SCENE 1 | ACT 1

EXT. MARAWI - CAMP - NIGHT

(Flash News)

*music*

Rafiyah: “At para sa nagbabagang balita sa oras na ito, sa

joint session ng 17th congress, at sa pag-apruba ni Pangulong
Duterte, in-extend ang Martial Law sa Mindanao hanggang sa
huling araw ng kasalukuyang taon. Ukol dito, dinagdagan ang
mga sundalong magbabantay sa Mindanao para masiguro ang
kaligtasan ng mga sibilyan. Umantabay na lamang sa mga susunod
na mga pangyayari. Ito po si Rafiyah Buisan, nag-uulat.”
SCENE 1 | ACT 2

INT. HOUSE - LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

(Ronnie enters)

*hugs Bea*

Bea: Papa!

Ronnie: How’s my baby?

Bea: I’m good po. I ace the ballet recital at school. Look at
this stars *points at left fist*

Ronnie: Wow! Galing talaga ng baby ko. By the way, where’s

your Mom?

*points at the direction*

Ronnie: Shhh… I’ll surprise your Mom. Go, go.

Bea: *giggles* Okay po…

*went to the dining room*

Bea: Mom! I’m hungry na po!

Althea: Wait lang baby. Stay there first. Parating na ang Papa
mo. Just wait for him muna, okay?

Bea: *giggles*
*Ronnie sings*

Ronnie: Lalalala~

Althea: *suppresses her smile* Asus! May nalalaman ka pang

ganyan.

Bea: Awwww sweet! *hugs Ronnie and Althea*

*Meanwhile* *Prepares for dinner*

Althea: Baby, dahan-dahan lang sa pagkain. Baka mabulunan ka.

Bea: But, Mom, malapit na ang next episode ng Sophia The

First. I can’t miss it.

Althea: It can wait naman. Come on, finish your food first or
else-

Bea: Still-

Ronnie: Baby? Listen to your mom.

Bea: Yes po. Basta promise me na you’ll buy me a new toy.

Ronnie: *tousles Bea’s hair* Sige na, sige na. Be a good girl,
okay? Lalo na’t aalis ako ulit.

Althea: Aalis ka? Eh, kararating mo lang noong isang araw.

Ronnie: Duty’s call, hon. Kailangan ng manpower sa nangyaring

siege sa Mindanao.

Bea: I’m done eating na! Can I go to my room now?

Ronnie: Yes, baby. Can you leave us muna? I’ll just talk to
your Mom.
*Bea leaves the dining room*

Althea: Baka naman mapakiusapan mo ang head niyo na sa ibang

lugar ka ma-assign. I’ve watched the news. Masyadong delikado.
Hindi ko kaya kapag may mangyaring masama sa’yo.

Ronnie: It is my job to protect our country. I vowed to do it

even if it costs my life. Napag-usapan naman natin ‘to, ‘di
ba?

Althea: Paano naman kami? Do you think na makakayanan namin

kapag nawala ka? Kaya mo bang lumaki si Bea na walang ama!?

Ronnie: Hon, I promise to be safe. I’m doing this for us. For
our future together. Just trust me. Once I get back, we will
plan out our wedding.

Althea: You mean-

Ronnie: *holds Althea’s hand* Althea Geneen Forhanne Paniango.

It sounds cliché so bear with me. *laughs* *serious mode* You
were my best friend before you became my lover. You are the
home I wish to come back to. I just love you. So will you
promise to not get tired waiting for me?

Althea: *teary eyed* Ronnie, naman! Of course! As long as you

will promise to fulfil your promises.

Ronnie: Is that a challenge, Miss?

Althea: Why? Are you challenged, Mister?

Ronnie: Right. Challenge accepted!

*hugs* *laughs*
SCENE 1 | ACT 3

INT. HEADQUARTERS - ROOM - DAY

(Prepares to leave)

*salutes*

Franklin: Alpha, Attention!

*fall in soldiers*

*roll calls*

Francis: First Lieutenant Francis Lubrigas! Calling for duty,

Sir!

Ronnie: First Lieutenant Ronnie Magsayo! Calling for duty,

Sir!

Faryl: First Lieutenant Faryl Doton! Calling for duty, Sir!

Alliah: Second Lieutenant Alliah Mangoramas! Calling for duty,

Sir!

Alexis: Second Lieutenant Alexis Dela Cerna! Calling for duty,

Sir!
*salutes back*

SCENE 2 | ACT 4

EXT. MARAWI - OPEN AREA - DAY

(Camp)

*checks the area*

*casual conversation*

Faryl: Maayos din naman pala itong lugar na napuntahan natin.

Malayong-malayo sa nai-imagine ko. *chuckles*

Alexis: Lol. Ano ba ang nai-imagine mo?

Faryl: Kasi ‘di ba? Kung makapagbanta naman kasi si Major,

akala mo mapapasabak tayo agad.

Alexis: *laughs*

Alliah: Teka! Napansin niyo ba kung nasaan si Francis?

Alexis: Naku, naku. Baka nakabuntot naman ‘yon kay Major. Kung
makapag-alala ka naman para kayong mag-jowa.

Alliah: Jowa agad!? ‘Di ba pwedeng nagtatanong lang.

Alexis:‘Wag ako, Alliah. Ikaw matagal na kitang napapansin,
huh. Hmmm…

Alliah: Tsk. Ewan ko sa inyo. Makaalis na nga rito.

Faryl and Alexis: *laughs*

*Alliah halted* *Francis interrupts*

Francis: Be ready. Major’s call. We have to be at the plaza in

5 minutes.

Soldiers: Roger!

*Meanwhile* *Feeding Program*

*Ayesha giving food*

*soldiers arrives*

Rehana: Omoooo! Aden nakabagu a mga sundalo!

