HIDLAW

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

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

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

DIRECTORS
ADA ANGELA MERCADO
YUWAN PRESBITERO

EDITOR
ADA ANGELA MERCADO

CAMERA MEN
EJAY VILLAVER
DEBBIE CANOY

EXTRA & PRODUCTION

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

SPECIAL THANKS TO ATE KEANLY PAQUIBOT WITHOUT

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

INT. HOUSE –DAY

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

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

TRANSITION: SCREEN TURNS TO BLACK

EXT. SM SEASIDE ROOFTOP –NIGHT

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

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

TITLE CARD: “Hidlaw”

 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

INT. ROOM –DAY

The room is deafening from all the
CHEERS and CLAPS of the Tagisan ng
Talino audiences. Two teams, from the
Law department and Nursing department
respectively are competing against each
other. ADOLF, a nursing student who’s a
super-smart overachiever with roughly a
thousand of commitments taking up his
time. He is one of the top students in
his class and consistent in getting good
grades. The game’s in progress. The
questions are announced by an old
teacher who squints every time she
reads.

HOST:
The last question…

She puts her hand in the bowl of

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

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

The representative from the Law

department presses the buzzer. Adolf’s
pissed.

LAW REPRESENTATIVE:
(Confident)
It belongs to romance.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

Everyone from the audience APPLAUDS.

Adolf on the other hand, smiled.

ADOLF:
Umhh Actually, it’s a
tragedy.

Everyone was SILENCED.

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

HOST:
Ladies and Gentleman, we have a
winner.

The room is filled with CHEERS and high-

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

FROM THE CROWD

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

People are WHISPERING about what she

just said. Some agreed, some didn’t.

HOST (O.S):
(Nervous)
I’m sorry, the decision has been
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

made and is irrevocable.

Law supporters DECRIES around the host

while the nursing students CHEERED
LOUDER.

HOST (CONTINUED):
If you have any problems with
the results, unfortunately there
is nothing we can do with that.
The host gave Shannen a smug look and
she rolled her eyes to clap back. She
then turned to where the DEEP LAUGH is
coming from. To her shock it came from
Adolf. They looked at each other’s eyes
and he gave her an annoying grin —one
that Adolf used to mock. She took a
glimpse of her wrist watch and then to
her classmate at her left.

SHANNEN:
You know what? I got to go.

She gave Adolf a last cold look and

walked out.

EXT. EUNICE’S HOUSE –AFTERNOON

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

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

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

EUNICE:
O sha sige, maiwan muna kita jan.

As she’s pouring, she noticed a pair of

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

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

SHANNEN:
Did you though? ‘Yan ang problema
sa bansa natin eh. We have a
different perception on what’s
fair and what’s not. Kaya nga I
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

want to become a lawyer. To fix

our broken justice system where
people—
ADOLF:
(He raised his hand)
Stop! I’ve come here in peace.
Nandito ako para bumili ng bonsai
niyo.
(He placed the 100 peso bill
on
the ground)
O baka pati ‘yon gusto mo ring
pagtalunan?
SHANNEN:
(She scoffs)
The judge was bias towards you.
Everybody knows Shakespeare writes
romance.

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

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

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

She wants to say something more but she

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

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

He gave her an annoying smirk. Shannen

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

Shannen screamed with pain, He ran

towards her.

ADOLF:
Are you ok?

Adolf’s eyes are filled with concern. He

checked Shannen’s cut and without
hesitation he took out a first aid kit
from his backpack. Witnessing this act
proves that the assumptions she has
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

about Adolf was wrong. He’s sweet and

caring. Maybe even a “boyfriend
material,” —one that she would date. She
continues to stare at Adolf’s face.

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

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

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

Shannen just stood there, shocked by

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

SHANNEN:
What’s the bonsai for?

Adolf smiled and turned around to face

her.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

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

They stare at each other for a moment.

Adolf then typed his number on Shannen’s
phone.

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

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

ADOLF:
I don’t believe in love.

