Original subtitles

My name is Walterina Markova.

Have you ever heard of a comfort gay?

This is the story of my life.

One bad dream.

A nightmare.

But every bit real.

Good gracious!

Joan Crawford wannabe!

If only cold water can freeze the passing of time.

Remove the morning star…

Ugh! Sewage!

Call for them, sis.

Call them now!

Oh my gosh!

Hey, you gay fossils! Breakfast is ready!

This is where I live.

Never heard of it?

There's still a lot that you don't know.

It was founded by a councilman from Pasay.

Oops! Councilwoman, I mean.

Why haven't you called them yet?

But I already did! Maybe those witches aren't hungry yet.

That can't be.

They may have soft hearts but they have appetites of steel.

Call them now!

Hey, old hags! Time for breakfast!

You idiot!

Don't ruin our morning!

Call those queens again! And this time, with respect!

Fine.

Hey, fabulous gays!

My dear, you can insult them all you want,

but never ever call them…

…ancient, prehistoric, or old.

It's profanity, I tell you!

Here's your itinerary for today, sis.

Be sure to pray that the council approves our home's budget.

I'll have to do that later. I have work today.

I can help you, sis.

I'm also free today.

Stay out of this.

Let him do the praying. After all, God listens to sinners.

-Ouch! -Just kidding.

Hang on, don't eat yet. We have to say grace first.

Just like we always do every morning, remember?

Please tell him we're not sleeping.

We're just closing our eyes.

Point your toes forward, step, step…

Add a little sway on your hips…

Don't be in a rush.

Walk in a zigzag motion. Like this!

And then pause, place one hand on your hip and the other over here.

Bend your knee like this, okay?

Imagine yourself as a teapot.

Got it?

What's so funny?

Show me your walk. Let's see if you can make it to japan.

My dear.

Why do you walk like this?

My goodness, you look like a frog!

You know where they'll send you?

To Gapan, not Japan!

One more time!

BASILICA OF THE NAZARENE

Visiting churches

has been a part of my daily routine.

I live a simple life.

Sometimes, I teach beauty lessons

to Japan-bound entertainers.

But oftentimes, I spend my time in church…

along with old maids and those in despair.

Sounds lame and boring, right?

Hey!

-Good evening, Councilor! -Candy! Come here!

What is it?

Who are those kids?

-They're my nephews. -What nephews?!

You and Dading should learn how to act your age!

The cops might pay us a visit soon! Do you know what you're doing?

That's corruption of minors!

Have you forgotten that I'm a councilor? Show some respect for my sake!

-So what do I do? -Get rid of them!

-I already paid him in advance! -But you don't have any money!

-It was only a deposit, you idiot! -Ouch!

They are neither soldiers of the Philippine Army…

…nor guerilla forces from Hukbalahap.

But they are also victims of war.

And they now have come forward…

…to reveal the injustices that they've suffered

at the hands of the Japanese invaders.

They are known as "comfort women."

Women who were sexually exploited by the Japanese during World War II.

After decades of silence, Nana Rosa finally had the courage to come forward.

If we could only bring back the past,

I'm sure they'll understand the justice that we seek.

They'll probably do the same.

My life since then has lost its meaning.

-What now? I already paid him! -Kick them out!

Markova!

-Hey! What's with her? -Beats me! Find out for yourself!

Are there boys inside?

Who is it?

It's me, sis.

Come in.

Sis?

What's bothering you?

Nothing.

Are you sure?

Is it about that TV show you were watching?

Sis…

I'm always here to listen to your problems.

Okay, thank you.

Don't be sad.

Those wrinkles of yours are starting to look like rice fields.

Pretty soon we'll be able to plant sugarcane in there too!

You don't want to get ugly, do you?

You'll grow old too, you witch.

You know, being sad is unhealthy.

Okay, I'm off to bed.

Long live the Emperor!

Thank you very much.

Sis?

Why are we meeting here and what's with all the drama?

I wanted to meet here…

…so that God can hear us.

I'm sure He can hear us wherever we are.

Yes, but I feel free whenever I'm here.

All right, fine. What's this about?

I want to come out.

Come out?