*peeks at the soldiers*

Farhana: Basi mga matuwa demenem ah. *chuckles*

Rehana: Dekena nga. Aden atu nailay ku. Katawi ka den.

*laughs*

Farhana: Tsk, tsk. Basta mga gwapo mategel ka ged makailay.

*Nada interrupts*

Nada: *pinches Rehana and Farhana* Mga babay kanu ged a

masasaw kanu ged. Teleni naw inamba ka dekena mapya bagilen.
‘Di naw bagilingan i Kaka naw ah. Ipangenggay naw den i mga
pegken ah.

Rehana: Apya su dekena bun umanggay ah!

Farhana: *laughs*

Nada: Shh… Pamedtelen kanu den. Sige den.

*Ayesha continues giving food* *playful*

*Ronnie saw Ayesha giving food* *reminisced her daughter*

Faryl: *teases Ronnie* Uy! Natulala ka diyan. Nami-miss mo ang

mag-ina mo noh?

Ronnie: Siyempre. But we have to work. Let’s go.

Faryl: You know what? Para ‘di mo ma-miss masyado, maghanap ka

na lang muna ng iba.

Ronnie: Tsk! ‘Wag mo akong igaya sa’yo.

Faryl: I was just kidding! Ito naman. Hahahah!

*Ayesha and Ronnie glances at each other*

*eye to eye*
SCENE 2 | ACT 5

INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

(Soldiers visitation)

*shake hands*

Rycklan: Maraming salamat sa pagtanggap sa aming imbitasyon.

Ito nga pala ang pinakamamahal kong asawa.

Nada: Nawa’y maayos ang pamamalagi ninyo sa aming lugar.

Franklin: Maraming salamat po ulit. Ito nga pala ang mga

kasamahan ko. Si First Lieutenant Lubrigas, First Lieutenant
Magsayo, First Lieutenant Doton, Second Lieutenant Mangoramas
and Second Lieutenant Dela Cerna.

*Nada’s preparing food*

Rycklan: Bilang Mayor ng lugar na ito, tanging kaayusan at

kaligtasan ang hiling ng bawat isa sa amin. Nawa’y magtulungan
tayo upang makamit iyon. Huwag kayong mag-aalala, ang tahanan
namin ay bukas para sa inyo.

Franklin: *flattered* *chitchat*

*Nada went to the bedroom*

Rehana: *peeks at the living room* Gaaah! Ang gwapo talaga

nila.

Farhana: Shhh… Ang ingay mo. Nagp-pray pa si Kaka. Hinaan mo

nga ang boses mo.

Ayesha: *praying* Assalamu ‘Alaykum warahmatullah. Assalamu

‘Alaykum warahmatullah.

Rehana: Oh! Mukhang tapos na rin siya.

Farhana: Tsk. Tsk.

Rehana: Kaka! Nandito ‘yong mga bagong sundalo na sinasabi ko

sa inyo! Omooo! At nando’n ‘yong crush ko! *strikes Farhana*

Farhana: Aray! Ikaw talaga Kaka Reh, ang OA mo. Isusumbong

kita kay Ina.

*Nada enters the bedroom*

Nada: Nginamba ka makengel kanu ged!

Farhana: Ina! Si Kaka Reh kasi anya.

Nada: Ngin demenem inamba Rehana? Katawan naw bun a aden pan
bisita ni Ama naw ah. Gakineg ged i swara naw sa lyu. Gulalan
inamba a mapya a Muslimah?

Rehana: Dekena, Ina. Ampun bu.

*over heard at the living room*

Rycklan: Tsk. Tsk. Tayan! Padtaday ka den anan silan. Ayy.

Pagpasensyahan niyo na kung maingay. Alam niyo na ang hirap
magkaroon ng anak na mga babae lalo pa’t ang titigas ng ulo.

Franklin: Naku. Wala naman pong problema, Mayor. Ang iba rin
naman po sa amin ay may pamilya na rin. Naiintidihan ko po ang
nararamdaman niyo.

Rycklan: Oo nga pala. Mukhang pamilyado na rin ang iba sa

inyo.

*Nada went back to the living room*

Franklin: Paano ba ‘yan, aalis na po kami, Mayor. Maaga pa po

kasi kami bukas.

Rycklan: Sige, sige. Maraming salamat ulit sa inyo.

Franklin: Maraming salamat po ulit.

*Rehana peeking at the living room*

Rehana: Lah! Mukhang aalis na sila! Hindi ba talaga kayo

interesado?

Ayesha: Saan? Interesado sa mga mukhang ipis?

Farhana: *laughs*
Rehana: Ang sama niyo talaga. Bahala na nga kayo… Teka, saan
ka pupunta Kaka Ayesha?

Ayesha: May kukunin lang ako sa labas. Mukhang wala na rin

naman sila.

*opens the door*

*Ayesha and Ronnie glances at each other*

*eye to eye*

*Ayesha halted*

Rehana: Oh? Anong nangyari? Bakit bumalik ka agad?

Ayesha: Wala, wala. Alis nga diyan. Pwesto ko ‘yan.

Rehana: Ang sungit. If I know, baka nakakita ‘to ng gwapong

ipis. *walks out* *laughs*
SCENE 1 | ACT 6

INT. HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

(Steph’s visitation)

*talks*

Stephanie: Good day, people!

Bea: Ninang! *hugs*

Stephanie: Aww ang sweet naman ng inaanak ko. Here’s your

pasalubong.

Bea: Yay! Thanks po, Ninang.

Stephanie: You’re welcome.

*noticed Althea’s worried face*

Stephanie: Oh, sissy! Pwede bang maupo ka muna? Ako ang
nahihilo sa’yo.

Althea: Si Ronnie kasi eh, cannot be reached ang phone. Paano

kung may nangyari na palang masama sa kanya?

