Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT

INTRODUCING, AS JULIO MADIAGA...

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY EDGARDO REYES

- What's your name? - Julio Madiaga.

I came by last week. You said to come back today.

- Ever been a laborer before? - Yes sir.

- Where? - Cubao, sir.

But that building's almost finished. They don't need laborers anymore.

Okay, you got the job.

But I don't like lazy people. You'll get 2.50 a day.

I was getting three pesos at --

Then work there!

Sorry, sir. I just thought --

Omeng!

Have him replace Gorio. Put Gorio back on cement mixing.

Thank you, Mr. Balajadia.

What's wrong?

Probably just hungry.

I haven't eaten since yesterday.

What happened?

Hasn't eaten anything. Probably collapsed from hunger.

Buddy, never go to work on an empty stomach.

What's going on?

Hasn't eaten since yesterday. He collapsed.

- Wait here. - Where's his food?

- What food? - His lunch.

Idiot! He has no lunch!

Exactly.

Okay, back to work. Your jobs waiting.

Go on!

Go on! Back to work!

Eat some of this.

Just leave me a little for lunch. - Thanks.

Watch out for the foreman.

He'll give you hell.

See you later.

Thanks, man.

Haven't smoked these in a while.

How did you end up here?

I don't know. Life's tough back home.

I was just a fisherman.

It's tougher here, my friend.

Life here's great if you have money. If not you're screwed.

- Any relatives here? - I don't know.

Probably a few, but I don't know them.

- You been here long? - About seven months.

How have you gotten by?

I had some money with me,

and I'd find odd jobs here or there.

Where do you sleep?

Anywhere I can.

You've got it rough.

Be thankful you're still fit for work.

I had a body like that when I first came from the province.

Look at me now -- thin as a grill rack.

- Why not find different work? - Like where?

Hey! We're trying to sleep here!

- I'm just practicing. - Practice later!

Take Benny.

Dreams of being a singer but somehow ended up here.

Lucky guy's got no family to take care of.

I've got a wife and six kids. Eight mouths to feed.

- What does Balajadia pay you? - Seven pesos.

That's 42 if I get a full week's work.

What's Fatso paying you?

2.50.

Crafty son of a bitch!

That's what he paid me when I first started.

In five months I've gotten a one-peso raise.

And then there's "taiwan.'

"Taiwan'? What's that?

It means they sell you your wages.

It works like this:

Say this is your pay on payday.

The contractor says...

"There are no funds, but theres 'taiwan.

We'll advance you the money...

but...

with a 10% deduction.'

What can a poor guy like you do,

always broke and living hand to mouth?

What can you do but "buy' your own wages,

even if it sticks in your craw.

What really hurts is "buying' your wages

with money they actually owe you.

It's like being fried in your own fat.

Dare complain and you're out of a job.

It's not easy finding work these days.

I'm leaving tomorrow...

with Mrs. Cruz.

Is your mind made up?

I'll try to make it in Manila. That's what Mother wants.

You could come too. - That's okay.

I'll just stay here and wait for you.

Abobo, Francisco.

Bondallan, Maximo...

Madiaga, Julio.

Why's it say four pesos, sir?

You telling me my job?

If I say sign, you sign!

That's my business!

Son of a bitch!

- But why's the paper say four? - That's the scam.

On paper they're paying us more. Its magic!

Don't dare complain again, or you'll be out of a job.

You can sleep here.

Lots of the guys do. You won't be alone.

- What's this? - For cigarettes.

Thanks, man.

Frank... Gido... Imo.

What's up?

Look after him.

They'll take care of you. They cook their meals here.

- You don't sleep here? - No, they go home to their families.

See you.

Stop singing and eat!

Where's Imo?

Washing up in back.

Imo, chow time!

Okay!

Imo's ambitious. Goes to night school.

You should too, man,

or you'll be stuck here forever.

Times have changed. You need a diploma these days.

The only way to get any respect is to finish school.

Just one thing I don't like about you, man.

You can't sing!

Smart-ass!

What about you, buddy? Any plans to study?

I'm too old.

There are people older than you going to school.

Like Maximo with his balding head.

Idiot! Stop making fun of my hair.

How old are you anyway? - Twenty-one.

Just 21?

Imo's 33 and losing his hair, but he's still studying.

What 33, moron? I'm 23!

You hear that? Good God!

Get an education, man. Just look at me.

Even with just four classes at a time, I’m nearly done.

It just takes persistence and, of course, a little brain power.

How far did you get in school?

I only finished elementary school.

Elementary school? Then that'd be kinda tough.

You too Benny: Go back to school before you shrivel up.

There's no future in this hellhole.

See you later!

Bye. Study well, son.

Protect that bald spot from the cold night air.

Assholes!

I gotta hand it to Imo.

The fool's got ambition.

But this life's okay for me. I got no problems.

What do you say?

Nothing much.

What do you mean, nothing much?

What are you asking?

What are you doing here?

