UTMOST FILMS

(Film for the 50TH Anniversary)

Temporary Working Title: _________________________________

Synopsis (Final):
A young Christian couple struggles in their marriage. The husband
was laid off from work. As a result, the wife develops a feeling of
superiority over him as she advances in her career. The plot thickens
when the husband takes on the role of a househusband while dealing
with his personal issues. His feeling of inferiority and
insignificance worsens as he sees himself playing a secondary role in
their marriage and family life. Their relationship receives a big blow
when he gets dragged into court for issues related to his former job.
His wife begins to doubt him entirely and everything seems to be
falling apart. With God’s help and through the guidance of their
parents and godly friends, the couple decides to stand by each other
during such difficult times. Eventually, the case is dropped and they
receive a fresh start in life.

Character Sketch
Main Cast
Benjamin “Benjie” Del Valle (Husband)
Age: mid 30s
Temperament: Choleric – driven; natural leader at work/ church;
responsible; godly, loving husband and father
Work: Bank Manager

Christine Del Valle (Wife)

Age: same as husband
Temperament: Sanguine-Phlegmatic: quirky, witty; smart;
responsible; submissive (at first and towards the end); godly,
loving, caring mother and wife
Work: College Professor; College of Business administration
Nikko Del Valle (son)
Age: 14
Average teen; low EQ level; introvert; into writing/arts
Grade 8
Chloe Del Valle (daughter)
-Age: 7 or 8
- outspoken; funny; smart; level-headed
Supporting Cast
Christine’s parents
Mom/Dad; Lolo/Lola
Benjie’s Friends (pure Christian)
Chito, Ivan and Paulo
Christine’s colleagues (mixed group)
Christian: Mia and Charrie
Non-Christian: Thea, Sheila and Jenny
Nikko’s schoolmates
Dean (female) – Dean: Dr. Filomena Buencamino-Lim
Lawyer – Atty. Juliano Madrigal III

Extras for:
School tribute for outgoing dean
Church scene

Montage (to be portrayed by Christine and Benjie themselves except

silhouette)
A silhouette of a couple kissing. A happy couple on their wedding day.
A happy, expectant mother is looking at her big tummy in front of the
mirror; her excited husband hugs her from the back and lovingly
touches her tummy. A mother carries her newborn. A father’s finger
touches the finger of his newborn baby. A family walks together along
the beach. A father cries and puts his palm on his face. The mother
comes near and wraps his arms around her husband. A silhouette of a
couple having an argument, pointing fingers at each other. A couple
praying intensely. Focus on the couple’s hands holding each other
while praying. A family is having a devotion together. A family
holding each other’s hands walks together towards a church. Zoom out
to feature the church family
Voice Over during Montage1
Christine: Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 said “Love endures all
things,” indeed true love remains constant as it suffers in all things
Benjie: all things work together for good to those who love God to
those who were according to His purpose, that is the promise of God
especially to those who suffer life’s trials
Christine: Life’s trials are God’s ways of testing our faith, of
measuring our trust and showing that in Him, there is victory
Benjie: Victory over hardships and victory over struggles, lalo na sa
married life. But God is there even at the point of giving up

1
Man and woman will simultaneously say words in bold font
Christine: Giving up was never an option because Benjie and I know
that God’s love will sustain us and that our love for each other is
true, constant and firm
Both: Marriage is not just between a man and a woman.
Benjie: This is what Christine and I realized after ten years of our
life as a married couple.
Christine: A married couple amid life’s challenges does not have to
make their marriage work
Benjie: because if they put God in the center of their relationship
Both: His tender love, mercy and grace will sustain them.

Scene 1 Church Int. Church Auditorium

(A pastor conducts the exchange of vows between couples, the bride and
the groom holds each other’s hands, the best man holds the microphone;
random shots of people crying or teary-eyed, wide shot to capture
church interior packed with people)
Christine: in life’s toughest times
Benjie: when our faith is put to the test
Both: God’s glory is shown at its best.
Pastor: Benjie, do you take this woman to be your wife?
Benjie: I do.
Pastor: Christine, do you take this man to be your husband?
Christine: I do.
Pastor: By the power vested in me by the Republic of the Philippines,
I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and
Mrs. Benjamin Del Valle. (coughs lightly) of course the most awaited
part, may nakalimutan pa tayo, Benjie, my man, you may now kiss your
wife.
(kissing scene does not happen)

Scene 2 Family Dinner Int. Dining Room

(Scene opens with the family sharing a good laugh while eating dinner.
Christine stands up and refills the rice platter. Benjie asks Chloe to
hand him the water pitcher. Benjie goes comical with his actions and
everyone else, except Nikko, laugh their hearts out)
CHRISTINE
O siya siya! 8:30 na. Nikko, Chloe better finish your assignments.
Maaga pa kayo tomorrow. Hon, dishes please?
BENJIE
(stands up and goes around Christine, massages her shoulder)
Hon, pwede ikaw muna? I have to finish three executive reports pa.
Dalawa ang due tomorrow. Plus, I’ll be preparing for my message sa
Joint fellowship on Sunday.
 CHRISTINE
(sighs, holds Benjie’s hand, pulls it downward, Benjie is now
embracing Christine from the back)
(hesitantly) Fine, pero ikaw na maghahatid sa mga bata bukas. Coding
ako eh, sasabay lang ako kay Mia.
BENJIE
(unwraps his arms from Chloe)
Yes, Ma’am. Nikko, Chloe let’s leave at 6 am sharp ah. Di ako pwedeng
ma-late for our quarterly ExeComm Meeting.
CHLOE
Okay, Dad.
BENJIE
Nikko? (politely)
(Nikko finishes his water. Stands up and heads toward the stairs)
BENJIE
Nikko? (with a bit more vigor, turns to Christine who is now piling up
the dishes) Anong problema noon? (pouts his mouth towards Nikko’s
direction) Kausapin mo nga yang anak mo.
CHRISTINE
(looks at Benjie intently) Okay, I will. Pero siguro naman alam mo
kung bakit nagtatampo yang binata mo diba? (crosses her arms)
BENJIE
(thinking)
Ah, the Exhibit pa rin ba?
CHRISTINE
(nods)
BENJIE
Okay fine, I’ll make it up to him. (Turns his back and rolls his eyes)
(Christine proceeds to gather the dishes. Benjie gulps his water and
then proceeds to the stairs.)

Scene 3 School Int. Car

(Students alighting school bus. Students with their companions with
trolleys. Student kisses his mother before entering school gate.
School gate open at the background. Chloe seated at the back, Nikko at
the passenger seat)
BENJIE
Alright, Tito Ivan will pick you up. Chloe, you go with Iris ah.
Nikko, be here at 5:00 p.m., okay?
NIKKO
(unbuckles seatbelt and speeds out of the car)
 BENJIE
(unbuckles his seatbelt, bolts out of the car and tries in vain
attempt to catch Nikko)
Nikko! (sighs)
(opens car door for Chloe)
CHLOE
(kisses Benjie)
Love you, Dad.
BENJIE
(kneels to Chloe’s level and kisses her)
Love you too, anak. Mukhang nagtatampo pa rin ang kuya mo sa akin?
CHLOE
You said sorry na naman diba, Dad?
BENJIE
Yes, baby.
CHLOE
(hugs Benjie and runs towards the school gate; shortly before she
enters, Chloe takes one last look at Benjie and gives a thumbs up)
(Benjie smiles)
(Benjie gets inside the car, takes a deep breath, starts the engine;
turns car radio on)
ANNOUNCER
Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ngayon ng National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) ang ilang commercial banks sa Metro Manila na
diumano’y sangkot sa ilang katiwalian…(voice fade out)

Scene 4 Church Int. Fellowship Room A

(Men and women seated as if in a fellowship. One man is talking to
another at the back. Another one is distributing hymnals. Another man
brings a bilao of pancit inside the room. Two women are sharing a
hymnal. One man is in front leading the singing of a song after the
hymnals were distributed)
CHITO
Ladies and gentlemen Our speaker for today is a man of God, he is the
chairman of the Board of Deacons and a former president of Kingsmen.
To speak about the topic “Trusting God when life is tough,” we have my
good friend, Mr. Benjie Del Valle.
BENJIE
Thank you my good friend. A man once said “It is in life’s toughest
times when our faith is put to the test and God’s glory is shown at
its best.”
(transition to end of message part. Couples are shown as seated beside
each other)
 BENJIE
(fervently)
As your spouse is seated beside you, offer a simple prayer that God
will deliver you through whatever tough times you are going through.
Claim God’s promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Let God’s power overcome
whatever challenges life has to offer for you. Claim the power in
praying together
(opens his eyes and catches a glimpse of Christine seating in front
looking at him)
CHRISTINE
(smiles and reaches for Benjie’s hand)
I love you
BENJIE
I love you too
(transition to after fellowship; Benjie talks to a couple of men; Some
women are about leave room. Another group focuses on aftercare like
gathering chairs)
IVAN
(approaching Benjie and tapping him on the back)
Powerful message, Benjie!
BENJIE
All by God’s grace, bro!
KINGSMEN 1:
Sige Benjie, Ivan, we’ll go ahead
BENJIE
Thank you pala noon Friday ah, coding kasi si Tin and I have a
Management Committee meeting
IVAN
Anytime. In fact, masaya si Iris whenever sumasabay si Chloe at Nikko
sa amin.
BENJIE
Eh siyempre, lagi kang may pa Cold Stone eh
IVAN
Haha, minsan lang naman.
CHRISTINE
O kayo na namang dalawa. Kalokohan na namang yang pinag-uusapan niyo
no?
IVAN
Binabati ko lang tong kumpare ko for his powerful message. I’m sure
you will agree, Tin.
CHRISTINE
 (pondering)
Hmm, of course, it’s the Holy Spirit working pa rin.
BENJIE
Hirap talaga i-please ng misis ko noh? (wraps his arms around
Christine)
IVAN
(after a short silence)
No comment, bro. Hahaha baka ibagsak ni Tin ung pamangkin ko eh.
CHITO
(approaching)
O mukhang nagkakasiyahan tayo dito ah. Pwede ko bang mahiram si pareng
Benjie for our Sports Committee meeting?
IVAN
Para ba ito sa upcoming Church sportsfest?
CHITO
Yep. Two weeks na lang ayun, nagkabiglaang conflict sa venue
BENJIE
Sige, bro, sunod na lang ako.
CHRISTINE
Ay ganun ba, matagal kaya yun?
CHITO
Hindi naman siguro, we’ll keep it short, promise. Benj, boardroom ah!
BENJIE
(defensively)
O ayan Hon ah, hindi ako ang nagpromise na saglit lang ang meeting
CHRISTINE
Haha, okay fine. We’ll go ahead sa grocery then sunod ka na lang.
BENJIE
Hindi na, hintayin niyo na lang ako, Hon.
CHITO
(coughing)
Submit! ehem ehem Colossians… ehem ehem
CHRISTINE
Okay fine. (rolls her eyes) Sa lobby lang kami.
(Benjie goes with Chito, while Christine heads with Ivan to a
different direction)

Scene 5 Subdivision grounds

(Nikko parks his bike on the side, kneels to the level of the wheels
and appears bothered that the wheels need air. Benjie arrives from
jogging, breathing heavily)
BENJIE
Buti na lang, andito ka! Kung hindi, sayang yung tinakbo ko! (gasping
for air)
NIKKO
(stands up and is about to board his bike)
BENJIE
(Holds his son’s arms)
Kuya, I’m sorry. I just can’t say “no” sa church pero alam ko that’s
not an excuse. Kaya sorry talaga, anak. I am proud of you, we are very
proud of you. I promise I will be there on your next exhibit.
NIKKO
Next year pa uli yun
BENJIE
Eh di, andun ako next year. (bends to Nikko’s level and hugs him)
NIKKO
(pushes Benjie away lightly)
Okay, Dad. Pawis ka.
BENJIE
(stands again, checks his shirt)
Oo nga noh! O basta okay na tayo ha? (Benjie offers a thumb sign.)
NIKKO
(thinking)
Oo na Dad. Basta paayos mo tong bike, may sira ata yung gulong.
BENJIE
Ayos ka rin ah. Oo ba. Bili kita motor gusto mo?
NIKKO
(excitedly) Sige.
BENJIE
(pats his son’s head, makes a wacky face)
Magwawala nanay mo kapag nalaman niya. Parang ganito yan o
(Benjie wackily imitates Christine)
“Hoy Benjamin! Sinong nagsabing…” (fade out)
(Both of them head out laughing. Nikko just walked with the broken
bicycle on his side.)