What do you mean?

I want to come out…

…and share my story.

My God! What for?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows your story.

You make it sound like everyone in Manila knows my secret.

So you do want them to know?

Sis…

Just let it go. Forget about the past.

Are you sure about this?

If Nana Rosa had the courage, why can't I?

But you're different!

Nana Rosa and I are alike.

Oh my God.

You said I could always count on your help.

Of course!

So I'm telling you now.

Please, sister of mercy…

…help me out.

My God, I feel like doing a novena.

Do you have a rosary?

Let's walk on our knees.

-Where's your rosary? -It's there.

But this is a Chinese rosary!

Councilor JJ almost had me impressed.

Can you imagine?

He was able to invite Loren Legarda!

You're Loren Legarda, aren't you?!

Does Mrs. Markova live here?

Mrs. Markova?

There's no Mrs. Markova in here.

Hey, you gay!

Let her in!

You're looking for Walterina?

Yes! Ma'am Walterina.

I see. Right this way.

I have an appointment with Mrs. Markova.

Um--

Ma'am Walterina?

-So Councilor JJ told you? -Yes, he told me Mrs. Markova lives here.

I'm Markova, but I'm no missus.

Excuse me, is JJ around?

He's in a council meeting today.

But he did mention that you were coming.

Wait a second.

So Mrs. Markova does not live here?

I'm afraid so.

So there's no comfort woman?

None.

So what's the story here?

-Just tell JJ-- -Please don't be angry.

Please tell JJ I'm going to kill him.

I'll relay your message.

Sometimes, I also feel like doing it myself.

Speaking of the devil, JJ!

My report on comfort women is serious.

You told me you knew a comfort woman!

Fine, what else can I do? I'm here so I might as well.

All right.

Pardon me, Miss… Mister…

Walter Dempster, Jr. is my real name.

Let's take a seat.

Markova will do.

Markova?

That's my screen name.

As far as I know, only criminals use aliases.

Ouch.

It's okay.

Let's start from the beginning.

Don't you have a camera?

No need. I just have to hear your story first.

Where do we start?

My parents lived in the province of Iloilo…

…but we grew up in Manila.

My father was a doctor. He had an optical company.

My mother was a simple housewife.

How many siblings do you have?

There were four of us.

Two boys and two girls.

Oops, pardon me.

I meant three girls and one boy.

-And where do you fit in that order? -I'm the third.

My sister, Francesca, was the eldest. Then my brother, Robert…

then came the beauty queen, which is obviously me,

and our youngest, my sister Arabella.

When did you know that you were gay?

I was a late bloomer.

Probably in my teenage years.

How old?

Probably around my sweet sixteen or seventeen.

It was so difficult to hide it from my family!

I can't help but show my true colors.

I first came out to my mother.

It was okay with her.

And when I came out to my father, he just ignored it.

He didn't care.

On the other hand, my two sisters were both delighted!

But my brother Robert…

He was the villain in my life.

He was always angry at me.

He couldn't accept my true beauty!

He was beating me up three times a day!

It was a closed-door massacre!

I became his punching bag!

Why don't you play basketball?

Yeah, so you'll have the chance to play with your boyfriend!

Boyfriend? Who?

Come on, stop acting clueless!

Who are you talking about?

Who else but him!

Look! He took his shirt off!

Now I really want to play basketball!

You like Antonio?

I'm sure Guia won't like that.

Then may the best girl win.

Here she comes.

Hey, Walter!

Why don't you play with them?

Antonio's waiting for you.

I think I prefer the swing.

Really?

-Then have fun with this! -Hey, stop it!

Hey, I might fall!

That's what you deserve.

-Stop it! -You like it?

Ouch!

My tummy hurts!

-You can handle it. -Stop it!

Hey!

-Stop it, Guia! -Don't worry!

Walter!

Stop it!

I have to go.

My prison guard is here.

What did I tell you?

Hang on!

Take it easy! You might ruin the car.

What did I tell you?

I don't think I remember.

So now you're talking back?

Well, you asked me a question.

Smart.

I thought you were just gay.

I didn't know you're a smart-ass too!

Remember this, okay?

