HIDLAW

A FILM ADAPTATION
OF EDITH TIEMPO’S BONSAI
BY: EJAY D. VILLAVER
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

DEDICATED TO:
GONZALONIAN PRODUCTIONS;
I’VE HATED THIS STORY,
AND I’VE LOVED IT,
AND I HOPE I MADE IT
RIGHT.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

CAST OF CHARACTERS
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
STEPHEN DEGUZMAN & ALEXANDRA LARRAGA as COUPLE #1
MERYL EVANGELISTA & YDIANNE LOPEZ as COUPLE #2
ANNE DIMPLE DELA TORRE as HOST
FAITH DAAL as LAW REPRESENTATIVE
ADOLFO VEN ADOLFO as HIMSELF
SHANNEN ELSBBETH ESMERO as HERSELF
EUNICE as SHANNEN’S BOSS
MAUREEN QUIJADA as ADOLF’S EX
CHEN KAQUILALA as ADOLF’S MOTHER

DIRECTORS
ADA ANGELA MERCADO
YUWAN PRESBITERO

EDITOR
ADA ANGELA MERCADO

CAMERA MEN
EJAY VILLAVER
DEBBIE CANOY

EXTRA & PRODUCTION

CHRISTINE JOY SILVA
LORENZO GABISAN
JORSELLE LAGURA
KIMBERLY AMARO
NICHOLE DANO
KIRSTEIN TAN
FAITH DAAL
JOAN AUZA

SPECIAL THANKS TO ATE KEANLY PAQUIBOT WITHOUT YOU

THIS SCRIPT WILL BE JUST ANOTHER STORY
I AM WRITING FOR MYSELF.
THANK YOU FOR ADAPTING IT SO
WELL IN THE SMALL SCREEN.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

INT. HOUSE –DAY

In a messy room. Two individuals sitting on
the couch fighting. STEPHEN is screaming at
ALEX’s crying face. She slaps him.

ADOLF (V.O):
Majority sa mga tao dito sa mundo
ay naghahanap ng kapartner sa buhay.
And when we fall in love. We fall
into different categories. Tulad ng
isang toxic na relasyon. Mga relasyon
na pilit na pinagpatuloy kahit
nakakasama na.

TRANSITION: SCREEN TURNS TO BLACK

EXT. SM SEASIDE ROOFTOP –NIGHT

YDIANNE and MERYL are sitting with a big gap
between them. Ydianne tries to reach out.
However, Meryl stood up and walk away, leaving
Ydianne to cry her eyes out.

ADOLF (V.O):
May mga taong takot na mag commit.
Pero sa dinami-daming klase ng
relasyon, ours is my favorite.
Ako si ADOLF at siya si SHANNEN
at ito ang aming storya.

TITLE CARD: “Hidlaw”

INT. ROOM –DAY

The room is deafening from all the CHEERS and
CLAPS of the Tagisan ng Talino audiences. Two
teams, from the Law department and Nursing
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

department respectively are competing against

each other. ADOLF, a nursing student who’s a
super-smart overachiever with roughly a
thousand of commitments taking up his time. He
is one of the top students in his class and
consistent in getting good grades. The game’s
in progress. The questions are announced by an
old teacher who squints every time she reads.

HOST:
The last question…

She puts her hand in the bowl of questions,

stirring it a little bit. She took her time—
to build anticipation.

HOST (CONTINUED):
(Coughs)
What genre does Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet belong?

The representative from the Law department

presses the buzzer. Adolf’s pissed.

LAW REPRESENTATIVE:
(Confident)
It belongs to romance.

Everyone from the audience APPLAUDS. Adolf

on the other hand, smiled.

ADOLF:
Umhh Actually, it’s a
tragedy.

Everyone was SILENCED.

 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

ADOLF (CONTINUED):
The play ended with both of the
main characters dead. Ergo, not
a romance, but a tragedy.

HOST:
Ladies and Gentleman, we have a
winner.

The room is filled with CHEERS and high-fives.

However, SHANNEN, a girl from the crowd who’s
holding a banner to support the representative
from the Department of Law raised her hand and
shouted.

FROM THE CROWD

SHANNEN:
I object! I believe that there
is an errancy in your judgement.
(To the host)
Therefore, I want a rematch.

People are WHISPERING about what she just

said. Some agreed, some didn’t.

HOST (O.S):
(Nervous)
I’m sorry, the decision has been
made and is irrevocable.