Scene 6 Christine’s Office Int. Benjie’s car

(Christine puts make up on her face and sprays perfume on her neck,
Benjie looks at his wife intently; car radio is on)
ANNOUNCER (female)
CNN Philippines Headlines, authorities are currently looking into
several anomalies involving money laundering and related acts
involving Bank of the… (fade out)
BENJIE
(turns off car radio)
Beautiful as always
CHRISTINE
Haha. May meeting ako with DeanFil kaya ako maaga today.
BENJIE
Baka naman ang dami mo namang binagsak this term
CHRISTINE
Excuse me! Lahat ng students ko na nag-removal exams, pinasa ko ah. In
fact, I even gave one student a perfect 1.0.
BENJIE
Wow, a 1.0 from Prof. Christine Villamayor-Del Valle. Hahaha just
kidding Hon (pauses momentarily) Whatever it is, God is in control.
CHRISTINE
Ewan ko sa iyo, anyway, thank you for the encouragement. (holding
Benjie’s hand on the wheel)
BENJIE
Always, mahal! That’s what God mandated me to do.
(Christine alights from the car, before entering the office, she takes
one last look at Benjie)
CHRISTINE
Have a blessed day at work, Hon!
BENJIE
I surely will.
(Benjie turns on the ignition a few times but finds it hard to start
the car)

Scene 7 Benjie’s office Int. Bank Branch Office

(Benjie is seen alighting from a cab, sweaty and exhausted. He enters
his office and takes a deep sigh, comforted by the fact that he is not
late. He looks at his watch 8:15 (bank opens at 9:00) Surprised, he
sees everyone in smaller groups, appearing to be bothered. One group
is having a small chatter, while one employee is talking over the
phone. Another employee is putting his stuff in a storage box.)
EMPLOYEE 1
 Ang biglaan naman, hindi ko iniexpect na ganon na pala kalala ung
problema.
EMPLOYEE 2
Malas nga eh. Kakapanganak pa lang ni misis. Wrong timing naman ‘to.
EMPLOYEE 3
Mahirap pa namang maghanap ng trabaho ngayon
(Just before reaching his table, Benjie is intercepted by his
secretary who is fidgeting with her pen)
ELSIE
(worried and anxious)
Sir!
BENJIE
Anong meron?
ELSIE
May memo po from the head office. May closure order na raw po against
sa atin. All employees are directed to vacate the office immediately.
BENJIE
(awfully shocked)
Ha! I connect mo ako sa main, sa office ni CFA.
ELSIE
Yes sir!
(Benjie sits on his executive chair, reads the printed memo and is
evidently appalled, Elsie calls up the bank’s main office)
ELSIE
(over the phone)
Sir! Miss Tessie is on the phone.
BENJIE
(over the phone)
Tessie. Ano tong memo from CFA. Closure order? Kailan pa? At anong
balak niyo sa mga empleyadong mawawalan ng trabaho (raises the memo to
eye level) Pwede ko ba makausap si Carlo?
TESSIE
(over the phone)
Sir, nasa meeting po si CFA, ayaw paistorbo. Yun regarding daw po doon
sa memo, sabihin ko raw po sa sinumang tatawag na Final na yung order
of closure. All employees will be given their separation pay naman daw
po.
(call waiting activates)
Sorry sir, nasa line po si CFA.
(line turns busy)
 BENJIE
Tessie, Tessie, Hello?
(Benjie puts down the phone and puts both his palms on his face)
Elsie. Please call everyone sa boardroom.
Scene 8 Int. Bank Branch Boardroom
(All employees are properly seated inside the Boardroom. All are busy
with their chatter, mostly complaining about the abruptness of the
situation. Elsie opens the door and Benjie enters with a folder on his
hand. Elsie closes the door and takes a seat.)
BENJIE
Okay, guys, I am sure everyone is just as shocked as I am. But for
now, we just have to stay calm and let the bank executives fix the
problem.
EMPLOYEE 1
Sir, final na ba?
EMPLOYEE 2
Kailan po namin makukuha final pay namin?
(more questions came in)
BENJIE
(with both his hands up, trying to calm the situation)
Guys, guys, listen. I have no answers to all your questions. Ako rin,
mismo, may mga tanong, and Carlo won’t even speak to me. Meanwhile, go
home, take a rest. Elsie will keep in touch with you.
(Benjie leaves the room. Heads toward the bank’s main door and flips
the sign “Open” to “Closed”

Scene 9 Christine’s office at the University Int. Comfort room

(Christine puts both palm on her face as she wets her face. She looks
at the mirror making sure she looks presentable, she pulls the down
her blouse, brushes her hair with her hand and then crouches with both
hands firmly gripping the marble counter)
CHRISTINE
(sighs heavily)
Thy will be done!
(closes her eyes and quickly exits the comfort room)

Scene 10 University Int. Office of the Dean

(The room is decorated with framed portraits of the college’s former
dean. DeanFil, as she is fondly called, is seating at the far end of
the table below the flatscreen TV. Seated on her right is the
incumbent college secretary, Mr. Allan Torres. Both appear to be
looking at some files. Racquel, the dean’s longtime secretary escorts
Christine and Shiela into the room. Shiela sits beside Allan followed
by Christine. After the ladies took their seats, Racquel enters the
room and serves brewed coffee)
DEAN FIL
(attention directed to Allan)
I think we just have to adjust the schedule of classes especially for
the major subjects. Please coordinate na lang with the College of
Science.
ALLAN
Okay, Ma’am.
(DeanFil takes off her glasses)
DEAN FIL
Good morning everyone! Forgive me for interrupting your busy
schedules. I hope to keep this meeting short. With that, let’s cut to
the chase. I called this meeting to inform you that I am soon
retiring.
(Shiela, Christine and Allan exchange surprised glances.)
Of course, I do not want to leave my, I mean our, beloved college
without a leader. This is why I called the three of you--
(pointing to the direction of each of the candidates)
Prof. Del Valle, Prof. Rufino and Prof. Torres, all of whom I believe
are competent and qualified to take our college to greater heights.
(Christine looks down and sips her coffee; Dean Fil looks at the
papers on the table and lifts them a bit.)
I will be forwarding your resume and service record to the Board. As
you know, the final say remains with the University Board but I’ve
already made my recommendations which I shall keep in strict
confidence.
(voice begins to crack)
Allow me also to take this time to appreciate all your efforts in
helping our college achieve its vision and objectives. With that, I
wish you all the best.
(Deanfil shakes hands of all the candidates, she then gathers her
belongings and heads outside the door, Racquel enters the room and
speeds towards Shiela)
SHIELA
Racqs!
RACQUEL
(hugs Shiela)
Congrats Mam! (realizes the presence of the other two)
Congrats din po, Ma’am Tin and Sir Allan!
SHIELA
That was so unexpected!
ALLAN
 (standing up, puts his hands above his chair)
Actually, alam ko na magreretire na si DeanFil, I just didn’t know na
agad-agad. (Pauses) Sino kayang nirecommend ni Ma’am?
(Racquel and Shiela extend affirming stares with each other. Shiela
turns her attention towards Christine)
SHIELA
Uy, Tin! Natahimik ka na dyan.
CHRISTINE
I just did not expect na pinagkakatiwalaan ako ni DeanFil.
ALLAN
I think it’s not about Trust anymore, it’s about Vision, Service and
Professionalism. For sure naman, kung sinong nirecommend ni Dean, siya
rin ang maaappoint.
SHIELA
(laughs but remains reserved)
ALLAN
O siya! I still have Human Resource Class. Bye!
(Allan exits.)
RACQUEL
Naku, for sure, hindi si Sir Allan ang maaappoint…
SHIELA
I definitely agree with you!
(Shiela and Racquel laugh and extend double high fives.)
CHRISTINE
Ssshh, wag nga kayong maingay diyan. Baka marinig ni Allan. But this
really surprised me. Since the time I became her student till the time
she became my thesis adviser, she has always been really tough on me.
SHIELA
(expressively)
I’m pretty sure all of us have had the same experience with Filomena
“The Failer” Buencamino-Lim.
RACQUEL
(laughs modestly)
Basta Mam, pupusta ako sa inyong dalawa. Wag na kayo mag-alala dyan
kay Sir Allan T. Di yan uubra sa inyo.
(Christine stands up, still shocked and begins her exit)
SHIELA
Uy! Saan ka pupunta?
(Christine points to the door, still seemingly dumbfounded by what has
happened.)
Scene 11 Christine’s office at the University Int. Comfort room
(Christine looks intently at the mirror and makes a rather stern pose)
CHRISTINE
Dean Christine Villamayor-Del Valle,
College of Business Administration,
University of Metropolitan Manila
Uhmmm… bagay!
(School bell rings. Two students enter the comfort room. The students
recognize and greet Christine. Christine acknowledges and exits the
ladies’ room)

SCENE 12 Road Int. Benjie’s car

(Benjie is driving along the main highway and sees a billboard of the
Bank of the Orient which states “Your Trust is our Treasure!” He then
drives through an inner road and sees street signs “Now Hiring!” Stuck
in traffic, he decides to buy water. He opened his window and
overhears a bystander “Sir, Looking for job po, May opening kami!” He
then turns his car radio on.)
ANNOUNCER
Isang temporary closure order ang inilabas kahapon ng
____________________ laban sa Bank of the Orient matapos mapag-alaman
na sangkot ang ilang opisyal nito sa lantarang corruption at iba pang
maanomalyang gawain na may kinalaman sa money laundering. Kasalukuyang
tinutukoy pa ng NBI kung sino sa mga opisyal ng bangko ang kakasuhan.
(transition music) Para sa balitang sports…
(Benjie turns off car radio. He realizes he was stuck in traffic. He
blows his horn twice, obviously irritated)

SCENE 13 Del Valle residence Int. Living Room

(Christine is busy tutoring Chloe on the floor. Nikko is seated on his
wooden stool and seems preoccupied with his drawing board. Christine
stands up to checks/opens the door after hearing the dog bark. Benjie
enters.)
CHRISTINE
Hi Hon!
CHRISTINE
(holding Benjie’s hands and alternately pushes Benjie’s arms forward)
I have something to tell you!
BENJIE
(releases from Christine’s hands and slightly moves backward)
What is it, Hon?
(Does his best to sound excited)
 CHRISTINE
(pushes Benjie on the chest)
Well… (slowly enunciating every word) I just want to tell you that I
am one of the three prospects for the next dean of our college
BENJIE
(stunned)

CHRISTINE
(snaps twice on Benjie’s face)
Uy! Magreact ka naman Hon!
BENJIE
Wow! I mean praise God! (Hugs Christine) Wait, wah, di ko maprocess…
CHRISTINE
All by God’s grace, Mahal! All along akala ko I wasn’t in good enough
for DeanFil. I thought she disapproved my way of dealing with
students. Well, God really has His ways of creating miracles in our
lives.

BENJIE
(Nods in agreement and Christine a weak smile)

CHRISTINE
(Appears very concerned)
Di ka ba masaya para sakin?

BENJIE
Of course I am, Hon.

