"They say the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." "For it is the hand that rears a newborn infant into childhood," "That teaches the child to explore, question, and reason." "Until he becomes a citizen of his country." "But, she who rocks the cradle is also a citizen." "She shouldn't be confined to her small room for she also belongs to the world." "She shouldn't only rock the cradle," "But row the boat along the sea of change." "Hey!" "Hey!" "What's happening?" "Gani!" "Stop that!" "What happened?" "These kids are impossible!" "That boy of yours always starting a fight!" " What is it this time?" " He never listens to me!" "I told him..." "That grasshoppers do not hop with their legs together!" " He keeps on insisting they do." " Gani!" "Stop it!" "I already told him they don't." "He's making frogs out of grasshoppers." " Gani!" " Stop it, you troublemakers!" "You fools!" "Why not catch a grasshopper and make it hop in front of you!" " I want to take a pee..." " I want to take a pee..." "What a glorious feeling it can be!" " I want to take a pee..." " I want to take a pee..." "What a glorious feeling it can be!" "When a man pees he puts it in between two fingers," "Then he shakes away the drop that lingers." "Make your children stop." "Their song is vulgar." " Maybe they're teaching that in school." " That's foolish." " Make them stop." " You stop them." "Boys, that' s enough!" " I want to take a pee..." " I want to take a pee..." "What a glorious feeling it can be!" " I want to take a pee..." " I want to take a pee..." "What a glorious feeling it can be!" "Where's Jules?" " Where's your brother?" " I don't know." "Stay here." "Just wait a minute, okay?" "Jules, get down from there!" "How dare you leave without my permission!" "Marcos did try to talk peace regarding the Vietnam issue." "Johnson just got mad." "You can't seat on your chair while American soldiers are dying in Vietnam." "Good!" "Marcos lost his balls!" "But we look against them, anyway." "He's the most brilliant president!" "I'll vote for him in the next elections!" " 1969 is still some years away." " Right!" "In politics, two years is not far." "That's why he's being hit in the papers daily." "Especially by Hernandez." "Hernandez hasn't learned his lesson, not even after six years in jail." "Yeah!" "He's another brilliant man." "To be able to write in prison "The Stretch of Heaven", right?" "You're a frustrated poet, that's why." "I also like Hernandez." "My favorite is "He Who Rides The Tiger."" "I like that too." "But isn't it by William Pomeroy?" "It's William Pomeroy." "We were just discussing that at work." "Rod, your favorite barbecue." "Enjoy it while it's hot." "Hey, we're here to get drunk, not to get stuffed!" " That's right!" " Thanks." "I, Ferdinand E. Marcos," "Of Batac, province of "aces Norte." "As the duly elected President of the Philippines," "Do hereby solemnly swear..." "To serve with all my best." "And to perform my duties as President of the Republic of the Philippines." " I will uphold the constitution..." " I have something to ask..." "Tell me..." " What do you call the creature..." " Can't you sing something else?" "How about a Tom Jones?" "It can only be the valiant moth that dares touch the fire." "Mom, are you familiar with what doctors call conditioned reflexes?" "Condition reflexes." "Like when you're riding a bike..." "And about to hit Grandma's roses, you immediately steer away," "Without even thinking." "You just do it." "Pure reflex action." "And if you fight it, it'll just be bad for your health." "What's that got to do with Mrs. Adiatrico's visit tomorrow?" "Her daughters, Pamela and Mary Ann, have been longing to do it with us." "Do what?" "Do it!" "The girls want to do it with them." "Like you wanted to do it with me back then." "The girls like them and are after them like you are after me a few years back." "Exactly, Mom!" "They've been following us around since school started." "I think I'm gonna choke." "Now, Mom, we'll be having our junior-senior prom." "Mary Ann has been telling everyone that I'll be her date..." "Since her mother is friends with you." "We're worried their mom might just ask you to tell us to take them to the prom." "Mom, we know that you want to be please by our neighbors." "But, every time we see them, our eyes roll up." "And they might stay that way forever." "All right, sweetheart, your sons have made their case clear." "It won't be long and they'll be officially a part of this world." "Bravo!" "A world..." "Where you women are like leaves withering away..." "Waiting for a smile or be noticed by us." "Until we take pity on you and bring you along to our world of happiness and joy." "There's nothing you can do." "That's the way things are." "It's a man's world." " Cheers!" " Bravo!" " What if I took a job?" " Sure." " Go ahead." " Really?" "You won't mind?" "I read an ad in the papers." "They're hiring more people in advertising." "Your friend Ted said I'd be good at it." " All it requires is good PR skills." " What did you say?" " What kind of work?" " A job" " In an office-." "Anyway, the children are all grown up." "And you talked to my friend about this?" " I just mentioned it in passing." " What are you trying to imply?" "You're consulting first with my friend?" "What is his business with you?" "Tell me, am I not earning enough?" "What is it that I can't give you?" " It's not that!" " You will never take a job..." "As long as I am the man in the house!" "And that's final!" "This way, please." "Hi!" "Hello, good evening." "We thank you for being here, Mr. Bartolome and his wife." "Mrs. Bartolome, this is Attorney Cruz and his wife." "Ouch!" "If the university is to distort it's mission to society," "Which if the pursuit of truth and not profit," "Then the students must be liberated..." "For the oppressor of administrative authority." "The universities