Original subtitles

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Here you go. There's no problem.

-Thank you. -Thank you very much.

This way, this way.

Paris, you're next. You're next.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Stand right here.

The rings… One for you, one for you.

Smile right here, all right?

Vicky, compose yourself.

Here's the money. Thank you.

Here's the money.

Thank you. Thank you.

The van's here.

Let's go. Let's go.

Hurry along.

Quick, quick. Over here.

Girls, we're going to put up a fight.

Sex Bomb did not raise us to retreat.

Fight.

You put this inside.

And then push.

Push out your boobies.

Also the other one…

I was 21 when I came here.

I was an entertainer.

ANN 15 YEARS IN JAPAN

As soon as I landed at the airport…

CRIS 7 YEARS IN JAPAN

…I went straight to the omise.

There was no breather.

I freshened up a bit, then I had to go to the club.

ROXANNE 4 YEARS AT THE CLUB

I must have cried for three months.

Every day.

I couldn't speak Japanese then.

I was so afraid during my first dance.

It was my first time to perform in front of strangers.

You're put together, dolled up in heels.

Then you'd have to scrub the toilet.

I even had to clean up puke.

You can't just go home.

We could go home once a year, but only for ten days.

Some could be cruel.

Some clients could be rude.

As newbies, we didn't know what to do.

Sometimes, you just have to cry it out.

At times I would run to the bathroom to cry.

Of course, the disrespect was too much.

I cried all the time.

I wanted to go back to the Philippines.

Ma, I'm fetching Wanna.

Remember the daughter of Aunt Shirley?

She might turn out like others.

You vouch for them then they go home in a pinch.

You're the one who gets in trouble.

People are different, Ma. The kid seems okay.

Is Patrick awake? Can I talk to him?

Patrick, your mom.

Ma.

How come you called so early?

Well, you weren't picking up my calls.

What? You're too busy, I can't get hold of you.

How are you, son?

Fine. I'm good.

What happened to your Facebook?

I can't see your posts anymore.

I deactivated my Facebook.

Why?

How else do I stay updated about you?

You don't tell me anything.

Facebook's too toxic now.

You should deactivate, too.

There's nothing but fake news there.

So your Grandma told me

you joined this, what was it,

Youth On the Move?

Is that an activist group?

You should be focusing on your studies. You're only in your second year.

It's fine, Ma.

I should be involved in social issues.

But what about being a Dean's Lister?

Would you still have time for volleyball varsity?

Of course, Ma.

I'm just like you. Hustling.

Patrick.

What? It's true.

I'm going. I'm running late.

Hold on.

Your Brother Jay sent a message. He's unemployed.

He asks if you could cover him for a bit. For Isha and Alvin's tuition.

-Good morning. -Morning.

-Good morning. -Hi Mika. How is Minato?

He is better now.

Thank you for teaching me the suob method.

I told you. Suob is very effective.

Sis.

Sis Vicky.

Hi.

Hold on.

Let's keep the voice down. They're not used to noise here.

Sorry, Sis. I got so nervous.

The dog kept sniffing me.

Then the officer said, "follow me."

I thought they would send me back home.

Did they inspect your luggage?

Not really.

Here. I brought you some things. It's still cold.

Thanks, sis.

Wow, this is so pretty.

So chic. Thank you, sis.

Have you been waiting?

Not at all. How was your trip?

Yes, it was fine.

I think I need to call my mom. Do you have a phone?

Can I make a call?

Of course. I have Aunt Shirley's number here.

Ma. Hello.

Just arrived in Japan.

Look, I'm with Vicky.

Aunt Shirley.

Are you okay?

Is that it, Vicky? Am I really married?

I'm only 20 and I'm married.

It's nothing, just an imitation wedding.

You can divorce him in five years. But the Japanese has to be paid in full.

We won't have to live together, right?

Nope. Not even for a day.

When you got married to him, did you pay it off right away?

Of course, I had to do my best in the omise,

I paid it all off after three years.

If you do well, it's smooth sailing from there.

I know you're nervous, but that's normal.

When I first arrived, I was just like you.

But you have to get used to it. Fast.

Sis Vicky, sorry about… back there.