CHRISTINE
(Looks intently at her husband and holds his hand in both hands)
(In a soft, concerned voice) May problem ba? Sabihin mo sakin…
(Benjie looks hesistant; he takes a deep breath and looks down.)
CHRISTINE
Nikko, pa-check naman ng sinaing. Chloe akyat ka muna sa room mo
please?
(Nikko stands immediately and proceeds to the kitchen. Chloe does the
same and heads to her room, Christine comes near the stairs and makes
sure Chloe is in her room. Benjie takes a seat on the couch. Christine
sits beside him.)
I’ve never seen you bothered like this before. What’s wrong?
 BENJIE
(After a long pause)
Remember yung sinabi ko sa iyo na nagkakaproblema ung company about an
alleged embezzlement of funds. Apparently, it’s more serious than I
thought.
CHRISTINE
(Rubs his back)
Have you talked to Carlo?
BENJIE
Ayaw niya akong kausapin. But that’s not the worse part. Ma, wala na
akong trabaho.
(Benjie stands up and puts his hand on his forehead, appearing
frustrated)
CHRISTINE
(looks away and takes a deep breath, stands up and makes Benjie face
her)
Hon, remember when times are tough, we trust God. Ikaw na rin ang
nagsabi it’s a test of faith, so we will rely on God’s plan for it is
always the best.
BENJIE
Pero paano yung mga bata? Itong bahay?
CHRISTINE
Hon, be anxious for nothing, do not worry about tomorrow, all things
work together for good, all of these are God’s promises.
BENJIE
(holds both Christine’s hands)
Thank you, Hon, you’ve always been an encouragement sa akin.
(holds her wife on both shoulders)
I am proud of you, Hon. Let’s thank God for the wonderful blessing He
has given you…
CHRISTINE
And for this faith-testing challenge Hon. By God’s leading, we will
overcome this together.
(reaches for Benjie’s hand and sits on the couch. Benjie sits as
well.)
I love you
BENJIE
I love you, too. Let’s pray
(Scene ends as the couple prays together. Both Nikko and Chloe see
their parents joined in prayer. Chloe offers a gentle smile as her
parents pray and looks up to his Kuya Nikko.)
(ONE WEEK AFTER)
Scene 14 Del Valle residence Int. Dining Room
(Christine is busy gathering her files for school, she appears uneasy
and anxious and is constantly looking at her watch. She is putting
everything in her bag in a very hurried manner. Christine holds the
car keys in her hand.)
CHRISTINE
Benjamin, malilate na ako. Halika na!
BENJIE
(Benjie is rushing down the stairs)
Ito na po.
CHRISTINE
(Christine goes to the sink and shows the hotdogs, then she proceeds
to the refrigerator to show Benjie the vitamins. All this time, she
never looked at Benjie’s eyes)
Okay. Nadefrost ko na ung hotdog para breakfast ng mga bata. Prituhin
mo na lang. Si Nikko gusto medyo sunog para daw malutong. Iremind mo
si Chloe ng vitamins niya – isang Vitamin C at isang Multivitamin.
BENJIE
(trying to be funny to ease agitated Christine)
Eh si Nikko ano iniinom noon – Red Bull?
CHRISTINE
(sarcastically)
Hahaha nakakatawa. Please pay attention, Sir!
(proceeds to living room to the bags of the children)
Going back, remind Chloe of her Solar System Project nasa blue na
plastic bag tapos may kailangan kang pirmahan na parent’s consent for
her upcoming field trip. Nandyan sa assignment notebook niya.
(Benjie looks at the pile of Chloe’s notebooks and appears to be
puzzled. Christine then looks at Nikko’s dirty brushes)
Hon, pakihugasan naman ‘tong brushes ni Nikko. Tapos pakiligpit na
lang tong mga paint. Kailangan separate yung acrylic sa poster at sa
textile paint, ha. (Walks toward the door) Yung bike nga pala nya,
kalian mo raw ipapaayos?
(Benjie appears overwhelmed by the sheer number of paint containers
Nikko has. He is still holding Chloe’s notebook and Nikko’s brushes
and a bottle of paint.)
(Christine gives Benjie a peck on the cheek. Benjie looks overwhelmed.
He breathes a sigh of relief as Christine proceeds to exit and boards
her car.)
(Benjie is about to go back inside the house when Christine opens the
window.)
CHRISTINE
Hon, yung mga sinampay natin, ha, baka maulanan.
 BENJIE
Yes, Ma’am! May nakalimutan pa ho ba kayo?
CHRISTINE
Wala na.
(Christine starts rolling up the window.)
BENJIE
I love you!
(Christine waves to him and leaves.)
Scene 15 Del Valle Residence
(Nikko and Chloe are doing their homework at the living room. Ben is
seated beside Chloe, helping her with her homework. Christine arrives.
She is exhausted from work but she does her best to look happy and
excited.)
CHRISTINE
I’m home!
(Chloe stands up and runs to her mom. They hug; Chloe kisses Christine
on both cheeks.)
You really missed Mommy, huh?
CHLOE
Yes, Mommy. Very, very much!
(Chloe and Christine hug each other again. Nikko and Benjie look on,
smiling. After a few seconds, Nikko stands up and kisses Christine.)
NIKKO
Hi, Mom!
(Christine cups Nikko’s face.)
CHRISTINE
Kumusta ang aking pinakagwapong anak?
(Nikko smiles.)
NIKKO
Mi, wala ka naming ibang anak na lalaki eh….
CHRISTINE
Basta ikaw ang pinakagwapo sa lahat!
(Christine give Nikko a kiss on the cheek. Benjie approaches her,
gives her a hug and kisses her cheek.)
BENJIE
How’s your day, Hon?
(They sit on one corner of the couch. Their children continue to do
their homework. Ben puts his arm around his wife’s shoulders.)
CHRISTINE
Hay… so stressful, Hon. Had to do a lot of paperworks today.
 BENJIE
Ganun ba?
(Benjie gives his wife a little massage on the shoulders.)
So, you finished everything?
(Christine makes a sad, tired face.)
CHRISTINE
Hindi nga eh…
BENJIE
Don’t worry, matatapos mo yan--by God’s grace.
CHRISTINE
I know…
(Christine leans closer to Benjie.)
Thanks, Hon….
CHLOE
Mommy! May fire!
(Ben and Christine immediately stand up. There is smoke coming from
the kitchen. The smell of burnt chicken fills the air.)
CHRISTINE
Dad! Ano yun?
BENJIE
Ay, yung chicken pala!
9Both of them hurry to the kitchen. The kids follow. Christine gets
the deep fryer off the stove and proceeds to the sink. Benjie turns
off the fire and tries to fan off the smoke. The children do the
same.)
CHRISTINE
Hindi na ‘to, pwede, Hon! Sayang naman…
BEN
Sorry, Hon… Nawala sa isip ko. Nag-aanswer kasi kami ni Chloe kanina
ng math problem.
CHRISTINE
Di bale, Hon. Sige, hahanap na lang ako ng maluluto dito.
BENJIE
Pasensya ka na, Hon…
CHRISTINE
Sige na, ako na ang bahala dito.
(Benjie and the children go back to the living room.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 16 INT. DINING ROOM
(The family is ready to eat dinner.They hold hands together andpray.)
BENJIE
Our Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness to us. Thank you for
providing our needs once more. Please bless this food to give us
renewed strength. Salamat din po kay Mommy, na nagluto po para sa
amin. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
(Ben looks at Christine, squeezes her hand, and smiles. She gives him
a weak, tired smile. Nikko passes the rice to Christine. She puts rice
on Ben’s plate, Chloe’s plate and hers.)
CHRISTINE
Kain ng mabuti ha…. Don’t skip the vegetables….
NIKKO / CHLOE
Yes, Mom…
(The family happily eat their meal; they talk in inaudible voices.
Christine is obviously tired.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
INT. KITCHEN
(Ben and Christine are cleaning up. Christine puts the dirty dishes in
the sink. Ben is wiping the table.)
BENJIE
Ako na bahala dyan, Hon… Magpahinga ka na…
CHRISTINE
Okay lang, Hon…Tulungan na kita….
BENJIE
Hindi na, sige na… I can handle this….
CHRISTINE
Are you sure?
BENJIE
Hon, naman…. Alam mo namang di ako sanay magluto kaya nasunog yung
kanina…
CHRISTINE
I know…
(She pauses. Tries to hold back her words but says them anyway.)
Pero napakasimple lang naman kasi nun, Hon… Fried chicken lang yun…
BENJIE
Alam ko naman… but I had to help Chloe with her assignment. So I
forgot about it. You know I still getting used to doing all this
stuff…
CHRISTINE
I know… Naiintindihan ko naman… Pagod lang talaga ako… Pasensya ka
na, Hon…
 (Christine hugs Ben from the back.)
Pahinga na ko sa taas….
BENJIE
Okay, sige… Ako na bahala dito.
Christine kisses Benjie goodnight.
(Ben looks at Christine as she makes her way upstairs. Then, he feels
frustrated. He sits down, looks around the kitchen. After pausing for
a while, he stand up and starts cleaning up again.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 17 INT. OFFICE
(Benjie is applying for a job. He is seated in front of the
receptionist/secretary’s table. The secretary comes from inside the
director’s office. She opens the door.)
SECRETARY
Mr. Benjamin Del Valle?
(Ben looks at the secretary and nods.)
Please come inside.
(The secretary ushers Benjie to a chair in front of the director’s
office. The director motions for him to sit. He sits down.)
DIRECTOR
So, Mr. Benjamin Del Valle…
(The director is holding Benjie’s resume. He looks over it for a
while, then closes the folder.)
Hmm… Your accomplishments are quite impressive… I am very sure you
will be an asset to this company.
(The director pauses. Benjie looks a bit anxious.)
Actually… I have heard a lot about you—especially your work at Bank of
the Orient in your early years. It’s just a shame that the bank
had to close down.
BENJIE
Yes, Sir. It was unfortunate indeed.
DIRECTOR
Misuse of funds, was it?
BENJIE
(Benjie is annoyed but tries to control himself.)
Nothing has been proven, Sir….
DIRECTOR
I see… You were bank manager then, right?
BENJIE
Yes, Sir.
 DIRECTOR
It must be frustrating on your part that—
BENJIE
With all due respect, Sir, I believe this is not the right venue to
discuss this matter. Besides, I don’t think it is relevant to my
reason for being here.
DIRECTOR
Very well, then… I will have to be frank with you. We put a premium on
our reputation as a trustworthy financial institution. Your
credentials are outstanding, but I think it would be unwise for our
company to hire you at this point in time. Thank you for considering
our company.
(The director extends his hand to Benjie.)
I wish you all the best in all your endeavors.
9Benjie shakes his hand and exits. Benjie leaves the building. He
stops for a while at the main entrance, looking stressed, feeling
helpless.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 18 INT. COFFEE SHOP
BENJIE
Wala pa rin. Akala ko okay na eh. Tapos yun, na-bring up na naman yung
tungkol sa dati kong trabaho.

PAULO
Bakit ba kasi dun sila nakafocus? Eh nakapaka-impressive ng track
record mo! You’re one of the best in the field, Bro!

IVAN
Ganun talaga... mas naalala ng mga tao yung masamang ginawa mo kesa sa
mamabubuti.
(Realizes that he needs to clarify his statement.)
Not that you did something bad… I mean, alam naman nating lahat dito
that your name’s just being dragged into the case….

BENJIE
Yun nga yung masakit eh... wala akong kinalaman sa nangyari pero ako
yung nahihirapan maghanap ng trabaho ngayon….
(Pause.)
Alam kong namang as manager at that time, I would be have to take
responsibility for what happened—and I am! Kaya nga wala akong trabaho
ngayon eh… I just wish people would be less judgmental….
(He appears frustrated. The rest of the guys empathize with him.)
 CHITO
Bro… we know you… Alam naming kailan man di mo magagawa yung
binibintang nila sayo—
BENJIE
Salamat ah… Salamat sa inyo…
CHITO
Pero alam mo, Benjie? Ang mas importante, alam ng Panginoon kung ano
talaga ang nangyari. At alam nyang wala kang kasalanan. The Lord knows
that you have always tried to honor Him in everything you do.
IVAN
I agree… Bro, we have always looked up to you. Marami kaming nabebless
sa example mo—kung gaano mo kamahal ang Panginoon, at yung
faithfulness mo sa paglilingkod sa kanya.
CHITO
Naging napakabuti sayo, sa atin, ng Panginoon. Napakarami nyang
ginawang kabutihan sa buhay natin. Ngayon pa ba tayo mag-aalinlangan
sa Kanya?
(Everyone agrees and looks happy and hopeful.)
PAULO
Tingin ko kailangan lang nating mag-T3!
(Everyone look clueless.)
IVAN
Bro naman, wag naman ngayon. Ang ganda ng usapan, magpapasok ka ng
Algebra! Wag ganun!
PAULO
(Laughs) Guys, let me explain. T3 means “Think, think, think!” Laging
sinasabi sa akin ni Iza yan pag may nakakalimutan ako.
IVAN
Napaka-smart talaga ng batang yan! Manang-mana sa Ninong!
CHITO
Sa MGA Ninong!
(Everyone agrees and laughs.)
PAULO
Oo na, sige na! Pero seriously, my wife and I started doing T3 at home,
lalo na when life gets tough. It helps us get the right perspective in
any situation.
IVAN
Interesting… Sige nga subukan natin. How do we start?
PAULO
We changed it to ”Think, think, thank.” Just think of something God
had done for you in the past—kahit sobrang tagal na, and thank Him
again. Then, you would be reminded of how powerful and loving God is.
 CHITO
And that He is really in control of everything that’s happening to us.
IVAN
Amen! Simulan na natin!
PAULO
Mauna ka na!
IVAN
Hmm…. Past huh? I remember back in high school, naaksidente si Papa
noon. Akala namin di na sya makakalakad ulit. Sabi kasi ng doctor wala
daw assurance even after therapy. Pero after almost a year of praying,
nakalakad din sya. Kita nyo naman ngayon, still driving at age 67!
(Everyone praises God.)
CHITO
Ako naman. Medyo nakakahiya… pero definitely worth praising God for.
Nung college kasi di ko masyadong sineryoso ang pag-aaral ko.
(Everyone is surprised.)
Oo nga… eh napabarkada sa mga bulakbol. Puro basketball… at ligaw ang
ginawa… ayun muntik nang di maka-graduate. I thank God na tinulungan
ako ni Kuya sa lahat ng requirements ko para lang umabot ako sa
deadline. I know I didn’t deserve it pero nakagraduate ako. Thankful
ako because God has been gracious and merciful.
IVAN
(Jokingly) Grabe, Bro! Di ko akalaing mas matino pa pala ako sayo!
(Everyone laughs.)
CHITO
Oh ikaw naman, Benjie!
(Everyone calms down and looks expectantly at Benjie.)
BENJIE
(After a short pause) Most of you probably don’t know this but Tin and
faced a major upset early on in our marriage. Tin had a miscarriage 5
months into her pregnancy. (Everyone is saddened by what they hear.)
(Pauses, tries to imagine the past) I’ve never seen Cristine like
that. Alam ko—God has a purpose for everything. Pinipilit kung
ipaalala sa sarili ko na GOD is sovereign and he knows what’s best for
us. (Pause.) But my wife. Pakiramdam ko hindi ko na sya kilala.
Everytime I went home from work, madadatnan ko sya kung paano ko sya
iniwan. Wala akong magawa to comfort her. Basta lagi ang siyang
umiiyak o nakatulala. I felt so helpless. I thought I was going to
lose her.
But the Lord has always been good. Tin’s parents were very supportive
and loving; thankful ako sa Panginoon ‘cause He gave me parents-in-law
who have a strong faith in God. They helped us a lot.(Pause.) I just
really praise God for bringing my wife back to me.
(Everyone is teary-eyed throughout Benjie’s testimony. Afterwards,
Chito pats his back. The other guys move closer to him.)
 PAULO
Benjie, thank you for sharing this with us. Talagang napakabuti ng
Panginoon.
IVAN
At yung pinagdadaanan mo ngayon, Bro—He will see you through it.
Sigurado yan.

Scene 15

INT. SOCIAL HALL/ FUNCTION ROOM

THEA
Oh, hi Miss Christine!(Beso) So this must be Benjie?
BENJIE
Yes, Ma’am. (Holds out his hand for a handshake.) Pleasure to meet
you.

THEA
Pleasure to meet you, too. This is my husband, Philip. He’s an
engineer at _______.
(The men shake hands. Christine feels uneasy. She spots Mia from afar
and waves at her.)

CHRISTINE
Hi, Mia!

MIA
Hi, Tin! Kanina pa kita hinahanap eh! (Hugs her.) Hello, Benjie!
(Mia and Benjie shake hands.) Yung asawa ko nandun sa table 5. I think
same table naman tayong lahat. Tara na!

AT TABLE 5….

SHEILA
Oh, Christine! I thought you would’nt make it.

CHRISTINE
Dinaan pa kasi naming yung mga bata kina Mama kaya medyo natagalan.

(Background: A professor is making a tribute speech for Dean Filomena.

In an inaudible voice, Mia introduces her husband to Benjie. They
shake hands and talk for a while.)
 JENNY
Tin, di mo ba kami ipapakilala sa husband mo?