Stephanie: ’Wag ka ngang mag-overthink. Mabuti pa ay kung may

ipadadala kayo sa kanya ay ibigay n’yo sa akin. Bibisita ako
sa kampo nila sa Mindanao next week. Sosorpresahin ko si
Frank.*giggles*

Bea: Ninang! Ninang! Pwede po bang pakibigay kay Papa itong

drawing ko? I perfected it again sabi ni Teacher! *shows
family tree*

Stephanie: Sure, sure! Matatanggihan ko ba ang inaanak ko?

Sige, at mauuna na ako. Magro-grocery pa kasi ako. Bye,
inaanak! At ikaw sissy, ‘wag masyadong mag-o-overthink, baka
lowbat lang ang phone ni Ronnie.

Althea: *sighs* Baka nga siguro. Salamat ulit. Send my regards

to him.

Bea: Bye po, Ninang!

SCENE 2 | ACT 7

EXT. MAYOR’S HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT

(Meet-up)

*Ronnie finding signal*

*Ayesha getting dried clothes*

*Ayesha and Ronnie look at each other* *shocked*

Ronnie: I’m sorry! I don’t mean to-

Ayesha: Ano’ng ginagawa mo rito?

Ronnie: Naghahanap kasi ako ng signal. Ikaw?

*Ayesha showed him the clothes*

*Ayesha continues getting her laundry*

Ronnie: Ah. Gusto mo bang tulungan na kita?

Ayesha: Huwag na. Kaya ko na ito.

Ronnie: Hindi. Tutulungan na lang kita. *Ronnie gets the other

clothes*

Ayesha: Huwag na nga. Akin na ‘yan. Kaya ko na ‘to.

*Ayesha puts the last cloth*

*Ronnie gets the basket of clothes* *their hands touch*

Ayesha: Kaya ko na nga e! *walks out*

*went to the bedroom*

Farhana: Kaka? Ano’ng nangyari sa’yo?

Ayesha: Huh? Ah. Wala, wala.

Farhana: Para ka kasing nakakita ng multo.

Ayesha: Talaga? *looks at her hand*

Farhana: *nods* Ano’ng meron sa kamay mo?

Ayesha: Huh? Ah. Wala naman.

Farhana: O-kay.

*Meanwhile*
Rehana: Haaaay! Kapagod maglinis. Oh, Kaka Ayesha, nandito ka
na pala. Bakit ang tagal mo sa pagkuha ng sinampay? Far,
paabot naman no’ng basket. Ano’ng meron sa kamay mo?

Farhana: Naku, Kaka Reh, kanina pa ‘yan tulala.

Ayesha: Tsk. Lahat na lang napapansin niyo. *walks out*

Rehana: Ano’ng nangyari do’n?

Farhana: Ewan ko rin po.

Rehana: Baka nakakita naman siguro ng gwapong ipis. *laughs*

Farhana: Hahahaha!

SCENE 2 | ACT 8

EXT. MARAWI – OPEN AREA - DAY

(Neighbour Farewell)

*heart to heart talk*

Nada: Bai, ingat kanu lu angh. Tawag kanu amengka aden

manggula lu a di mapya. Niya kami bun a pedtabang salekanu.

Hanadi: Uway mambu. Mapya bun mambu basi i napili na kaluma ku

a walay. Masu makatulug kami den sa mapya lu. Dekena siya a
gapagitung nami u bibyag kami pan mapita u dekena den.

Nada: Di ka pedtalu inan. Dabun mawag endo mapya ka tanan tanu

bun na mukit sa kapatay. Uged na amengka namba i galinyan ni
kaluma nengka na okay bun. Basta di kanu bu makalipat. Niya
kami bun.
Hanadi: Aday. Shukran ged, Bai. *hugs*

*waves hand* *neighbour leaving*

*outside the house*

Farhana: Mga Kaka, masakit masyado na makitang may aalis na

naman. *low voice*

Ayesha: Shhh… ipag-pray na lang natin na maging maayos din

sila. One day, wala nang mawawala. Wala nang aalis. Matatapos
din lahat ng ito. So cheer up na! Hindi ako sanay na malungkot
kayo.

Rehana: Hmm…

*play music*
SCENE 2 | ACT 9

EXT. MARAWI - CAMP – DAY

(Steph’s arrival)

*casual conversation*

Stephanie: Hello, guys!

Alexis: Steph! What are you doing here?

Stephanie: ‘Yan agad ang tanong? I missed you, Lex! *hugs*

Alexis: Asus. Baka naman iba ang nami-miss mo. Tsk, tsk.
Dinadamay mo pa ako.

*Alliah interrupts*
Alliah: Steph?

Stephanie: Liahhh! Hello! I missed you, too. *hugs*

Alliah: Lol. Hindi kita na-miss!

Stephanie: Yeah. Whatever. Anyways, where’s Frank? I badly

miss him na kasi. Can you two help me to surprise him?

Alexis: You mean hindi alam ni Frank na nandito ka?

Stephanie: Nah. Kaya tutulungan niyo ako sa ayaw at sa gusto

niyo.

Alliah: Tsk!

*Franklin and Francis walking*

*Franklin saw Stephanie*

*Stephanie hugs Franklin*

*Franklin walks out*

Stephanie: Hays. Nagpapasuyo na naman si Love. Sige mauuna ako

sa inyo.

*Stephanie follows Franklin*

Stephanie: Love! Wait for me!

*Meanwhile* *at the closed room*

Stephanie: At last! Alam mo ba ilang oras ang binyahe ko

papunta rito? Tapos ini-snob mo lang ang kagandahan ko?
*pouts*

Franklin: *stares at Steph*

Stephanie: Love naman eh! Hindi na ako natutuwa. Pansinin mo

naman ako!

