's Josie.

Josie?

- How are you and the kids? - We're all right. How about you?

- I'm fine. Where's Carla? - She's outside, playing.

Get her on the phone, quick.

I'm sneaking a call. My bosses aren't here.

I want to greet her a happy birthday.

Ah, all right. Hold on, I'll get her.

Carla! Carla!

Carla!

Hurry, your mother's on the phone! Hurry!

Excuse me.

Wait up, she's coming.

Josie?

Hurry up.

Hello, Mom?

Josie!

Mom?

Josie!

♪ My cogon shack ♪

♪ Though very small ♪

♪ The plants that live there ♪

♪ Are, oh, so many ♪

♪ Turnips, eggplants Winged beans... ♪

Michael, what are you doing? What are you doing?

- It's okay, Mom. - Let me do it.

- Mom, I usually set the table. - Oh, no. No.

- No, it's okay... - Not anymore, mommy's home.

Just sit down and eat. Oh, dear.

Hey, do you guys always eat breakfast?

I hope you didn't skip any while I was away.

♪ My cogon shack Though very small ♪

Daday!

Kermit, your eyes are so huge!

That's enough for now, Daday. It's time to eat! Come on.

Come on. Hurry.

Let's eat. Sit here.

- Do you like your presents? - Yes.

Oh, that's good.

I bet none of your classmates have those yet.

Those just came out in Hong Kong.

Where's your sister?

So that we can eat breakfast together.

Mom, she's a late riser.

Oh, but the food will get cold.

Carla?

Carla, hurry up.

It's wrong to keep the food waiting.

Oh, here.

Oh, Daday, have an egg, so you'll grow smart and strong.

- No. - What no?

Don't you want to be smart and strong?

She's allergic to eggs.

I see.

Well, then have some sausage then.

Here. Eat up.

You too, Michael. I know this is your favorite.

I bought it from the store next door.

Go on, eat up.

Let's put down your book for now, okay?

"The Hare and the Tor-to-wis."

Hey, I know this one.

It's about this hare who was so conceited

that the tor-to-wis outwitted him.

But Mom, it's pronounced as "tortoise," not "tor-to-wis."

Oh, my son is so intelligent!

I can't beat you when it comes to English.

What is it again?

Tortoise.

Tortoise.

Tortoise.

♪ Tortoise, tortoise ♪

♪ Tortoise, tortowis, tortoise ♪

♪ It's the same It sounds the same ♪

Wait, I'll get you some water.

I packed you some lunch. Make sure you eat them, okay?

Carla!

Hey, Carla.

Good morning. Good morning.

Here are your sandwiches. Make sure you eat these.

Dig in, Carla. Dig in.

Here. You know, this tastes good.

Jason always asks for this back in Hong Kong.

He really likes it.

- Have some, Carla. Go on. - Mm, it's good, Carla.

Here's some egg. It's good for you.

Dig in. Dig in.

Carla.

- Pst. Carla, don't do that. - Go on.

- It's food. - Go on.

- Go on, go on! - Hey! My eye!

Michael.

- My hair! - Go on!

Don't play with your food.

- You want in, huh? - You're joining us, huh?

Kids, stop it, okay?

Stop. Don't play with food.

Michael!

Stop. Stop, kids, please.

- So? What now, huh? - Cut it out.

All right, I gotta go.

My hair!

- I'll go with you! - Daday, come on.

Wait, wait. Daday, don't forget your lunch.

Here.

Give me a kiss.

Michael, this is for you.

Take care.

Take care.

Stop it, you're tickling me.

I love you.

Love you, too.

Babe?

Happy anniversary.

Huh?

Well, we've been together for three months now, remember?

I'm sorry. I forgot about it.

I haven't changed the calendar at home.

That's okay.

I have a surprise for you.

Go ahead. Open it.

What's this?

It's a ring.

I know it's a ring, but why are you giving me this?

An anniversary gift.

What do you want to prove? That you own me?

- No, of course not. - That's it. We're through.

Carla, wait!

Too bad. I hate being tied down.

I hate being boxed in.

But what I hate the most is being left behind.

So I'd rather do the leaving.

But no one comes close to this one

when it comes to leaving.

And now, she just decides to show up.

Look at her. Look. She can't even shed a tear.

Hey, that's your husband there. The father of your children.

You don't feel a thing, do you? How heartless.

I'm done crying.

How can I? I've used up all my tears.

You're unfair, Rudy.

Isn't this what you dreamed of?

For our family to be whole again.

To never be separated again.

Just a bit more time, a bit more money.

If only...

If only you'd waited a little longer.

Mercy! Let us in!

- Mercy! - Can't you wait?

I'm busy doing something. Who's there?

Mercy!

- Come on, Mercy! - We're here!

Hong Kong's uglier now that we're all here!

Oh, god, the Three Roses are back together!

- How are you? - Oh, I'm fine.

I can't believe you! Hold on. Did Hong Kong miss me?

- Of course! - Oh, dear!

What's with you? We've been knocking for hours!

- That's right. We're tired! - I'm sorry, I was busy.

- Come on, let's go in! - Quick!

Come in, hurry! I'm sorry for the mess.

Nobody else can do work but me.

- Hey, get up, we have visitors! - Huh?