CHRISTINE
Oh! Of course. Everyone—this is my husband, Benjie. (Pauses.)
(Sheila interrupts.)
SHEILA
And this is my husband, Mark. He’s an architect. His company just
completed a branch of EV Mall in BGC. Very near SM Aura.
Everyone congratulates him. He acknowledges.)
JENNY
This is John-my ever-loving husband. Kararating nya lang from Qatar
kahapon.
THEA
Kaya pala sweet na sweet kayo ah… Kala ko next month pa ang uwi mo?

JOHN
Dapat nga next month pa. Kaso may kailangan akong ayusin sa papers ko
dito sa Pilipinas. Balik na rin ako sa Qatar next week.

JENNY
Hay, nako napaka-humble talaga nitong asawa ko! The reason why he
needed to come back is because of his promotion! Eventually, in a
year’s time, he will stay here in the Philippines for good—as Senior
Engineering Officer!

PHILIP
Wow, congratulations! Ako siguro mga isang taon pa bago promote.

JOHN
Sipag at tiyaga lang talaga, Pre. San ka ba connected ngayon?

PHILIP
Sa MTR. Industrial Engineer.

(Christine and Benjie both look uneasy during the entire

conversation.)
JOHN
 Sa MTR ka pala? (Laughs.) Sister company pala! (Turns to Benjie.)
Sorry, san ka nga connected, Benjie?

CHRISTINE
NASB. One of the largest banks here in the Philippines. Bank Manager.

PHILIP
Wow, bigtime!
(Christine looks Benjie in the eye, as if telling him not to say
anything more.)
JOHN
Eto pala ang maraming pera!
(Benjie just smiles at Philip and John.)
SHEILA
Sikat ang company nyo sa news ah… May branch yata na nag-close?
(Before Christine could open her mouth, Benjie speaks.)
BENJIE
Yes, meron. Yung sa amin.
(Christine looks irritated and at the same time, humiliated.
The case is still under investigation.
THEA
Oh… so sad to hear that…
JENNY
So you’re not employed as of the moment?
CHRISTINE
(Forces a smile) The situation is complicated. Para lang syang naka-
leave. (Waves to Charrie who is seated at another table.) Nahiwalay
pala si Charrie sa atin. Hon, pakilala kita sa kanya at kay Dean na
rin. Excuse us, muna ha…
(Christine still looks irritated and feels humiliated; Benjie feels
hurt but tries not to show it.)

Scene 16 INT. BEDROOM

CHRISTINE
Pwede naman kasing di mo na sinabi yun! They didn’t have to know.
(Benjie steps out of the bathroom after brushing his teeth. He is
already in his sleepwear.)
BENJIE
Hon, wala namang masama sa sinabi ko. Sinabi ko lang naman ang totoo.
 (Christine grudgingly prepares for bed. She is still irritated.)
Hon…
(Benjie reaches out for her. She walks away and goes to the bathroom.
Benjie sits on their bed. He looks frustrated.)
Nakakahiya nga siguro. Yung mga asawa ng colleagues mo puro
successful, bigtime. Ako, bank manager na natanggal sa trabaho….
(Christine changes clothes inside the bathroom and gets out of the
bathroom after a few minutes. She looks guilty but does not glance at
her husband. She proceeds to the other side of the bed. They are
silent for a while. Christine lies down on her side of the bed, facing
away from Benjie. Benjie does the same thing. They both have tears in
their eyes.)

Scene 21 Int. Bedroom

(Benjie wakes up; he remains in bed. He hears his wife’s voice from
downstairs.)
CHRISTINE
Nikko, bilisan mo na! Chloe, finish your food! Malelate na tayo!
(Benjie makes his way to the kitchen.)
CHLOE
Good morning, Daddy!
(Benjie takes her in his arms. Chloe kisses her dad. Christine is
packing her children’s lunch. Nikko is still eating his breakfast.)
CHRISTINE
Let’s go! May early class si Mommy today.
(She walks by Benjie, without smiling, and gives him a cold kiss on
the cheek.)
Bye, Hon. Meron ka namang pwedeng maluto dyan sa freezer. Ikaw na
bahala…kung anung gusto mo.
Pakilinis na lang pala yung ref… Dinefrost ko na yan.
Yung beddings nga pala natin, baka pwede mo na ding palitan. One week
na kasi yun…
NIKKO
Bye, Dad.
(Christine and the kids get out of the house and ride the car. Benjie
waves goodbye as they drive off.)
Benjie goes back to the house. He looks around and slowly proceeds to
the living room. He looks at their family photos (when Nikko was still
about 5 years old and Chloe was still a baby; a photo of Nikko and
Chloe; a photo of him and Christine, laughing hard; their recent
family picture; their wedding picture, etc. He becomes nostalgic.
He sits down on the couch, holding the frame that has their
family picture. He pours his heart out to the Lord.
BENJIE
 Lord, alam mo kung gaano ko kamahal ang asawa ko, ang pamilya
namin. Gusto kong ibigay sa kanila ang lahat. (He pauses and
reflects.) Pero Lord, alam kong walang hihigit sa pagmamahal mo sa
akin, at sa aking pamilya. Ikaw ang tunay na nagmamahal at nag-aalaga
sa amin. (Pause.) Pinangako mong di mo pababayaan ang lahat ng
nagtitiwala at sumusunod sayo. I choose to hold on to Your promise,
Lord. I choose to trust You. Everything is in Your hands.

Scene 22 INT. MEETING ROOM/ HALLWAY/ FACULTY ROOM

Christine and her colleagues are coming out of a meeting room. They
are on walking towards the faculty room. Christine, Mia, and Charrie
are walking ahead of Thea, Sheila and Jenny. They chat with one
another within their group. Students greet them as they pass by.
Inside the faculty room...
SHEILA
Hey, Christine! How’s Benjie?
(Allan greets some of them and joins the group. He makes small talk
with Mia and Charrie.)
CHRISTINE
He’s fine.

THEA
Nakabalik na ba sya sa NASB?
(Christine tries to keep herself busy by fixing her things.)

CHRISTINE
Hindi pa eh...

JENNY
So, siya pala ngayon ay house husband. At ikaw naman ang certified
career woman!

SHEILA
I can just imagine the adjustment he’s going through! From manager to
house husband!
(Thea and Jenny laugh at Sheila’s statement. Christine looks
embarrassed. Mia and Charrie ignore Sheila’s statement.)
MIA
So, how is he coping? He looks capable naman of taking care of the
kids.

CHRISTINE
 He is.

CHARRIE
What about cooking? Cleaning the house? Does he do those things, too?

CHRISTINE
Yes. (Smiles.) He’s very eager to learn.

JENNY
So, kumusta naman ang pagluluto nya?

CHRISTINE
Of course, at first, he had some blunders. But now, he’s actually
doing better. The other day, he cooked nilagang baka for us. Masarap
naman at tamang-tama lang ang pagkaluto ng beef. (Pause.) Pero minsan
naaawa ako sa kanya.

MIA
Bakit naman?

CHRISTINE
Because I know he’s not used to it. And I know he’s having a hard
time. Syempre lalaki sya.

THEA
Tama lang naman yun. Men should learn to do household chores and other
things that women are expected to do. Di na pwedeng babae lang lagi
ang inaasahang maglinis, maglaba, magluto, at mag-alaga ng bata.

SHEILA
I definitely agree. Things have changed. Women today can do almost
everything men can do. Di na pwedeng sabihin na pambahay lang ang mga
babae.

CHARRIE
Pero marami man tayong kayang gawin, we shouldn’t forget how God
designed man and woman. Woman was created because God knew man needed
her to be the help-meet of the man-- not to be his equal nor his
superior.

JENNY
 Hay naku, Charrie. . . Matagal ng paniniwala yan! Ngayon kayang-kaya
na nga mga babae na manguna. May babaeng doctor, engineer, architect,
professor tulad natin, and of course- heads of state! Di mo na pwedeng
i-limit ang babae into a “help-meet”.

THEA
And besides, at the time when God said that man needed a woman—suppose
there IS a god— wala pa naman ibang tao nun! Sabi nga diba, “No man is
an island”—malamang kailangan talaga ni Adan ng kasama! Ikaw ba naman
tumira sa gubat na puro hayop at puno lang ang kasama mo! Syempre
maghahanap ka ng makakausap at makakasama mo!
(Thea, Sheila and Jenny laugh.)

MIA
Hay. . . You know what, Christine? I agree with Charrie, and I
strongly believe that as a wife, we need to “help” our husbands,
support them— because that’s why we were created. When I chose to
marry my husband, the obvious reason was because I love him. But
marriage is more than the love that two persons have for each other;
it’s about the love God has given to them, for them to be together
through thick and thin, and to fulfil the roles He has assigned to
each of them--The husband as the head of the home and the wife as His
helper or supporter. If one of them does not perform his/her role,
then the marriage would not be successful- not in the eyes of God.

SHEILA
(Claps her hands.) What a wonderful answer! Thank you very much, Miss
Philippines!

JENNY
Pang beauty pageant ang explanation ah!
(Sheila, Jenny, Thea, and Allan laugh.)
ALLAN
Wait lang. Paano naman ako? Ano naman ang role ko?
(Everyone laughs and moves on to different directions—Some exit the
room; others go to their own tables to study.)
MIA
Hay naku, Sir Allan… Seriously, Christine—you need to consider your
husband’s needs, especially now that he’s going through a tough time.
I know you’re working so hard because you have your own goals in life,
but remember, you and Benjie are one. Alam ko, kailangang-kailangan ka
nya sa mga panahong ganito.
(Mia gives Christine a hug, then goes to her own corner of the room.
Christine is left alone in her own cubicle, reflecting on the entire
conversation.
SCENE 23

(Chloe tells her parents that she was the class representative to a
poetry contest at school. Christine says she can’t come to the event
because of work and asks Benjie to go instead. Nikko also reminds
Benjie that he has basketball practice on the same day.)

CHLOE
Mommy…

CHRISTINE
(Busy on the phone with Jenny and doesn’t hear Chloe) Hello, Jenny…
Nasa school ka pa ba?... Favor naman… Yung exam papers nung Management
101 class ko nasa drawer… Hindi, yung malapit sa printer… Yes, yan
nga. Paki-lagay sa brown envelope, i-seal mo tapos paki-forward kay
Thea for re-checking… (keeps on talking on the phone)

CHLOE
(While Christine keeps on talking on the phone, Chloe goes to the
kitchen and tries to talk to Benjie) Daddy…

BENJIE
Ano yun, baby?

CHLOE
Sabi po ni teacher isasali daw po ako sa poetry contest sa school…

BENJIE
Talaga? Wow… maganda yun. Kailan yan?

CHLOE
Next Monday daw po, 10 AM yung simula.

BENJIE
Sige! Pupunta kami ni Mommy, manonood kami.

CHLOE
(Smiles widely) Talaga Daddy?

BENJIE
Of course, baby! Nasabi mo na ba kay Mommy?

CHLOE
(Shakes her head) Hindi po. She’s busy eh.

Nikko interrupts the conversation.

NIKKO
Daddy, may basketball practice kami that day, remember? Di ba you
promised to watch para makita mo yung areas na dapat ako mag-improve
sa game?

BENJIE
Oh no… Oo nga apala. I totally forgot, anak. Hmmm… baka pwede next
time nalang ako manood.

NIKKO
But Dad, you promised me…

BENJIE
I’m sorry, Nikko. Babawi nalang ako sa’yo ha.

NIKKO
 Yan din po yung sinabi nyo last time.

BENJIE
Anak, I know you’ll be fine. Right now, unahin muna natin si Chloe,
okay? (Turns to Chloe; Nikko frowns and walks away)
(Goes to the living room, together with Chloe, and approaches
Christine)
Hon, may sasabihin daw itong baby natin.

CHRISTINE
(Finally gets off the phone) Huh? Ano ba yun?

BENJIE
Go ahead, baby girl.

CHLOE
Sasali daw po ako sa poetry contest sa school, Mommy. Next Monday po,
10 AM.

CHRISTINE
(Smiles and hugs Chloe) Really, baby? Wow! By God’s grace, I’m sure
you will do great… Magdadala kami ng video cam para… (Stalls) Wait…
Next Monday? (Checks her planner) Oh no, baby… May faculty meeting si
Mommy nun.
CHLOE
(Looks sad) So… you can’t come, Mommy?

CHRISTINE
I’m sorry talaga, baby. Babawi ako sa’yo, promise. But Daddy can come
with you… Oh no, don’t cry… Ganito nalang. Hahabol si Mommy, okay?

CHLOE
Okay… (Nods but silently cries and walks to her room)

BENJIE
Hon, can’t you just excuse yourself from that meeting? O di kaya
magpa-proxy ka nalang. This is important for Chloe.

CHRISTINE
I know that, Hon. Pero importante din yung meeting na ‘to. May final
briefing samin regarding the deanship opening. Hon, I just feel that
God wants this for me… for us.

BENJIE
I don’t know… Lately, it seems that you’re too busy. Miss ka na ng mga
bata. And of course, I miss you… very much.

CHRISTINE
(Hugs Benjie) Hon, naman… Promise, babawi ako. I’ll try my best na
makahabol sa contest ni Chloe, okay? But for now, ikaw na muna bahala…
Please?

BENJIE
(Sighs) Okay. Ako na bahala, Hon.

SCENE 24
(Benjie drops Chloe off at school for the event but suddenly gets a
call from church for an emergency. He entrusts Chloe to her teacher.
Eventually, he gets held back in traffic and misses the event. Chloe
wins first place though. Benjie arrives late at school and finds Chloe
 crying in Christine’s arms. When they arrive home, Christine and
Benjie argue inside their room. When Christine walks out on Benjie,
she finds Nikko and Chloe near the door and realize they heard
everything.)