I couldn't kiss.

No one said "You may kiss the bride," right?

There's no kissing, no love. It's all paper.

So? You doing this?

Let's do it.

This is the omise.

Hazel, Sue, this is Wanna.

Hello.

Heaven, Angel, Angelica, this is Wanna.

That's Anne.

That's Thea. Abilyn. Girls, this is Wanna.

That's Sahya. That's Kat, Joana, Marissa. There.

Those are Paris and Saki.

Paris. Saki.

Stay right here.

Remember: when serving, you crouch this low.

Fitting, right? Low-flyers that we are.

House rules: No poaching each other's customers. Respectful gameplay.

And never give your number to the Jap.

All transactions stay in the club.

No takeaways. No accepting orders for takeaways.

Just be smart about everything. Keep your wits at all times.

Face it, the world is crawling with perverts.

No touch, attach. They know they can't touch us.

Remember the longer you stay the more money you get.

Welcome, welcome, Mama Charry's here.

This is Wanna, from Nueva Ecija, just like me.

Beautiful girl.

Reminds me of myself when I arrived here 40 years ago.

Hold on. Something's not right. Something's missing.

We need to make it sexier. Help me out, dear…

There.

I can still smell the rice paddies on your body.

Thank your lucky stars you don't have to learn choreography.

My girls don't dance anymore.

Thank you very much.

That's all I know. But what if--

Don't worry. You'll pick it up.

Stomach in, chest out.

And,

you have to learn to sway, grind, twerk…

You don't know this,

but I used to be a Bellestar Dancer.

-Hi. Welcome. -Welcome.

-Where is my girl, Paris? -Paris. Paris.

It's okay. Just observe. You'll get used to it.

Everyone has her jutsu, her technique.

Check out Paris.

Beauty is her jutsu.

She used to be a beauty queen from Bulacan.

Most customers ask for her.

Shime. There you are. She's called Shime.

Check out Saki.

Her jutsu is all about energy, gift of gab, all of it.

She'll sit down with anyone. Even until morning.

A hard worker.

Look.

And you, sis? What's your jutsu?

A secret for now.

Good luck. You can do this.

Is this okay?

Yes.

This is Wanna.

She's new here.

You're so… funny, funny, funny, funny.

Thank you.

You look like very…

handsome.

Like you know…

Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers.

Here.

Let's enjoy drinking.

Daddy.

So cute.

Wait for me. I need to use the bathroom.

Oh, sure, sure. I will wait for you.

This way, this way.

Is she new here?

Yes. Her name is Wanna.

Wanna.

Isn't she pretty?

But my Vicky is prettier.

See?

Thank you, Akio.

Cheers.

Poor kid.

Didn't even have dinner.

We were just like her.

This is so good.

Wanna, careful not to choke, all right?

I won't, sis. You don't get this at home.

We don't get anything like this from where I come from, sir.

Enjoy.

Excuse me, ladies.

Thank you so much.

How are things back home?

I haven't been in a while… about five years.

You're from Nueva Ecija?

In Cabanatuan.

We're from Bongabon.

Things are just fine at home.

It just keeps getting poorer.

Don't take after, Saki, babe. She hasn't saved anything.

Her motto is, "The more you give, the more you love."

At least I don't spend on luxuries.

At least my money is for me.

I'm the product, so I get the sale. Unlike you.

You're just lucky you're done paying for your family now.

I simply did it.

No one's depending on you. I've got so many mouths to feed.

Hey, hey. Hold it.

You're at each other again.

Not a good look here in Akio's restaurant.

But she started it…

Enough. Enough of that.

So what's your story?

I have six siblings and I'm the eldest.

My father's a farmer but the land's not even ours.

All I want are a fridge and an air conditioner for us.

And to finish the cement work of the house.

I don't even dream of going to college anymore.

As long as my siblings finish school, I'll be fine.

It's the same story with all of Filipinos, isn't it?

As for me, I just want to be a Disney Princess.

Scooped up by a Prince Charming,

living in a palace,

just singing and dancing and chatting

with my pet corgis.

I hope you're all enjoying the food.

Try these desserts. They're the restaurant's newest.