- Oh, come in. Give me a minute. - Oh, we have visitors. Come in.

- Thank you, thank you. - Come in, come in.

- Oh. Oh. - Oh, I'm sorry for the mess.

Oh, I'm from Samar.

Actually, we haven't gone home in a while.

- Let's drink, come on. - Oh, no thanks.

- It's empty. - We're done.

I'll buy a drink.

- Come sit down! - Mercy.

- Don't mind us. - Mercy. Mercy.

- I got some money. - For what?

I'm just gonna buy a drink.

- Come on. - Have a seat.

- I'm sorry, obviously, I... - Is that your son?

- What? - Is that your son?

Unfortunately.

- Oh, dear. Take a seat. - Don't you have four kids?

- Don't be silly. - Where are they?

We can help you.

Wait, don't you have four kids? Where are they?

What? Oh, it'll be better if you just won't ask.

See that one? The kid in the room?

Well, he got himself kicked out of school.

- Huh? - Then there's the other one...

Where is he again?

Oh, thankfully, he's at Boys Town.

Ah, and then the other one...

Goodness, he's really his father's junior.

He loves drinking, picking fights,

gambling, and doing nothing.

- There you have it, my children. - I'm going ahead, Mom.

Oh, okay. Take care.

Wait, this is your Aunt Josie, and your Aunt Lyn.

They're my friends from Hong Kong.

- Good morning. - He's Alwyn.

- Good morning. - I'll be going now.

Okay, just take some money there.

I will!

- That one looks all right. - Yeah.

You know, Josie, you're right. He's my sweetest kid.

-He's a ''call boy.'' -What?

Why? It's the truth. I can't do anything about it.

I don't know why I'm so unlucky with my children.

But you know, I don't let it bother me anymore.

I've gotten used to it.

Even if I cry everyday, nothing's gonna change.

Besides, we all have our own crosses to bear.

This turned out to be mine.

I just grin and bear it!

But you know what?

Sometimes, when I get nightmares,

it's just about two things.

If it isn't Hong Kong,

it's definitely those five thorns in my chest.

Don't be silly.

No matter how many thorns you have in your chest,

you're still as beautiful as a rose!

Hey, wait.

- All of us are pretty! - Yeah!

- That's right! You said it! - Give me five!

Oh, Carla.

I changed your bed sheets and pillowcases.

I also got your dirty laundry. I'll do them all tomorrow.

Look, Carla, your room is so dirty!

Here, look at this mess.

It's easier to study when your room is clean.

Here, take a look.

Where did you put my Walkman?

There, it's in the cabinet.

There. It's in there.

It's right there.

You're all grown up.

I never knew you'd turn out to be so pretty.

How have you been, huh?

Talk to me.

It's been so long since we've had a conversation.

Remember when you were a kid? Goodness, you were so talkative.

You'd tell me everything.

You'd even tell me about your dreams, remember?

What do you want to know?

Anything. How are your studies?

Do you have a boyfriend?

Fine. I don't have failing grades.

I don't have a boyfriend at the moment.

I see.

That's right. Don't get a boyfriend.

You're too young for that.

Hey, what's this? Since when have you had it?

It looks nice.

It must've hurt when it was new, right?

I know someone in Hong Kong who also had a tattoo done.

Maybe the needle wasn't cleaned, so now, he has AIDS.

- Last I heard, he was dying... - How long will you be staying?

When are you going back to Hong Kong?

I forgot to tell you.

I'm not going back. I have no plans of leaving.

What will you do here?

Lyn, Mercy and I will start a business.

We've been planning this for a long time.

So, aren't you glad?

From now on, we'll always be together.

I have to sleep now.

I have an early day ahead.

- Carla... - Lock the door when you get out.

Oh, everything will be ready next week.

All you need now is one more dependable driver.

Oh, Lyn, do you have a piece of paper?

I'm going to list down the documents you still need.

Get some in the drawers in the living room.

- Go on in. - All right.

So, what do you think?

It looks all right, doesn't it?

Are you sure about this?

I'm betting two years' worth of my savings in this.

What if we just open an eatery?

- Oh, come on. - You can't blame me.

Twenty-thousand per month is no joke.

Stop worrying, this is a sure thing.

- Are you sure? - Of course.

- We've talked about this. - Wait up.

I have a letter for you.

From Edgar.

Hey, be careful, okay? Your husband might find out.

I don't want to get dragged in this.

I don't want Al to get mad at me.

Oh, he surely will.

It's your fault for tolerating it.

And the missus here has some nerve,

rowing two boats at once!

Hey, do you know how to swim in case you fall in the water?

You're just jealous.

What does it say?

Class, we have a visitor.

Take your seats, please.

I just want to make an announcement.

After your final exams,

this week we will be preparing for our foundation day.

I expect...

Miss Tamales.

Why is Michael Agbisit taking the exam?

Has his mother settled his account yet?

No, ma'am.

Then why did you allow him to get the test?

Oh, my god, how many times do I have to tell you

that we are not running a charitable institution?

Agbisit, come forward. Bring your test paper with you.

Where is your mother? Is she still in Hong Kong?

No, ma'am, she's already here.

Then why hasn't she come?

Didn't you tell her that because of your poor grades

in two of your subjects last year,

you have forfeited your scholarship.