BENJIE
Okay, baby, nandito na tayo… are you ready?

CHLOE
I’m nervous po, Daddy.

BENJIE
Wag kang kakabahan. The Lord is going to be with you. Let’s pray first
before you go, okay?

CHLOE
(Nods and closes her eyes) Yes, Daddy.

BENJIE
(Prays) Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the talent that You’ve
given to Chloe. We pray that You will help and guide her today. Please
be with her and give her courage. And we thank You, Father, whatever
Your will may be. In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.

CHLOE’S TEACHER
(Approaches Benjie and Chloe) Good morning po, Sir Benjie! We’re so
glad you could come. Si Ma’am Christine po?

BENJIE
Good morning din po, Ma’am. Uhm, she’s just… running a little late.
Pero hahabol sya. (Phone rings) Excuse me for just a minute po…
(Answers phone; background shows the teacher talking to Chloe) Hello?
Oh Chito, pare… What’s up? Si Brother Gibo? Yes, di ba na-admit sya sa
hospital for pneumonia?... O, eh bakita ayaw pa i-discharge? Ha? Chito
alam mong wala akong ganong kalaking pera na pwedeng ipahiram. Pipirma
lang? Sigurado ka?... (Looks at Chloe from a distance) Okay sige. Pero
mabilis lang. May lakad ako eh.
(Goes back to the teacher and Chloe) Ma’am, can I leave Chloe with you
for just fifteen minutes po? May kailangan lang akong asikasuhin sa
church. Sobrang mabilis lang po.

CHLOE’S TEACHER
No problem po, Sir Benjie.

CHLOE
Daddy, aalis ka po?

BENJIE
Saglit lang ako, baby. Daddy will be back before you know it.

CHLOE
Promise?

BENJIE
Promise. (kisses Chloe on the head)

CHLOE’S TEACHER
(Looks and smiles at Chloe) Well Chloe… Let’s go to the front row,
dear. You’ll be the last to perform mamaya. So nandito na sina Mommy
and Daddy mo by then.

SCENE 25
 (The scene interchanges between Chloe’s performance, Benjie being
stuck in traffic while getting back from church and Christine on the
way from the faculty meeting.)

BENJIE
(On the phone, with Chloe’s teacher) Hello, Ma’am? Yes po, pabalik na
po ako. Pero super heavy ang traffic. Malapit na po ba si Chloe mag-
perform?... Okay po, hopefully, aabot ako. Thanks po.

[At School]
CHLOE
Teacher, nandito na daw po ba si Daddy?

CHLOE’S TEACHER
Uhm… yes… yes, Chloe. Don’t worry, baka nasa likuran sya kasi marami
nang tao dito sa hall. Basta mamaya, just look at me and remember what
we practiced ha.

[Phone call between Christine and Benjie]

BENJIE
(Phone rings) Hello, Hon?

CHRISTINE
Hon, malapit na ko sa school ni Chloe.

BENJIE
Ha? Akala ko may meeting ka.

CHRISTINE
Na-reschedule for tomorrow. Nagpaalam muna ako for Chloe’s event. Can
you put her on the phone?

BENJIE
Ugh… (apprehensive and nervous)I can’t do that.
CHRISTINE
Hon, kahit saglit lang. I just want to pray for her over the phone and
sabihin na papunta na ko… Sandali… are you driving?

BENJIE
Uhm… Hon, nagka-emergency kasi kay Brother Gibo dun sa hospital kaya
sumaglit lang ako dun. But I’m on my way pabalik sa…

CHRISTINE
(gets worried and annoyed) Ano? Benjie… Iniwan mo si Chloe mag-isa?!

BENJIE
No… she’s with her teacher…

CHRISTINE
Benjie, how could you leave her?! Pinagkatiwalaan kita on this… Ano ba
naman…

[At school; Chloe’s turn on stage]

CHLOE:
(Sees the empty chairs reserved for her mom and dad; then looks at her
teacher) My Wonderful family (bow). God gave me a family; there’s my
Daddy, my Mommy, my brother and me… (stalls; suddenly sees Christine
sitting on her chair, taking her video, then smiles)

[Benjie arrives after the event; Christine is angry but tries to be

calm]
CHLOE
 Daddy! God made me win. I won first place po!

BENJIE
Wow! Praise God! (hugs Chloe) I’m so proud of you, baby. Sorry, na-
traffic si Daddy but I’m sure na-video ni Mommy yung performance mo…
(looks at Christine nervously)

CHLOE
Yes po, Daddy. You can watch it later… Kakain daw po tayo sa labas
sabi ni Mommy…

BENJIE
Sure, baby…(Looks at Christine) Hon…

CHRISTINE
(Sternly) Mag-usap tayo mamaya, Benjie. Right now, I’m trying my best
to be calm for Chloe’s sake.

[At home; couple’s room, Christine and Benjie arguing]

CHRISTINE
(Tries to be calm) Now, let’s talk. Hon naman kasi (puts her hand on
her forehead), it was just a simple request for you to be with Chloe.
Samahan mo… ibig sabihin hindi mo dapat iwan ng ganun!

BENJIE
Hon… let me explain. Tumawag si Chito, okay? Si Brother Gibo ayaw
palabasin ng hospital kasi kulang yung pambayad. So Chito and I signed
papers para ma-discharge sya

CHRISTINE
Couldn’t you have requested for someone else to go instead?

BENJIE
Hon, I’m one of the ministry leaders…

CHRISTINE
(Interrupts Benjie) Benjie, sinabi mo man lang ba kay Chito na nasa
event ka ni Chloe? Because I’m sure Chito would have just called
somebody else.

BENJIE
Hon…

CHRISTINE
Did you? (Sees Benjie shake his head and begins to lose her cool)
Benjie… (sighs) pagod ako. I do not want to say anything na hindi
maganda. I’m trying my best to understand you, your ministry, helping
other people… yes, these are all good things. But please, don’t do
that again. It’s as if inuuna mo pa yung ibang bagay kesa sa family
mo.

BENJIE
(gets offended) Wow… You make it sound as if ako talaga yung may
problema sa priorities dito.

CHRISTINE
So sinasabi mong ako ang may problema?

BENJIE
All I’m saying is that both of us need to straighten things out.
You’re too busy, Christine. You spend more time with your work than
 you do with us. Kapag kailangan ka ng mga bata, hindi ko alam kung
paano ko pupunan yun. Si Chloe, hindi ko kayang maging Nanay sa kanya
kahit anong gawin ko. And Nikko, he doesn’t even talk to me lately.

CHRISTINE
Busy?... You know what, tama ka. I am busy. I am busy working hard to
provide for this family because right now, I am the one who has this
responsibility. Hindi naman talaga ako ang dapat na gumagawa nito, di
ba? In fact, all this would not have happened if you had not lost your
job.

BENJIE
(Pauses, looks intently at Christine)You think this is easy for me,
Tin? Tingin mo okay lang sakin na Tatay ako pero hindi ko man lang
maitaguyod yung pamilya ko? That I have to depend on my wife even for
the food that I eat? Kung nahihirapan ka, mas nahihirapan ako.

CHRISTINE
(Realizes she said wrong things but is not ready to say sorry)
You know what, nevermind. (Walks out on Benjie, opens door and sees
Nikko and Chloe right outside, realizing they’ve heard everything)

SCENE 26

(It is after dinner. Christine is washing the dishes while Benjie is

in the living room. Nikko and Chloe are at the table. Chloe asks Nikko
to help her memorize her verse for Sunday School. While Christine and
Benjie were listening to their children, they were lovingly rebuked by
God’s Word. They reconcile later that night.)

CHLOE
Kuya, what are you doing?

NIKKO
Homework… Bakit? Do you need anything?

CHLOE
Kuya, please help me memorize my verse for Sunday School.

NIKKO
(Sighs but smiles at Chloe) Okay, but for fifteen minutes lang ha. I
need to finish this for tomorrow.

CHLOE
Yehey, thanks Kuya Nikko.

NIKKO
So what’s your Bible verse?

CHLOE
(Takes her Bible) Colossians 3:18-20.

NIKKO
Okay let’s start. Verse 18 muna.

CHLOE
(Nods) Colossians 3: 18… Wives, submit… submit… submit…

NIKKO
Submit…yourselves…

CHLOE
Yourselves… to your own… husbands, as is… fitting in… the Lord.
 NIKKO
Now verse 19.
CHLOE
Husbands… love your wives… love your wives… and…

NIKKO
And… do not…

CHLOE
And do not be harsh with them.

NIKKO
Good. Now verse 20 naman.

CHLOE
Oh, that one’s easy, Kuya… Children, obey your parents… in everything…
for this pleases the Lord.

NIKKO
Wow, great job, Chloe. Try natin ulitin.

While the kids memorize the verses again, Benjie looks at Christine.
Christine also looks over her shoulder and sees Benjie give a faint
smile.

[Couple’s room]
BENJIE AND CHRISTINE
(Saying at the same time) Hon, sorry… (both smile)

CHRISTINE
You go first.

BENJIE
(Sighs) I’m sorry, Hon. Hindi ko dapat iniwan si Chloe even for just a
moment. I broke my promise to her and to you. And I’ve been praying to
the Lord, asking Him to help me be more loving and responsible. Sorry
din sa mga nasabi ko.

CHRISTINE
(Nods) Ako din naman, Hon. Marami akong nasabing hindi maganda sayo.
God is reminding me to understand you and be more submissive. Medyo
stressed talaga din ako lately. Will you forgive me?

BENJIE
(Hugs Christine and kisses her forehead)

CHRISTINE
Hon, sa prayer time natin tonight, let’s humbly ask the Lord to help
us through these times. Ayokong magkaroon pa tayo ng mga ganitong
misunderstanding. This doesn’t honor Him. Magtulungan tayo, Hon. By
His grace, mas lalo pa nating intindihin at mahalin ang isa’t isa.

BENJIE
I agree, Hon. From now on, let’s surrender every moment to the Lord
and ask Him to bind us together in love. Ayoko ding maulit na makita
ng mga bata yung mga ganito.

Both of them kneel together in prayer before going to sleep.

SCENE 27

(During one basketball practice, Nikko gets bullied by some

 schoolmates who were watching)

REFEREE
No. 5, Del Valle… Foul!

COACH
(Asks for a time out and pulls Nikko out of the game) Nikko, ano bang
nangyayari sayo? Kakasabi ko lang ng game strategy di ba? Tapos
bibigyan mo ko ng dalawang foul in one game?

NIKKO
Sorry po, Coach. Di po ako makapag-focus.

COACH
Well, umayos ka. Umupo ka dyan hanggang maayos mo kung ano man yang
nangyayari sayo.

(Bullies call out from one of the benches)

SCHOOL BULLY 1
Hay nako… Yung iba dyan di na nga marunong mag-dribble, di din
marunong mang-agaw ng bola.

SCHOOL BULLY 2
Ano kamo? Magnakaw? Hahaha. Di siguro nagpaturo sa Tatay nyang
magaling magnakaw.

NIKKO
(looks at them) Ako ba pinag-uusapan nyo?

SCHOOL BULLY 1
Sobrang obvious ba, ha, kulelat? Truth hurts nga pala.

(Before Nikko can say another word, the Coach calls him to play again.
The bullies still jeer at him. When Benjie arrives to pick him from
practice, he remains in a bad mood as they drive home.)

BENJIE
Anak, how’s practice today? Sorry hindi ulit ako nakapunta. Di agad
natapos yung meeting naming church leaders kanina. (When Nikko keeps
silent, he asks again.) So, kwentuhan mo naman ako about sa game nyo
kanina.

NIKKO
Okay lang po.

BENJIE
Ha? Ang tipid naman nitong MVP ko. Di nga? Naka-ilang points ka?

NIKKO
Wala po. Naka-dalawang foul ako kanina tapos nung makakabawi na sana
ako, nagpa-substitute si Coach.

BENJIE
(Contemplates on what to say) Ah ganun ba, anak? Di bale, it’s okay.
By God’s grace, you’ll do better next time. And I promise, I won’t
miss out on another game na.

NIKKO
Palagi nyo nalang sinasabi yan.

BENJIE
Anak naman… pasensya ka na ha. Ganito nalang, magpractice tayo mamaya
 sa bahay. Okay?

(Nikko puts on his headphones and just looks away)

SCENE 28
(Christine left the house early for work. Benjie helps the kids get
ready for school. As the school bus arrives, Chloe kisses her dad and
leaves for the door. Nikko ignores his dad and struts out.)

BENJIE
Chloe baby, you finish your food.
CHLOE
Daddy, busog na po ako.

BENJIE
No, baby, konti lang yung kinain mo.

CHLOE
Hmmm… Okay po.

BENJIE

Nikko! Kumain ka na, anak. You're going to be late. (Keeps on

preparing Chloe's things for school)

CHLOE

Daddy, tapos na po akong kumain.

BENJIE

Very good, baby. Now go brush your teeth na. Maya-maya nandito na yung
school bus niyo. (Calls out to Nikko again) Nikko, for the last time
come here and eat!

(Benjie's phone rings; gets a call from one of his job prospects;
Nikko eavesdrops on the conversation)
Hello? Yes po, speaking... Opo, I was told na kasama po ako dun sa
tatlong prospects for the job... (Long pause) Ah ganun po ba?...
(Looks disappointed) No, it's okay po. Thank you pa rin for the
opportunity... Oh, and sir, just in case lang din po na may ibang
bankante that fits my qualifications, kindly consider me po. Thank you
very much... God bless po.