- I don't know. - Run away from home?

Yeah.

Same with me. I ran away too.

About two years ago.

I'm from Cebu.

But now I'm a Manila boy.

With a thick Visayan accent!

It's hot!

Someday it will be more than chuck steak and liver for me.

The food's better back home.

They why not go home?

I think about it sometimes, but --

What would you do there?

Plow the land. But then I have second thoughts.

Life's still better here.

Right. With the hardships come the pleasures.

Here, with three pesos in your pocket, you can be happy.

It's true. Lots of places to go, and lots of women!

Not just that. Life here may be hard,

but there's always a chance you'll hit the jackpot.

Like me. If I make it as a singer here, I'll make it big time!

- If you get lucky. - I will!

Back home if you're born with the plow,

you die with the plow.

Then it's settled. I'll take her to Manila.

Hear that? She's taking you to Manila.

The work's easy,

and there are lots of other girls from here.

You get free food while making 30 pesos a month.

Just think about it.

God knows you'll never earn that kind of money here.

I'll even send you to school.

Hear that? Think about it.

You can send money home for your siblings education.

Madiaga! Get off your ass!

Where's Imo?

Why are you late?

Just looking for the chief electrician.

Why? You work for him now?

Just returning his newspaper.

Do I pay you to read? Get to work!

Lazy bums!

You're being paid to work!

Sing it, man!

Hey! It's too early for that.

Now you can sing all you want!

Any requests?

I was kidding, idiot!

- What will it be? - Sing "Thirst.'

"Thirst'?

My broken heart grieves

Sing it!

Watch out!

Let's go! Quick!

That's what happens when you fool around.

Move him slowly.

Careful with his head.

Is he dead?

- Call a cab, quick! - Makati Medical Center?

No, take him where it's free!

Just hurry!

Hurry up!

Careful with his head.

Make way! Get him to the hospital.

What are you men looking at?

You slacking off?

Go on!

Back to work!

You too!

Back to work!

Useless bums!

What about you? Get back to work.

That goes for all of you.

Why are you sitting around?

No reason, sir.

- Get back to work. - Yes, sir.

Take your shoes off a minute.

- Lucky it's just your foot. - Yeah.

Poor Benny.

He was too happy-go-lucky.

Hold it! That hurts!

It's swollen. Maybe you should go home.

It could get worse.

I'll just deal with it.

I can't lose a half-day's pay. That's 1.75 pesos.

He's dead.

What happens to him now?

Nothing! He's dead. Finished.

Has he got relatives here?

No.

If no one claims his body from the morgue

they’ll probably sell it to a school to be dissected by medical students.

Lay off the wheelbarrow.

Stick to shoveling. Your foot could get worse.

Thanks, man.

This is where we live. We're just squatters.

Who do you live with?

My father and sister.

- And your mother? - She's dead.

- What's it like living here? - You get used to it.

We get by somehow.

The canal's really black.

They're all like that.

- Atong what happened? - Some boards fell on my foot.

- Be more careful. - I will.

- Off to work early? - It's hard to find a cab.

- So pretty today! - Mind your own business!

Just looking at the water makes me itch.

- What happened to you, Atong? - Accident at work.

Eat up. Don't be shy.

We may be poor but we manage to eat.

What about Perla?

She'll eat after she feeds Father.

Look at those kids. Not a care in the world.

That won't last long. Wait till they grow up.

Julio, you're taking too long!

I'm pushing as hard as I can!

Julio, stop that!

My father's paralyzed.

He was shot in the spine.

How did he get shot?

Our land was taken from us.

We used to farm 12 acres in Quezon City.

Until Giazon a Spanish millionaire, seized it.

We lost the dispute.

We were ordered to leave, but we refused.

Father was stubborn. Said they'd have to kill him first.

When the bulldozer came, he charged with his bolo knife.

One of Giazon's men shot him.

How could they take it if it was rightfully yours?

We didn't have papers to prove ownership.

But Giazon did.

Father insisted the land had always been in our family.

Our ancestors had been born there.

But it didn't matter.

We still lost the case.

Duck eggs!

Want a Chinese girl? Still in school. Very young.

It's your lucky day. How about it?

She'll give you a manicure, a pedicure, the works.

She's really good.

Here comes the accountant with our pay!

Line up.

I'm afraid the contractor's got no funds again.

Then it's "taiwan' again!

Quiet!

It's better than nothing.

Then "taiwan' it is.

- Six pesos? - Yes, that's my last price.

Make it 1.50.

I say six and you say 1.50?

You're not buying dried fish! Go somewhere else.

I'm just trying to bargain!

- You call that bargaining? - Fine!

I don't want your money. You can shove it!

You're wasting my time. - I don't want it anyway!

- Bitch! - You're the bitch!

- Ugly witch! - You're uglier!

- Come here! - Wanna fight?

Get out of here!

Go shop at the flea market!

- Bitch! - You're the bitch!

- Stuck-up old hag! - Pest!