Law supporters DECRIES around the host while

the nursing students CHEERED LOUDER.

HOST (CONTINUED):
If you have any problems with
the results, unfortunately there
is nothing we can do with that.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

The host gave Shannen a smug look and she

rolled her eyes to clap back. She then
turned to where the DEEP LAUGH is coming
from. To her shock it came from Adolf. They
looked at each other’s eyes and he gave her
an annoying grin —one that Adolf used to
mock. She took a glimpse of her wrist watch
and then to her classmate at her left.

SHANNEN:
You know what? I got to go.

She gave Adolf a last cold look and walked

out.

EXT. EUNICE’S HOUSE –AFTERNOON

A garage/garden full of green plants and
vibrant flowers. The door opened and closed
with a big BANG. Shannen shows up with an
unbuttoned shirt and messy hair. She struggles
to tie her shoelaces. She stood and greeted
Eunice, her boss.
SHANNEN:
(Breathy)
Good afternoon ate.

EUNICE:
(Without looking at her)
Late ka na naman. Ika-ilang late
mo na ‘to?

SHANNEN:
Intrams po kasi namin.
(She fixes her bun and kneeled
down to water the plants)
Promise po hindi na mauulit.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

EUNICE:
O sha sige, maiwan muna kita jan.

As she’s pouring, she noticed a pair of shoes.

She stood up to see whom the mysterious shoes
are attached to. She beams, ready to greet the
costumer. When she recognized whom he is, her
mood shifts. She crossed her arms and raised
her right eyebrow.
SHANNEN:
Sinusundan mo ba ako? O kulang pa
‘yong ginawa mo kanina?

ADOLF:
(Clears throat)
First of all, hindi kita pinahiya.
You did a great job doing that to
yourself. Second, we deserve that
win. We won fair and square.

SHANNEN:
Did you though? ‘Yan ang problema
sa bansa natin eh. We have a
different perception on what’s
fair and what’s not. Kaya nga I
want to become a lawyer. To fix
our broken justice system where
people—
ADOLF:
(He raised his hand)
Stop! I’ve come here in peace.
Nandito ako para bumili ng bonsai
niyo.
(He placed the 100 peso bill on
the ground)
O baka pati ‘yon gusto mo ring
pagtalunan?
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
(She scoffs)
The judge was bias towards you.
Everybody knows Shakespeare writes
romance.

ADOLF:
Does going to a party and then
get married the next day, love?
Libog lang ‘yun.

SHANNEN:
(She snapped)
Para sa’yo. In earth, that’s what we
call love at first sight.

ADOLF:
(He scoffs)
I see. You’re a hopeless romantic. Mga
taong naniniwala sa true love pero wala
namang jowa.

She wants to say something more but she

chose not to. She packed the bonsai and
shove it to him.
SHANNEN:
Thank you.
(Her tone changed)
… And don’t you ever come again.

ADOLF:
Too bad, babalik at babalik ako
every weekend so you’re stuck with
me. Whether you like it or not.

He gave her an annoying smirk. Shannen rolls

her eyes and sighs.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

MONTAGE:
EXT.EUNICE’S HOUSE –CONTINUOS
Adolf annoys Shannen every time. Later on,
Shannen started to ridicule him too. Without
realizing it they became friends. She taught
him how to take care of plants and many more.
While watering the plants Shannen accidentally
cut herself.
<END MONTAGE>

Shannen screamed with pain, He ran towards

her.

ADOLF:
Are you ok?

Adolf’s eyes are filled with concern. He

checked Shannen’s cut and without hesitation
he took out a first aid kit from his backpack.
Witnessing this act proves that the
assumptions she has about Adolf was wrong.
He’s sweet and caring. Maybe even a “boyfriend
material,” —one that she would date. She
continues to stare at Adolf’s face.

SHANNEN (V.O):
I have to admit, he’s very
charming. Kaso lang ang pangit
ng ugali.

ADOLF:
(Focused on her leg)
Stay still.
(Adolf then wrapped her leg
with a bandage)
That’s going to be fine. You’re
lucky the wound wasn’t that deep.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
(She looked away)
Salamat.

ADOLF:
Take the day off.
(Referring to her leg)
Dapat pinapahinga mo muna ‘yan.

Shannen just stood there, shocked by admitting

that maybe—just maybe—he’s not ’that bad’.
Adolf waved goodbye. Before he gets to the
door Shannen asks him—

SHANNEN:
What’s the bonsai for?