Franklin: *hugs Stephanie*

Stephanie: Sus! Na-miss mo rin pala ako. Ang pabebe masyado.

Franklin: Haven’t I told you to tell me every time the things

you will do?

Stephanie: I did tell you. But there’s no signal here! I’m

dying to catch up with you. So it’s not my fault that you are
not aware about my whereabouts. Alright, Love?

Franklin: Yeah. Yeah. You are forgiven. But not your sinner
clothes.

Stephanie: *looks at her dress* How dare you? This is what you
call fashion! Hello!?

Franklin: You are in Mindanao. They are not used to people

wearing like that!

Stephanie: Oh? I didn’t know. Really, pati ba naman suot ko

pag-aawayan pa natin?

Franklin: *sighs*

Stephanie: *hugs Franklin* Love naman bati na-

*Ronnie interrupts*

Ronnie: Oops. My bad. I just want to- Steph? Is that you?

Stephanie: Of course! May nakikita ka pa bang other gorgeous

dito? Like, duh! *roll eyes*

Ronnie: Tsk, tsk. ‘Di ka na nagbago. By the way, what are you
doing here?

Stephanie: Wala lang. Bored na bored na kasi ako sa condo. I

just want to see Frank because you know naman baka maisipang
magloko.

*Franklin creased his forehead*

Ronnie: I assume you are informed na delikado dito.

Stephanie: Exactly! That’s why I am here to check up with you,

guys.

*Franklin fakes a cough*

Franklin: Ahem. Unless you forgot, I am still here. Maybe I

should give you two a space for your senseless talk. Tsk.
*walks out*

Stephanie: Love- Lagot! Ikaw kasi!

Ronnie: *hands up* *chuckles* Not my fault.

Stephanie: You are so annoying! Makaalis na nga rin. *step up*

Ah! Before I forgot, may ipinapaabot pala ang anak mo sa’yo.
*looks at the bag* *lends the drawing* Here.
Ronnie: *stares at the drawing*

Stephanie: Ronnie? Is there something wrong? Looks like there

is something bothering you.

Ronnie: Ah. Nothing. I just probably missed them.

Stephanie: And they miss you, too. Althea is badly worried why
you are not calling her. It’s been weeks. Magparamdam ka
naman. Or maybe you are seeing someone? *intrigue voice*

Ronnie: I-I’m just busy with my job. You see-

*Ayesha interrupts*

Ayesha: Ipinapabigay nga pala ni Ama- *surprised* Ampun bu! I

mean, sorry for the interruption!

Stephanie: *looks at Ronnie’s shocked face* *turns to Ayesha*

Oh! It’s okay. You are?

Ayesha: *offers hand* A-Ayesha.

Stephanie: *hand shake* Nice name. I’m Stephanie! Ronnie’s

wife’s best friend. *giving emphasis to “wife”*

Ayesha: *confused* W-Wife?

Stephanie: I mean fiancé. I am best friend with Ronnie’s soon

to be wife. *smiles*

Ronnie: Ah. Let me hold that dish. Pakisabi pala kay Mayor
maraming salamat dito.

*Ayesha saw the drawing in Ronnie’s grip*

Ayesha: Sige! Mauuna na ako. Mukhang nakakaistorbo ako sa pag-
uusap ninyo.

Ronnie: Salamat ulit.

Stephanie: Bye! Nice meeting you, Ayesha!

*Ayesha walks out*

Ronnie: Why are you so mean with her?

Stephanie: Am I? I was just telling-

Ronnie: I know you. You don’t usually act like that.

Stephanie: And I know you, too! Very well. That paired of

hazel brown eyes of yours. It tells a lot. How you stared at
her. How you reacted.

Ronnie: *silence*

Stephanie: You don’t usually act like that as well. Get a grip
of yourself, married man! I’m going.

*Stephanie walks out*

Ronnie: *monologue* Right. Tama si Steph. I should get rid of

this feeling. Hindi tama ‘to. Tsk. I should have built a
stronger wall. God, Ayesha! You are driving me crazy.
*scratches the hair*
SCENE 2 | ACT 10

EXT. MARAWI – OPEN AREA – DAY

(Monologue)

*sighs*

Ayesha: *frustrated* Kainis ang ipis na ‘yon! Grrr! Kung

makaakto akala mo sing- Tsk. Nevermind. Kaya, Ayesha, alisin
mo na siya sa isip mo, okay? Alisin mo na siya sa puso mo. Sa
buhay mo. May pamilya na siya. May anak at asawa. Masaya sila.
Huwag kang papaapekto. Magkaiba kayo. Magkaiba ang paniniwala
ninyo. Magagalit si Ama at Ina. Basta! ‘Di pwedeng maging
kayo. Walang pag-asang maging kayo. Hingang malalim. Hoo!

*upon arriving at the house*

*heard Rehana and Farhana crying outside*

Ayesha: *worried* Reh? Far? Bakit umiiyak kayo? Ano’ng

nangyari?

Farhana: Kaka Ayesha! *hugs*

Ayesha: *hugs back* Sabihin niyo sa’kin. Bakit? Ano?

Rehana: *teary eyed* M-May dumating na bisita kanina. Pinag-

uusapan nila ang tungkol sa kasal.

Ayesha: Kasal? Kaninong kasal!?

Farhana: Sabi ni Ama na ipapakasal ka niya sa anak ng kaibigan

niya. Makakasiuguro siya na nasa-

*Ayesha resists her anger*

Rehana: Kaka! Saan ka pupunta?

Ayesha: Pupuntahan ko si Ama at Ina.

*Ayesha runs at the House*

Ayesha: Ama! Ina! Ano ‘to? Ano’ng kasal ang pinagsasabi nila
Reh at Far!?

*Nada keeping the left over foods*

Nada: Oh. Buti naman at nakarating ka na. Sayang at ‘di mo

naabutan ang mga bisita-

Ayesha: Ina!