Ma'am...

Sorry about that.

How much for this?

Nine pesos. That's my best price.

I'll give you six. The fabric's kinda thin.

That's too low. Eight and it's yours.

That's still too much. Make it six.

- This is nice fabric. - Can't afford it. Let's go.

I'll make no profit at six pesos.

Sir, come back!

How about seven?

6.50.

Seven is the lowest I go.

Wait! How about 6.80?

I'm sure we can agree on that.

Okay, wrap it up.

You're lucky we're closing soon. I'm taking a loss.

Julio?

Mrs. Cruz!

Police!

What's wrong? Julio!

Thanks.

Why did you run after that woman?

She looked like the woman who took Ligaya.

Who's Ligaya?

This is just between you and me.

Ligaya's my girl from back home.

And the woman you were chasing?

She looked like the woman who brought Ligaya here.

I didn't know her but they called her Mrs. Cruz.

She was fat, like the woman I ran after.

Mrs. Cruz came to our town looking for young girls.

She said they'd be factory workers in Manila,

and they could go to school too.

She recruited three girls from our town.

One of them was my girlfriend.

Where is she now?

I don't know. I mean, I'm not sure.

Does your family know you're here in Manila?

No. I left without telling anyone.

Your mother must be worried about you.

My parents died a long time ago.

The four of us kids were still young.

We got split up among aunts and uncles.

We grew up separately.

I ended up with a cantankerous uncle who liked his coconut liquor.

He got abusive whenever he drank.

- What now? - What do you mean?

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

What's wrong, man?

I lost all my money.

How?

Someone brought a woman in here.

At first only Enteng was interested.

I really wasn't.

But when the show started,

I got horny and lost all control.

They pushed it in my face!

Like the devil himself jumped on my back.

- Where's this going on? - Over there.

Gido just finished. He was sixth in line.

- Isn't that forbidden here? - Try stopping them now!

How did they get in here?

The guard must have let them in.

Goddamn it! Why'd they let those devils in?

Buddy...

you got any money to spare?

I really need to buy an exam book for tomorrow.

Here's three pesos.

- Will you be okay? - Don't worry about it.

Thanks. Sorry to even ask...

but I really need it.

Till next payday. - Okay.

How was it, man? Good?

Great. I'm off to wash up!

How about you, my friend? You want some?

Cheap, like I charged your friends.

Look, he's the last one.

Come here!

Get a load of that body!

Take a look, buddy.

Not interested? - No.

- You may be sorry. - No.

Whatever you say. Your loss.

Listen up!

The building's almost finished.

As you all know...

I have to let some of you go.

Some of you are no longer needed.

If I call your name sorry, but that's how it is.

What's going on?

You broke it! Just leave! I'll clean it up.

So careless! Cost me money.

Buddy, what happened to your girl?

What girl?

Ligaya, right?

Who told you about her?

Atong.

Ligaya's been my girlfriend for a long time now.

But her mother didn't approve of me.

Said I was just a fisherman.

Her mother had high hopes for her.

One day this Mrs. Cruz came to our town.

Fat woman. Looked like a pig.

She was looking for girls who wanted to work in Manila.

She guaranteed them work.

Said she'd send them to school too.

She told stories about the good life in Manila.

Especially for the pretty ones.

She convinced Ligaya's mother to send her

to Manila.

Ligaya was reluctant, but she was also curious about Manila.

She even asked me to go with her.

She only wrote me once.

I wrote her a few letters, but she never wrote back.

One day a letter arrived at Ligaya's house.

Her mother was in tears.

It said Ligaya was missing.

Mrs. Cruz wrote that Ligaya had run off without notice...

and that she was missing a pair of diamond earrings.

She said Ligaya had no sense of gratitude.

That filthy pig.

Where's your girl now?

That's why I came to Manila.

I had a lot of money at first:

137 pesos.

I searched all over...

but...

no sign of Ligaya.

I must have scoured every corner of the city.

One day, in Pandacan...

I got mugged by a gang of guys.

Luckily they didn't take my diary.

It's where I keep Ligaya's only letter.

What did you do then?

What else could I do?

I couldn't look for her on an empty stomach.

Luckily I found construction work in Cubao.

A big new building just like this one was going up.

There I became friends with Pol, a coworker.

He goes to school too, like you.

I told him about Ligaya.

He said...

"Mrs. Cruz" was probably just an alias

that the woman uses when she's on the prowl for girls.

He said, "Ligaya's probably pretty, right?"

I said...

"Yes, Ligaya's beautiful.'

To me, she's the most beautiful woman.

The most beautiful girl in our town.

I took Pol's advice...

and went to Doroteo Jose Street.

I got lucky.

My very first day watching there, I spotted Mrs. Cruz.

She looked like a pig.

Probably has the soul of a pig too.

I followed her everywhere she went...

but...

nothing came of it.

Then one day I followed her again...

to the Santa Cruz district to a block on Misericordia.