should recognize all campus organizations..." "Then one day, in a community of shanties that was about to be demolished," "The people asked for our support." "We went there and set up a barricade." "When the police came to arrest our leader," "We didn't easily give him up." "Resisted their every effort, we fight for our leader." "The police started hurting us." "They held Mama Violeta by the neck and punched her repeatedly." "They shoved another mother into a pile of scrap iron." "But, the worst was done to a pregnant comrade," "Although heavy with child," "They still dragged her across the street until she bled." "Instead of taking her to the hospital, they locked her up." "The lives you have joined together..." "Shall be wrapped with the embrace of the red flag of our struggle," "As red as the blood that flows through all of humanity," "Whatever race or color." "Your union shall be further strengthened by our oneness," "With the workers, farmers and the entire masses." "You shall never forget that the weapons of our struggle" "Shall never be used to harm others" "But to defend, protect and serve the people." " Down with imperialism!" " Down with feudalism!" " Marcos!" " Marcos!" "Lapdog of the U.S!" " Down with bureaucrat capitalism!" " Don't be afraid!" " Beloved land" " Pearl of the orient" " With fervor burning" " We adore you in our hearts" " Land divine" " Cradle of noble heroes" " Into the hands of invaders" " Never shall you fall" " Over the seas and hills" " The breeze and sky" " The beauty of poems" " And songs of freedom reigns" " The radiance of your flag" " Wave in majesty and triumph" " The light from its sun and stars" " Shall never fade" " Land of the sun" " Of glory and of love" " Heaven lies in your embrace" " And when tyrants rule" " To die for you is bliss." " Fight on!" " Have no fear!" " Fight on!" " Have no fear!" " Fight on!" " Have no fear!" " Fight on!" " Have no fear!" " Fight on!" " Have no fear!" " Fight on!" " Have no fear!" "See?" "There are casualties again." "Don't be jealous, it was nothing." "The writ of habeas corpus has been suspended." "Do you know what it means?" "Anyone can be arrested without a warrant or imprisoned without a hearing." "Worse, you can be abducted." "Just like the student leader, Charlie del Rosario." "His body is missing until now." " Come on, there's no one else but you." " Take that off!" "Why put your hands in there when you talk to girls?" " Mommy please!" " Put down the phone." " Can't you see your father is talking?" " Parents work hard for your education." "So, you shouldn't waste your time on nonsense." "Right, Willy?" "Jason please!" "It's too loud." "They're talking downstairs." "Everyday there's a rally between students and..." "It's just your two Julians arguing." "That's your 4th." " Sir," " What?" "Jules said that there's freedom of expression in this house." " Yes!" " Depends on what's being expressed." "If there's anything they don't like, they speak up." "Why?" "Then why can't it be the same at school?" "If we are discontented with the way things are at school or in our country for that matter, why can't we speak out?" "Son, at home, families talk with reason." "At school, it's all shouting and troublemaking." "Do you throw pillboxes at your home?" "Of course not." "Being free to speak out does not mean you are free to make trouble." "But, they don't listen, Dad." "They call the Metrocom police." "They create trouble." "The Metrocom is made up of responsible men." "But, like everyone else, they react to violence." "They disperse our rallies and send us home." "If I see you in one, I'll send you home too." "But, I'll explain things to you, Dad." "I'll make you understand." " Don't get offended with Jules' dad..." " Not at all." "He's just concerned." "Mom, Dad's okay." "Willy knows that." "Thanks for this." "I'll give it to my mother." "Okay..." "Jules, make sure he gets a ride." " Yes, Mom." " Take care." "Okay-W" "What are you doing down there?" "It's late." " Ma'am, I'll take care of it." " I'll be done in awhile." "What?" "Leave that to Mely." "Come up." " Gani, stop that!" " It's not inside, okay?" "Go to sleep." "You're not yet done?" "Didn't I tell you to come up." " Ma'am, I'll take care of it." " Didn't you hear me?" "Why do you keep calling?" "What do you want?" "Do you have to ask?" "Just come up." "Period." "But why?" "Why do you want me to come up?" "Why do I have to explain?" "You should know why!" " Tell me why." " I don't have to tell you why." "Just come up, that's it." "But when I call on him, he also asks why." "News and opinions from various sectors with special relations with the U.S..." "I'm here now." "What did you want?" "Nothing!" "I don't feel like it anymore." " ...from the third district of Manila." " And you had to ask why!" "Any course will do, Dad." "All I need is 18 units." "Then, I'll apply for the US Navy." "What a sucker!" "The US Navy?" "You'll just be another slave of the Americans." "Slave?" "What do you have against Americans anyway?" "That's where all the opportunities are." "The US government gives a fat paycheck, dimwit." "Plus other benefits, dumb ass." " Hey, you want to fight in front of me?" " Let's just fly a kite." "If he wants to join the US navy, that's his problem!" "Let him be." "Just bring home Johnny Walker." " I, United States of America..." " And I, as president of this country" "Do hereby declare that you, Juan dela Cruz, the miserable bastard of east..." "And obey my will and my command!" "Because if not for me you'll never be free." " That's great!" " Wow!" "You are hereby Warriors!" "Prepare the time to survive the US agreement." " And allow us to mine and explore..." " I'm going to the countryside." " ...the natural resources for you..." " They've been asking for me." " Say it in English..." " What about you?" "So that they didn't understand." " I don't know what to