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

ADOLF:
Talaga ba? Can you prove it?

SHANNEN:
Love songs, poetry… marriage.
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

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

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

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

He turns around and starts walking.

SHANNEN:
Ang manhid mo!

ADOLF:
(He corrects her)
Just facts.

Adolf left the store. She checked her

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

MONTAGE: INT. ADOLF’S ROOM –NIGHT

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

EXTREME CLOSE UP: PHONE

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

Adolf smiles

INT. LIBRARY –NIGHT

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

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

She rolls her eyes.

INTERCUT between ADOLF’S ROOM and the

LIBRARY.

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

She lied.

ADOLF:
How’s your leg by the way?

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

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

SHANNEN:
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

Sige. Does 8:00 am sound good?

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

SHANNEN:
A what now!?

MONTAGE:
- EXT. CAR –DAY –MOVING. Adolf’s
driving
- EXT. JEEP –DAY. Shannen hugging a
couple of bonsai.
- INT. RESTAURANT –DAY. Adolf
patiently waiting for Shannen.
Tried to play games to entertain
himself.
- INT. IN FRONT OF A LONG LINE IN THE
ELEVATOR –DAY. Shannen arrived at
the SM mall however she refused to
wait on the line and take the
stairs instead.
- INT. RESTAURANT –DAY.
Adolf stood up. He started to get
worried, so he calls Shannen.
- INT. STAIRS WITH A SIGN THAT SAYS
3RD FLOOR. She struggles to climb
the stairs for the plant is very
heavy and her leg hasn’t fully
recovered.
- INT. IN FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT –
DAY.
Shannen wouldn’t pick up, so he
tried texting her instead.

EXTREME CLOSE UP: ADOLF’S PHONE.

 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

ADOLF:
Where are you?

<END CLOSE UP AND MONTAGE>

Shannen arrives with beads of sweat on

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

ADOLF:
Hoy, okay ka lang?

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

She shoves the trees to him. Adolf

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

ADOLF:
(Hesitant)
Kumain ka na ba?
SHANNEN (V.O):
(She smiles)
Suss, Pa fall.
CUT TO: RESTAURANT

INT. RESTAURANT –LUNCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADOLF:
Believe in yourself. If hindi ka
magiging lawyer —which is
unlikely
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

to happen—you can pursue your

music.

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

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

They LAUGH. When the chuckle dies down

Adolf changed the topic and stares at
her sternly.

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

He hold his hand out.

SHANNEN:
Wait, so let me get this straight.
You planned to lure me in here
to eat with you? Not creepy at
all, Adolf. Not at all.

ADOLF:
(Playful)
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

Stop, you’re ruining the moment.

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

They grasp each other’s hand tightly

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

EXT. SM SEASIDE’S ROOFTOP –NIGHT

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

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

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

She felt a drop of water in her eye.

Thunder roared. It’s raining. Adolf
grabs her by the hand and runs to the
nearest shelter they could find. Adolf
places the bonsai outside in the pouring
rain. He turns to her and noticed she’s
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

rubbing her hand together and kept

blowing in it to keep herself warm. He
takes his jacket off and placed it on
her shoulders.

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

ADOLF:
Okay lang.

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

She smiled. The wind RUSHES through the trees.

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

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

He looks away.

ADOLF:
You’re cool too.

SHANNEN:
“You’re cool too” yung totoo
may kaluluwa ka ba?
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

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

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

ADOLF:
No, at least not anymore.

SHANNEN:
(Intrigued)
Why, what happened?

ADOLF:
She cares too much what other
people thinks.

EXT. SIDE OF THE STREET –NIGHT –

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

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

ADOLF:
I disagree.

MAUREEN:
Great. Disagreeing is what we do
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

best. Can’t you see? Adolf this is—

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

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

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

He kneeled down but she walks away.

CUT TO: BACK TO PRESENT

EXT. SM SEASIDE’S ROOFTOP –NIGHT

SHANNEN:
So biktima ka rin huh? Biktima
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

ka rin ng mga taong nang-iiwan.