There she entered a building with a sign that said "Chua Tek."

I waited.

Probably half an hour.

After she left, I went up to the door.

Yes?

Is Ligaya here?

- Ligaya who? - Ligaya Paraiso.

I don't know the name of the master's wife. I'm new here.

Who is it?

He's looking for someone named Ligaya Paraiso.

There's no one here by that name!

What do you plan to do if it's really her?

I've been thinking.

Could I ask the police to help?

The police? Are you crazy?

You can't do that,

especially if she's already married to that Chinese guy.

You'd have a tough time getting her back.

Maybe if you had money.

But the guy's Chinese.

They always have lots of money.

By the way...

could you work for me tomorrow?

I have an important appointment.

- You should tell Mr. Balajadia. - No he'd just get mad.

He'd never let me go.

But I gotta skip work for that appointment.

What'll I tell Mr. Balajadia?

Tell him I had to go to a relative's funeral.

Really? Who died?

No one! I just made that up.

I'm applying for a new job tomorrow. - Where?

An advertising company.

Hey, man.

You can't sleep here anymore.

Why not?

According to the contractor,

laid-off workers can't sleep here anymore.

Contractor's orders. That's why I'm here.

Where will you sleep tonight?

I don't know. Anywhere I can.

I wish I could take you in, but theres no room.

I've got six kids.

Come sleep at my place.

I was hoping you'd say that.

What about tomorrow? What are you gonna do?

I'll see.

Its tough luck with Christmas practically here.

I'm saving up my salary for Christmas.

I can finally buy Perla new shoes and a new dress.

She hasn't had anything new in a long time.

She has to look sharp this Christmas, right?

Yeah.

What are you paid for overtime?

Same as the regular rate.

It's like a half-day's pay.

It's just another four hours.

Shouldn't overtime pay be higher?

It should...

but our contractor doesn't follow the rules.

If you tell Fatso that...

he'll say he's not forcing you to work overtime.

Doesn't matter.

Overtime's a big help.

Man that lucky guys gonna have a merry Christmas!

What guy?

Imo.

The lucky bastard!

Some people have all the luck.

How much they pay you?

250 pesos, man!

Imagine! 250 pesos!

When will we ever see that kind of money?

Oh, well.

Some people really have all the luck.

Just getting home?

Lots of customers last night? - None of your business!

- Let me have a feel. - Watch it!

Dirty old man!

Bastard! Your child's hungry!

- Where will you go? - III see.

Don't worry about me. Thanks for breakfast, Perla.

- Come back soon. - Will do.

Take care.

But why go work in Manila?

It's what Mother wants.

And Mrs. Cruz says she'll send me to school there.

Don't you want that?

And she'll find me work. That means I can help Mother.

Please say yes. I won't be there forever.

Please...

Something bad could happen.

Don't worry. Edes and Sating are coming too.

I've been looking for this kid. Sorry for the bother, sir.

Thief! He stole my purse! Stop him!

Thief!

Someone call the cops!

That's him!

Help!

Please! I won't do it again!

Hey, mister!

Thank you!

Presenting Miss international: Aurora Piwan.

You're so beautiful!

A man...

Fall in line! Quick!

Hey, big boy!

What a snob!

Looks like our plans aren't happening.

Here he is.

Looks like he just got out of bed.

What do you want?

Nothing.

Got a light, buddy?

You hang around here?

Why are you here?

No reason.

I thought you didn't have a light.

I was kidding.

Just being cautious with a stranger. Cigarette?

It's not safe around here.

Especially if you're alone.

Lots of pickpockets around.

I have nothing worth stealing.

Why are you alone?

I know lots of people here. I have lots of friends.

What's your name anyway?

I'm Bobby Reyes.

I'm Julio. Madiaga.

Any plans tonight?

No.

Wanna have a good time?

No, thanks. I'm broke.

Leave that to me.

Thanks. I just want to rest here.

It's dangerous around here.

You could end up in jail.

Come to my apartment, if you like.

It's in Ermita.

What did you do in construction?

- I was just a laborer. - What did you earn?

2.50 a day, but four on paper.

The foreman takes the difference.

2.50 a day? How'd you survive?

If you like, you can stay here until you find a place.

Sure I won't be in the way? Your apartment's really nice.

It's no problem.

Don't you have family?

They're in the province.

I work here in Manila, but I visit them once a week.

What's your work?

I work in a nightclub.

Could I work there too?

That depends on you. You'd need nice clothes.

Wait a minute.

Here, try this shirt on.

I can't just borrow your shirt.

Don't worry about it.

That shirt's kinda old, but it still looks good.

Here, you can sleep on the floor for now.

I feel kinda awkward. You sure?

You're my guest, okay?

Thanks.

Go slow...

See you later.

Thanks, Bobby. I'll call you.

Okay.

A friend of mine.

Thanks.

Let's eat.

Why don't you wear the shirt I gave you?

I'm not going anywhere special.