Adolf smiled and turned around to face her.

SHANNEN (CONTINUED):
Hey, if bibili ka ng bonsai every
week I can just deliver it to you.
(She raised both of her hands)
Free of charge. Just put your number…
(She hands her phone)
here.

They stare at each other for a moment. Adolf

then typed his number on Shannen’s phone.

ADOLF:
Just a warning. If you send that
first text there’s no going back.
(He hands the phone back)
‘Wag kang ma fall sa akin. Hindi
ako marunong sumalo.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
(Hands on her hips)
Oh please. Kung makapagsalita
ka akala mo hindi nagmahal.

ADOLF:
I don’t believe in love.

SHANNEN:
It’s not a religion. It exist
kahit naniniwala ka or hindi.

ADOLF:
Talaga ba? Can you prove it?

SHANNEN:
Love songs, poetry… marriage.

ADOLF:
(Thumbs down with a FART
NOISE)
Everything you just said are
just words on paper. They don’t
mean anything.

SHANNEN:
But you know these authors feel
something right? Hindi sila
makakagawa nito for nothing.

ADOLF:
Chemicals? You can search it
online if gusto mo.

He turns around and starts walking.

 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
Ang manhid mo!

ADOLF:
(He corrects her)
Just facts.

Adolf left the store. She checked her phone

and seeing his number on it, made her smile
and it warms her heart. She hates herself for
it.

MONTAGE: INT. ADOLF’S ROOM –NIGHT

In a messy room. Adolf plays a deafening
music. He bangs his head with the music and
plays his imaginary guitar. His phone lits up—
a message.

EXTREME CLOSE UP: PHONE

SHANNEN:
It’s the end of the week. Where could we meet up?

Adolf smiles

INT. LIBRARY –NIGHT

Peace and quiet. She’s studying with her
friends.

ADOLF:
So you took the challenge. Don’t forget, I warned you.

She rolls her eyes.

INTERCUT between ADOLF’S ROOM and the

LIBRARY.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
As if. You’re the last person I want to be with.

She lied.

ADOLF:
How’s your leg by the way?

SHANNEN:
It’s strong enough para sipain ‘yang mukha mo.

ADOLF:
Ang harsh naman. Pwede bang mag meet tayo
sa SM?

SHANNEN:
Sige. Does 8:00 am sound good?

ADOLF:
Sounds great. It’s a date then.

SHANNEN:
A what now!?

MONTAGE:
- EXT. CAR –DAY –MOVING. Adolf’s driving
- EXT. JEEP –DAY. Shannen hugging a couple
of bonsai.
- INT. RESTAURANT –DAY. Adolf patiently
waiting for Shannen. Tried to play games
to entertain himself.
- INT. IN FRONT OF A LONG LINE IN THE
ELEVATOR –DAY. Shannen arrived at the SM
mall however she refused to wait on the
line and take the stairs instead.
- INT. RESTAURANT –DAY.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

Adolf stood up. He started to get

worried, so he calls Shannen.
- INT. STAIRS WITH A SIGN THAT SAYS 3RD
FLOOR. She struggles to climb the
stairs for the plant is very heavy and
her leg hasn’t fully recovered.
- INT. IN FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT –DAY.
Shannen wouldn’t pick up, so he tried
texting her instead.

EXTREME CLOSE UP: ADOLF’S PHONE.

ADOLF:
Where are you?

<END CLOSE UP AND MONTAGE>

Shannen arrives with beads of sweat on her

forehead and her glasses are a little foggy.
She looked around to find Adolf, but he is
nowhere to be seen. She jumped as a familiar
voice BOOMED behind her.

ADOLF:
Hoy, okay ka lang?

SHANNEN:
(Takes a long breath)
Oh yan 200.

She shoves the trees to him. Adolf scoops the

bonsai in his arms and tries to brush skin
with Shannen as possible.

ADOLF:
(Hesitant)
Kumain ka na ba?
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN (V.O):
(She smiles)
Suss, Pa fall.
CUT TO: RESTAURANT

INT. RESTAURANT –LUNCH

The place plays a classic jazz music which
helps settle the mood. Shannen is fiddling
with her black notebook —writing poems. Adolf
arrives.

ADOLF:
(Groans)
Oh no! I’m right.
(Gesturing to the notebook)
I was right. You’re a poet.