We got our hearts broken for
trusting it with people who was
the reason for the cracks.
(She nudges him)
We’re both survivors of loving
the wrong souls.

ADOLF:
Ano bang nangyari sa’yo?

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

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

They LAUGH. Shannen nods in agreement.

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

Just by looking at each other’s eyes

they know how empty both of them were.

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

ADOLF:
Naks, naman lakas maka emote neto.

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

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

They paused. A long one.

ADOLF:
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

‘Cause we accept the love we think

we
deserve. Karamihan sa atin, shini-
share
sa facebook na no one cares about
us.
When in reality, admit it or not,
may
nagmamahal talaga sa atin hindi
lang
natin tanggap ang pagmamahal na ‘to
because…
(He looks at her)
choosy tayo.

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

ADOLF:
Medyo, but always remember this…

He touches her face and tucked some of

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

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

SHANNEN:
(She shakes her head)
I think I’m done searching. I have
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

found the one.

Adolf embraces her. She doesn’t resist.

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

ANGLE ON: BOTH OF THEIR FACES (INTERCUT)

TRANSITION: SCREEEN TURNS BLACK

INT. SHNANEN’S ROOM –LATER

She’s anxiously checking her phone every
5 minutes. Waiting for Adolf’s phone
calls or texts. She started to get
worried. She tried texting him again for
what seems to be a millionth time (give
or take)

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

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

INT. HOSPITAL —DAY

 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

Adolf sits in front of a door,

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

ADOLF:
Shannen, I’m so—

She slaps him.

SHANNEN:
(Sobbing)
I let down my defenses on you.
You’ve made me think that you’re
different. I was hoping that for
once that my story —no,
our story wouldn’t end in a
trajedy. Pero who am I kidding?
I don’t deserve true love.
Hindi ko deserve sumaya. Magsalita
ka Adolf!

She pushed him. Adolf’s tears starts

rolling on his face. No response.

SHANNEN (CONTINUED):
(Angry)
Masaya ka na? ‘Yan ka naman ‘di ba?
Pa fall? Pinaniwala mo ‘ko sa mga
pangako mo.
(Pity)
May nasabi ba ako? Gusto mo ba
akong umalis? Yung totoo minahal mo
ba
 HIDLAW: SHORT FILM

talaga ako? O sinubukan mo lang

akong mahalin para hindi kita iwan
tulad ng iba?

ADOLF:
I could never do that to you.
Forget what I said about love and
chemicals, what I feel for you is
beyond that. I love you, Shan. It’s
just my mom—

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

CUT TO: HOSPITAL

ROOM

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM –NIGHT

In a white painted room with full of
medical equipment, machines and has a
BEEPING SOUND. In the corner of the room
there’s a bed —where Adolf’s mother lay
unconscious. Shannen entered the room
shyly and was astonished when almost
half of the room is filled with bonsai.

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

Adolf nodded.

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

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

EXT. ADOLF’S HOUSE –DAY –FLASHBACK

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

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

TRANSITION: BACK TO PRESENT

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -NIGHT
Adolf continued what her mother said
like the back of his hand. He memorized
this line by heart.

ADOLF:
(Smiling)
Kaya ang bonsai at pagmamahal
should
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be properly cultivated and

respected
for it to find it’s great perhaps.

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

Adolf reached for her hand and kissed

its gentle fingers. She melts.

EXT. CEMETARY –DAWN

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

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

Shannen raised her hand hoping Adolf’s

mom could see the ring.

SHANNEN:
Promise po aalagaan ko ‘tong
singsing na’to at aalagaan ko at
mamahalin ang anak niyo.
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ADOLF:
Pangako, mamahalin namin ang isa’t
isa…

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

They share a smile. They sat down on the

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

MONTAGE: EXT. CEMETERY –DAWN

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

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

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

ROLL CREDITS
<END>

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