Who was that man?

That's my work.

Don't worry. I'm not queer...

if that's what you're thinking.

That's my job. I'm a call boy.

What's a call boy?

What do you call women who sell their bodies?

Whores.

What would you call men who do the same?

"Man-whores'?

Think I could afford all this otherwise?

What should I do?

Work in construction?

For 2.50 a day?

No way, man.

What's wrong with this? Our clients are people too.

Could I afford to eat like this otherwise?

Don't worry, man.

I won't force you into this.

But if you're looking for money, its no problem.

You gotta have the stomach for where we're going.

You worked in construction so you're probably tougher than me.

- Where are we going? - Cesar's apartment.

In one night you can make 20 pesos easy.

More if you apply yourself.

Just a minute.

What's the matter?

It's nothing. I thought I saw someone I knew.

Come on, Mr. Peeping Tom!

Come on in. Don't be nervous.

Welcome to Scheherazade, the House of Pleasure!

Bobby!

Who's that gorgeous beauty with you?

Come in, don't be shy. Welcome Bobby!

This is our newest recruit, Julio.

Julio, meet Pitay.

This is Veronica.

Meet our friends. This is Jerry.

That's Bert, Perry...

Edgar, Peter...

Ricky...

Lito, Pete...

and lots of others, like Boy.

Then there's Ricky and Romy...

Just a sec.

Call me back around 9:00, okay?

Meet Cesar. He owns the place.

This is Julio.

How are you, Julio?

All set?

Is he ready?

Come this way. The Jasmine Room is ready.

- Veronica, any vacant rooms? - In a minute.

I've been waiting forever.

So...

you want to work here?

You know what to do?

There's just one reason guys work here:

money.

If that's what you want, you can find it here.

Easily.

You just have to cooperate a bit.

You needn't do anything you don't want to.

You can always negotiate.

They're done here.

Next.

Well?

The first time's the hardest.

Did he explain you don't have to do anything you don't want to?

It's true.

Pitay lets the customer know what you don't do.

You'll be okay.

Rikki welcome back! Come in, you fabulous thing!

Sabrina! Welcome!

Pitay, call the boys.

We have lots of new discoveries!

Come in, all of you.

Choose anyone you want.

Look at them.

They'll all gorgeous!

It's been a long time, Rikki. We've missed you so.

Make your choice.

Veronica and I made lots of new discoveries,

superstars from all over the country.

Edgar there does wonders with that mustache.

And Perry -- what a body!

Then there's Boy. Those long legs will drive you crazy.

Latin-type Bobby, seasoned stud.

Julio there is new.

Then there's Peter and...

Romy Tiongson.

And these new arrivals, like Mario.

There are so many! You'll have fun tonight!

They've been gathered here tonight,

so I want you to enjoy, my dear.

Your puppy's having a fit! - I like him.

That's Julio, our newest discovery.

- Julio, our Mexican beauty! - Just my type.

But we need to give him careful instructions,

knowing how finicky you are!

What room would you like? The Blue Room?

Veronica, give Julio instructions.

We mustn't disappoint Rikki.

He hasn't been here in a long time.

I'll get the Blue Room ready.

Make it good, Julio.

You hit the jackpot! You're his type!

Finished, my dear?

Give us a moment while we fix up the room.

- What's your name? - Julio.

How old are you?

Twenty-one.

What's wrong?

I'm new at this.

Right. I forgot.

Come here. I'll work on you.

Come on. Don't be shy.

Come on.

Don't be like that.

Relax, huh?

Bullet not there. I told you not to bother us.

You're very naughty!

Wait till Mama is finished.

Right there. And you stay there!

Bullet, what's wrong with you?

You're being a pest.

I told you not to lick Julio's feet. You're so annoying!

You can see I'm busy.

Don't do that again. You stay there.

Come on, Bullet. It's all over.

Mama is finished.

Now you can be annoying.

Before I forget...

Here.

If you want to earn big bucks, learn some tricks!

Otherwise you'll be a flop. Lets go Bullet.

Anyone home?

- Good morning. - Good morning.

May I help you? - Is Pol home?

- May I say who's calling? - His friend Julio.

Pol!

A friend to see you.

Julio! What brings you here? Come in!

- Have some eggs. - Thanks.

When were you laid off? I haven't seen you in a while.

It was kind of sudden.

I thought there might be a job for me where you work.

Sure, come along with me.

- Buddy, you want some...? - No, thanks.

How about you? She's real young.

Look.

We have no money.

You can always borrow some, right?

Look.

We said no!

Don't be a jerk.

Have you tried asking if Ligaya lives there?

Just the one time I told you about.

We could try again.

Sure, but they might recognize me.

Could you go?

Sure. I'll be right back.

- Well? - They said there's no Ligaya there.

The Chinese guy probably told the maid what to say.

Let's go.

It's no use. We're wasting our time here.

- Good morning. - Come in man!

Have a seat.

I'll leave you boys alone.