tell my folks." " It's your decision." "That's where were all headed anyway, sooner or later." "Into armed struggle." "For my beloved by government and the blessing of my nation." "Your wish is my command!" " Crucify him!" "Crucify him!" " Crucify him!" "Crucify him!" "Bingo, I told you to come down!" " Come here or else I'll spank you." " Coming!" "Your son's being foolish." " Is that all you're going to say?" " He's just reading them." "What's wrong with that?" "He's a student." "He wants to learn." "It's his right to learn everything he wants." "I'll tell him off only when he's done something wrong." "If you don't mind, I've work to do." "Marcos wasn't president yet when the treaties between US and the Philippines were signed." "He has no choice but to recognize their validity." "And to continue the connivance with the US government?" "Now, those are not dumb people in government." "They are top economists and political scientists." "If that's the case," "Why is this country still mired in poverty and burdened with debt?" "Did you ever realize, Dad, even if I'm not yet married..." "My future children are already be in debt?" "Doesn't it make you angry, that each one of your sons' children are destined to pay the debt, that they had nothing to do with?" "Dad, its time to make a stand." "Choose sides." "There is no more neutral ground." "I said, the 21 st of this month..." " Julian!" " I signed proclamation 1081" "Julian, hurry!" " The entire Philippines is in Martial Law." " Marcos is on television." " Declaring martial law!" " I now, proclaimed Martial Law." "In accordance with the powers vested..." " Will there be a war?" " I don't know." " The proclamation of Martial Law..." " Dad, what does this mean?" "Be implemented by the military authority" "To protect the Republic of Philippines entire democracy." "The republicans..." " Why don't we do it outside?" " What is someone sees us?" "Go home!" "Classes have been suspended!" "Fifty centavos for the fare." "Hurry up!" "This is the last trip!" "We're now under martial law!" "Hurry up!" "Willy is still in the countryside." "He might not be able to come back." "I can't go out." "I'm being guarded." " Get down!" " Good evening, sir." " What are you doing out here?" " I'm waiting for a ride." "Hurry up!" "It's almost 9 p.m..." "We're closing." "The Metrocom is here." "Any part of the law under Martial Law." "I repeat, this is not military symposium of civilian government functions." "Here." "Jason, how come you're not eating?" "I'm scared, Mom." "Isn't eating pork also forbidden?" "I don't think anything bad will happen." "They wouldn't impose martial law if it's not needed." "Of course, the situation is a bit abnormal." "But then, it's all for the good of the country." "At least while reforms are being implemented." "You boys are still young." "The things you believe in might not be the same in 5 to 10 years." "I'd rather you enjoy your youth." "Because once it passes, you'll never be able to recapture it." "You understand, son?" "Don't carry the world on your shoulders." "You're just a kid for God's sake." "Mom..." "I was just checking on you." " Another love story?" " Yes, Mom." "Go to sleep." "It's already midnight." "Gani!" "Mom, there's a girl in my room." "Officer." "I've no curfew pass." "All I have is my driver's license." "We did no know our son brought this girl over at our house." "It would be embarrassing to her father." " What's your name again?" " Evelyn, Sir." "If you were her father, you would worry too." " If I don't take her home now." " That's a big problem." "No one will believe that nothing happened between them." "Mr. Bartolome, do you believe in the saying that a dog can't steal a piece of bone without getting it wet with its saliva." "I will simplify the question." "Young man, are you going to marry my daughter or not?" "Before God and his people, I take you as my wife, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health," "I will love you now and forever." "Before God and his people, I take you as my husband, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health," "I will love you now and forever." "If I weren't pregnant, I wouldn't marry you!" "I would have just run away!" "But, you got me pregnant!" "You got me pregnant!" "What are you saying about?" "I'm just asking permission." "Mom, please sign it." "Don't wait for Dad." "Get out!" "And you're going to say you'll be back right away?" "And then what time you will be back?" "Don't worry, 73 is still a passing grade." "If you round it off, it'll be 75." "And besides, "7" is the shape of an axe." "The value of an axe is high." "During the old days, an axe could be exchanged for a piece of land." "You're giving me a headache." "Mom don't!" "Please, Mom, don't have a headache." "I can't bear it when you're in pain!" "It'll be the death of me!" " Mom, please" " What is it this time, Jason?" "Discuss it with your dad." "Hi, Dad!" "Report card, Dad." " You didn't treat as your parents!" " What's in it?" "What do you mean?" "I told you before..." "I said, I was ashamed..." "didn't you understand that?" "Your Dad's here." "Stop quarreling." " My teachers won't dare fail me." " Of course!" "Because they pity us." "Teachers are parents too, you know." "They sympathize with us who pay the tuition fees." "Do not do unto others as you won't want to do unto you." "Simple golden rule." "If you don't want your child to fail, don't fail someone else's." "That's why our graduates do not know anything." "Get my slippers." " But I'm not graduating yet." " But you will." "Because of my pleasing and magnetic personality." "Which they say I got from you." "Think of it this way son." "Think of this..." "If you got my pleasing personality plus my brains," "You might be president of this country someday." " No kidding." " I'm serious." "If you're serious, we'd better bring you to the hospital." "I'll