(Nikko stomps out of his room all dressed for school)

BENJIE

Finally... Umupo ka na at kumain, anak.

NIKKO

Ayoko. Sa school na ko kakain.

BENJIE

Ha? Eh paborito mo pa naman itong niluto ko.

NIKKO

Ayoko nga sabi.

 BENJIE

Teka, ayoko yang tono mo ha. Umayos ka, Nikko...

(The school bus honks)

NIKKO

I'm out of here.

CHLOE

Bye po, Daddy! (Kisses Benjie on the cheek)

BENJIE

Oh, mag-ingat kayo ha... Nikko, mag-usap tayo mamaya. (Sees Nikko put
on his earphones)

SCENE 29

(Nikko is at school. His friend shows him a news footage on regarding

his dad.)

NIKKO’S FRIEND
Nikko, kamusta yung Daddy mo?

NIKKO
Okay, I guess. Bakit?

NIKKO’S FRIEND
Aah… wala naman… May work na ba sya ulit?

NIKKO
Wala pa eh. Nahihirapan ata syang makahanap ng trabaho.

NIKKO’S FRIEND
Bakit daw sya nahihirapan maghanap?

NIKKO
Hindi ko alam.

NIKKO’S FRIEND
Eh yung banko nya dati, bakit yung nagsara? Dahil nalugi lang talaga?

NIKKO
Siguro. Yun yung sabi ni Daddy. Teka, bakit ang dami mong tanong?

NIKKO’S FRIEND
Kasi…Uhm…

NIKKO
Ano ba?

NIKKO’S FRIEND
Eto, panoorin mo nalang. (Looks nervous) Sabi ng nanay ko, yan daw
yung latest news ngayon.

(Nikko watches a news clip where his dad is allegedly involved in

embezzlement of funds. Meanwhile, Benjie is at home and just finished
doing the laundry. Chito calls him up.)
 BENJIE
Hello, Chito? O, napatawag ka?

CHITO
Benjie, pare. Asan ka?

BENJIE
Nasa bahay. Kakatapos ko lang maglaba. Haha. Nahirapan ako sa mga
kumukulay na damit kaya…

CHITO
Turn on your TV sa CBS News.

BENJIE
Ha? Bakit?

CHITO
Basta, bilisan mo!

BENJIE
Okay. Okay. Sandali.

(Turns on the TV, sees the breaking news about the bank and his
alleged involvement)

Chito… I’ll call you back.

(Appears to be shocked and confused. He hears footsteps coming into
the living room. It’s Christine.)

CHRISTINE
Hon! I’m home.

BENJIE
(Quickly turns off the TV) Tin!

CHRISTINE
(Smiles) Anong pinapanood mo?

BENJIE
(Tries to hide his nervousness) Aah… wala. Yung news lang…

CHRISTINE
Oh, anong latest news ngayon? Di na ko nakakanood lately. Sobrang
daming ginagawa… Haaay…

BENJIE
Well, uhm… yung mga usual lang (Changes the topic) Teka, why are you
home so early?

CHRISTINE
Nagpaalam ako so we could prepare for tomorrow.

BENJIE

Tomorrow? Bakit, anong…

CHRISTINE
Hala ka! Nakalimutan mo…

BENJIE
(Tries to remember and whispers to himself) I’m sure hindi naman natin
anniversary kasi last month yun…
 CHRISTINE
(Giggles) Tsk… tsk… Lagot ka talaga…

BENJIE
Hoooon… help me…

CHRISTINE
(playfully hums the “happy birthday” song)

BENJIE
Aaaaaah! Birthday.

(The school bus arrives. Nikko and Chloe enter the house. They kiss
both their parents although Nikko does so reluctantly when it comes to
Benjie)

BENJIE
Hi kids! (Picks up Chloe) Are you excited for your birthday party
tomorrow, baby girl?

(Everyone falls silent. Christine’s eyes go big as she looks at

Benjie)

CHLOE
(Whispers to Benjie) Daddy, si kuya po yung may birthday bukas.

BENJIE
(Looks apologetically at Nikko) Nikko, anak…

NIKKO
(Turns to Christine) Mommy, I’ll be in my room. Marami po akong
homework.

While Nikko walks away, Christine takes Chloe in her arms and tells
Benjie to make amends.

CHRISTINE
Hon, ako na bahala dito. Go and talk to him.

(Benjie knocks and enter Nikko’s room)

BENJIE
Nikko, anak?
NIKKO
(Merely looks at Benjie while preparing his notebooks)

BENJIE
Anak… Daddy is very sorry for forgetting your birthday.

NIKKO
Ayos lang po.

BENJIE
(Pulls a chair and sits right next to Nikko)Talaga? Mukha ka pa ring
upset. Pasensya na anak, marami lang akong iniisip.

NIKKO
Like I said po, ayos lang.

BENJIE
Kung ganun, smile ka naman dyan oh.

NIKKO
(Stops what he’s doing and sighs) Hindi po ako galit dahil nakalimutan
nyo yung birthday ko. Wala yun sakin.

BENJIE
Eh bakit mukha ka pa ring malungkot?

(Christine peeks into the room, unknown to the two)

NIKKO
(Shakes his head)

BENJIE
Come on, anak. I’m ready to listen.

NIKKO
(Just looks at Benjie reluctantly) Medyo… marami lang pong pressure sa
school.

BENJIE
Ganun ba? Alam mo anak, just give your best to the Lord. Hindi samin
importante ni Mommy mo ang kahit na anong medal or honor dyan. What’s
important is that you just learn and study well. Yun lang. Dahil para
samin, you are the best at what you do, by God’s grace. Proud kami
sa’yo.

NIKKO
(Merely nods)

BENJIE
Cheer up, anak! Ganito nalang. What do you want for your birthday?

NIKKO
I don’t want anything else except God’s “yes” to my prayers.

BENJIE
Ano yun, anak?

NIKKO
Na bumalik po tayo sa dati… Na pareho kayong nagtatrabaho ni Mommy, na
pareho kayong palaging nag-aalaga samin ni Chloe. Na… maging masaya
tayo ulit bilang pamilya.

BENJIE
(Taken aback) Bakit, anak? Hindi ba tayo masaya?

NIKKO
Tingin nyo po Daddy? Masaya ba tayo?

(Christine is moved by what she hears and quietly closes the door. She
ponders intently on Nikko’s words as she starts preparing dinner.)

SCENE 30

(Christine is out with her Christian friends, Mia and Charrie. The two
already know about the news circulating regarding Benjie. Mia tries to
tell Christine but Charrie stops her.)

CHRISTINE
So yun nga, sabi sakin ni Dean mismo na mataas daw yung chances ko na
mapili for the deanship. But of course, God’s will be done. Though I
really, really desire that I would get it.

MIA
 Sounds great, Tin. Rest assured we will be praying for it.

CHARRIE
And how are the kids?

CHRISTINE
Well… Chloe’s doing great at school. Alam nyo naman, mana talaga sa
inyong mga ninang nya. She has this upcoming play sa church. Text ko
sa inyo yung details para makapunta kayo.

CHARRIE
Wow, that’s great. We will be there. Eh si Nikko, kamusta?

CHRISTINE
Ayun. Di ba last time I requested you to pray for our family,
especially for Nikko. Lately kasi, parang hindi na sya yung kagaya
nung dati na malayang nag-oopen up about sa mga nangyayari sa kanya. I
try to talk to him pero sabi nya okay lang daw sya. He refuses to talk
to Benjie and I don’t know why.

MIA
Talaga? Di kaya…

(Christine suddenly receives a phone call)

CHRISTINE
Hello, Dean? Yes po… Ano pong papers?... Hello? Hello? Wait lang po,
Dean, medyo choppy po. (Talks to Mia and Charrie) Girls, wait lang ha.
Labas lang ako saglit, mahina yung signal ko.

(As Christine walks out the door, Mia and Charrie talk).

CHARRIE
Mia, ano ba. Muntik ka nang madulas ah.

MIA
Girl, it’s obvious na wala pa syang alam about sa nangyayari kay
Benjie. She needs to know.

CHARRIE
Of course, she does. Pero hindi dapat satin manggaling yun, Mia.
Usapang mag-asawa yan. Hindi dapat tayo makialam. The best thing we
could do is to pray for them.

MIA
Yes, but knowing Benjie… Hindi din nya gustong magka-problema si Tin
kaya malabong sabihin nya yun.

CHARRIE
Well, she will eventually know when she watches the news. Lalo ngayon
na medyo nagiging controversial na itong issue even in just a few
days.

MIA
Di ba nga kakasabi nya lang kanina na bugbog sya ngayon sa work.
Malamang wala nang TV or social media life yun as of the moment.

CHARRIE
Hay… let’s pray for them talaga. May the Lord help them through this.
I know na innocent si Benjie sa accusations nay an. I just know.

MIA
Ako din naman. I just don’t understand kung bakit sa kanya binabato
 lang ng to. Tinatawag pa syang magnanakaw on social media.

(Christine gets back)

CHRISTINE
I’m back, girls! Sorry, tumawag si Dean. And guess what… praise God!
Kasama na talaga ako sa official list ng pagpipilian. Top two
contenders kami ni Shiela, yung isa ko ding co-teacher and friend na
nakwento ko sa inyo.

MIA
Wow, Tin… We’re so happy for you.

CHRISTINE
I can’t wait to tell Benjie and the kids mamaya.

CHARRIE
Tell Benjie that… (Looks at Mia) we’re praying for him… for both of
you. Just remember Tin, Jesus never fails. He never fails.

(Christine is so excited she barely hears what Charrie says)

SCENE 31

(Benjie is with his church friends. They are at Benjie’s home. They
are giving him advice on his personal circumstances. Benjie receives a
court summons.)

IVAN

Bro, okay lang yan... God is working things out for you. Siguro
ngayon, mahirap talagang makita yun because of all the stuff that's
happening. Pero di ba, His Word says that He will never leave you nor
forsake.

BENJIE

Thanks, bro. Alam ko namang di kami pababayaan ng Panginoon. Pero

syempre, minsan ang hirap lang talaga, lalo na pag nakikita kong I'm
not living up to my duty as a father and husband.

PAULO

Well, that's what the enemy wants you to think. Pero, Benj, look to
Jesus. Naniniwala akong this is not going to be the end of the road
for you and your family. Hang on, bro.

CHITO

Oo nga. This too, shall pass. Remember, when I was unemployed for
almost a year after akong ma-discharge sa barko tapos nagka-infection
pa si Misis after manganak? I was desperate and praying na sabi,
“Lord, help me kasi di ko na talaga kaya...”

BENJIE

Yeah, I remember...

CHITO

I'm just saying na kahit anong mangyari, this is just a test of faith
so that you will be stronger in the Lord. Our trials are never without
a purpose. All things work together for good, bro... All things work
 together for good.

A court messenger is at the gate.

COURT MESSENGER

Tao po? Tao po?

BENJIE

Ano po yun?

COURT MESSENGER

Ah, good morning po sir. Nandyan po ba si Mr. Benjamin Del Valle?

BENJIE

Ako po yun… Ano pong meron?

COURT MESSENGER

Ay Sir… ise-serve ko lang po itong court summons sa inyo.

BENJIE

Summons? Ha? Bakit po? Wala akong kaso…

COURT MESSENGER

Messenger lang po ako, Sir. Ito po at paki-pirmahan nalang dito para

patunay na natanggap nyo to.

As the court messenger leaves, Benjie reads the summons, telling him
that he was the subject of a civil suit in his capacity as bank
manager of Bank of the Orient, related to anomalous and criminal bank
transactions that happened within the bank.

CHITO

(Calls out to Benjie) Bro, tara balik na tayo sa usapan natin. Ano ba
yan?

BENJIE

Ha? Ah… wala, wala to. (Looks agitated as he goes back to the group.
He slips the summons into his bedroom drawer.)

Meanwhile, Nikko gets bullied again at school.

SCHOOL BULLY

Wow, sira na naman yung araw ko guys. Nanakawan na naman ako kanina sa
jeep. Naglipana na talaga yung mga magnanakaw... yung iba dyan, anak
pa ng magnanakaw... (Referring to Nikko)

NIKKO

(Prays) God, please help me... Not today, please... not today.

SCHOOL BULLY
Abah, may tama ata to ah… kausap ang sarili. May dugong magnanakaw na
nga, mukhang may lahing baliw pa. Tsk, tsk.

NIKKO

(Loses his temper) Pwede ba? Just stop it!

SCHOOL BULLY

Bakit? Nasasaktan ka? Eh totoo naman eh. Truth hurts nga di ba. Hindi
pagkalugi yung dahilan kung bakit nagsara yung bangko na mina-manage
ng Tatay mo. Nagsara yun dahil sabit sa nakawan ng mga pondo ng
gobyerno. At yang Tatay mo, mastermind yan.

NIKKO

(Pushes School Bully) Sinabing tama na! Hindi magnanakaw ang Daddy ko!

SCHOOL BULLY

Kahit di nyo aminin, kalat na yang balita na yan. Bakit di mo tanungin

yung Tatay mo? Oh baka nahihiya ka lang tanggapin yung totoo. Mag-ama
nga kayo talaga.

NIKKO

Tama na! (Engages in a fight with the bully)

SCENE 32

(Christine gets a call from the guidance office of Nikko’s school. She
calls Benjie. It can be implied from the scene that they picked him up
from school and went straight home. Once home, Nikko talks back to
Benjie and Christine tries to calm them both down. Chloe sees
everything.)

BENJIE

Anak, mag-usap tayo please.