*Rycklan enters*

Rycklan: Ayesha! Kumalma ka nga. ‘Wag mong sisigawan ang nanay

mo.

Ayesha: Ama! Paano ako kakalma kung buhay ko na ang pinag-

uusapan. Ayokong matali sa taong hindi ko mahal!

Nada: Ako na ang bahala, Tayan. *looks at Ayesha* Bai, para

din sa iyo itong ginagawa namin. Mabait ang mapapangasawa mo.
May takot sa Diyos. Hindi ba’t iyon ang mga katangiang turo ng
Islam?

Ayesha: Hindi ba’t turo din ng Islam na ang kasal ay

pinagsasang-ayunan ng dalawang tao?

Nada: Bai, nakapag-desisyon na kami ng Ama mo. Mas gaganda ang

buhay mo-

Ayesha: *teary eyes* At paano naman ang desisyon ko? Ganito na

lang ba lagi? Kayo na lang ang nasusunod? Natatandaan niyo,
Ina, Ama, noong panahong nagmakaawa ako sa inyo na magtrabaho
sa ibang lugar? Pero hindi kayo pumayag kasi kaya niyo naman
sustentuhan kaming magkakapatid. Na dito lang kami sa lugar na
ito. Walang lalayo. *sniffs* Sinunod ko kayo kasi magulang ko
kayo. Mahal ko kayo. Pero pati ba naman kung sino ang
mamahalin ko, kayo pa rin ang magdidikta?

Nada: Kapakanan mo lang ang iniisip namin. Tumatanda rin kami

ng Ama mo. At gusto namin nasa mabuting kamay ka.

Ayesha: Paano niyo nasisiguro ‘yon? Paano niyo nasisiguro na

gaganda ang buhay ko sa kanya!?

Rycklan: Ayesha! Ayusin mo ang pananalita mo! Ang nanay mo pa

rin ang kausap mo. At nagdesisyon na kami. Hindi na mababago
iyon.

Ayesha: *walks out*

Rycklan: Ayesha! Saan ka pupunta? Aba’t sumusobra na ang-

Nada: *holds Rycklan’s arm* Shh. Hayaan muna natin siya.

Bigyan natin siya ng oras para makapg-isip-isip.

*Ayesha runs fast as she could*

*Ayesha’s crying out loud in an isolated place*

*Ronnie saw her accidentally*

*Ronnie tries to go near her but he was called by Alliah*

SCENE 2 | ACT 11

EXT. MARAWI – OPEN AREA – NIGHT

(Fun fiesta)
*casual conversation between Alliah and Alexis*

Alliah: Ang gandang pagmasdan na masaya sila. Although behind

those smiles are feeling of dread on what will happen next.
Alexis: You are right. Behind the façade is a lost soul
yearning to feel the home once again.
Alliah: Are you frightened?
Alexis: Seems like I forgot that feeling already since the day
I vowed myself to fight for the sake of others. How ‘bout you?
Alliah: I don’t know. Maybe yes, maybe no. But you know what?
I am actually afraid that if I were to leave this world, I
will regret not doing the things that will make me jump
because of joy.
Alexis: That is… sad.

Alliah: Maybe I should stop this madness.

Alexis: Will you confess to him, then?

Alliah: I am scared. I lived my whole life being rejected. I

don’t wish to feel the pain again.

Alexis: At least you try. Come on! You only live once,
remember? Who knows? There’s no tomorrow waiting. So might as
well do it now.

Alliah: Tsk. I better sleep. Good night!

*Ronnie watches Ayesha the whole time while eavesdropping the

conversation of Alliah and Alexis*

*Ayesha, Rehana and Farhana laughs*

*Ayesha and Ronnie glances at each other*

*eye to eye*

*Ayesha averted his gaze*

*Ayesha walks out*

*Ronnie followed Ayesha*

Ayesha: *monologue* Ayesha, stop the feeling, okay? Ikakasal

ka na. Kalimutan mo na siya. Masasaktan ka lang. *cries*
Kainis namang luha ito! Kailan ba kayo titigil sa pag-iyak?
Pagod na pagod na ako. Arghh!*shouts*

*silence*

Ronnie: You are here.

Ayesha: *hold her chest* Astaghfirullah! Ano ang ginagawa mo

rito? Tapos na ba ang fiesta? Teka, sinundan mo ba ako?

Ronnie: How can you do that?

Ayesha: Do what?

Ronnie: You, pretending.

Ayesha: What are you talking about?

Ronnie: I’ve seen you crying the other day. And you just
laughed a while ago. How can you put a smile even if you are
not happy at all?

Ayesha: *snobs* It’s none of your business. Will you please

go? I want to be alone here. It’s unbecoming in our religion
to see a woman alone with a man which is not her Mahram. And
in case if you don’t know, Mahram is a close relative; a
family. They might get a wrong idea about us. Besides, may
sarili ka rin naming pamilya ‘di ba?

Ronnie: Y-Yes. *stares at her*

Ayesha: Now, what? Magtitigan na lang ba tayo?

Ronnie: N-Nothing. I was just astound hearing you talk like

that. I mean I’ve known you as a woman of few words.
*chuckles*

Ayesha: *irritated* Tsk. ‘Wag mo ngang iniiba ang usapan. Ah.

Basta! *slip of tongue* Di ka bagubay salaki ka basi kalinyan
ku seka. *turns back*

Ronnie: Did you just confess to me indirectly?

Ayesha: What? How did-?

Ronnie: We are here for months already. We have come to

understand a bit of your language. “Kalinyan?” is somewhat
close to liking. Am I right?

Ayesha: *shocked*

Ronnie: Come on! Say something.

Ayesha: *silence*

Ronnie: How do I suppose to say it again? “Galinyan ku bun

seka?”