We have a new baker so these are his specialties.

Babe, see this Japanese lady right here?

That's Akio's wife.

Vicky's got it good, huh?

Sis. This is awesome.

See you later, Paris.

Excuse me, you can't afford me.

You wish.

Who are those guys?

They're Callers.

Good evening.

Please choose the girl you like.

I like her.

Wanna. Please sit here. There you go.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you. I'm Wanna.

Nice to meet you.

You know your eyes are sparkling.

My eyes?

You are very sexy.

I'm thirsty.

What do you want to drink?

Tequila.

Tequila. Yes.

I'm Paris.

Beauty queen.

You're cute.

Thank you very much.

You want to drink brandy?

Yes, sure.

Arigato, Hideo.

You don't have to do this.

The usual groceries were fine.

I can go to a convenience store now.

No. No need.

I was just joking.

I won't stay long.

I just wanted to see your face and check if you're fine.

Of course,

I'm always fine.

No,

not always.

Sometimes you just pretend for me.

You're too sweet, Hideo.

But I'm okay. Don't worry.

Okay.

I'm going now.

Don't you want some drinks first?

No.

I'm good.

Here's some money.

Grab a drink.

Something that's not bad for your liver, okay?

You're telling me?

But you're the alcoholic.

Sorry, Saki, this was all we could come up with for now.

I'll give you the balance next month, okay?

Babe, how about allotting a part of all your spending for paying back Saki?

Or even better,

how about we slap an interest on what you owe?

Just thinking out loud.

Nevermind that. Next month's fine.

Just make sure. Because I need it.

Sorry about that.

There have been so many expenses this month.

I'm going to pay it all off, Paris.

As you should.

Should I send you a thank you note?

And you.

-Still the victim. -Forget it, it's fine.

There's a new TikTok dance right now. Come. Come. Come.

Girls. Let's Tiktok.

Vicky. Vicky, come.

I'm good. You guys go.

You're always missing out.

How about you, Wanna? Wanna join?

No, I think I'll pass.

Me, too.

Vicky. The new girl is looking pretty.

Hands off. She's a relative.

Does the hands off go for me, too?

All the more for you.

What was that?

Welcome. This way.

Come here. I need to talk to you.

Don't let these guys court you, all right?

Especially that Gino.

You won't get anywhere with him.

Number one hosto. He'll use you up.

Stay in my place while you don't have a roommate yet.

-You're cute. -Really?

You're not riding with us?

No, it's okay. You go ahead.

-Take care. -Rest now.

Hey. You want a breather?

I'm serious about what I said back there.

Don't go for that Gino or any of those guys while you're here.

Unless they can offer something.

Wanna, have you thought about my jutsu?

This, this, and this.

But never this.

Don't ever use your heart in this line of work.

But is Akio your boyfriend?

I thought boyfriends were not allowed in the club.

Akio has been my customer for ten years.

I can still squeeze something out of him.

He's followed me all of the four times I changed clubs.

If you have good ties with clients…

Have a seat.

…they'll follow you anywhere.

That's why the clubs are fighting over the women.

The thing with the Japanese:

they get older, and their sex life goes away,

their wives reject them.

Remember Hideo, from tonight?

He was my first regular customer.

I didn't even look like much, then.

I wasn't putting on moisturizer, toner…

But, he said he chose me

because it seemed no one else wanted me at the table.

But look at me now.

I'm a certain age now, Wanna. Yet I have quality customers.

I have staying power, like they say.

The little time I spend with my clients,

I make them feel like my priority,

my world.

Like that.

Do you have a boyfriend?

-No. -Okay.

That's good.

No one who gets jealous, no one asks you where you are.

Does Patrick ever ask about our job here?

It just crossed my mind because he left a comment on my Facebook post.

When?

Just yesterday.

When I came here, Patrick was three years old.

I had no choice.

His dad left us.

I was a saleslady in the mall.

Can you even imagine how little a saleslady earns?

We keep telling ourselves that we do this for money.

Because money feeds the family.

Money pays for tuition fees,

electricity, hospital bills.

We're just like the rest. We work.

But they still see us as immoral.

Japayuki.