NIKKO

I’m going to my room.

BENJIE

No, Nikko, we need to talk. Now.

Christine whispers to Chloe and walks her to her room.

BENJIE

Anak, is there something you want to tell us?

NIKKO

Wala…

BENJIE
Wala?
 NIKKO
Wala nga…

BENJIE

(In a stern voice) Wala? Talaga?... Eh itong pasa sa mukha mo? Yung
sinabi nung guidance counselor mo kanina? The fact that you engaged in
a fight with another student? You better tell us what’s bothering you.

NIKKO

Sabi ko “Wala”, okay?! Wala akong problema, so just leave me alone!

CHRISTINE

Nikko! That is not the way to talk to your Dad!

BENJIE

Nikko, I’ve had enough with you… If you can’t respect me as your
father, then respect me as a person. You know that God is not pleased
with this.

NIKKO

God? He understands me. But you… you will never understand me. Do you
take the time to talk to me? Hindi di ba?

BENJIE

(Slightly raises his voice) Anak, tell me kung paano kita makakausap
eh halos ayaw mo nga akong tingnan these days. Why are you like that?

NIKKO

Kasi galit ako sayo, Daddy! Galit na galit ako sayo! Galit ako dahil
wala kang matinong trabaho. Na kahit anong gawin mo, hindi mo kami
kayang alagaan ng maigi. Galit ako dahil Mommy has to work twice as
hard to sustain this family. And above all, you’re never there for me.
Now, tell me, gugustuhin ko pa ba na kausapin ang isang taong hindi
worthy of my respect?

BENJIE

Abah Nikko hindi ko na gusto yung sinasabi mo ha…(lunges forward at

Nikko but Christine stops him)

NIKKO

Sige! Suntukin nyo ko! Nang mapatunayan na tama nga yung sinasabi ng
mga tao tungkol sa inyo!

Chloe peeks into the room and sees the arguments. She cries and
shouts.

CHLOE

(Crying) Daddy, kuya, wag po kayong mag-away! Please!

CHRISTINE

(Holds back tears while trying to come between them) Ano ba kayong
dalawa?! Stop it, both of you… Nikko, anak, don’t be like this! Ano ba
 yang sinasabi mo?!

NIKKO

(Cries hard) Na magnanakaw daw si Daddy! Na kaya nagsara yung bangko

dahil involved si Daddy sa scheme ng nakawan. Na anak daw ako ng isang
magnanakaw…

CHRISTINE

Nikko, naman… you know those things are not true!

NIKKO

Eh ano ba yung totoo, Mommy?! I don't know who's telling the truth.

CHRISTINE

Anak, nalugi ang bangko na mina-manage ng Daddy mo… Di ba we’ve talked

about this already? Wag kang maniniwala sa mga sinasabi ng mga tao…
Benjie (looks at Benjie) tell him. Sabihin mo nga sa kanya once and
for all na hindi totoo yung mga ganung balita.

BENJIE

(Pauses, looks intently at Christine then at Nikko; hugs Nikko

tightly) Anak… mahal na mahal kita. Mahal na mahal… At kung sino ako
sa pagkakakilala mo sakin, sa paningin ng Panginoon, yun ang totoo.
Yun ang paniwalaan mo…

Nikko cries hysterically in his Dad’s arms and asks for forgiveness.
Christine hugs Chloe and wipes her tears.

SCENE 33

(Benjie meets with his lawyer to discuss his situation regarding the
possible lawsuit.)

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Good morning, Mr. Benjamin Del Valle.

BENJIE

Good morning po, Attorney Madrigal. Have a seat.

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Thank you. Well, I think we should go straight to the point, Mr. Del
Valle. Pinag-aralan namin ng mabuti itong kaso mo. In fact, this case
is actually one of the most controversial ones we've handled.

BENJIE

Attorney, to be honest, wala po talaga akong alam sa nangyayari. I

mean, when I received these summons, dun pa lang ako nagka-idea na may
ganitong situation sa Bank of the Orient.I just manage the Bank but I
honestly don’t know a thing about the alleged illegal transactions
going on in the news.

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Yes, I know that, Mr. Del Valle. But frankly, being the bank manager
puts a big load on your shoulders. You are practically responsible for
all bank transactions and the acts of your subordinates. Meaning, you
are expected to be aware of everything – lahat ng ginagawa ng mga tao
mo, matino man o kung anong anomaliya. (Looks at Benjie, who feels
uneasy)

Mr. Del Valle... are you aware that your bank is under fire with the
Anti-Money Laundering Council?

BENJIE

Hindi po...

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Well, our firm did our own research about this. I think you should
know that your CEO is apparently involved in money laundering and has
been using Bank of the Orient for the past couple of years to transact
millions of dirty money coming from scams and drug dealings. That's
why hindi agad na-trace ng government authorities yung illegal
transactions. Remember the recent news about the Bangkok scam and
international drug syndicate? Ito yun.

BENJIE

So, if my CEO is really the one responsible for all this, bakit ako
kasali sa kaso?

ATTY. MADRIGAL

It's because your CEO implicated you as having knowledge in all these
in your capacity as the bank manager. It's your signature that appears
in numerous bank transactions involved. It's his word against yours.

BENJIE

(Dismayed, exasperated) Oh Lord, tulungan Niyo po ako... Attorney,

wala talaga akong alam dito... How about our CEO? Dapat siya yung
managot dito!

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Unfortunately, your CEO left the country a few days after nag-close
yung Bank of the Orient. Right now, hinahanap na sya ng government
authorities. Even Interpol is on the case now. Billions of local and
foreign amounts ang involved eh.

(Taps Benjie's shoulder) We will do our best to help you, Mr. Del
Valle. I believe in your innocence. Pray and hope for the best.

SCENE 34

(Later that night, Benjie and Christine were having their joint
devotion. The Lord led them to Isaiah 43:2. Before turning in,
Christine lovingly assures Benjie of her support no matter what's
bothering him.)

CHRISTINE

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you
pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk
through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you
 ablaze.”

Praise God for this promise, right, Hon? (Looks at Benjie, who seems
to be staring into space) Hon, uy...

BENJIE

Ha? Ah... yes, Hon.

CHRISTINE

(Giggles) Ang lalim ng iniisip mo ah... anything you want to tell me?

BENJIE

Ah... wala naman. Uhm... iniisip ko lang yung promise ng Panginoon, na

kahit ano pang unos yan, di Niya tayo iiwan.

CHRISTINE

Yes, Hon... We can always trust Him to hold us together and help us
through whatever comes our way.

BENJIE

Hon... I'm sorry ha...

CHRISTINE

For what?

BENJIE

For not really living up to my vows to you when we got married.

CHRISTINE

(Takes Benjie's hand) Hon... by God's grace, you are and always will
be the fulfillment of those vows. Ako mismo hindi perpekto. But
because of the Lord, we are here for each other. Next to God, I'm here
to support you and help you. I married you because you were God's
answer to my prayers. I married you because I love you. And I will
love you... kahit anong mangyari.

BENJIE

(Cries) I love you too, Christine...

SCENE 35

(Christine walks into the faculty room finding some co-teachers

whispering over something. She finds out from her superior, the
incumbent Dean, that her chances of being the next dean were about to
be jeopardized. She gets the news of Benjie's lawsuit.)

DEAN FILOMENA

Good morning, Christine. Have a seat.

CHRISTINE

Good morning po, Dean. Is everything alright po?

 DEAN FILOMENA
I think I should be the one asking you that question. Ikaw, kamusta
ka? Okay ka lang ba?

CHRISTINE

(Puzzled) Po? Uhm... Maayos naman po ako. Bakit po?

DEAN FILOMENA

My dear Christine, it's alright. You can trust me with this. Para na
din kitang anak.

CHRISTINE

I'm sorry po, Dean. But I really don't understand.

DEAN FILOMENA

(Surprised) Seriously? You really don't know what I'm talking about?

CHRISTINE

Hindi po talaga...

DEAN FILOMENA

It's about Benjie, your husband... Yung kaso niya.

CHRISTINE

Kaso? Ano... Ano pong kaso?

DEAN FILOMENA

The controversial Bangkok scam and drug trade. It's all over the news.

CHRISTINE

(Trying to make sense of everything) I'm not following, po... What is

this about?

DEAN FILOMENA

You know that I belong to a highly influential family in the business

world. And so I found out that Bank of the Orient, which your husband
used to manage, is confirmed to have been involved in money laundering
related to the the Bangkok scam. Since the CEO could not be found,
they are holding the bank manager liable for damages. Hindi ba sinabi
sayo ni Benjie?

CHRISTINE

(Still can't believe what she's hearing) Wala po siyang nababanggit na

kahit ano...

DEAN FILOMENA

Oh dear... I'm so sorry for being the one to tell you. And I also
apologize for what I'm supposed to tell you. Alam ko sobrang mali yung
timing pero utos ng Board of Regents na sabihan kita...
CHRISTINE
 About what po?

DEAN FILOMENA

Since the Board knows that you're one of the candidates for deanship,
and upon hearing your husband's case... They're having second thoughts
about you being chosen...

CHRISTINE

But Dean... wag naman po... I'm sure maaayos pa to...

DEAN FILOMENA

I know this is what you've been working so hard for. I see a lot of
you myself in you. Kaya nga personal choice kita at kung ako lang ang
masusunod, iyung-iyo talaga ang deanship. Kaya lang, this university
upholds its standards of integrity, probity and candor. Kaya... I'm
sorry pero I don't think this is going to work out in your favor...

CHRISTINE

(On the verge of tears) Dean... may I be excused from teaching my

class for the rest of the day? Please...

DEAN FILOMENA

Yes... go ahead. Christine, I'm very sorry talaga...

Christine walks out of the room and bumps into Sheila.

SHIELA
Tin… do you know about this?

Shiela shows Christine a news footage regarding Benjie’s case.

SCENE 36

(Christine is very angry and barges into the house. She goes straight
to her room and contemplates on going home to her parents for a while.
She opens several drawers and takes her clothes and other belongings,
putting them in a bag. In one of the drawers, she finds the summons
and reads it. Benjie who was at the back of the house doing laundry,
finds Christine. The biggest confrontation of all begins.)

BENJIE

Hon... oh, it's barely 9am ah. Why are you home? Wala kang pasok?
(Then he realizes Christine is reading the summons)

Christine looks at him furiously, takes her bag and prepares to leave.
Benjie tries to stop her.)

BENJIE

Hon... Hon... please, wag ganito. Mag-usap tayo, please!

CHRISTINE

(Breaks free from Benjie's grip) Benjie… bakit hindi mo to sinabi

sakin?
 BENJIE

Hon... please... I was going to tell you...

CHRISTINE

(Begins to break down) Kailan?! Pag nasa korte ka na? Kapag dumating
yung oras na maisipan nilang ipakulong ka nalang? Ito! (Holds up the
summons) This was two weeks ago pa... Two weeks, Benjie! Two weeks at
wala kang sinabi sakin. And you know the worst part? I had to find out
from our Dean. Of all people, Benjie... Sa kanya ko pa nalaman. I’m
going to lose everything I’ve worked hard for.

BENJIE

What? Hanggang ngayon ba, it's still all about you?

CHRISTINE

So ako pa ngayon ang selfish?! What about you, Benjie? We both vowed
before God that we will be honest and be there to help each other.
Pero ano to? You're keeping all of this to yourself! At para saan? So
you could prove na kaya mo tong i-solve on your own? That you don’t
need the help of your wife? That you don't need your family to back
you up because hey, “I'm the head of this family and I will prove it
to all of you!”, yun ba?

BENJIE

(Upset but in tears) Hindi ko sinabi dahil ayokong mamoproblema pa

kayo... Dahil ako mismo hindi ko alam kung bakit nangyayari to...

CHRISTINE

Hindi mo alam? O baka naman hindi mo lang gustong ipaalam kung ano
talaga ang totoo!

BENJIE

What do you mean?

CHRISTINE

Na totoong may kinalaman ka talaga sa controversy na to!

BENJIE

(Extremely disappointed; feels so defeated) Sinasabi mo bang...

magnanakaw ako?

CHRISTINE

(Taken aback for a moment) I don't know what to think of you

anymore...

BENJIE

(Cries aloud) Christine... (fights back his tears) God knows na

inosente ako... Alam Niya, alam Niya yung totoo! Were it not for Him
still keeping me strong, matagal na kong sumuko... (Draws closer to
Christine) Alam mo, wala naman akong pakialam sa sasabihin at iisipin
ng ibang tao eh. They can judge me all they want but I will just be
able to move on. But the things that you just said to me... para akong
mamamatay. Alam mo yung pinakamasakit sa lahat? Na yung taong
pinakamamahal mo, yung maiisip mong kakapit sa kamay mo kahit anong
mangyayari... sya pa yung unang bibitaw. And you just realize... that
person never really believed in you.

CHRISTINE

(Realizes she had hurt Benjie badly, but still chooses to hold on to
her pride) Ako nang susundo sa mga bata. Dun na muna kami kina Mama at
Papa.

BENJIE
Tin, please… Wag ganito. Please don’t leave…

(Christine walks out on Benjie. She cries while driving to pick up the
kids from school. She parks the car for a moment, and cries so hard.)

SCENE 37

(Christine is at her parents house. While the children are asleep, her
parents talk to her about her situation with Benjie.)

CHRISTINE'S MOM

Tulog na yung mga bata.

CHRISTINE

Thanks po, Ma.

CHRISTINE'S DAD

Oh eto, mag-tea ka muna. Chamomile yan, pampakalma.

CHRISTINE

(Gives a faint smile) Papa talaga... salamat po.