Ayesha: No, no! Don’t say that.

Ronnie: But- *holds Ayesha’s arm*

Ronnie: *let go of the arm* *hands up* I’m sorry. I didn’t-

*Ayesha walks out*

SCENE 1 | ACT 12

INT. HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – DAY

(Conversation)

*Steph and Althea sitting*

Althea: What’s with the sudden visit? *gives cup of coffee*

You often drop by during weekends. *chuckles*
Stephanie: There is something bothering me kasi. I feel like a
traitor if I don’t share it with you.
Althea: Don’t tell me ipinagpalit mo na si Frank!?
Stephanie: Of course, not! Ano ba. I’m serious kasi. Anyways,
nakauwi na ba ang inaanak ko?
Althea: Nope. Mamayang alas tres ko pa siya susunduin. *look
at watch* Maaga pa naman. Ikaw ba? Sino ang susundo sa inaanak
ko?
Stephanie: Nando’n naman ang nanny niya. Kumuha ka na rin kasi
ng yaya para may kasama ka man lang dito.
Althea: Hindi naman na kailangan. Ayaw rin kasi ni Ronnie. You
know naman na may trust issues siya.
Stephanie: Speaking of… hmm I have a question. For months na
umalis sila, when was the last time Ronnie talked to you?

*silence*

Stephanie: Althea?
Althea: *thinking* L-Lately, his phone’s dead. I couldn’t
contact him.
Stephanie: Tsk. That’s not the answer I was expecting. Will
you please just tell me the truth? *irritated voice*
Athea: *sighs* Fine. It’s been a month no’ng last na nakapag-
usap kami.
Stephanie: Seriously? That gu-
Althea: But he reassured me na he’s all well. And that I
should not worry about him.
Stephanie: Silly, girl. What now? Ano na naman ang rason mo
para pagtakpan siya?
Althea: Steph naman. Sadyang malayo lang talaga ang lugar kung
saan siya na-destino. Baka walang signal… or lowbat lang ang
phone niya.
Stephanie: You have been telling me that.
Althea: I am updating myself through media naman. And
fortunately, hindi na rin naman gano’n kadelikado ngayon sa
Mindanao.
Stephanie: Althea, Althea. *serious* Have you forgotten?
Bullets and Lipsticks are two different things. But both could
pierce through the heart. And do you know what is more
dangerous between the two? *silence* The one that stays at
heart… forever.
Althea: W-What do you mean?
Stephanie: Psychology says, it only takes 4 minutes to fall in
love. *giving emphasis to “4 minutes”*

Althea: What exactly are you pointing at?

Stephanie: For me to know and for you to find out. I better

go. *stands up*

Althea: *nervous* Should I feel threatened?

Stephanie: Your choice. You trust Ronnie naman, ‘di ba? I’m
going.

*Stephanie walking out*

Althea: *monologue* No, Althea. It’s not what you think it is.
Hindi ka magagawang ipagpalit ni Ronnie sa iba. Imposibleng
mahulog siya sa ibang babae in that span of time. Busy lang
siya kaya hindi ka niya natatawagan. Kalma lang. You’ll get
through this. He promised you a wedding, right? He keeps
promises. Cheer up!

*phone rings*

Althea: Yes, hello? Who’s this? *silence* Vince!?

SCENE 2 | ACT 13

INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – DAY

(Open-up)

*Rehana and Farhana comforting Ayesha*

*Ayesha’s crying*

Rehana: Kaka Ayesha, tama na sa pag-iyak. Ilang araw ka nang

nakakulong dito sa kwarto.

Farhana: *worried* Nag-aalala na rin sila Ina at Ama.

Ayesha: *stares at nowhere* Gano’n na ba talaga ako kasamang

anak?

Farhana: Kaka, masama ang pagsuway sa magulang, oo, pero hindi

ibig sabihin no’n masama ka nang anak.

Rehana: Tama si Far. Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat. Mag-sorry

ka lang kay Ina at Ama at mapapatawad ka rin nila agad.

Ayesha: Gano’n na ba ako ka-selfish kung hihilingin ko na sana

‘yong kagustuhan ko ang masunod?

*Farhana and Rehana glances at each other*

Rehana: Kaka, gusto mo bang pakiusapan namin sila na ‘wag
ituloy ang kasal? Magmamakaawa kami ni Far na-

Ayesha: …Pero alam ko namang imposible. Kasi may masasaktan na

iba.

*Farhana and Rehana confused*

Farhana: Kaka-

Ayesha: Gano’n ba talaga ‘pag nagmamahal? Kailangan may

magsakripisyo? May masaktan? *frustrated* *wipe’s tears
falling*

*Farhana and Rehana glances at each other*

Ayesha: Ang sakit na kasi. Sobrang sakit na. ‘Yong tipong

kahit ano’ng gawin mo, wala talagang pag-asa. Imposibleng
mangyari. *breakdown*

Rehana: Ang turo ni Ama sa atin, walang imposible. Basta’t

maniwala ka lang.

Ayesha: *low voice* Hindi niyo kasi ako naiintindihan. Hindi

niyo alam kung ano ang nararamdaman ko.

Rehana: Hindi man namin ramdam kung gaano kabigat ang

dinaramdam mo ngayon, pero hindi ibig sabihin no’n hindi ka
namin naiintidihan.

Farhana: Nandito lang kami Kaka sa tabi mo. Tandaan mo lang na

lahat ng nangyayari sa atin ay isang pagsubok na bigay ng
Allah (s.w.t). At alam kong malalagpasan mo rin ‘yan.
Ayesha: *stares at nowhere* *sniffs* Iwanan niyo muna ako.
Gusto kong mapag-isa.

Rehana: Sige. Ihahanda ka na lang namin ng makakain. Tara na,

Far.