Whores.

So our ultimate jutsu

are courage and tolerance.

I practice every day even if I don't dance.

Since we have handlers, we can't just go out.

Someone drops us off and picks us up.

We are not allowed boyfriends because

we have to sign a four-year contract.

I approach the sad customers dancing,

I'll also sing for them,

making jokes. I'm fun all the time.

So they are often entertained.

When I see them, I tell them that they seem sad all the time.

You just have to enjoy it. I absorbed the life.

HIKARI 10 YEARS IN JAPAN

I studied what it took, what they did in there.

I had a diploma. What was I doing here?

Those were the first thoughts to cross my mind.

It's an everyday grind.

No matter what you're feeling,

you need that smile pasted on your face.

You drink, you're exposed to cigarette smoke.

You're sleepless and tired.

Maybe the Lord introduced me to this line of work

because He endowed me with a strong liver.

At first, I resisted.

Being in a miniskirt was a drag, knowing my true identity.

After a month, I settled in.

CJ 16 YEARS IN JAPAN

It was all game-play.

Found happiness in the paycheck.

Working at the salon won't be enough…

I might fail to provide.

The pay in the Philippines is really low.

Here in Japan, we can somehow earn double.

The exchange rates are a huge boost.

So I said to myself, wow, I could stay here. The pay is worth it.

Don't cry, girl. You have so much ambition,

and you love the feel of money on your palm.

Let me bring you to my favorite part of the house.

Here's your kitchen,

which was remodeled just last month

with new cabinets and countertops.

You'll be able to enjoy access to the living room.

What makes this area extra special

are the big windows,

which allow plenty of natural light to your home.

Excuse me, I have to take this call.

I think Fujio's going to approve this.

Oh, thank you, co-national.

Yes, it would be a big help.

I think I've seen you before.

Really. I've been trying to recall for the past hour.

The Filipino community here in Nagoya is small.

But you're right. It must be.

We must have already met.

At Club Alpha.

I used to be one of the women there.

But that was like, in 2016?

I stayed a short time, though.

Perhaps that's why you don't remember me.

Yeah, that must be it.

Not anymore.

Good for you. Life in the omise was really hard.

My gosh, I really couldn't keep up with it.

Even with a small paycheck,

but at least it was decent.

And then you met Fujio?

Good morning.

You must've slept good.

That looks so good.

Yeah, a new yakitori opened near the factory,

I wanted to have a taste.

I'll have some, okay?

Go. I also bought you coffee. And here, juice.

I'm good with water.

Water, all right.

This is so good.

Wait.

I have a live sell today and I forgot.

Wait.

Don't worry. Pretty sure only five users are online at the moment.

Of course not.

I'm sure there's plenty already. There's a lot of them.

Is everything arranged out there?

Yes, we're all set up.

Do you need help there?

No, I'm fine.

Hurry up.

Hold on.

Just put it here.

-Where does this go? -Just over there.

Here?

-Okay? -Okay.

-Oh, we forgot the light. -The light.

Konnichiwa. Hello from Nagoya, Japan.

Hi, sis.

Sure. Mochiron.

Sure. Mochiron.

Babe.

Babe.

Babe. How are you doing there?

I'm good. Homesick, of course.

-You miss me? -Of course, I do.

I miss you so much, babe.

I miss you too, babe.

I'm sick of LDR.

You've been there three days but I feel like it's been ten years.

Stop being dramatic.

It's because I miss you.

Babe, come on, just give me a kiss.

Kiss? What are you doing?

I look crazy. I'm outside.

Babe, I'll show you something.

Check this out.

This one,

that's a cherry blossom from here.

It's Sakura season right now. Isn't it beautiful?

Check this one out, babe.

It's nothing.

You know I'm always here for Vicky.

Ma, he says it's nothing.

You know this one's obsessed with me, right?

Oh, it's Patrick. Can you me pass me to him?

Oh, yeah. Patrick, Patrick.

Talk to your mom.

That's your son, right? He's grown, huh?

Ma, he still your boyfriend?

How's everything, son? What's new?

I'm okay.

That's what you always ask.

I'm good. We're all good Super okay.