sign your report card." "Told you, Mom." "The value of an axe is high." "Here's your report card." "And here is a peso." "Buy yourself someone to talk to." "Mom, coffee please." "It's late." "You know there's a curfew." "Have you eaten?" "The food's cold." "I'll re-heat it." "Try to come home early, son." "I worry about you." "What's wrong?" "They killed Willy!" "They killed Willy!" "He sacrificed his life" "for the sake of the oppressed." "He loved his forsaken people..." "My son was wounded when they captured him." "They repeatedly pierced his wound" "with a hard object." "They didn't show the slightest mercy on my son." "When they returned my son to me, his intestines were turned inside out." "Why did they do this to my son?" "God, have mercy!" "I don't understand." " Why?" " Mother..." "He learned to overcome all weaknesses and poverty..." "You're going to the countryside?" "Why were you invited?" "What will you be doing there?" "We don't know anyone there!" "I know somebody." "I have a friend there, Mom." "Who is he?" "How did you become friends?" "Through your organization?" "Is he a communist?" "An NPA guerilla?" "Stop interrogating me." "I'm old enough to know what I'm doing." "Tell me exactly what you're going to do there!" "Chaperone me then if you want!" "It might even open your eyes!" "Guess what this is?" "It's a squid." "What's going on between these two?" "Why don't you mind your own business." "Your brother feels guilty?" "And you expect me to be comforted because of that?" "Why do something if it makes you feel guilty?" "Is that being honest?" "He owes it to us to say goodbye properly." "It's not as if we're strangers here." "Or maybe we're just being rude here?" "We've lost respect for one another!" " Mely, the gate!" " Dad, I'm riding with you!" "Let me do it, Mom." "What did your brother tell you?" "Where is he really going?" "For an exposure trip in the countryside." "His comrades have been asking for him." "Our children have grown up." "They will do things we may not always like." "But we have no choice." "It's their life." " I'm their mother." " They're also my children." "You always say that men are stronger than women." "They're still my children." "I don't always understand Jules, but I understand is he has the right to do what he wants," "to find out what he truly believes." "To die for his principles if need be." "And to be his own man." "Congratulations!" "It's a girl!" "Mom, it's a girl!" "Can I see her, please?" "Okay but just for a moment." "Dad called, you're to fetch him later." "Mom, there's a letter from Jules." "Someone gave it to Em." "She's so cute!" " Wow, my niece is home!" " Where's the letter?" "But it's not for you." "It's for Gani." "You're lucky she didn't take after you!" "Your children are not your own." "They are the sons and daughters of life." "They may have come from you but they do not belong to you." "You may give them your love but not your beliefs." "You may give shelter for their bodies but not their souls." "For their souls reside in the temple of the future." "Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams..." "This room is yours now." "Don't tell me you've disowned your son?" "He's not my son, remember?" "He just passed through me." "The valiant son of life!" "Don't let those American beat you." "If they bully you, hit them right away!" "You're full of macho talk." " Take care." " Please take care of my family." "Gani, tell them we're also leaving." "Mom, I'm going home to my parents." " Try to visit us once in awhile." " I'll call often." " I'm sorry." " I'm also sorry." "Not once have I asked how you've been." "Maybe because I've gotten so used to being around men." "I've forgotten how to relate with women." "Do you regret marrying my son?" "And becoming a mother at such a young age?" "I know you and Gani have had problems-, but" "Mom..." "But that's the way marriages go." "You adjust to one another." "You even adjust to your own children." "It's not easy to be a mother." " It's not easy to be a woman." " No, Mom." "We chose to make our lives difficult." "The choice is really ours." "I'll call you often." "Where did you say Em is going?" "Bataan." "He'll interview the people about the nuclear power plant." " They're organizing to protest..." " Is he crazy?" "Has he forgotten it's still martial law?" "What if he'll get arrested?" "That place is swarming with soldiers." "I can't stop him." "Damn it!" "I'll talk to him." "Emmanuel!" "Remember, two days, okay?" "Take care of yourself, okay?" " Remember, take care!" " Okay." "Bye, Dad." "Boys, lunch is ready!" "Let's eat!" "No soft drinks on an empty stomach." "C'mon, let's eat." "Mom, you're worse than Marcos." "Marcos doesn't care about empty stomachs!" "It would have been nice if Evelyn and Anna Lisa were here." "She moved out." "What can we do?" "Julian, what do think about couples who separate?" "Who's separating?" "Who wants to separate from whom?" "Let's say it's the woman." "Oh no!" "I'm scared." "I think I'm going to lose a father." " Quiet, Jason." " Is the man jobless?" "Is he irresponsible?" "Does he hurt her?" " There's nothing wrong with the husband." " Then why?" "Does he have a mistress?" " Is he a drunkard, a gambler?" " No." "She must be crazy to leave her husband for no reason." "Shut up, okay." "Sometimes a woman just falls out of love." "I thought there's nothing wrong with the husband." "Why would she lose her affection?" "Sometimes a woman wants to do other things, besides being a wife." " Like what?" " Like have an affair with another man." " Like having a job." " I thought the man has a job." "Having a job is not always about the money." "What else could it be about?" "It's also about a sense of being, of self-worth." "This conversation is going nowhere." "Why don't you just tell us who is leaving who?" "Evelyn." "She's sorry but she and Gani have