Start acting like a man.

Understood?

A sassy gay brother? That's a tough one.

My brother's warning did not scare me.

Whenever I'm alone in my room,

that's when the flirt in me comes out!

I really can't contain the woman in me.

I would even get Arabella's clothes and try them on!

Walter?

Hang on!

Walter, open up!

Just a second!

What are you doing in there?

Coming!

One time, I was caught red-handed.

My brother always gets home late. But one night,

this monster comes out of nowhere!

Yes, brother?

-Are you deaf? -I was sleeping.

-What do you need? -I just forgot something.

What's this?

That's nothing.

When will you ever learn?

Brother, please!

You're a disgrace!

Mom! Robert's hurting Walter!

What? Where?

Please! Don't!

I won't stop until you end

this foolishness!

What can I do? This is the real me!

You know what you can do?

You are a man so start acting like one, you idiot!

What's happening here?

Stop it, Bobby! Are you trying to kill your brother?

Mom, I might kill him already if he doesn't start acting straight!

That's enough, Bobby.

Damn it!

Are you okay, Walter?

Why is he like that, Mom?

I'm not doing anything wrong.

I just want to be who I really am.

Is that a sin?

Does he always beat you up whenever he sees you like that?

Precisely.

And if he knew about this other truth,

he might've really killed me.

Hey.

Give this to Roco.

What's this?

Stop asking questions. Just bring it to him.

Hmm!

Monster!

Anybody home?

Oh, it's open.

Hello?

What is it?

My brother told me to give this to you.

Leave it on the table.

You want a drink?

Um--

You want to open that liquor you brought?

No, thanks. I don't drink.

Hang on.

Wait, do you want butter or cheese?

What?

What do you want on your bread? Butter or cheese?

Any will do.

Soda?

Here's your sandwich.

Have a seat.

Not there, over here.

Do you often drink with my brother?

Yes. Why do you ask?

He really shouldn't be drinking.

Is that why he gave me that package?

-I guess. -You're wrong.

That's just our sideline.

What does that mean?

We sell alcohol in the black market.

What is a black market?

You ask too many questions.

What do you do anyway?

I'm a movie actor.

Really?

You don't believe me?

Come with me. I'll show you my photos in my room.

I need to go because…

-My brother might be looking for me. -Don't worry about him!

He just asked me to bring you that package.

And?

Nothing more.

In that case, come with me.

I'll show you those photos.

Please! Don't!

Have pity on me!

Ouch!

What are you doing?

Please! Don't!

Help me!

Stop! Have pity on me!

Don't!

Shut up!

Where are you, my love?

Why don't you sit properly, Walter?

Mom, I have a boil on my bottom.

A boil?

It's a skin infection.

-It's a swelling filled with-- -I know what a boil is.

That's enough. We're eating.

You just need to bathe more often.

I don't think that would help.

That's enough!

I can't describe how I felt back then.

I just knew I was mad at my brother.

With regards to the incident,

I guess…

I liked and hated it at the same time.

But it was big, sis!

Did I shock you?

I forgot how serious you are whenever I see you on TV.

You mean you're not serious at all?

Of course, I am!

I'm really sorry.

Did it ever happen again? Did you see Roco again?

No.

I don't know. I just tried avoiding him.

Good morning, my lovely plants.

What happened?

-Call a doctor! Quick! -Brother!

Mom!

What happened to him? Mom!

What is it?

Mom!

What happened?

Roco, what happened?

We were just drinking when he started coughing…

…and vomited blood.

I already told you to stop drinking with him!

It's bad for his health!

It was just a few drinks…

My God! Walter!

Call a doctor!

Call a doctor, Walter!

Walter! Mom! Don't leave me!

Please don't leave me, Mom.

Bobby!

My son!

Bobby!

I didn't know what to feel.

I was sad, of course. My brother just died.

But on the other hand…

I'm free…

Brother's gone.

I'm free!

I know it's hard to understand.

But that's just how I felt.

I never felt bad for my brother.

I was just happy!

I was sad…

…but at the same time happy.

I finally felt free!

By the way,

-I'll just get our snacks. -Oh, you shouldn't have bothered.