SHANNEN:
What’s wrong with being a poet?
I’m sure you have something you
love—

ADOLF:
I told you, hindi ako naniniwala
sa love remember? Why do you want
to be a poet anyway?

SHANNEN:
Well, hindi lang sila poems.
They’re umh… song lyrics.

ADOLF:
A poet and a singer. Wow, you never
cease to amaze me. Pwede ko bang
marinig yung songs mo?
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
(Shy)
That’s the problem. I believe my
songs aren’t ready for the whole
world to hear.

ADOLF:
Believe in yourself. If hindi ka
magiging lawyer —which is unlikely
to happen—you can pursue your music.

SHANNEN:
(Amazed)
You really think so?
(Turned sad)
But I have to be practical. Or else,
I’d be broke.

ADOLF:
(Raised his cup to Shannen)
Broke with money, but rich in words.

They LAUGH. When the chuckle dies down Adolf

changed the topic and stares at her sternly.

ADOLF (CONTINUED):
Hey, I’m really happy we’re having
lunch together. I believe that we
started off on the wrong foot. That’s
why I called you here. To start again,
with you. Hi I’m Adolf.

He hold his hand out.

SHANNEN:
Wait, so let me get this straight.
You planned to lure me in here
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

to eat with you? Not creepy at

all, Adolf. Not at all.

ADOLF:
(Playful)
Stop, you’re ruining the moment.

SHANNEN:
Oh umhh—Okay… Hi I’m Shannen nice
to meet you.

They grasp each other’s hand tightly

MONTAGE:
INT. ARCADE -AFTERNOON
Both of them are having fun playing
basketball. The games’ in progress. Points has
been scored, strategy and teamwork is shown.
They win. They’re full of glee that they
hugged each other.

EXT. SM SEASIDE’S ROOFTOP –NIGHT

It’s nice and quiet in the rooftop. They are
at the edge of the slide, looking at the stars.
Looking at her.

SHANNEN:
(She closed her eyes and feel
as the wind brushed her face)
It’s so nice up here.

ADOLF:
(Looking at her)
Yes, ang ganda ng view.

She felt a drop of water in her eye. Thunder

roared. It’s raining. Adolf grabs her by the
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

hand and runs to the nearest shelter they

could find. Adolf places the bonsai outside in
the pouring rain. He turns to her and noticed
she’s rubbing her hand together and kept
blowing in it to keep herself warm. He takes
his jacket off and placed it on her shoulders.

SHANNEN:
(She looked up)
Salamat. How about you? Hindi
ka ba giniginaw?

ADOLF:
Okay lang.

SHANNEN:
No, really. It’s like negative 40
degrees dito. Tabihan mo ako.

She smiled. The wind RUSHES through the trees.

Adolf scooched towards her. He took both of
her hands and blew hot air in them. Shannen
looked away —blushing.

SHANNEN:
(She stared at him)
You know for a very egotistic na
lalaki, you’re very… sweet. I
misjudged you Adolf Ven Adolfo.

He looks away.

ADOLF:
You’re cool too.

SHANNEN:
“You’re cool too” yung totoo
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

may kaluluwa ka ba?

ADOLF:
I don’t believe there are such
thing as a souls.

SHANNEN:
So no fate, no destiny, no
meant-to-be’s for you?

ADOLF:
No. At least not anymore.

SHANNEN:
(Intrigued)
Why, what happened?

ADOLF:
She cares too much what other
people thinks.

EXT. SIDE OF THE STREET –NIGHT –FLASHBACK

A girl is crying at the side of the street.
Walking barefoot while carrying her heels. A
guy catches up to her, Adolf.

MAUREEN (O.S):
Adolf, stay there! I told you it
would be better for us if maghiwalay
na tayo.

ADOLF:
I disagree.

MAUREEN:
Great. Disagreeing is what we do
best. Can’t you see? Adolf this is—
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

ADOLF:
I love you. Okay? Why do they get
to choose who we love? Ang labo
naman.

MAUREEN:
(Voice breaks)
Adolf, tigilan na natin ‘tong
kagaguhang ‘to. You’re being crazy.
That’s more than crazy I don’t think
there’s even a word for what that is.

ADOLF:
Actually there’s a word for that,
its love. If you’re looking for
a word that means caring about
someone no matter how much it hurts
you, it’s love. And when you love
someone, you don’t stop —ever. Even
when people roll their eyes on you
or- or call you crazy. Even then —
especially then. You —you just don’t
give up because If I do. That wouldn’t
be love. That’s why I’m fighting for
you. I’m fighting for us

He kneeled down but she walks away.