separated." "They've already decided on it before Gani left." "Too bad!" "I thought it was Mom and Dad." "Dad, hurry." "I'm sorry." "I didn't know where else to take him." "I've been here in Manila for some time." "I wanted to surprise you but not this way." "Bring him here, quick." "Jason, wake Mely up." "Tell her to boil some water." "Hurry!" "He's bleeding profusely." "Em, get the car keys." " We're taking him to the hospital." " Dad, wait!" "It's a gunshot wound." "The soldiers raided our safe house." "They chased after us." "Mom, they'll find him in a hospital." "That's why I brought him here." "You're the only people I know I can trust." "Can I have the slug?" " You two" " Can I have it instead?" "Go back to bed." "Life is hard but rewarding in the countryside." "Hard because food is scarce." "Often, what we have are root crops." "Sometimes, nothing." "Canned sardines and medicines are like gold." "Most have never known a doctor in their lifetime." " You must be exaggerating." " I'm not joking." "A simple cough could lead to serious complications." "You'd be lucky to survive." "Still, to live there is rewarding." "The people are kind-hearted." "Whenever they hear of a military operation, they lead us to safety." "Were you ever in a gun battle?" "Have you ever killed a soldier?" "Jason!" "I've gotten used to death." "I know a sweet old lady who got arrested." "They tortured her, broke her neck, and dumped her body." "All because they wanted her to tell them where I was." "But no matter what, she wouldn't reveal." "She was like a mother to me." "Are we just having ice cream?" "How about some beer?" "You're old enough to drink." "Back there, kids your ages carry guns." "I have written many articles." "I wrote about the walk-out of a thousand workers in a sugar mill." "And the protests of Bataan residents against the nuclear power plant." "My latest is about the government sellout of the Navotas fishing port to Japanese firms." "It led in the demolition of fishermen's houses." "But none of these were published." "Marcos controls the media." "He censors the press." "They say that in the early days of martial law, you need a government clearance to write." "I've always known you'd be a serious writer." "Even as a kid, you were always observant." " Observant of how cats got pregnant?" " Or how the grasshoppers hop!" " That wasn't me, that was Gani." " You just told Gani!" "We really are brothers." "We still think alike." "Jules is looking for you." "Are you leaving now?" "I can't stay too long." "Is it okay if Rene stays for awhile?" "I'm sorry if I didn't say goodbye the last time." "It was just that I didn't know how to tell you that I was leaving." "Everyday I pray for your return." "Everyday I pray for your safety." "I'm sorry." "All I have done is disappoint you." "But, this is my life now." "I have to follow what's in my heart and my conscience." "You do understand that?" "Always take care, my son." "Don't worry, I'll be okay." "The Revolution will triumph!" "Excuse me." "I'll just put this down elsewhere." "It's okay." "Please take the tray out." "You seem to have recovered." "Take it easy, your wound might bleed." " Is Kokoy around?" " Kokoy?" "Your son." "Is he known by another name?" "Anyway, "Brod" will do." "Has he left?" "He said you know where to find him." "Are you leaving soon?" "Yes, in two to three days." "Would that be okay with you?" "Of course, you can stay." "Where are you from?" "Manila?" "Were you a student too?" "Do you come from a rich or poor family?" "How did you end up as a revolutionary?" "I'm sorry if I have a lot of questions." "I don't want to sound ignorant." "No, of course not." "I just need to understand why you chose to live the way you do." "What about your future?" "Don't you want to live a normal life?" "Don't tell my son I've been asking." "He won't understand." "But how can I help myself if I don't ask questions." "Despite all my questions, there is really nothing I can do." "How can a parent remain calm?" "How does a mother avoid the thought that one day her son might be wounded and brought to someone else's house." "Just like a childbirth, change, cannot come without a blood-shed." "Say that to a mother like me." "To every mother whose son was killed mercilessly, like Willy's mother." "Happy Birthday to you!" "Marcos declared a total strike ban." "It's not for vital industries anymore." "And it's all because the La Tondena strike embarrassed him." "But everybody's protesting against it." "Universities are holding symposia to repeal the decree." "Churches all over the country are holding prayer vigils." "Even the clergy has turned against Marcos." " Let's invite them to Ali Mall." " Why not Angela Arcade instead." "It's too far, we don't have wheels." "We can take the Love Bus, it's air-conditioned." "Ford and Marcos have signed the agreement." "America has given us control over their military bases." "For the first time in history!" "The Philippine flag now flies over Clark Air Base." "That's just on paper." "Americans still run the bases." "In fact, they run the whole world." " They say they want us as partners." " Don't be so naive." "The partnership of America is a partnership of one." "You are so much against them, and yet you keep inviting us for hamburgers at Subic." "My son Hector can't come." "They're busy organizing a government youth group." "My best friend Sherwin, keeps illegal piranhas at his house." "I want you to see it." "Jules may not be able to come." "With so many people around, it might be too risky." "I don't think so." "He's been home before." "Besides, no one here knows what he does.." "Don't you have to leave early?" "You still have to work tomorrow." "I told my boss that I won't be coming in the morning." "He can't say no to me." "If I resign, it would cripple him." "Mom, shall I serve the custard pie?" "No, we'll keep it for Jules." "It's his