No trouble at all.

How long have you been living here?

About less than a year.

Really?

Don't belittle the sweet potato.

That kept us alive during the war.

Thanks.

Boiled sweet potatoes…

Fried sweet potatoes…

Grilled sweet potatoes…

Stewed sweet potato tops…

And my favorite, sweet potatoes with syrup!

During the war,

were you already going out dressed in women's clothes?

My friends and I

were doing that long before the Japanese came!

We loved parading down Dewey Boulevard.

Who were your friends?

There were five of us in our group.

Carmen, Sophie, Anita, Minerva,

One more!

The Japs have arrived!

-They're here! -Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

I'm Walterina.

Walterina.

Waiter!

What do you want?

Me too.

You're so clingy! Wait a minute.

What the…

You're not a woman!

So you want to be a woman?

You'll find out how it is to be a woman!

You stupid!

Stop it!

Hello? Send some soldiers in here!

What happened?

Isn't it obvious? They found out who we really are.

But Anita and I didn't get into any trouble?

Your muscles must've scared them off.

Or we're really just ready to bite.

Get down!

Wait, slowly.

Get off me!

Ouch!

Move!

What are they gonna do to us?

Ouch! Get off me!

Get off me!

Don't push me!

Where are we? It's so dark.

-I'm scared. -Minerva, quiet!

Keep moving.

What is this place?

I'm scared.

Minerva, quiet!

Give me some!

Minerva!

Minerva, quiet!

Minerva, quiet!

Shh!

Wake up!

The Japs came back! They're here!

Beautiful?

I like this one!

I like the big one!

-All the same to me! -I can't understand them!

Then let's get on with it!

-Get off me! -Come on, guys!

Run, Walterina!

Get off me!

Please, don't!

Please, don't!

Damn you!

Please, don't!

Help me!

Sophie! Help me!

Here. Eat.

-Eat. -No, thanks.

Eat.

-We don't need your food! -Stop it, sis!

That's enough, Minerva!

-You, monster! -Stop it, please!

Minerva, enough!

Hey, you!

-Hey, you! -Ouch! Enough, please!

That's enough!

That's enough!

-I said, enough! -Damn it!

Enough!

Enough!

It's okay, Anita.

Pigs!

You'll pay for this, you bastards!

I can't help but wonder how those beasts…

…could play such sad music.

What time is it?

On what part of the world?

What do you mean?

Here you go! Just pick whatever time zone you want!

What?

Stop messing with me!

We were treated like dirt.

If the comfort women took it from behind, we took it on all sorts of positions!

We were beaten up physically and mentally!

How long did that last?

It lasted a lifetime!

I can't remember and I certainly don't want to remember!

How did it end?

Did you escape?

Were you released?

Even martyrdom comes to an end.

We came to our senses.

Found our courage.

And the Japs got tired of gays.

They just let their guards down.

We found the chance to escape when the bombings started.

The war was ending?

No, the Japs were still in Manila.

And that episode doesn't end there.

We had our revenge!

Where are you off to?

Just out there…

Isn't it dangerous?

Sophie?

Are you trying to kill yourself, Sophie?

Do you think our lives are even worth living?

Besides,

it's none of your business.

It's up to you if you want to join me or not.

As for me, I'll just live in peace here.

I'm okay with this kind of life.

As long as I get to eat sour pork broth, sour fish broth,

or any kind of sour broth.

But do you even have sour pork broth?

-I don't, but-- -We can always eat sweet potato tops!

Just count me out.

His vengeance didn't last long.

One day, Sophie didn't come home.

We heard he was imprisoned in Fort Santiago.

-Hey! -Come on!

Damn you!

As for Carmen…

he was accused of robbery.

THIEF

Thief!

Carmen was a battered beauty…

But she survived.

Maybe she was terrified of dying.

We heard Sophie died in Fort Santiago.

When Manila was in chaos, we got separated.

I don't know what happened to that flirt, Minerva.

After the Liberation, I was still with Anita and Carmen.

I'm a little bloated. My period must be coming.

Walterina?

Walterina?

Who's that?

Walterina?

-Walterina! -Anita!

How are you?