CUT TO: BACK TO PRESENT

EXT. SM SEASIDE’S ROOFTOP –NIGHT

SHANNEN:
So biktima ka rin huh? Biktima
ka rin ng mga taong nang-iiwan.
We got our hearts broken for
trusting it with people who was
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

the reason for the cracks.

(She nudges him)
We’re both survivors of loving
the wrong souls.

ADOLF:
Ano bang nangyari sa’yo?

SHANNEN:
(She shrugs)
Napagod akong mahalin siya.
Napagod ako sa paligsahang hindi
ko alam kung ba’t ako nasali.
He kept comparing me to his past
relationship. I’m just tired of
loving him while not being me, you
know? I just don’t know how to
keep up the act.

ADOLF:
So you realized that you have
so much love to give and you’re
giving it to someone who treats
you like shit?

They LAUGH. Shannen nods in agreement.

ADOLF (CONTINUED):
I can relate. ‘Yan ang problema
sa’kin, I always search endless love,
from places where it never begins.

Just by looking at each other’s eyes they know

how empty both of them were.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
Love is not love if it’s not
requited, right?

ADOLF:
Naks, naman lakas maka emote neto.

SHANNEN:
Ikaw kaya… pero yung totoo did you
love her?
ADOLF:
Define pag-ibig? Lust? Attraction?
Attachment? It doesn’t matter.
It’s just orchestrated by chemicals
in the brain. As a nursing student,
I know these facts cold. Knowing them
helped me get over her betrayal. I
believe that love are just chemicals
and coincidences. But why does
sometimes it feels like so much more.

SHANNEN:
Why do we feel like this? We’re good
people right? Kajowa-jowa naman tayo.
Why does good people always fall to the
wrong person?

They paused. A long one.

ADOLF:
‘Cause we accept the love we think we
deserve. Karamihan sa atin, shini-share
sa facebook na no one cares about us.
When in reality, admit it or not, may
nagmamahal talaga sa atin hindi lang
natin tanggap ang pagmamahal na ‘to
because…
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

(He looks at her)

choosy tayo.

SHANNEN:
So kasalanan ko pa kung bakit
nagkakaganito ako ngayon?

ADOLF:
Medyo, but always remember this…

He touches her face and tucked some of her

hair behind her ear, to fully look at her
blushing face. He moves his head towards her.
So close that she can feel his breath.
Anything can happen in the breath of space
between them.

ADOLF (CONTINUED):
You matter and you’re worth it. Find
someone who understands this.

SHANNEN:
(She shakes her head)
I think I’m done searching. I have
found the one.

Adolf embraces her. She doesn’t resist. He

puts his left hand on her waist and bury his
fingers on her hair on the other one.

ANGLE ON: BOTH OF THEIR FACES (INTERCUT)

TRANSITION: SCREEEN TURNS BLACK

INT. SHNANEN’S ROOM –LATER

She’s anxiously checking her phone every 5
minutes. Waiting for Adolf’s phone calls or
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

texts. She started to get worried. She tried

texting him again for what seems to be a
millionth time (give or take)

SHANNEN (V.O):
That was one of the best thing that
happened to me: you, coming to my life.
I should’ve known that it was too good
to be true. I should’ve enjoyed it
while it lasted.

MONTAGE:
- Shannen haven’t heard from Adolf for
almost a week. He gave her nothing, no
calls, no text, no reason to stay.
<END MONTAGE>

INT. HOSPITAL —DAY

Adolf sits in front of a door, exhilarated.
His face is pale, hair’s very messy —obviously
he has no sleep. He HEARS FOOTSTEPS, it waked
him up. He turned and saw Shannen’s crying
face. Before he can stand, Shannen ran to the
opposite direction.

ADOLF:
Shannen, I’m so—

She slaps him.

SHANNEN:
(Sobbing)
I let down my defenses on you.
You’ve made me think that you’re
different. I was hoping that for
once that my story —no,
our story wouldn’t end in a
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

trajedy. Pero who am I kidding?

I don’t deserve true love.
Hindi ko deserve sumaya. Magsalita
ka Adolf!

She pushed him. Adolf’s tears starts rolling

on his face. No response.