So now you have to pay the full amount

of your tuition just like everyone else.

Tell her, or I will be forced to suspend you.

I will not tolerate this, Michael.

Do I make myself clear?

Hi, Michael.

Bernadette!

Are you okay?

Don't let her get to you.

They say menopausal women are like that.

So you haven't told your mother yet?

Why not? I'm sure she'll understand.

If you want, I can help you.

You don't have to. But thanks anyway.

Hey, Josie, hurry up! We've been waiting for an hour.

- I'm done! - You're taking too long!

- I had to prepare my kids' food. - When will you ever change?

You should've done that earlier.

- You're always late. - You know me, I'm always late.

Let's go, we're wasting the evening!

- Where's your sister? - Still in her room.

Okay, okay. Go ahead, I'll just call...

- Come on! - I'll be there in a minute.

- Carla? - Hurry!

Carla, they're here. Let's go.

Hold on!

Carla? Come on.

Carla.

Why aren't you dressed yet? Come on.

Your Aunt Mercy and Lyn are waiting.

I'm not going.

I don't feel like it. And besides, I'm busy.

Carla.

Please.

♪ I've walked the streets Of San Francisco ♪

♪ I've tried the rides In Disneyland ♪

♪ Dated a million boys In Sydney ♪

♪ Somehow I feel Like I don't belong ♪

♪ Manila, Manila I keep coming back to Manila ♪

♪ Simply no place like Manila ♪

♪ Manila, I'm coming home ♪

♪ Everywhere I go I long for you, Manila ♪

♪ Your blaring sounds in my ears Keep playing ♪

♪ Your winged jeepneys Set my pulse racing ♪

♪ Your lovely girls Send my spirit soaring ♪

♪ Take me back In your arms, Manila ♪

♪ And promise me You'll never let go ♪

♪ Let go! ♪

♪ Promise me You'll never let go ♪

♪ Let go! ♪

♪ Manila, Manila Miss you like hell, Manila ♪

♪ No place in the world Like Manila ♪

♪ I'm coming home to stay ♪

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen,

the Holy Trinity!

- Weren't they terrific? - That was amazing.

Let's give them a hand, come on, show some pity.

Your number gave me a headache. What are your names?

- I'm Lyn. - Josie.

- Mercy. - All right!

- Where do you work? - In Hong Kong.

- We just arrived. - Me, I came home last year.

What are you, domestic help?

- Yes, that's right. We're DH. - We are.

Oh. Well, domestic helpers have noble jobs.

- That's right. - Yeah.

We're the new heroes of the land!

- That's right! - Dollar earners.

Like I said, it's an honorable profession.

When I was a child, my dream was to become a DH.

Really? Okay. Take him with you next time.

But of all the DH I've met, this one's got the reddest hair!

As red as our carpeting on the floor!

Right?

This one here looks like she survived an electric shock.

Too bad her hair didn't!

Watch it! I had this done in Hong Kong.

Even so, you didn't have to sentence it

to capital punishment.

No, it looks nice on her!

What about that one next to you?

She's all smiles, this one.

Thinks she's getting away scot-free.

Look, she's the only one with no color.

It can only mean one thing. She's flat broke!

You got it wrong, she had it dyed, too.

- What happened? - It used to be all white.

What do we have here, a comedienne?

We better get rid of them before we lose our jobs.

Thank you very much for coming.

Wait, we're not through yet!

Why?

- We still have one act. - I still have a solo.

She's going to sing, solo.

- And you two? - We'll back her up.

- Yes, back up. - Back up?

Okay, tell us what you're gonna sing.

It's ready, the DJ has it.

She's prepared.

She really prepared for this, didn't she?

You're such a headache.

- Of course, her family's here! - Where?

There! There they are.

Carla, Michael, Daday. I love you!

Look at her.

Children, is this your mother?

Sorry then, can't do anything about it.

That's that, no return, no exchange.

Okay, so once again, ladies and gentlemen,

a round of applause for Josie and the chipmunks!

♪ When a heart ♪

♪ Learns how to love ♪

♪ Its every beat ♪

♪ Has color and meaning ♪

♪ But if our love ♪

♪ starts to fade away ♪

♪ Like a pebble resting ♪

♪ On sandy shore ♪

♪ Every feeling ♪

♪ Is a mystery ♪

♪ The promise ♪

♪ Of eternal love, a dream ♪

♪ In heaven ♪

♪ Will you wait for this ♪

♪ Pebble resting ♪

♪ On sandy shore? ♪

♪ But if our love ♪

♪ starts to fade away ♪

♪ Like a pebble resting ♪

♪ On sandy shore ♪

♪ Every feeling ♪

♪ Is a mystery ♪

♪ The promise ♪

♪ Of eternal love, a dream ♪

♪ In heaven ♪

♪ Will you wait for this ♪

♪ Pebble resting ♪

♪ On sandy shore? ♪

It was embarrassing.

She wasn't content singing just one song,

she had to sing another one!

I shouldn't have gone.

Relax. Don't let her get to you.

That's impossible.

As long as she's here, I'll never be at peace.

I wish she hadn't come back. We're better off without her.

Hey, isn't that Brian?

- Who's Brian? - Our classmate in History.

I hear he's got a big crush on you.

Really?

Wait, where are you going?

I'm going to get myself a boyfriend.