*Farhana and Rehana walks out*

SCENE 1 | ACT 14

INT. COFFEE SHOP – CORNER – DAY

(Revelation)

*Althea walks in*

Vince: Glad you came! I thought hindi mo na naman ako

sisiputin. I’ve ordered already. May gusto ka bang kainin?

Althea: *cold* Cut the crap, Vince. What are we supposed to

talk about?

Vince: We should at least eat first.

Althea: I just want to get this over with.

Vince: Geneen-

Althea: It’s Althea. Not Geneen. I’ve cursed that name

already.

Vince: S-Sorry.
Althea: You feel sorry for what? After all these years. Sorry?
Big word, huh.

Vince: A-Althea…

Althea: What? Will it be good if we start talking about us

since ‘yon naman talaga ang dahilan kung bakit mo ‘ko
pinipilit na makipagkita sa’yo ‘di ba?

Vince: *sighs* Right. First, thank you for giving me a chance

to talk to you. Look, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for leaving you.
Please understand-

Althea: 3 years! It’s 3 freaking years and not a single word

or a missed call from you since then! Shame on you!

Vince: Hindi ko sinasadya. Believe me, if I only have a choice

back then, I would choose to stay with you!

Althea: *teary eyes* But you still left me! You didn’t even
fight for us! You chose to leave me hanging without a hint.
And you really had the guts to tell me na hindi mo sinasadya!?

Vince: If I could just turn back the time, I wouldn’t have

left you! I love you. You know that.

Althea: No! Hindi mo ‘ko mahal. Hindi mo ako minahal. I wasn’t

even part of your plans!

Vince: That’s not true! Kasama ka sa plano ko. Kayo. Kayo ni

Bea. So please, Geneen, give me a chance-

Althea: Stop calling me Geneen! At ‘wag mong idadamay ang anak

ko dito. Bea’s out of the picture.

Vince: Anak ko rin siya!

Althea: Hindi ka naging tatay sa kanya! At kailanman, hindi ka

niya kikilalanin na tatay niya.
Vince: *teary eyes* *begging* No, please. Don’t do this to me.
I wanted to make it up with you. I badly missed you. I badly
missed my Bea.

*Althea standing up* *Vince standing up*

Althea: *cries* You know what? Wala nang kwenta itong pag-
uusap natin. It’s really a bad idea na nakipagkita pa ‘ko
sa’yo.

*Althea started walking*

*Vince back hug Althea*

Vince: *cries* Don’t be like this, Geneen. Just give me a

second chance. I’ll prove to you that I love you. Please-

*Althea resisted*

Althea: *cries* Bitiwan mo ‘ko. Matagal nang walang tayo! Ano

ba!

Vince: *cries* Just this once. I want you back. Please… Kung
gusto mo pakakasalan kita bukas na bukas rin. Just please be
mine again, Geneen.

*Althea slaps Vince*

Althea: *shouts* Ang kapal naman ng pagmumukha mo para
hilingin sa akin ‘yan. Alin ba sa mga salitang “wala nang
tayo” ang hindi mo maintindihan!? Ilang taon kitang hinintay
tapos ngayon babalik ka na parang wala lang nangyari? *wipes’s
tears falling* Hindi na kita mahal. Kaya please, tama na.
Besides, ikakasal na ‘ko. Maging masaya ka na lang para
sa’kin. Para sa amin ni Bea. Just for old time’s sake.

*Althea walks out*

Vince: *still crying**frustrated*

SCENE 2 | ACT 15

EXT. MARAWI – OPEN AREA – NIGHT

(Confrontation)

*Ayesha and Ronnie’s confession*

Ronnie: *teary eyes* Ayesha, just give me a chance na mahalin

ka.
Ayesha: *teary eyes* Pero hindi pwedeng maging tayo. Mali ito!
Ronnie: I love you. Mahal kita! At alam kong mahal mo rin ako.
Ayesha: P-Pero hindi sapat na mahal mo ‘ko. *sniffs* H-Hindi
sapat na mahal kita.
Ronnie: Dahil ba may naiwan akong pamilya? I’ve told you
already, kaya kong gawin lahat para sa’yo. Gano’n kita
kamahal!
Ayesha: Hindi! Hindi ‘yon ang gusto kong gawin mo. Alam kong
mahal mo sila. At ayokong iwanan mo sila para sa’kin. Hindi
‘yon ang pagmamahal na gusto ko.
Ronnie: Then tell me what I shall do! I’d willingly do it even
in your own way. Just please allow me to love you.
Ayesha: I don’t know. Simula pa lang, mali na ang lahat.
Ronnie: Kailan ba naging mali ang magmahal!?
Ayesha: Ronnie…
Ronnie: All my life, wala na akong ibang ginawa kundi sundin
ang dinidikta ng ibang tao sa’kin. Is it really wrong to
choose what my heart wants this time!?
Ayesha: Maling may nasasaktan tayong iba, Ronnie! Ano na lang
sasabihin ng mga kaibigan mo? Na ipinagpalit mo ang dalawang
taong pagsasama ninyo ng fiancé mo para lang sa tatlong buwan
na tulad ko?
Ronnie: I don’t care about what others will say! I love you
and that’s all that matters… *teary eyes* Why? Don’t you love
me?
Ayesha: Mahal din kita-
Ronnie: Then what’s with uncertainty, Ayesha? Mahal mo ‘ko at
mahal din kita. *begging* Can’t we just leave it like that?
Please?
Ayesha: *sniffs* Hindi pwede. Magkaiba tayo. Muslim ako,
Kristyano ka. Mahal kita at hinding-hindi ko pagsisisihan
iyon. Pero hindi ko kayang ipagpalit ang relihiyon ko dahil
lang sa mahal kita!
Ronnie: Then I’ll do everything for me to be deserving of you!
Ayesha: Ronnie… I thought you are smart enough to understand
my side? *frustrated* You just can’t turn back just because
you love me. And I just can’t turn back because I vowed to die
as Muslimah.
Ronnie: *frustrated* Please-
Ayesha: You deserve someone else, Ronnie. Someone that is
better than me. *silence* You don’t deserve me. And I don’t
deserve you. Let’s just leave it like that.
Ronnie: *silence* God, Ayesha. I didn’t know it would just
take 4 words from you to break my heart. Right. You don’t
deserve me. And I don’t deserve you.
Ayesha: Ronnie-
Ronnie: *sniffs* I just want you to know that I am glad that I
met you. I get to know you. Even though “you” chose to end our
story kahit hindi pa naman nagsisimula.
Ayesha: *cries* I-I’m sorry.
Ronnie: You don’t have to. You just chose the safe way. And I
understand. I “must” understand. You see, it’s hard to hold on
to someone who doesn’t want to stay.
Ayesha: I want to stay… but I just can’t.
Ronnie: I know. As much as I want to hold on… but I just
couldn’t.
Ayesha: Ayaw kong nakikita kang nasasaktan nang dahil sa akin.
Ronnie: What’s the difference? Nasaktan mo na ako.
Ayesha: *cries even more* I’m really sorry.
Ronnie: No, no. It’s my fault. Don’t feel sorry about it. I
hate to see you cry knowing it was my own doing.
Ayesha: *sits down* *cries* I-I’m really s-sorry. Mahal kita
pero mas mahal ko ang pamilya ko.
Ronnie: *sits down* I know. And it is so stupid of me to think
na kaya mo ‘kong ipaglaban. Stop crying already.
Ayesha: *sniffs*
Ronnie: Can I have a hug? Just for a minute?
Ayesha: But-
Ronnie: Please?
Ayesha: *hugs Ronnie*