Excuse me, Akio-san.

Son,

why do you talk to me this way?

You might be forgetting who you're talking to.

I'm your mother.

Is that how your Grandma raised you?

That's the thing.

Grandma has been more of a mother to me.

Why are you so mad at me?

I've been breaking my back here and this is what you give me.

Is it so backbreaking there, Ma?

You always say you're okay.

That we shouldn't worry.

And you always have your boyfriends.

You seem very happy.

Are you ashamed of what I do?

Are you ashamed to have me as your mother?

You know what you're doing, Ma?

It's called emotional manipulation.

What is this emotional business?

If it weren't for what I do here, we'd all amount to nothing.

We'd all starve.

You wouldn't even go to school. We'd be out in the streets.

How long will you hold that over our heads?

Patrick.

Do I owe you, as your child?

Did I ask for that?

-Isn't that your responsibility? -Patrick.

You want to discipline me, but you're not even here.

You don't know what's going on with me, with us.

Slow down, Patrick.

I don't know what goes on in the heads of youth these days.

That's the way they are.

I'll talk to Patrick. Sorry about that.

Paris.

It's been so long.

I mean, you…

You look so different.

Yes. I've landed a good job. It pays me very well.

That's good.

How have you been?

Well, I'm still here.

Still hustling.

I'd like to see you outside.

Just like old times.

Those simpler times.

Yes, but they were good times, happier times right?

Who is that guy with Paris? They seem close.

That's Genji. Paris' ex-boyfriend.

What? For real?

Yeah.

So she had a prince charming. Why did they break up?

What a shame.

Paris was the one who broke it off.

He didn't look like that yet.

He was poor.

He used to be a waiter.

And then?

There's no such a thing as a relationship in what we do.

You think there's a serious guy who would pursue a hostess?

I mean, sure, they'll make a mistress of you, like Vicky.

But a girlfriend or wife?

He asked Paris to choose.

Paris chose our work.

I think she made a right decision. If she got married,

she'd just bear his children and she'd be tired.

Paris still had plans.

Do you think they'll get back together?

Finish up here.

Lucky Mama Charry allowed you to get off early.

I told her I wasn't feeling well.

You didn't come in today?

I'm not in the mood.

Same drink, please.

All right.

Are you brokenhearted?

The last time we were here, Paris and Genji got together.

-Enjoy. -Thank you.

Okay. So, he came back?

Suddenly, he looked handsome.

Maybe you should be telling Paris how you feel.

-She'd be disgusted at me. -Hey.

I want to go through with the surgery.

I can work overtime in the factory and do extra hours in the bar.

I have savings and I can ask for paybacks on some loans.

If you want your boobs removed,

just make sure you're doing that for yourself.

Not for anyone.

See how good I am at giving advice? I can't even give myself some.

Damn it.

Is this about Patrick again?

We spoke over the phone.

I just realized now how he felt.

He seems ashamed of me as his mother.

I don't think so.

-He is your son. -Why is that?

Why can't we ask for love from the people we love?

Saki.

So? What do you think?

Of what?

Of Genji.

It's too early.

Come on. Don't be shy. You've always picked on me about my life.

Go ahead. Out with it.

Tell me.

Wouldn't it be materialistic on your part if you go back to him?

Just because he made some money.

Wow. He's my ex. I loved him, Saki.

I thought you wanted the truth?

You sound so bitter.

We're up to our ears with guys at work.

Do we have to deal with them here at home, too?

Well, what do you want to talk about?

And this is my love-life.

Friends talk about their love-lives.

How can you preach?

Is that so bad?

Is he pursuing you again?

I think he just wants a date, outside.

Just don't be rash.

He might be a different Genji now.

Different from the one you know.

Then you'll end up crying.

Oh, coffee? You want coffee?

I'll make you coffee.

I know you're still hangover. You still reek of chico.

Wanna?

Sis?

-You're a good singer, huh. -Did you just arrive?

That was nothing. I was just vocalizing.

But seriously, you're a good singer.

Thank you, sis. This could be my jutsu, right?

I'm just going to give it a little "Yeah'' or a little dance, like Saki.

-Possible. -Yeah.