- Have some coffee. - Thank you.

Just what I need.

Any good news?

Yeah, we've got work again.

You free next week, Julio? - Sure.

Great. Another big job?

Yeah, a wall around a big property.

Where?

Loyola Heights, in Quezon City.

- Where's that? - Near the Jesuit university.

Upscale neighborhood. Lots of rich people.

Its a big compound. We'll need a couple more guys.

You know anyone? - Atong!

- Who's that? - I worked with him at La Madrid.

Nice guy, and a hard worker.

The guy you told me about?

Yeah. He always helped when I was in a fix.

- Isn't he working? - Maybe.

But not much longer. That building's almost finished.

Julio, what's up? Omeng, it's Julio!

You've put on weight. Long time no see.

You're looking sharp.

How are you guys? This is my friend Pol.

Eddie, this is Pol.

What brings you here?

I'm looking for Atong.

Didn't you hear?

Atong's dead.

Happened last week. We just buried him.

What happened?

Balajadia was probably involved. He and Atong had a big fight.

He withheld Atong's pay because of a broken soap dish.

Atong was furious.

He said the soap dish came in broken, and he attacked Balajadia.

Next thing we hear, Atong's in jail, and then he's dead.

He was beaten up bad while inside.

Turns out Fatso's got a cousin who works there.

Stop reading comics and work!

They once owned land in Quezon City, but they were forced out.

What happened?

I can't remember. Atong mentioned it briefly.

I thought our place was bad, but look at this.

Makes you realize how lucky you are.

I slept here once. Lots of mosquitoes, and it reeked of --

- The sewer? - Yeah. But Atong was a good friend.

He always said I could count on him anytime.

Ah, it's you. Come in.

Please sit down.

Good morning, sir.

Perla, this is my friend Pol.

Please sit down.

He helped me find work.

Actually, it was my friend.

Have you eaten?

Yes.

Don't worry about us.

I just heard what happened.

Had I known earlier, I'd have come to the funeral.

Are you sure you've eaten?

I could fix something real quick.

Yes, we've eaten.

What about your case? Are you filing charges?

I'm the only one who could do that,

but I don't even know where to start.

This man talked to me,

a detective.

He told me he'd take care of it...

that I should just wait for his report.

But I know nothing's being done.

That's a real problem.

Why would they act when they're behind the crime?

People here keep telling me...

that I should just keep quiet.

Because if I don't, something might happen to me.

I'm more or less alone here.

A young man around here was beaten up by the police.

When his parents complained,

thugs came and threatened them.

What do you plan to do?

Nothing.

I don't know.

We'll be going now, Perla.

You just got here.

We'll be back.

Good-bye, sir.

We'll be going, sir.

Perla, take this.

It's just a little help.

Thank you.

- This is from me, Perla. - I couldn't --

It's nothing, really.

Take it.

Thank you.

You know what? I think Perla's attractive.

And she's used to hardship.

A lot of men go for rich women,

but I like the poor ones better, you know?

Yeah.

A girl who's used to dried fish

will be thrilled with smoked fish.

But give a girl smoked fish when she's used to ham

and it's all-out war.

Poor girls are easy to please.

But why don't you ask her out?

She's like a sister to me.

- Come on! - It's true.

- Seriously? - Yeah.

- You won't be sorry if I ask her out? - No.

Great.

Merry Christmas, sir!

Here you go.

Thank you, sir.

I finished writing it.

Thanks.

- How much are you giving her? - Ten pesos. Is that enough?

Sounds about right.

Here, add this.

She'll think it's all from me.

That's okay.

Lets add a note that ten is from you.

Nah, it's fine.

If you say so.

Listen, you busy tomorrow?

- No. Why? - Come with me.

We'll give it to her together.

Okay.

Excuse me. Do you know where Perla is?

Perla?

Daughter of Pilo, the cripple? - Yes.

She's gone.

And she probably won't be back.

I saw her last night.

She was in an ambulance.

Her father suffered burns.

- Where did they go? - No idea.

Are you a relative?

No, we're just friends.

She wasn't here when the fire started.

She'd gone to get some yarn for her knitting jobs.

When she got back, the fire was almost out.

Mrs. Cruz! Where's Ligaya?

Who? Let go of me!

Ligaya Paraiso! The girl from Marinduque!

- I don't know anyone by that name! - Where is she?

Police! Thief!

- What's going on? - He tried to steal my bag!

- You bastard! - No, I know Mrs. Cruz!

Explain at the station!

You thieving piece of shit!

Let's go.

You have ID?

This isn't ID.

It's all I've got.

This won't do. Let's go.

You wanna fight? - No.

- Then come along quietly. - I’ve done nothing wrong.

You tried to steal a purse. Get going!

Bastard. - Give me back my diary.

- Later. At the station. - I need it.

You don't trust me? You want a beating?

No, sir, but that letter is important to me.

Wait here and don't move. I'm gonna use the bathroom.