Guess what I just bought in Escolta?

-You flirt! What did you get? -Guess!

A white soldier.

Oh, stop it!

Okay. A black soldier!

-Ouch! -Ouch!

Give up?

I give up. Show me.

-At last! -At last!

What's all that noise?

-What's going on here? -Look what Anita got!

You had me worried.

Get some herbs out back so I can start cooking.

May I?

How silky!

How smooth!

Oh, how good it is… to feel like a real woman.

It's just sad they're not here.

May their souls find peace.

Wherever they may be.

But for now…

Walterina Markova.

-Can i have a drink? -Yeah. Sure.

Give me light.

You want lights?

Like that!

Carmen?

Walterina.

How are you?

What happened to you? You just disappeared.

Here I am.

I went home to the province.

I tried to forget what happened.

I tried to change.

You wench.

You've never been uglier! It doesn't suit you.

It's funny.

Of all places, we had to see each other here.

But it's lonely here when you're alone.

Or are you here to get picked up?

You loon. Who's with you?

Him!

Does he know?

Of course.

I thought you were gone.

I wanted the old Carmen gone.

You know what all this pretending brought us.

You call this pretending?

Or just accepting who we are?

Tell me.

Will you be happy to forget the old Carmen?

After that, Carmen was back in her full glory!

We got together again for a gay parade in some faraway province.

It was fabulous!

Carmen was the Mystical Rose.

What happened to your American boyfriend?

Oh, it was just a fling. A flavor of the month.

He had a family in the States.

When his duty was over, that was the end.

When did you stop cross-dressing?

Well, beauty does fade.

Even Imelda Marcos grew older.

When I started working in the theater,

this hot babe was wearing pants.

Johnny's balls.

Oh Popoy, you're so vulgar!

What's vulgar about it? Just because you don't have any.

-Let me tell the joke. -Okay, go on.

-Johnny's balls. -Johnny's balls who?

It's not unusual That Johnny has two balls!

Popoy, you jerk! I knew it was vulgar!

-When you started to be comedian. -My goodness!

Water please.

So how was the show?

-The crowd loved us. -Oh, good.

It went well.

That's great.

I was a makeup artist in some theaters.

That's where I met the famous German Moreno.

But I don't know if he remembers me.

Then I worked for the Gala, the Greenline Theater,

I need an extra to buy these balloons.

Miss, stand over here. Pretend you're buying candles.

We're about to do a take! Is Chiquito ready?

He's still with make-up.

What's taking so long? We're about to shoot.

We're about to do the take, Chiquito.

Just a second. I will do a retouch.

I also worked in the movies.

I was the makeup artist of Chiquito,

a famous comedian, in Kenkoy & Rosing.

I felt so at home in the movies.

I had plenty of sisters there!

What a horrible director!

Don't mind him. He's just my assistant.

He acts like he owns the production company.

Start walking!

Hurry up, Kenkoy! We'll be late for the wedding!

Rosing!

This car goes well with my attire!

that we have our picture taken!

Oh my gosh!

-Yes, Kenkoy? -Take a picture of us.

-Of course, your wish is my command. -Isn't it embarrassing?

It's okay. I like you two.

Okay, just give me a moment to freshen up.

Young lady…

I turn my back for a second and you're already fooling around!

I just want our picture taken!

Oh, really?

-Stay right there. -Take our picture.

Hold on.

Wait, should we smile?

Go ahead and smile.

Come closer.

Like this?

You're so cute.

-And what's your name? -Walterina!

You still have lots to do! Stop flirting with them!

Jerk.

Excuse me, boys. I still have to work. I'll be back to do your make-up.

Just a second.

Did you know that most actors today have gay benefactors?

For example?

I don't want to tattle.

Did you know that actor X is handled by a gay manager?

And did you also know that actor Y, who acts so macho,

lives with his gay lover?

And lastly, did you know that actor Z

is the Big Papa of another gay?

If I know, these guys are Rock Hudson's soul sisters.

And you? Who's your lover?

My lips are sealed.

I don't want to be accused of sexual harassment.

So?

What happened to Anita and Carmen?

Markova.

Your niece told me you were sick.