How old are you again?

I'm 20.

How have you been?

I'm good. Really okay.

No, I mean. Now that you see what our work is like,

do you regret it?

You can sing. You can easily try a contest in the Philippines.

Or try show business with your pretty face.

It's all about luck, sis.

I've been to many auditions. I never landed anything.

Do you want to go back to school?

Of course. But I try not to think of those things.

You have to think of those things.

Don't get used to this life until you've got nothing else.

So if you can go back to school, do it.

Sis, are you all right?

I'm good. I have to check on you because the women here

are dying to go home.

I'm not like them.

Can you help me find extra work, please?

You're going morning shifts?

-Yes. -You might not be able to handle it.

Come on. Please.

You know me. It'd be easy for me.

-No, It's really hard, Wanna. -Please.

I need something extra.

Come on.

Fine. Stop nagging.

Thank you, sis.

Stop exaggerating.

Sis. Mama Charry told me I can go back to the dorms.

I've got company already.

It's embarrassing how you've taken me in for so long.

You know you're welcome anytime.

Thank you, sis.

Do you have a red dress?

No.

We all have to be in red tonight.

Hey, good choice on the photo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA CHERRY

Of course. You know Mama Charry.

You touch right here.

Here?

We've talked about this.

That was just practice.

One word and you'll give in, huh?

Guys, Mama Charry's making a speech.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I am so happy to celebrate my

60th birthday with all of you.

You all know that you are all like children to me.

-Yes, Mama Charry. -Yes, Mama Charry.

You don't know this.

Relax, Ma, no one's even asking.

Shut up. It's my birthday.

You don't know this,

but Direk Ishma discovered me in Ever Gotesco.

And he told me,

''Child, your eyes tell me everything.''

But fate intervened.

In all fairness to Mama Charry.

Of course, she's Mama Charry.

Hello? Hello?

Genji-san?

Your amuse-bouche.

I'm still getting used to this.

What do you mean?

This.

An expensive restaurant.

You whisking me away in your fancy car.

Acting like you're James Bond.

With all these mysterious things going on…

This is what you've always wanted, right?

No.

Not just this.

Wow. Why the sudden burst of generosity, sis?

I've always been this way. Sharing is caring.

Is that for real?

What if you disappear and you don't pay for it?

Of course not. You know me.

It's me.

Even this one? This one, Paris?

By all means.

It's on me.

Really? Look around and choose well.

Thank you.

Hey.

What?

Yes, Vics?

All this. What's up?

You never once paid for coffee. What's going on?

Come on. I'm just happy.

Because of Genji?

What did Saki tell you?

You know that Saki is just being overprotective of you.

She's just jealous.

Since she never once had a boyfriend the entire time we're here.

So what's the deal with you and this guy?

Sorta.

So dramatic.

-What? -I don't have a clue either.

Genji has always been my true love, remember?

Now he can give me the life I want.

Who am I to refuse?

We can't all be Mama Charry's girls forever, right?

And you?

What's your plan?

When Patrick's all right. When your house is done.

Your brother's kids are still in high school.

Don't tell me you plan to put them through college, too?

It's just the way it is. Maybe that's when my own life starts.

Sis, I got all these. I'm good.

-Come, let's pay for them. -Let's try them on.

These look old and shabby.

These are nice. They're the nicest on the rack.

Hello, Ma.

Wanna. My child.

Come here. Your sister is on the phone.

Hi, sis. How are you? We missed you.

How are you there, my child?

I'm good, Ma. Check out my new uniform.

Vicky secured me a slot at the packaging factory.

I earn extra now.

Gosh. Thank Vics for me, will you?

How are you, Ma? And Pa?

Oh, your father. There he is.

Rogelio. Come here. Your daughter's on the phone.

Wait for me.

Look at what we are having for lunch, child. Yum.

Yum.

Watercress, mangoes, your favorite. All yummy food.

We miss you more in times like these.

Hi, sis. Don't forget my chocolates.

They want so many things.

You have so many requests.

My child. Are they mistreating you there?

Not at all, Pa. I stay up late, that's all. But I can easily handle it.

That's good.

So last Saturday, I was in the market.