favorite." "Let's serve the chicken, instead." "Why are we meeting like this?" "Why didn't you just come home?" " Or just phoned." " It's too risky." " What will you have?" " Just coffee." "She'll have coffee, thanks." " What's there a problem?" " The movement was infiltrated." "Remove anything incriminating." "Your lives are in danger." "Discard the materials I gave Em." "The articles he wrote." "And the political posters." "Everything has to go." "When people come looking for me tell them I'm missing." "You don't know where I am." "You haven't heard from me in years." "And if they invite you to go with them, refuse." "If they insist, call a local official or anyone who can testify." "that one of you was taken." "Please don't get mad." "Don't scold me." "We're in a public place." " Where are you staying?" " To a friend's house." "I'll take you there." "No you go ahead." "I can take care of myself." "Call me as soon as you can." "Let me know you are safe." "I'll do that." "There's something else." "I am now a father." "I have a son." "I haven't seen him yet, but they say he looks very much like me." "My wife's name is Mara." "We've been married for a year now." "Also..." "I'm going back to the countryside." "It might be a while before we'll see each other." "I love you all, Mom." "Please tell them." "I love all of you very much." "Here's some more." " What's that?" " Jules' pictures when he was young." "I'll ask a friend to keep them for us." "Who's that?" "Is that for us?" "It's the Government Youth Council." "I forgot, they sent a letter." "Hey, I told you to give it to Mom." " Did I say I would?" " What?" " Did I agree?" " Why you fool..." "That's enough." "Go get 50 pesos from my wallet." "Give it to them." "Tell them we're out." "Make that 20." "What?" "Nothing." "I'm just checking." "Something wrong?" "It felt just like yesterday, when Jules was Bingo's age." " But that was actually a long time ago." " So?" "Nothing." "I'm just thinking you're now 46." "I'm 45." "I feel like I'm only 26." "I feel I'm really 45 now." "Is something bothering you?" " A lot of things." " Like what?" "Nothing." "Just a lot of things." "Maybe you're just worried about Jules." " I don't know." " I know." "You are unhappy." "But, think about it." "You are sad, Jules is not, he's happy with what he's doing." " That's unfair!" " You're right." "I'll go to bed." "Amanda..." "We have good children, okay?" " Yes, of course." " And I'm very proud of you." "Thanks." "What's this?" "Just a moment!" "Don't aim your gun at my son!" "Stop aiming that at my son!" " What's the meaning of this?" " We want your son." "We have a search and arrest order." " Search the house!" " Search...!" "Your son holds a key position in the movement." "He's a political officer." "And we have a witness." "Well, congratulations everyone!" "You gave convincing answers." "I'm proud of you, guys." " They'll be back." " How do you know?" "Doves are just like children." "They fly out, to play," " to discover, to search" " Search for what?" "Food?" " There's plenty here." " No." "To find others like them." "To explore their world, just like you." "Before, you could only ride your bike for a short distance." "Then you went further and further still." " You wanted to discover everything." " But I always come home." "Yes, and so will the doves." "Except when they are unhappy at home." " Then the doves will not return." " How do you know for certain?" "I'm sure they'll come back because they are happy here." "Except if, they will be captured or killed by their enemies." " What about the Golden Thread?" " Something I heard a psychic say... ls just like the umbilical cord," "The unbreakable tie that binds mother and child." "So however far apart they are, when something wrong happens to him, a mother feels it." " Em, I feel something is wrong." " I think you worry too much." "Why don't you go to sleep and stop distracting me?" "You know, when the soldier said that... your brother holds a key position in the rebel movement," "I felt so proud." "Imagine, Jules is a political officer!" "He really excels in everything he does, just like you." "What could be the equivalent position of a political officer in government?" "Political officer." "Head of the group..." "like the..." "Chief of police!" " Sure?" " Yes!" " I bet that makes you proud!" " But then again..." "I realize that..." "Your brother could be right after all." "In saying that if the people don't take action... who will?" "If not now, then when?" "Don't mind me!" "I'm just saying that to ease my worries." " Hello." " Gotcha!" " Just got in, huh?" " It's for you." "Hello..." "Yes." "Why?" "What?" "Are you sure?" "How did you find out?" "Mom?" "It's about Jules." "They captured him." "I didn't say a word." "Despite all the torture..." "I never squealed." "I did not betray a single comrade." "Are you the leader?" "You are Comrade Kokoy, right?" "Answer me!" "It's all about conditioning of the mind." "I have long conditioned myself that if I ever got captured..." "I'd let my mind go blank." "So that no matter what they'd do there's nothing I could say." " What's your parents name?" " Mary and Joseph!" "What's your real name?" "Who are your parents?" "Where's Comrade Eric?" " You won't get a thing from me!" " You son of a bitch!" "Remember, when we were kids we told you about conditioned reflexes?" "I've long conditioned myself they will kill me." "I will never surrender." "I will die for what I believe in." " You should be proud of me, Dad." " I'm proud of you, son." "I am Jules' wife." "This is our son." "I am sorry, but I won't be able to visit him." "The military is also after me." "Please take care of Jules for me." "And please tell him Rev and I are just close by." "We'll wait for his return, no matter how long it takes." "Do you know what time it is?" "It's one 0' clock in the morning!" "Mom, we just went