*play music*
Ronnie: You are such a crybaby.

*Meanwhile*

*Nada interrupts*

Nada: AYESHA!?

*Ayesha looks at Nada surprised**

*shocked*

SCENE 1 | ACT 16

INT. HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

(Comforting)
*Althea’s crying*

Bea: Mom, stop crying na po.

Althea: *wiping her tears* Oh, baby. Why are you still awake?
Bea: Because you are crying po.
Althea: No, I’m not.
Bea: You’re not a good liar. Is it because of Papa?
Althea: *starts crying*
Bea: I knew it. Don’t cry na, Mom. Uuwi po si Papa. He
promised to be safe, remember?
Althea: What if he won’t?
Bea: No. Don’t tell that, Mom. Let’s stay positive. He’s a
good soldier. He won’t get kill. Never.
Althea: Oh, god! I don’t know what to do if I ever lost you
and your Papa.
Bea: Magpapakasal pa po kayo ‘di ba? And I’ll sent you to the
altar. Then we will go to Disneyland.
Althea: The happiest place in the world.
Bea: Yes, Mom! I’ll be a Princess there. And you’ll be the
Queen. Of course, Papa is the King. Then we will live
peacefully. Together. A big happy family!
Althea: Yes. We will do that.
Bea: So cheer up na po. He’ll be here sooner.
Althea: *hugs Bea* I hope so.
SCENE 2 | ACT 17

INT. MAYOR’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

(Argument)

*Nada and Ayesha’s arguing*

Nada: Siya ba, huh!? Siya ba ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw mong
magpakasal!?
Ayesha: Ina-
Nada: Dahil ba sa sundalong iyon kung ba’t ka nagkakaganyan?
Pinakiusapan ko pa ang Ama mo na ‘wag nang ituloy ang kasal
kasi naaawa ako sa’yo. Hindi ka na lumalabas ng kwarto. Hindi
ka na kumakain. At inamin sa akin nila Reh at Far na
nakakaligtaan mo na rin mag-pray. Tapos ngayon malalaman kong
nang dahil lahat sa sundalong iyon!
Ayesha: *crying* H-Hindi. H-hindi gano’n ‘yon.
Nada: Kung gayon ano ‘yong nakita ko!? Paano mo maipapaliwanag
iyon?
Ayesha: *kneels down* I-Ina patawad! Patawarin mo ‘ko.
Nada: No’ng mga panahon na lumalabas ka gabi-gabi para
maghanap ng signal, rason mo lang ba iyon para makipagkita sa
kanya?
Ayesha: Ina, sorry- *sniffs*
Nada: *cries* Kailan ka pa natutong magsinungaling, Ayesha?
Pinalaki ka namin nang maayos. Ibinigay namin lahat ng gusto
mo. Hindi ko lubos akalain na magagawa mo iyon.
Ayesha: *stands up* M-Mahal ko siya!
Nada: Magkaiba kayo!
Ayesha: Kaya nga po tinapos ko na kanina. Sinabi ko sa kanya
na hindi pwedeng maging kami!
Nada: At sa tingin mo maniniwala ako sa’yo?
Ayesha: I-Ina maniwala ka!
Nada: Hinayaan mong lapitan kanya! Hawakan. Yakapin!
Ayesha: Pero nagsasabi ako ng totoo. Paniwalaan mo naman ako.
*silence* Patawad kung hinayaan ko ang sarili ko na mapalapit
sa kanya. Pero naging masaya ako sa piling niya. At hindi ko
pinagsisisihan na minahal ko siya!
Nada: *slaps*

*Rycklan interrupts*

Rycklan: Tayan! Tama na ‘yan.

Nada: Parang sinabi mo na rin na mas mahal mo ang sundalong
iyon kaysa sa amin. Wala kang pagsisisi? Kasalanan sa Diyos
ang ginawa mo, Ayesha! Alam mo ba ‘yon? Sa isang lingo,
pupunta rito ang Babo mo. Doon ka muna sila.