Your mother will get mad

if she finds out what you're doing.

- Then good. - Carla, don't!

- Hi! You're Brian, right? - Carla, hi!

Are you looking for something?

This one's nice. It just came out.

- You like me, don't you? - Huh?

I said, you like me, right?

Well, you're kinda cute...

and kinda nice.

So, all right, I can be your girlfriend.

Let's go. We're now a couple.

Ah, wait...

Are you gonna say no?

What the hell are you waiting for?

Wait.

Wait.

What's your problem?

You like me, don't you?

It's your loss.

Five payments! Are you kidding?

For a measly four hundred pesos?

My mark-up is very low as it is!

Please, Josie, times are hard here.

Besides, your goods haven't been that affordable

ever since the peso crashed.

I was only trying to help. If you want, I can take it back.

No, no, it's fine.

Here, take this one, too.

It's the latest fashion in Hong Kong.

Take this, too. I'll just put it on credit.

This one, too. And this...

Wait a second.

I bought this for Carla.

This one, too.

I gave these to her. How'd it get here?

Wait here.

Too bad, those are nice.

Carla?

Carla?

Door's open.

I just wanted to ask you about...

My god! A man! What's he doing here?

Meet Brian, my boyfriend. Brian, my mom.

Good morning, ma'am.

Gotta go, I'll be late.

Carla? Carla, wait.

- Carla. - What's going on?

Nothing. Wait. Bring Daday to your place.

- Why, what's the matter? - Just get Daday.

Just do as I say!

Ma'am...

I apologize for what happened.

I'm sorry.

I'm leaving now.

Sit down, have something to eat.

No, ma'am, thank you.

Sit!

Eat.

- Hot chocolate? - No, thanks.

Thanks.

Ma'am?

I know this is going to sound ridiculous.

But nothing happened last night.

My intentions are pure.

Come on.

- Michael, help us down here! - Carla. Your boyfriend is cute!

And he's very kind, too!

We bought a lot of stuff. We're gonna fix your flooring.

You're Michael?

I'm Brian.

Are you my sister's new boyfriend?

Yeah. I guess that'd be me.

Come in.

Brian...

Your mother's fun to be with, she's such a riot!

Hey. Come on, go inside.

You know, your boyfriend's a terrific driver!

He knew exactly where to go

so we didn't get stuck in traffic.

- He met all of our requirements. - Requirements for what?

He said he needed extra income,

so we hired him to drive one of the taxis.

What?

Let's go. Go.

Brian's not reporting for work tomorrow.

We have an agreement. Is that what he told you?

No, it's what I'm telling you.

He's my boyfriend. Not your driver.

That's why I want to know him better.

Because if he's the one you're gonna be with

for the rest of your life, I have to.

I'm not spending the rest of my life with him.

Then you shouldn't have brought him home.

Do I make myself clear?

Bernadette?

Huh?

Who's Bernadette? Is she pretty?

- Let me see. - Uh...

- Let me see. Let me see. - Mom, don't...

- Let me see. - Mom...

Let's see.

"Dear Bernadette, thanks for always being there for me.

I appreciate your friendship."

Hey, that's a good start.

I didn't know you had a knack for writing love letters.

"For me, you are the nicest and prettiest

among all our classmates."

Here, let me add this.

Why, Mom, did you write many love letters to Dad?

Kind of.

But it wasn't just him I wrote to.

There were three others.

Really?

- You wanna know their names? - Yeah.

Let me see...

Carla, Daday, and... Do you know the other one?

Son, it's okay to fall in love,

just promise you won't forget your studies, okay?

Don't let yourself get too distracted.

It'll be a shame if you lost your scholarship.

Okay, let me add something.

I'll write it down, copy it later.

"You are an angel who stands

- as my sole inspiration..." - Mom?

- Mom. - Yes?

There's something I have to tell you.

- What? - Quit bugging me!

- We're through! - Isn't that your sister?

What's so wrong about me driving part-time?

That's why I don't like you.

You can't even do me this small favor.

If this stupid taxi means more to you than I do, fine.

I'm wasting my time on you.

- Carla. - Go away!

Here, Carla, I've ironed your clothes.

Let me have one.

You look surprised.

Right, you've never seen me smoke before.

I do this in Hong Kong, especially during winter.

I don't have a heater in my room.

What happened to Brian?

We're through.

Just like that?

Just like that.

I've had it with him. He's boring.

Just because someone's nice doesn't mean they're boring.

If they're too nice, yes.

Makes you wanna throw up.

So you like troublemakers, huh?

We're the same.

That's why I fell for your father.

My father, a troublemaker? I find that hard to believe.

You know nothing.

When he was young, he had so many vices.

Drinking, smoking, gambling.

He'd always hang out at the pool tables.

And my god, he's a real gangster.

And then we met.

He said I was the only girl

who straightened him out.

Not even his mother could tame him!

I don't know what it was about me that made him change.

Is that why you lost interest when he changed for the better?

I don't get what you mean.

That's why you left, right?

To escape from your life here with him!

Why are you saying that? You know that's not true.

I left for the sake of the family.

You left so you could buy all the things he couldn't give you!

So I could give you and your siblings

a chance at a better life!

Why do you accuse me of such things?

You've been angry with me since the day I arrived!