Isn't it obvious?

How are you?

Here she is…

no longer beautiful.

It's just a matter of seasons. Too bad ours has already passed.

At least you're still beautiful.

That's why I love you.

You're such a liar.

Darling.

Get a check up.

What?

Get a check up.

It's better to be sure.

You're as much a slut as I am.

Do you know what I have?

Your niece told me.

I never prayed so hard.

During the Occupation, I prayed everyday. But that was different.

That was war. Death was around every corner.

I was so nervous while waiting for the result of my blood test.

I didn't want to die of AIDS.

Walter Dempster, Jr.

Negative! I'm negative!

-It's negative! I'm negative! -What's negative?

-I'm negative! Yes! -What?

You wouldn't believe how grateful I was.

But I was also sad…

…because Anita didn't hold out much longer.

And what about Carmen?

What happened to her?

I heard she was sick, too. So I went to visit her.

Are you buying anything?

I hope you all win!

Tonypet!

-Where's the Fairy Queen? -Upstairs, resting.

-Just go ahead. -I'll go up.

You're so cute!

I want to steal you away!

-Hey, you! -Who's there?!

Thank God you visited me.

How's the movie queen?

I'm so weak.

I'm fading away like a wilted flower.

It's all in your head.

No.

The doctor said I need a triple bypass.

But I have no money to pay for it.

-Well then get an overpass instead! -Oh, you!

-There's a lot of them on the highway. -Don't make fun of my misery.

Can you at least bring me my favorite pleasure?

Goodness!

Can you still do that in your condition?

Stop kidding around.

I'll die laughing.

No wonder Anita keeled over and died.

Poor Anita.

How are you?

-Well, we're now old hags. -Speak for yourself.

Your day will come too, you witch.

Come on. Buy me my favorite.

Hand over the cash. I don't have any.

Seriously?

Get some from Tonypet downstairs.

Voila!

Sour broth, my favorite!

Thanks for remembering, sister!

Surprise!

Oh, how delicious!

Hope you don't mind.

I couldn't find any fish broth. All they had was pork.

Isn't that bad for my health? All that cholesterol?

You want me to die quicker?

Don't you like that?

Oh, what the heck. At least I'll die of pleasure.

How delicious.

Carmen didn't last long either.

Just recently I went to the cemetery.

But I couldn't find the graves of those two.

It was a cemetery for the poor. Maybe the land was used for other bodies.

Enough. I've told you too much.

So you're the only one left from the gang?

Naturally, this old girl's getting old too.

I'm already "ty-three."

Ouch! You think I'm eighty-three?

That's way past the last bingo number. I'm only seventy-three.

Have you forgiven the Japanese?

Oh, come on.

Were you really a comfort gay?

If there were comfort women, we were the comfort gays.

Yeah, right.

And you don't mind us working in Japan?

What do I care if you want to work in Japan?

So it's okay with you that we serve the Japanese?

The blood kin of your abusers?

Not all the Japanese were bad.

And what's it to me if you lay out yourselves for them?

Girls, let's just be grateful that we have jobs.

You got that right.

But you know, I still find your story hard to believe.

If nobody listened to the comfort women, why would they listen to you?

And what happened to their case, anyway?

They're dying one by one, but nothing's happened.

And now, here you are. A comfort gay.

Wow. You're living in a fantasy world.

Maybe so!

It slipped!

Hey!

My hair!

My God!

That's the monk look.

But what if no one believes you?

Do you?

I don't know yet.

But it's not that I don't want to.

I still need to investigate.

Are journalists really like that?

Someone bares their soul to you and yet you still doubt them?

We need to be skeptical so we can see the truth.

They say only one thing can set a person free.

The truth.

How will you know the truth…

if you refuse to believe my story?

Freedom doesn't really come easy for people like us.

That's mine. Hey, that's mine!

It's mine. This is my life!

Come back for it when you believe me.

Sorry I wasted your precious time.

Loren! I'm glad you're still here.

What happened?

Hey, Loren!

Effeminate.

Queer!

Homosexual!

You're only being true to yourself!

But all they see…

is a sham!

I am Walterina Markova.