caroling." "And besides, curfew has been lifted." "Even so, caroling or not, you've been coming home late." "You think you're staying in a boarding house?" " It's not that, Mom." " Really?" "In that case, why make excuses every time we visit Jules?" "Either you're too sleepy or busy with something." "You'll not go out tomorrow." "We're spending Christmas with Jules." "Mo m!" "Christmas only comes once and we're spending it with him." "But, Mom!" "I have a date!" "You can have a date any day, but not on Christmas!" "Isn't that Rene?" "No, that's Bernie." "Rene is already dead." "Jason, join me for awhile." "Just a minute, mom, dad." "What's up?" "You keep checking your watch." " You're hurting my feelings." " Sorry, force of habit." " Are you bored?" " There's somewhere I have to go to." "Are you in a hurry?" "It's Christmas." "Can't you stay for a few more hours?" "Do I sound selfish?" "Sorry." "But, you're all I've got." "If only I could stop the time so you won't have to leave." "Jeez!" "You want to speed up time while I want to slow it down." " I must be getting old." " I don't think so." "Mom said you're never home," " Afraid you'd end up marrying young." " Of course not!" "Don't you ever think twice before making any step." "You are so young, don't be in such a hurry." "You have a whole life ahead of you." "They killed her and hung her body." "Then cut off her breasts." "Cooked and ate them." "My son went to Negros." "The neighbors testified that he and his friend... were taken while they were sleeping." "The soldiers kept denying that my brother was in their custody." "They sent us from one office to another." "My son was taken by armed men while in his office." "They were only forced to produce him after the media made a lot of noise." "Eman said "Just kill me!" to his torturers." "They shot him pointblank on the face." " Mom, here's Sister." " Come to my office." "We're already working on your son's case..." "And filed it with the Amnesty International." "Have a seat." "Where's your letter of appeal?" "So we can forward it to the Defense Minister." "Hello." "Yes, Ronnie." "It's two a.m., son." "What...?" "What about Jason?" "There's no Jason Bartolome on our list." "There's no one here by that name." "But come look in the cells anyway." "Some don't give their real names." "Your son was booked for possession of marijuana." "But we released him a few hours ago." "He even signed his release." "Please, Ronnie..." "Where could he have gone?" "Just give me the phone numbers of your friends." "Leave it to me." "Hello, Ronnie.." "Dad, I am going to school." "Three bodies were brought in last night- One of then"!" "was---" about 16-." "He's got around 20 stab wounds." "He was found at a garbage dump behind the Manila Zoo." "His elbows and knees were skinned, his hands tied with wire." "No doubt he was dragged face down." "It's already four o'clock." "Oh God, where are they?" "Mom, that's dripping wet." "Here." "What took you so long?" "I can see you've been drinking." "The more you make me worry." "Your dad just arrived, too." "They murdered my son!" "God, they killed my son!" "Goddamn it!" "It's Jason..." "Jason must be angry with me." "He was supposed to have a date last Christmas..." "With his girlfriend, Bernadette." "She was at the wake." "If you saw her, she was crying." "That Christmas, she wanted to introduce him to her parents." "But Jason failed to show up." "Her family even waited for him." "She broke up with Jason." "He must be angry with me." "He asked me to tell you about his date." "He knew if he told you himself, you wouldn't understand." "But instead, I told him..." "it was his problem." "Don't worry." "He's not angry with you." "He loves you." "Don't cry." "Bring the case where?" "To the Defense Minister's attention?" "What are you going to tell him?" "That your son was arrested, released and then killed?" " Isn't that exactly what happened?" " And who would you say killed him?" "The police?" "Who among them?" "What do we do then?" "Nothing?" " Accept that he was killed and that's it?" " We're not accepting it just like that!" "We're doing everything we can." "But, don't expect too much!" "Don't expect that this will be solved..." "Because the government can't be relied on to solve cases involving ordinary citizens!" "Goddamn it Amanda!" "It's not just your son!" "Thousands are being killed." "They are tortured, murdered, evicted, prostituted..." "People are being killed every day." "Fathers, mothers, children are being killed..." "In a thousand and one ways, Amanda!" "I'm trying to understand a lot of things." "Understand the minds of soldiers and policemen." "What demon drives them to torture and murder?" "What kind of husbands and parents they are." "Mom, history has shown us that..." "Man is programmed for violence by their own cultures." "And women, to the idea of helplessness?" "But even Dad can't do anything about Jason's case." "I'm not talking about him." "I'm talking about myself." "All my life, I've been told there's nothing I can do." "This is what your husband wants." "There's nothing you can do." "This is your fate." "You can do nothing about it, because..." "Damn it!" "It shouldn't be like that!" "Then your Dad tells me that my son wasn't the only one killed, the only one abducted." "The more I get frustrated and angry." "Because if you're really a mother you don't just bear children." "You have to defend them, too." "You have to be able to protect them." "All I want to know is why they killed my son!" "My son is a good boy!" "Even if you bring me before God now or the devil himself!" "I swear I had a good son!" "Oh God!" "He was a good son!" "My Jason was a good son!" "You're spending most of your time with Jules." "You're neglecting your other children." "You act like he's your only son." " I can be more open with Jules." " Why?" "What is it you want to talk about?" "Do