What did I do to you? Tell me!

Something's bothering you.

You've made that plain enough to see.

Stop beating around the bush and give it to me straight!

Carla, I'm sorry if I raised my voice,

I've just been so fed up.

Carla? Carla, please.

Let's talk.

Think what you will of me,

but not that I didn't love your father.

I loved him. It never changed. Even now, I still love him.

Then why didn't you show up when he died?

Wait, you know what happened to me.

I wrote you a letter!

Carla!

Years after I come back,

nothing has changed.

Why do I even work myself to death over there?

I hope the next time I come home...

Never mind. I keep repeating myself.

Don't worry, I'll find a job so we can save up.

So you can come home for good.

You keep saying that. Just do it.

Carla, it's time for me to go.

- Be good, okay? - Yes, I will.

- Michael. - Mom!

Daday.

Take care of them.

All right. Take care.

Mom!

Love? Is that what you call love?

You were never there for him.

Not even when he died in an accident

at the construction site.

You never came back.

I don't care what your reasons are.

All I know is that you weren't there.

Rudy, where are you?

How do I explain to them

that I had no choice but to leave?

You left before I did.

To work in Taiwan.

But you were gone only four months when...

Josie!

Rudy?

- What are you doing here? - Josie...

I'm sorry.

I can't take it.

I just couldn't be without my family.

Fuck, it's so lonely there!

I'd die without you and the kids.

I missed you all so much.

I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat.

Josie, I'd die without you and the kids.

Is it so terrible to have dreams for our family?

I wasn't asking for too much.

A nice home, a good school for the kids,

maybe our own business someday.

Or not even that,

enough food on the table would be better.

Great, we have more space!

Now we can play!

Michael, you're it!

Let's play!

Come on, hop on my back. We'll play tag with Carla.

Carla, join us. Come!

- Here's Michael. - I'll catch you!

I had to leave.

Take care of them. Remember what I told you, okay?

- Mommy... - Michael, be a good boy.

I want all your grades to be above 90.

Mom.

Carla, while I'm away, take care of Michael and your Dad, okay?

No! I don't want to!

I'll miss you!

Tell you what, so you won't miss me,

- keep writing me letters. - I don't want to!

Write to me and tell me what's keeping you busy.

- It's not enough! - And tell me good things, okay?

- Nothing bad, okay? - No!

- Please? So I won't be lonely. - Mom!

I really don't want to.

I need to do this. I need to.

We need to.

Mom!

It isn't true that I didn't love Rudy.

Until now, I love him very much.

But I love my children more.

Even more than myself.

What's the problem?

Mercy, go on, tell us.

- What? - What?

- What? - What?

I'm backing out from the taxi business.

Why? What happened?

The money I set aside for it...

it's gone.

Mercy, you can't do this to us.

It's Josie's neck and mine that's on the line.

I'm really sorry. You know what?

I regret ever having gone overseas.

Truth is, I was able to save more back then,

than when I started earning in dollars.

I don't know.

It's as if evil spirits had possessed my family

while I was away!

For the life of me, I can't understand

why I hardly recognize them anymore.

I have a question.

What?

Your son, the call boy, maybe he'd like to invest?

Josie...

Josie, you've been gone a long time.

They're still getting used to having you around.

And you're still getting used to them yourself.

Give them time.

- Where are you going? - I'm leaving.

Carla!

I need to do this.

Go to this place if you need me.

Be good.

Hey, sexy.

- Does Dondon Mallari live here? - Yes.

- Are you done? - Yeah, it's right there.

- Come on! - Thank you!

- What are you doing here? - I'm bringing you home.

You're done for!

Which one's your room?

First door on the right.

You can't go in there!

- Try and stop me! - Let me see the fight!

We're going home, we need to talk!

- I'm not going with you! Wait! - We're going home together!

Where are your things?

- Leave! I don't want you here! - It's so messy!

Where's your things?

- Leave me alone! - This is yours, right?

- Stop meddling! - You're so sloppy!

- Aren't you even ashamed? - Give me that!

Give me that! I said, give me that!

You'll come with me!

I'm not going with you!

- Come here! - Let go of me!

Hey, if there's a problem, we'll work it out as a family.

Running away won't solve anything.

I didn't work to death abroad to come home to this.

Whoa!

You're all illusions when it comes to our family!

Who are these guys, anyway?

- They look like bums! - You want me to believe...

Junkies, drug addicts!

You think you can solve your problems, but you can't!

What are they gonna feed you? Drugs?

Having worked abroad doesn't mean you're free...

- What's happening to you? - ...to do anything you want!

Tell me the truth! You weren't like this before.

- Let go of this! - Stop it!

You're great playing mother to other kids except your own!

- That's enough, we're going! - Let go of me! I said, let go!

How dare you start acting like a mother to me now!

I'm not acting, this is for real!

I'm still your mother, so you'll listen to what I say.

Nothing you do will ever change the fact that I'm your mother!

You really want me to go home?

All right, take this home!

And this! I don't need your trash from Hong Kong!

- Stop it, Carla! - Take it! Take it!

Carla, stop this! What's happening to you?

- Carla! - Let me go! Let me go!

- What's happening to you? - Let go of me!

Please, stop it!

Shut up, junkies!

- Carla! Carla! - What do you want?