Miss, did you see a guy in a blue shirt with a mustache?

Yes, he went that way.

If I ever see his face again...

I'll kill him.

I don't care about my own money,

but he took Perla's money too!

And Ligaya's letter.

I'll never forget that face.

If I ever catch sight of him...

So you're broke now, huh?

If you need money, just ask.

Forget what happened.

Two in a row!

Tough guy, huh?

Go on. You can take him.

He's smaller than you.

Well, kid?

My friend's not scared, but there's no reason to fight.

Come on, shake hands.

Let's all get drunk one day, Toro,

and talk this out over a bottle, okay?

Sure.

- Two pesos, my best price. - Too much.

It's got a long shaft.

- That's your best price? - Fine. I.50.

- One peso. - I.50.

1.50 is still too much.

Okay, you win.

Hey, man!

Don't remember me? - You startled me.

You look guilty. Guilty people startle easily.

It's been a while! Where you headed?

Nowhere.

Let's grab a bite.

Come on. My treat.

- I shouldn't. - Come on.

How are Omeng and the others?

I don't know. I haven't seen them in a while.

I bet they're still in construction.

You know...

you have no future if you're stuck in construction.

Did you hear about Atong?

Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned it.

Could you clear all this?

I just heard about it recently.

Guess who told me.

Who?

Ever meet Atong's sister?

Perla?

So you've been to their place.

Yeah. Where is she? Have you seen her?

She told me about Atong's death

and what happened to their father in the fire.

Where is she now?

At Etang's, in Makati.

You know of it?

- Why? Where is it? - You don't know it?

It's where men go when they're... you know, in heat.

I couldn't believe it when I saw her.

I was so surprised. You should go see her.

She's always there. Twenty pesos and you're set.

Twelve for the girl, eight for the beer. Very reasonable.

You can afford it.

Did he take Perla?

What do you mean?

Take her to a room?

If he did... I'll kill him!

That's his friend's sister!

He didn't say whether he did, but they talked.

What did Perla say? Why is she there?

- Imo didn't say anything about that. - Who's Imo?

The guy who bought me lunch.

Let's go see her.

- Perla? - Yeah.

Are you crazy?

She'd die of shame.

I’m to blame for what happened to Perla.

Why?

I have rotten luck with women.

I like Perla.

I should have asked her out.

This is the third time. Remember?

How are you?

Okay.

Why are you here?

I've looked all over for you.

You've changed.

Where can we talk?

You decide.

How are you doing?

I'm fine.

And you?

Okay.

I'm happy I found you.

What happened to you?

I've been in Manila for a while now.

About a year.

I’ve been looking for you because you stopped writing.

We shouldn't talk here.

Where should we go?

You remember Mrs. Cruz?

That woman is the devil personified.

She took me to a big house.

I don't know where it was.

It had a big yard with high walls...

and tall acacia trees.

Guards manned the gate.

Mrs. Cruz said the factory manager would talk to us there.

Like a fool...

I went along with whatever she said.

Then she spoke to a woman...

who looked like a witch.

And then...

they took us...

to a room...

that looked like an office.

They told us to wait there for the manager.

Someone brought us something to drink.

Orange.

I hadn't even finished drinking it...

when my head started spinning.

Next thing I knew I woke up in bed...

with a Chinese man next to me.

Ah Tek?

How did you know?

The building on Misericordia?

I've been watching that place a long time...

hoping to see you there.

I followed Mrs. Cruz from the apartment on Doroteo Jose.

The address from your letter.

And then...

she walked all the way to Misericordia.

I got the feeling you were up there.

Yes...

Mrs. Cruz collects her money there.

Ah Tek pays for me.

I spent two months at the house where she first took me.

Ah Tek would come to me twice a week.

There were lots of girls there.

But I never saw the others...

because I was locked in my room.

Locked up in a room so small...

it was like living in a matchbox...

where no one could hear you even if you screamed.

But sometimes...

sometimes I'd hear...

screaming and crying.

Then one day...

Ah Tek told me...

I was lucky he took care of me.

Like I somehow owed him...

a huge debt of gratitude.

The fool confessed...

he had a thing for me.

The other women there...

had to serve three or four different men every night.

And I was the only one not shot up with morphine.

He said I should be grateful for that too.

He said I had only him to thank...

because otherwise...

I'd be addicted to morphine too.

If they shot me up with it...

I'd do anything they wanted.

They'd parade me before all the men

and make me dance naked.

But he didn't want that to happen to me...

because he liked me.

I'd already cost him a lot.

He'd paid a lot for me...

and he didn't want to keep paying.

But he liked me.

He didn't want me to end up like the others.

So if I agreed...

he said he'd take me away from there...

and I'd live with him.

But I'd have to obey his every wish.

Because if I didn't...

he'd send me right back.

It was like an ultimatum.

I didn't say a word.

So he called that woman...

the one who looked like a witch.

They took me to another room.

They showed me a girl there...

being shot up with morphine.