you have complaints about me?" "Or your other sons?" "Tell me." "What is it?" "What do you want?" " I want a separation." " What?" "Will you say it again?" "Did I hear you right?" "My, God, Amanda!" "What's with you?" "Are you sick or something?" "Come on, Mom!" "If a wife wants to leave her husband, she doesn't tell him." "She just leaves." "If she simply leaves, she is not really serious." "She wants to shock him." "Cajole her to come back." "She just wants attention." "Okay." "You did it." "You've got my attention." "You even shocked me." "Now, let's sit down and talk about it, okay?" "What is it that you want?" "Your birthday is coming up." "What do you want?" "Do you want a party?" "You want jewelry?" "Take you out to a hotel." "Take you abroad?" "You know I hate playing games!" "If you want to tell me something, why not just tell me without this childish act!" "Your problem is, you think everything could be bought." "You've never understood me, because to you, I'm just a mother." "And I'm not even a good mother!" "I know." "I can read it all over you." "Now what?" "You want to tell it to my face that if I were a good mother," "I should have been up all night waiting for my other son?" "That I should have felt something was wrong with Jason..." "The way I felt it when something happened to Jules?" "Why don't you say it to my face..." "That I did not love my sons equally the way I loved my firstborn!" "So, I can tell you it's not true!" "It's not true!" "I just thought my firstborn needed me most because he always made me worry." "That's all there is to it." "No, you'll never understand that." "Because all our lives... your only concern... was whether I was doing it right or wrong and behaving according to your rules and standards." "Whether I was exactly the way you want me to be." " Wait a minute..." " You wait a minute!" "I've enough, Julian!" "I'm tired of all that!" "This time, I want to be proud of myself." "Some sweet lullaby..." "water dripping on a gaping wound, bright light in the night breaking into dawn, a wall to lean on, steel earth in the field of war, a friend indeed in the walk to freedom." "My mother." "How is she now?" "I'm sure she's thinking of me, especially on my birthday." "She must have cooked some noodles because noodles symbolize long life." "Mother, don't be sad." "I may be far but my brothers are with you." "They're bright and intelligent like me." "Because, we are all your children." ""My child, these are violent times,"" ""Don't ask me not to worry about you." "I'm your mother and you're my child."" "" Isn't that enough?"" "When I was in the city and rallies were held, she'd sit by the radio with a rosary... listening to the list of the wounded and dead." "The list is endless, I cannot mention them all." "Mom, may I have a minute?" "Could you postpone leaving Dad?" "Jules is on the phone." "He wants us to fetch him." "He's been released." "Take care!" "Don't ever forget us!" "Vote "LABAN" party!" "Bingo, here's your jacket." "You're all dressed up!" "And reeking of perfume!" "You're just jealous!" "Mara and I are going back to the movement." "I hope you understand that." "This is our life." "We prefer to live and die for this." "As I've always said... that a person should follow his conscience and live by his principles." "So you would understand if Evelyn and I don't get back together?" " But we'll stay as friends." " Once in a while bring Anna Lissa over." "Of course." " It's getting late." " I'll take them home." "Can I hitch a ride?" "It's our dress rehearsal." " Gani, are you passing by Makati?" " We'll watch your play." " Can we all fit in?" " Drive safely." "We'll leave the day after tomorrow." "We'll see you at Em's play." " What time will you be coming home?" " I won't be too late." "Take care!" "Thank you." "For what?" "For everything you've done." "For me." "For our children." "I won't stop you, Amanda." "I just want you to realize..." "That it's not easy being a man, either." "Too many emotions have to be bottled up inside." "They say it's unbecoming of a man to be emotional." "He is not supposed to open up." "Worse, he is not allowed to cry." "That is why sometimes, he cannot look straight into another person's eyes." "Especially his wife's." "You're not the only one who questions your inadequacies." "I do, too." "I am dying to vindicate my son." "I want to revenge." "As God is my witness, night and day..." "I have visions of myself killing those who murdered my son." "He was my son, too." "Damn it!" "He was my son!" "Why turn your back to me?" "Are you crying?" "We can cry together." "Let's cry for Jason, for all our tragedies." "We can even cry because we are happy." "Because we are proud parents." "We can talk about our sons." "We can talk about society and life." "Let's open our hearts and souls to each other." "Everybody, please rise for the Philippine National Anthem." "Beloved land Pearl of the orient." "With fervor burning, we adore you in our hearts." "O land divine cradle of noble heroes." "Into the hands of invaders never shall you fall." "Over the seas and hills the breeze and sky." "The beauty of poems and songs of freedom reign." "The radiance of your flag wave in majesty and triumph." "The light from its sun and stars shall never fade." "Land of the sun of glory and of love." "Heaven lies in your embrace." "And when tyrants rule to kill for you is bliss." "The Filipinos are still held prisoners." "Their prison extends far beyond bars of steels." "But each day, child and a parent are born." "Together, they will row the boat along the sea of change." "Because the tranquil soil ...is only for those who brave the waves ...in the darkest hours of a raging storm." "The masses, the country ...are fighting for their freedom!" "The masses, the country ...are fighting for their freedom!" "The masses, the country ...are fighting for their freedom!"