- I hate you! - Stop it!

Stop! Carla!

And the winner is...

Carla!

Carla, Carla!

I'd hit her if I were you.

Then she would've resisted more.

Maybe both of you should talk seriously.

A talk? I'd even throw in a kick.

What? She'll be more aggressive.

Why do you allow her to treat you like this?

I don't know.

Maybe because I feel guilty

I wasn't here for them when they were growing up.

I was wrong. I shouldn't have left them.

Don't be silly.

You didn't come to Hong Kong to go on a shopping spree.

You were only looking after their future.

I know, but why does it feel like a mistake?

Maybe I should've been content and stayed here.

We would've probably starved,

but at least I'd always be at their side.

If they only knew the hell I went through,

what I had to endure.

I did it for them.

And this is what I get.

Did I do the wrong thing?

No. You did the right thing.

That's what I keep telling myself.

I made the right choice.

Because if not, we'd be living in the streets.

- I had no choice. - Exactly!

What more can they ask of you?

If they depended on their father...

Their good-for-nothing father whom they worship no end.

If not for you...

Why don't you tell them the truth?

No, I can never do that.

I can't change how they see Rudy.

That's why you're the bad guy, while Rudy can do no wrong.

He's dead, how can he go wrong? Lucky son of a bitch!

What's happening to your sister?

Tell me.

Where did we go wrong? What else can we do?

Ma...

I know this isn't the time

to bring this up, but...

But...

What? Christ, Norma!

Tell your husband to drive more carefully.

Three thousand pesos is a lot of money!

But it was an accident...

He didn't mean to? It was an accident?

How come it's my bankbook that's bleeding?

How come nobody warned me

that money around here has become like water?

You hold it in your hands,

and before you know it, it's gone.

Electricity, water, food, the kids' allowance!

My goodness!

Now, I also have to pay double the tuition...

They're leaving me one by one, Rudy.

Carla, and now, Michael.

I don't know what to do.

Before you left, I wish you told me

how to be a mother to the children that you raised.

Are you punishing me, Rudy?

Remember everything I tell you!

Ma'am, when are you coming back?

In four weeks. You take care of house.

You clean everything, okay?

Sir, how about my vacation, you promised?

No vacation.

And you guard everything. Okay? Everything.

I will take your passport.

- Sir, no, please! - No.

- Sir, no, no, please. - There's food in kitchen.

You eat, and remember, feed birds.

How about my pay?

Please. Please don't leave me.

Ma'am, please!

- Bye, Josie. Bye, Josie. - Please help, ma'am!

Ma'am, please. Ma'am!

Sir, ma'am! Please!

Sir! Have some pity!

Ma'am!

[SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

Jason,

would you like to go to Disneyland?

- Yes, Mama. - Good boy.

- Jason! Jason! - Josie!

I missed you! My goodness.

- Oh, sir, welcome home, sir! - Yes.

- Everything okay? - Yes, sir! Yes, sir!

Ma'am, nice to see you, ma'am.

- Did you feed the birds? - Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

Leave the bags, you rest now. I'll take care of this.

I'll cook for you. Good food, ma'am! Good food!

Josie, you have a letter from Manila.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am!

I'll cook for you, good food.

Josie, what happened?

I asked them to let me go home,

but they wouldn't let me.

They hid my passport.

They were cruel, Rudy. Very cruel.

Michael.

Michael, my child.

Where have you been?

Huh?

You foolish kid! What were you thinking?

You're my son.

I love you.

Do you understand? Mom loves you very much!

Ma, I love you, too!

Mom, I'm sorry.

- Mom! Mom! - Yes?

Mom, let's eat. Come on.

In a while, Daday. I just need to finish this up.

Please. Please, Mom. Let's go eat.

It's important and I need to finish this.

- You go ahead and eat. - Please, Mom.

I made it for you. Please?

- Please, Mom? - Oh, all right.

Here, hurry!

My child's so kind. Did you make this yourself?

- Yes, Mom! - Really?

Mommy's quite hungry, actually. Shall we eat together?

- Yes, Mom! - Okay, then.

What the...

Jesus, Daday.

What's gotten into you?

What was that for? Are you trying to kill me?

Don't ever do that again, you hear me?

That filthy frog, do you even know where it came from?

Why do you keep on laughing?

Aren't you listening to what I'm saying?

I'm listening, Mom.

Then why can't you stop laughing?

My teacher said that if your mother scolds you,

it means that she loves you very much.

That's why I'm happy

because now I know how much you love me.

Come here.

How did you grow up without me?

- Lyn, Josie's here. - Oh, hey.

- Hi. - What took you so long?

- Come, get some food. Mm. - Mwah!

How dare you. You surprised me.

- When do you leave? - This Sunday.

Why all of a sudden? Did something happen?

There's nothing sudden about my decision.

I've given this a lot of thought.

I'm leaving Al.

Edgar and I are gonna live together in Hong Kong.

- Does Al know? - No.

When do you plan to tell him?

I don't want to hurt him. None of this is his fault.

The only reason I went with him was to get away from my family.

They don't give me room to breathe,

and all my siblings depend on me.

I thought I'd learn to love him eventually,

but I never did.

That's why I went to Hong Kong, to escape from him.

But I've had it.

I'm so sick and tired of running.