Then we went to yet another room.

There was another girl there...

and they wouldn't give her her morphine.

It was like she was going insane.

How does he treat you?

He's good to me.

He's always consoling me...

and he buys me things:

a watch, a ring, a bracelet.

But I can't leave the house. I'm locked in, like a prisoner.

If he goes out,

someone else always watches me.

How did you get out today?

This is the first time I've gotten out all week.

Don't you want to go home?

Why don't you? You're free now.

You can go home if you want.

I can't leave my baby.

How old is your baby?

Four months.

Did he marry you?

No.

It's better this way.

Tell me...

how is everyone back home?

I don't know.

I must have written them...

three times or so.

I sent them money.

But Ah Tek hardly ever trusts me with money.

He only gives me a little when I need it.

Do they know?

Back home?

No.

I haven't told them anything about what's happened.

They think I'm doing well here.

But I've never told them where to write me here.

Help me.

Help me.

Hush now.

Don't cry.

I'll take care of it.

We'll run away.

We'll take your baby with us.

It's not that easy.

I tried to escape before.

I was caught...

and Ah Tek nearly killed me!

He said if he ever catches me again,

he really will kill me.

I cant take my baby because of the nanny.

She sleeps next to the baby.

You can always try again.

How about tonight?

We'll go home together.

It's impossible.

You don't know Ah Tek. He'd kill me for sure.

If you really want to get out,

you can't stop trying, no matter what.

You don't know how furious he gets.

If you really want to escape...

you'll try anything. Nothing else matters.

My poor baby if anything should happen to me!

If you think like that, you'll never get out of there.

So how about tonight?

I'll wait at the Arranque market.

It's a good spot.

I'll pretend I'm waiting for a jitney.

Safer than hanging around your building.

A cop might notice me.

I don't know about tonight.

Let's just try.

I'll be waiting whether you come or not.

Shall we say midnight?

How long will you wait?

It's up to you.

Till 3:00 a.m.?

All right.

She didn't show?

Wake up, man.

- What time is it? - 5:00 p.m.

Get dressed. Let's go see a movie.

Come on. We won't be long.

Or we could go to a club around Grace Park.

I don't know how to dance.

Doesn't matter in those places.

Just embrace the girl, kiss her neck,

stroke her thighs a bit, and you're set.

- No, thanks. - Come on!

You need to relax.

If you don't care for Grace Park, theres always Pasay.

What's there?

Women, what else?

Just six pesos.

Or aren't you into that? - It's a waste of money.

That's why I borrowed some, so we can have a good time.

- How much? - Thirty pesos.

You should save it. I still have the 25 you lent me.

Don't worry about that. Keep it.

Let's go out and eat.

Try the noodles. They're good.

For a long life.

Look at those people.

You'd think they were deaf.

Miss.

Could you turn that down? Its too loud.

The man who put it on might object.

Just a little.

Goddamn it!

That's what I hate about this place: the jukebox.

We should have gone elsewhere.

I like the food here.

If it's not the jukebox,

it's those English-speaking snobs!

Fuck all you snobs!

Another beer? - No, I'm fine. I've had enough.

- One more! - No really.

You sure?

Whatever you say.

Cigarette?

Sure you don't want to go out somewhere?

Let's just go home.

Come on, relax!

I know what's on your mind.

Ligaya, right?

What did that Chinese guy threaten to do to her?

He said he'd kill her for sure.

What do you think?

Did he mean it?

You know, in India...

there are people who walk on burning coals,

yet they feel no pain.

They're called fakirs.

Think you could do that?

Think you could put out that cigarette in your palm?

I'd get burned for sure.

Put it out in mine.

Just one beer and you're already drunk.

Come on! Go ahead!

Forget it.

If you won't...

then I will.

Ligaya is dead.

It says she fell down some stairs

and hit her head on the cement floor.

But the autopsy revealed bruises on her neck.

WHERE IS JUSTICE?

This writer is demanding an unbiased investigation.

Earlier today, I borrowed that money...

and checked a few funeral homes.

I got lucky and found her.

The funeral's apparently tomorrow.

At least that's what the people there told me.

Whatever you're thinking now...

try to control yourself.

Let's give Ligaya a peaceful funeral.

Join the struggle!

Don't be afraid!

Down with capitalism!

- III see you later. - You going somewhere?

I'll gonna walk around a bit.

- Aren't you tired? - No.

Here's the money you lent me.

Keep it. You might need it.

You can return the money you borrowed.

Fine.

Just don't let this crowd pull you in! - Don't worry.

See you, and thanks.

Where's Ah Tek?

What do you want?

Tell him I want to talk to him.

Who are you?

Tell him a friend wants to see him.

Just a minute.

Who are you? What do you want?

Help!

Help!

Police!

He's got an ice pick!

- What did he do? - He killed a Chinese guy!

Beat him up!

Come on!

Let's teach him a lesson!

- He's trapped! - Get him!