SHANNEN (CONTINUED):
(Angry)
Masaya ka na? ‘Yan ka naman ‘di ba?
Pa fall? Pinaniwala mo ‘ko sa mga
pangako mo.
(Pity)
May nasabi ba ako? Gusto mo ba akong
umalis? Yung totoo minahal mo ba
talaga ako? O sinubukan mo lang akong
mahalin para hindi kita iwan tulad ng
iba?
ADOLF:
I could never do that to you. Forget
what I said about love and chemicals,
what I feel for you is beyond that. I
love you, Shan. It’s just my mom—

SHANNEN:
(Shocked)
Your mom? What happened to your mom?

CUT TO: HOSPITAL ROOM

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM –NIGHT

In a white painted room with full of medical
equipment, machines and has a BEEPING SOUND.
In the corner of the room there’s a bed —where
Adolf’s mother lay unconscious. Shannen
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

entered the room shyly and was astonished when

almost half of the room is filled with bonsai.

SHANNEN:
(She refers to the plants)
All of these, para sa kaniya?

Adolf nodded.

SHANNEN (CONTINUED):
Akala ko para sa girlfriend mo
‘to?

ADOLF:
(refers to his mom)
It was para sa babaeng pinakamamahal
ko. Bonsai is her favorite tree.

EXT. ADOLF’S HOUSE –DAY –FLASHBACK

The sun is shining on Adolf’s backyard, where
her mother waters the plant every day. She
calls for Adolf’s attention.

ADOLF’S MOTHER:
Lagi mong tatandaan anak, ang
kahalagahan ng isang bonsai. Itong
simpleng halaman na’to ay nagsisimbolo
sa tunay na pag-ibig.
(referring to the bonsai)
Love is flexible and foldable. Ikaw
Ang nagmamay ari ng puso mo. Para
hindi masaktan, magmahal ng sapat.
Walang labis, walang kulang. Ikaw
lang ang makakapagsabi kung sino ang
nagpapatibok ng puso mo at kanino ka
susugal-
TRANSITION: BACK TO PRESENT
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -NIGHT

Adolf continued what her mother said like the
back of his hand. He memorized this line by
heart.

ADOLF:
(Smiling)
Kaya ang bonsai at pagmamahal should
be properly cultivated and respected
for it to find it’s great perhaps.

SHANNEN:
Are you waiting for a round of
applause? Or-
ADOLF:
Oh, I’m waiting for something alright.
And it’s not for an applause.

Adolf reached for her hand and kissed its

gentle fingers. She melts.

EXT. CEMETARY –DAWN

It’s cool and breezy. The sun rises over the
city. Beautiful. Adolf held Shannen’s hand
while on the other he’s holding a bonsai.

ADOLF:
Hi ma. It’s been 4 years.
Hanggang ngayon hindi parin ako
nakakapaniwalang wala ka na. At tsaka
ma, may good news ako sa’yo
(He looks at Shannen)
Engaged na po kami.

Shannen raised her hand hoping Adolf’s mom

could see the ring.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

SHANNEN:
Promise po aalagaan ko ‘tong singsing
na’to at aalagaan ko at mamahalin ang
anak niyo.

ADOLF:
Pangako, mamahalin namin ang isa’t isa…

SHANNEN:
(She looked at him)
…gaya ng pagmamahal na ibinigay sa
isang bonsai.

They share a smile. They sat down on the green

grass and inhaled the fresh air and ate
whatever in the basket Shannen prepared. He
and Shannen told her mom what they planned for
the coming wedding. In that moment, they feel
infinite.

MONTAGE: EXT. CEMETERY –DAWN

-Shannen played her song in front of
Adolf. Bonsai song plays in the
background. Uploaded by Paolo Jiz de
Ortega.
-Romantically dancing.

ADOLF (V.O):
“All that I love, I fold over once.
And once again, and keep in a box.”
When we fall in love hindi natin
masusukat kung sapat ba o kulang
ang ating pagmamahal. To tell you
honestly, it doesn’t matter. Loving
someone less would only hurt your
chances of finding your soul mate.
Yung feeling na you give everything
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

you have, but instead of receiving

something back, the person you trusted
the most left you empty. But take the
pain, and cry —a lot. It’ll all be
worth it. Lahat ng hinahanap mong pag-
ibig can be given to you, by you. Ako
si Adolf at siya si Shannen at ito an
aming storya.

ROLL CREDITS
<END>

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I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of
your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will
of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1
--------------------------------------------
REFERENCE:
 The phrase “We accept the love we think we deserve” is a quote from Stephen
Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower— a coming of age novel.
Commen