Tell Al even if it hurts him.

He has a right to know.

By the way, about the taxi...

I'm selling my share of the business.

I don't think I can keep up with the payments.

I'll need the money while I look for a new employer in Hong Kong.

Carla, hi.

Meet Joey. Joey, that's Carla.

Hi.

Hey. What are you up to now?

- Don, is there a problem? - Stay there.

Hey, what's up?

Let go of me.

Is it Joey? Come on.

There's no problem with her. She's game.

In fact, we were waiting for you.

Come on, it'll be fun!

Fuck you!

I don't want any part of it, pigs!

You bitch!

- Fuck you! - Don't mind her! Don!

- Go! Go home! - You fucker!

- Let go of me! - I'm a pig, huh?

- You're shameless. - You're shameless, too!

I let you live in my house, yet you still complain!

Get out of here!

Go home to your mother! You're both crazy!

You son of a bitch!

Carla, that's enough. You're already drunk.

Macy, cut it out.

I called you to drink with me, not for a lecture.

Just leave me alone!

- Let's go, Macy. - Suit yourself!

- Carla, stop it! - Carla, cut it out!

- Carla! Carla! - Carla!

Let go of me!

Carla!

Where could she be?

Her friend said she was drinking in one of the bars here.

Is that her? I think it's...

- There she is! - Pull over! Pull over!

- Carla! - Sis!

Carla? What are you doing here?

- Carla, let's go home. - Sis! Sis!

Let's go home.

What are you doing? Sis!

- Carla! Carla! - Sis!

- Let go of me! Let go! - Sis!

Carla, that's enough!

Let's go home! This is embarrassing!

Carla, come on!

- Carla! - Sis!

What's wrong with you?

- Sis! - Carla!

- Sis, let's go home! - Let's go home! Carla!

- Ugh! - Carla!

- That's enough. - Let's go.

Stop this, Carla. Please.

- Stop this. - Leave me alone!

Carla, please!

I'm not going home!

Please stop this.

Please, Carla.

Nobody loves me.

That's not true. We love you. Mommy loves you very much.

Just leave me alone.

Your fever's down.

Brian dropped by. He was asking about you.

He brought you some fruits.

Here, I made you your favorite.

Here.

The doctor said you lost the baby.

I didn't know you were pregnant.

You don't know a thing.

Carla...

Why don't you go back to Hong Kong?

Maybe you're right. Maybe it's best if I stay there.

Right, that's where you belong.

I'm not used to you taking care of me.

Besides, it's not as if this is the first time I got pregnant.

The only difference is, this time, I had a miscarriage.

Before, I had an abortion.

Why didn't you tell me?

You could've written a letter.

What the fuck?

Didn't you tell me not to write unless it was good news?

- That's not what I meant... - What did you mean then?

I wanted you to be happy even though I was far away.

I only wanted to keep happy memories of you

to get me through the hard times.

You had a hard time?

Then why did you keep going back?

- Because... - Don't bother, I know.

You did it for us.

To give us a better life.

Now that you're here, is our life good?

Did we turn out fine?

Look what all your precious sacrifice came to.

Our lives are shit!

Carla, you know that's not true.

You think so? You think you know us that well?

Look at Michael.

Do you know he has a hard time dealing with other kids his age?

Or that for two months after father died,

he could barely speak a word?

And Daday, what do you know about her?

About all the fevers and wounds she's been through.

She wasn't even a year old when you walked out on her.

You weren't even here when she uttered her first word.

So don't tell me

you know what's true and what's not true about us.

Because you don't know a thing!

You're giving up, is that it?

Why are there so many people here everyday?

Rain or shine, droves of them are hoping to go abroad.

The first, the second, probably even the third time,

I'm sure it's about money.

The fourth, the fifth, the sixth time they leave,

I wonder if money's still the reason.

Have you ever wondered why,

when a man is able to give his family food,

clothing, shelter,

and when he's able to send his children to school,

people are quick to say what a good father he is.

But if you're a woman,

even after you've given your children all those things,

even your heart and your soul,

it's still not enough for you to be called a good mother.

Sometimes, I wish we could say, "Oops, that's it.

That's as far as I can go in being a mother."

We mothers also get tired, don't we?

My goodness, Josie.

Even if I bang my head against a wall

for a hundred times,

I still can't answer that question.

All I know

is that it's not our fault that we have to leave,

that we have to leave our families

just to earn a living.

Do you think if we have a decent source of income here,

we'd still let ourselves work like slaves abroad?

- What's wrong? - Mom, please don't go.

Daday, Mommy needs to do this.

I promise you, I'll be back soon.

Okay?

Help your brother pack up. Go on.

Daday, come here. Help me.

- Go, help your brother. - Come on.

Wrap this up.

So, why the long face?

Aren't you used to it?

You better start getting used to broken promises,

and not having a housemaid around.

That's enough.

Fried eggplant? That's all we're having?

Don't worry, once she starts sending money,

we'll have plenty to eat.

Not only that.

We'll have T-shirts, perfume, shoes, bags...

- Stop it! - Michael.

Michael, take Daday to the bedroom. Come on.

Go on, Daday, my child. Go to the bedroom.

Go with your brother. Go.

Will you stop calling her your child?

She'll only miss it when you're gone.