CHRISTINE'S MOM

(Hugs Christine, the latter beginning to cry) Tin... Sige lang, iiyak
mo lang yan. Nandito lang kami ng Papa mo...

Meanwhile Benjie is at church, alone, cleaning the pews. Chito, Ivan

and Paulo decided to check on him.

CHITO

Ay grabe, sinosolo yung paglilinis ng church. Paulo, bigyan nga ng

award yan.

BENJIE

(Seems really down) Oh bakit kayo nandito? Di ba dapat nasa work kayo?

IVAN

Eh, di ba pwedeng mag-leave muna?

BENJIE
 Ah talaga? Sabay-sabay talaga kayong nagbakasyon ha?

PAULO

Ito naman... syempre nandito kami para sayo, bro. We're here to pray
for you and...

BENJIE

(Cuts Paulo off) Okay lang ako, guys...

CHITO

Nagsabi ang Panginoon samin na hindi ka okay...

BENJIE

(Looks at the three of them then starts to break down; cries for a
while; the rest of his friends feel his pain) I pray and pray... but I
still feel so down. I read His Word and still ang bigat ng pakiramdam
ko... Gusto kong maniwala that all of this is going to pass, that He
is working things out for our good... Pero... nahihirapan lang talaga
kasi ako ngayon. Sobrang sakit na...

CHITO

All we can tell you is that we are praying for you... that your faith
in the Lord will not fail. And we are just here to listen to you...

[Back to Christine at her parents' house]

CHRISTINE'S DAD

Tin, hindi talaga madali... But you know, sometimes, God allows
adversity to come upon us for His good purpose for our lives. Perhaps
He is teaching us something... something that could help us grow in
trusting and knowing Him more.

CHRISTINE'S MOM

Yes, Tin... Di ba, His Word teaches us that He wounds but He also
heals.

CHRISTINE

Yes po... but I realize na hindi naman ako talaga yung nasaktan. Ako
yung nakasakit kay Benjie. Kahit nakakahiyang aminin, but I was really
disappointed when I heard that I could lose the deanship. It consumed
me immensely that I almost forgot I was a wife and mother. Benjie was
right... I am a selfish person.

CHRISTINE'S MOM

We all have our mistakes, Tin. But what's important is that we ask God
to help us to learn from them.

CHRISTINE

Siguro kasi I was really hoping that Benjie and I could be like you
and Papa. You're both just so in love with God and with each other...
everything's working out well.

CHRISTINE'S DAD
(Laughs a little) Hay nako, Tin... everything is only by God's grace.
Not everything you see sa amin ng Mama mo is true on all occasions.

CHRISTINE'S MOM

Tama... Like during the first few years of our marriage before we had
you, sobrang marami kaming misunderstandings ng Papa mo.

CHRISTINE'S DAD

Kasi nga hindi ako marunong sa gawaing-bahay. Magtapon nga lang ng

basura sa labas, pahirapan pa yung Mama mo mag-request sakin. Tapos
nung pinanganak ka, ayokong magpuyat sa pag-aalaga sayo kaya sobrang
na-stress yung Mama mo.

CHRISTINE'S MOM

Ako din naman. Dati masyado akong selosa... lahat ng babaeng

makakasama ng Papa mo inaaway ko...

CHRISTINE

Talaga? You never told me these things.

CHRISTINE'S DAD

Well, I think it's because we were already so consumed with how the
Lord Jesus Christ changed our lives. Nung unti-unti naming
naintindihan what marriage is supposed to be as God designed it...
your Mama and I realized that we had to be committed in loving,
forgiving and understanding each other if we wanted to be together for
life.

CHRISTINE'S MOM

Remember Tin, when God saw Adam's need for a suitable helper, He gave
him Eve. In the same way, God brings a man and a woman together in
marriage so that they may learn to live for Him as they love and help
one another.

CHRISTINE'S DAD

You ask the Lord to help you become the wife that He wants you to be.
Ngayon ka mas kailangan ni Benjie to be by his side.

CHRISTINE

But I said so many hurtful things to him...

CHRISTINE'S MOM

That doesn't mean you stop becoming his wife. When you both made your
vows before God, panghabambuhay yun, anak. And a lifetime is a mix of
tears and laughter, of joy and pain, of adversity and breakthroughs.
If you are his wife when he is at his best, the more that you should
be his wife when he is at his worst. Yan ang design ng Panginoon.

CHRISTINE

(Hugs her mom and dad) Thank you, Ma... Pa... please continue to pray
for us.
 CHRISTINE'S DAD

We always have and always will.

SCENE 38

(Time lapse of three days. Christine and Benjie individually seek

healing from the Lord while still praying for each other, and facing
their daily struggles (e.g. show clips of individual prayer time,
reading God's Word, taking a walk, prayer time with their Christian
friends). Christine gets several missed calls from Benjie. The night
before the announcement for deanship, Christine calls Benjie.)

CHRISTINE’S DAD
Tin, you know what? You call him back. The Lord is already fixing
things between you. Stop holding on to your pride, anak.

CHRISTINE
Hindi naman po sa ganun, Pa. I said too much and really hurt him.

CHRISTINE’S DAD
With more reason na dapat mag-usap kayo. You are husband and wife.
Hindi mag-boyfriend o magkaibigan. Obey the Lord’s will and make
peace.

CHRISTINE
Hindi ko po alam if mapapatawad nya ko.

CHRISTINE’S DAD?
Really? You believe that statement? No more excuses, Tin. I know
you’re also aware of your own shortcomings sa relationship nyo. Make
that call.

Christine calls Benjie.

CHRISTINE

Hello, Benjie?

BENJIE

Hi, Tin... So glad you called back.

CHRISTINE

Uhm... So... Kamusta?

BENJIE

By God's grace, doing better... Ikaw?

CHRISTINE

Same...

BENJIE

Yung mga bata kamusta sila?

CHRISTINE

They're okay... They miss you a lot.

 BENJIE

I miss them, too. (Pauses) I miss you, Hon.

CHRISTINE
(Closes her eyes and sighs) I miss you, too, Hon. And I’m really,
really sor…

BENJIE
(Interrupts) No, Tin… I’m the one who should say sorry for keeping
things from you. The Lord made me realize that as YOUR HUSBAND, I
should share my life with you in all things. And I wasn’t obedient to
that.

CHRISTINE
Me, too, Hon. The Lord made me realize that as my WIFE, I should be
there supporting you. And lately, I’ve been so distracted and failed
to understand you. I’m really sorry, Hon.

BENJIE
Praise God for bridging our gap… So… (lighter tone) sunduin ko na
kayo?

CHRISTINE

Wag na, Hon. Kami na uuwi tomorrow.(Stalls)Uhm... Bukas na din pala

yung announcement sa school for the next dean. It's going to be a big
event. Tomorrow at 10AM. I hope we could... go together. Kasama yung
mga bata.

BENJIE

Ganun ba? Congrats in advance... I'm sure ikaw yung mapipili. But
sorry, I can't come... Pupunta kami ni Atty. Madrigal sa court
tomorrow. May pre-trial ako around that time...

CHRISTINE

Ganun ba…

BENJIE

(Pauses for a while) Mahal na mahal kita, Tin. And if I failed to say
it, I just want you to know that I’m very proud of you.

Christine just falls silent and cries.

SCENE 39

(It's the day of the announcement for the next dean. Before the
announcement, Christine decides to surrender to God's prompting and
gives up her bid for the deanship. She rushes to catch up with Benjie
for the pre-trial.)

CHRISTINE

Good morning po, Dean. May I speak to you for a moment?

DEAN FILOMENA

Christine! This is it. I just want you to know that the Board made
some last minute reconsiderations. And i'm pretty sure you're still
the one most likely to be chosen today. Congratulations in advance, my
dear.

CHRISTINE

Wow... Praise God for that po... I've always longed to hear those
words. But not so today.

DEAN FILOMENA

Ha? What do you mean?

CHRISTINE

I'm withdrawing my bid for the deanship po.

DEAN FILOMENA

What?! You can't... Isn't this what you've always wanted?

CHRISTINE

It was, Dean. It was. But God made me realize that sometimes our
dreams are not given to us to be realities but rather to serve as
lessons to understand a much higher calling. And I have ignored that
calling for a long time – the calling to be a loving wife and mother
before ever being Dean or anything else.

DEAN FILOMENA

(Smiles) Are you sure about this?

CHRISTINE

Never been more sure po.

DEAN FILOMENA

(Hugs) I see Jesus in your life, Christine. And I know that you are
the Dean this school would have always needed. I still believe that
someday, you will be.

(Christine rushes to the court. Benjie is standing outside the

courtroom. He sees Christine walking towards him and for a split
moment, he remembers the time she walked down the isle.)

BENJIE

(Very surprised) Tin? What are you doing here?

CHRISTINE

Because this is where God wants me to be right now... and this is

where I want to be right now... with you.

BENJIE

But I thought they're going to announce the next dean, right? You
should be there.

CHRISTINE

(Shakes her head) I'm not going to be Dean. I gave up my bid.

 BENJIE

What?! Christine... No… Pangarap mo yun.

CHRISTINE

No, Hon… Nasa harap ko na ngayon yung pangarap ko… na tinupad ng

Panginoon at binigay niya sakin habambuhay. I’m sorry that I wasn’t
there with you when I should have. But praise God, I still have this
chance. Kaya sabay natin tong haharapin. With God, all things are
possible. We can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. He
will fight for us.

BENJIE

Thank you, Hon… I thank God for His grace and for making His love flow
through your heart. I love you… (Hugs Christine tightly)

Atty. Madrigal meets them.

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Mr. Del Valle…

BENJIE

Good morning po, Atty. Madrigal. This is my wife, Christine.

ATTY. MADRIGAL

Nice to meet you, Ma’am. So, are we ready to go inside? Nandito na din
si Judge and the other parties.

Benjie and Christine look at each other, smile, hold hands and enter
the courtroom.

SCENE 40

Time lapse of a few months: Benjie and Christine helping each other
out; Their family grows closer to the Lord and with each other. Benjie
spends more time with Nikko-biking, basketball, even painting. Benjie
and Christine are seen attending court trials, praying together,
growing with their Christian friends.

SCENE 41

One day, Benjie gets a visit at home from Atty. Madrigal, announcing
that the case against him was dismissed for lack of merit.

BENJIE

Atty. Madrigal, napadaan po kayo?

ATTY. MADRIGAL

God really listens to your prayers… Gusto ko din ng ganyang klaseng

faith and relationship with Him…
I’m happy to tell you that final na yung findings ng court na
dismissed yung kaso as to you. Hindi na nag-apela yung kabilang party.

CHRISTINE
 Praise God!!! Lord, thank You, po…

Benjie and Christine cry in each other’s arms, giving praise to God.

SCENE 41 (CLOSING SCENE)

One year has passed. Christine is holding a big seminar at school. She
introduces one of the main resource speakers – Benjie. The scene
closes with Benjie’s VO, some flashbacks and his family walking afar
off, hand in hand.

CHRISTINE

Good morning to our distinguished guests, our ever supportive faculty

from the College of Business and Management, students and friends.
Welcome to this annual event that the University of Metropolitan
Manila holds in celebration of the Philippine Commerce, Business and
Entrepreneurship Month. We have several resource persons today who
will be sharing their testimonials pertaining to their respective
fields. And I have the honor to introduce to you our first main
speaker today – a man whose journey I have personally witnessed. He
simply wants to be introduced as God’s servant whose scars serve as
reminders of how God is the Ultimate Manager of our life stories. I am
proud to present to you the current Senior Finance Consultant and
Branch Supervisor of GoLife Investments International– my life
partner, Mr. Benjamin Del Valle.

BENJIE

Good morning, everyone! It’s a privilege to be here and share God’s

work through me in the world of commerce, business and investments.

BENJIE’S VOICE OVER

When making an investment or venturing out into various business

opportunities, it is always wise count the cost. There is always a
risk involved – the risk of losing your money, of being insolvent, of
not having a return of your capital. It’s like making a vow or
promise.

(Flash a scene from Benjie and Christine’s wedding—putting the wedding

ring on their spouse’s finger. As the narration continues, flash
scenes of Christine staring blankly at the window, crying, while
Benjie looks at her in frustration… Flashback to the scene where Nikko
gets mad at Benjie.)

But the greatest investors are not afraid to take risks. They learn to
calculate the risks and discern which ones are worth taking. And they
need to surround themselves with people who are like-minded because
the journey to having a successful business is not to be taken alone.

(Flashback to the scene where Benjie is in the bank, talking to the

employees after the memo of the company’s closure was given to them.
Flashback to the scene where the dean is telling Christine that she
has endorsed her to be the new dean, and the scene where Benjie is
alone in his office--head bowed, with both hands on his head.

Real success cannot be found in your business. Real success lies in

learning to invest in eternal things.” The Bible says, “Do not lay up
for yourselves treasures on the earth… but lay up for yourselves
treasure in heaven. For where your treasure is there will your heart
be also.”
(Insert scenes where Benjie and Christine look at each other, take
each other’s hand, and enter the courtroom together; scene where
Benjie is biking with Nikko; scene where the whole family is having
fun/ playing a game at home; scene where Benjie and his friends are
studying the Word and praying together.)

Pahalagahan natin ang mga bagay na hindi mabibili ng pera – ang

pananampalataya sa Diyos, ang pamilya mo, ang mga totoong kaibigan.

(Back to actual scene)

Mawala man ang business mo, ang trabaho mo, maghirap ka man… kumapit
ka sa Panginoong Hesus at mananatili kang buo. That way, you will
never end up bankrupt. Not in this life or the next.

- END –