You're the only one

who doesn't recognize me as your mother.

Really?

Give Daday a few weeks.

Let's see if she starts calling Aunt Norma her mother again.

What else do you want from me Carla?

I'm leaving. This is what you want, isn't it?

Yes, and I hope you never come back!

You have no respect for me at all!

- Mom! - Then what?

What, you're running away again? Huh?

All right, then go! Leave!

- That's what I'll do! - Sure!

Go ahead and ruin your life!

Waste your life on all your vices!

- Have your fill of men! - I definitely will!

Go ahead!

- Sis. - Get yourself pregnant!

Mom, stop.

Let's see if your child would still respect you

when you start prostituting yourself just to feed him!

You know, I thank God

that two children weren't born from a woman

who's as irresponsible and selfish as you!

If I ever become a mother,

I'll make sure we'll always be together.

I won't ruin their lives only for money!

- How dare you! - Mom, stop it!

How dare you!

- You ungrateful brat! - Stop it!

I didn't ruin your life, you did it yourself!

How dare you! How dare you!

You ungrateful wretch! How dare you!

If you don't like me, then I don't like you either!

You didn't choose me. I didn't choose you.

If you're thinking you didn't choose me to be your mother,

I wish you also considered

that I didn't choose this kind of life for all of my children!

If you're thinking I should've kept you in my womb,

I wish you also considered

how many times I wished I never had any of you

so all of you can be spared from this miserable life!

But I'm here now.

You're all here.

It doesn't matter whether I'm here

or at some other part of the world.

I will always carry the obligation

to give you a good life, because I'm your mother.

You don't understand.

I never asked you for anything.

You wanted those things for us, not me!

It's because I love you.

I love you.

Now, tell me.

You say I don't understand you?

Why, Carla?

Have you ever tried to understand me?

No.

All you think about is yourself.

I wish you'd show even a little appreciation

for all the sacrifices I made for you.

Every time you smoke or drink,

when you spend the money I worked so hard for,

I wish you'd think of all the times I went without food

just to send you a little more money.

When you lie in bed, sleeping,

I wish you'd think of the countless nights I spent alone,

longing to be embraced by the ones I love.

I wish you'd realize how hard it was for me

to take care of other people's children,

knowing that my own children needed me more.

Do you know how painful that is to a mother?

Do you know how painful it is?

If you can't respect me as your mother,

then just respect me as a person.

That's it, Carla. That's all I ask.

Mom!

I'm sorry.

I guess I don't have a clear picture of what I am,

who I am.

What I know is,

I grew up without anyone to guide me.

Do you know how it feels?

Without a mother to tell me

that I'm good...

that I'm pretty...

that I'm special.

I don't know what I'm talking about.

I don't know what I'm trying to say here.

I guess...

what I really want to say is...

we lost so much more when you left us.

Nothing can take your place.

Not even any amount of money.

You're our mother.

My mother.

I understand you.

I do.

I'm sorry.

Mom! Mom!

Mom!

Mom! Mom!

- Mom! - Mom!

Dear Mom,

how are you?

Did you get the pictures of Daday's First Communion?

She's so cute, don't you think?

I'm sorry if the ink suddenly changed.

Michael snatched my ballpen.

He says he'll write Bernadette another love letter.

I just told him to copy my love letters from Brian.

They're corny, but quite effective, I admit.

Oh, I have news for you.

I got the courage to join an essay writing contest at school.

The topic was about Overseas Filipino Workers.

I thought about you and started crying,

until time was up and I didn't get to finish.

I missed you, that's why.

But contest or no contest,

I'm going to finish what I started.

I'm hoping it'll get published in the school paper.

The important thing is that lots of people get to read it.

That's your story, our story.

I want to be able to say that more than anyone,

we, your children, and all the children of others like you,

are the first ones who should acknowledge you as real heroes.

♪ When you were brought Into this world ♪

♪ Your parents were overjoyed ♪

♪ Safe in their arms They were your guiding light ♪

♪ Both your mother and father ♪

♪ Didn't know what to do ♪

♪ They watch over you Even in your sleep ♪

♪ And at night Your mother stays up ♪

♪ Just to give you your milk ♪

♪ And in the morning ♪

♪ You're in the arms Of your father ♪

♪ Who's happy because of you ♪

♪ Now that you're all grown up ♪

♪ All you want is to be free ♪

♪ Even if they disagree They can't stop you ♪

♪ You suddenly changed ♪

♪ You started disobeying Their orders ♪

♪ You never heeded Their advice ♪

♪ You never once thought ♪

♪ That everything they do ♪

♪ Is for you ♪

♪ 'Cause all you wanted Was to follow your desires ♪

♪ You turned your back on them ♪

♪ Countless days have passed ♪

♪ And you were led astray ♪

♪ You fell deep into vices ♪

♪ And the first person You asked for help ♪

♪ Is your crying mother ♪

♪ And then she asks, "Child What happened to you?" ♪

♪ And your eyes Immediately shed tears ♪

♪ Without you noticing ♪

♪ With regret in your thoughts ♪

♪ You realized All of your mistakes ♪

♪ With regret in your thoughts ♪

♪ You realized All of your mistakes ♪

♪ With regret in your thoughts ♪

♪ You realized ♪

♪ All of your mistakes ♪