I bumped into Danny.

He told me he wants to go there to see you.

He applied as a construction worker.

Pa, is he sure about that?

He wants to follow me here?

That's just what he said. He didn't mention anything to you?

Guys…

The flowers from the Japanese guy just arrived.

They're beautiful.

Guys, he really is very sweet.

He always sends me flowers on random days.

Wait. Let me show you the other things he gave me.

Here they are.

Hi, Genji-san. How are you?

It's been weeks.

I miss you. Please let me know where you are.

Are you okay? Genji-san, call me.

Why are you not answering my calls?

Do you know, I even made a scrap book

of our train tickets and the receipts of our dates.

I assure you, sir. I will meet the quota for this year.

Make sure to work on all the pending deals.

MOM

Thank you for trusting me.

-I won't let you down. -Good. I'm counting on you.

Ma? Why do you keep calling? I am in the office.

I'm here at the police station.

Patrick and his friends were arrested.

What? What happened?

It's because of all those rallies he goes to.

Ma, turn your camera on.

Ma, let me talk to him.

Patrick, talk to your Mom.

Ma, it's okay.

What now, Patrick? I told you not to get swept into those things.

What if they are in the NPA?

What? Ma, you really are narrow-minded.

Hey, Don't you use that tone with me. I've had enough.

Don't talk like that just because you're smarter.

Ma, I'm not with the NPA. He has a name.

Toffee, my boyfriend.

I knew it.

My gut's been telling me since you were a boy.

So now we're quits? Now you're ashamed of me?

Hold it. That's not even what I meant.

Toffee, Patrick, you need to sign something.

Come with me.

Ma, I'm still speaking to my kid. Put him back on.

Get the others out for now.

Ma, I wasn't done talking to Patrick.

Vicky, we will call you back. We'll just take care of things here.

Okay, bye.

I love you. Merry Christmas, my dear.

Merry Christmas, Ma and Pa.

I miss you all. Don't worry.

If I save enough next year, I can spend Christmas there.

Wanna, here's your hot choco.

Wow, that looks so good.

Yes, of course.

Let me have a taste. This is so good.

Good? Wait, I prepared another dessert.

This is so good.

-You expecting anyone? -Me? No one.

So who could that be? Let me get it.

-I'll just finish this. -Sure.

Genji…

-I have a present for you. -Oh, thank you.

Come, come.

…we can go to Boracay, all right? And Toffee can come.

Where is he, Ma?

It's Christmas. Can I even talk to him?

Oh, dear, he's over at Toffee's.

In a bit we're starting Noche Buena.

Your brother Jay is here.

And Aunt Liza.

Hey, you better come home next year, all right?

Take care and merry Christmas.

Hey kids, greet your auntie.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Vicky, it's ready.

All right, I'm coming.

Okay, Ma. Merry Christmas to you all.

-Bye. -Vicky.

Merry Christmas.

Genji? Merry Christmas.

-Surprise. -Yes it is.

Let's eat.

Wanna is such a talent. She's been taught well.

Welcome.

Welcome.

Co-national.

Co-national.

You know Wanna?

I'm her boyfriend.

I'm Danny.

Gosh.

What the hell.

I've called so many times and you wouldn't take my calls.

I've been here a week.

You know we can't bring boyfriends into the club, right?

You know what I do for work.

How else will I see you if I don't come here?

Come on, Wanna.

I've been a welder, a cement mixer.

I want to punch those asshole Japs.

I left the Philippines for Japan.

Do you not see any of that?

Did I tell you to do that?

Of course.

This is our dream, right?

We'll make it big, and it's the two of us forever.

I work here in the club six days a week.

I go home early in the morning each time.

In the morning, I work at the factory.

On my one day-off,

I rest. If I have any energy left, I go out.

Are you going to put up with one or two hours of seeing each other every week?

I came here so we can be together often.

Danny, we're both so young.

We can't offer each other anything.

Fuck. What the hell happened to you?

You like them old and rich now? The ones that die soon?

You're going all-out whore?

-Wanna… -Step back, bro. Enough.

Wait. Wanna.

Wait. That's my girlfriend.

Hello?

Hospital?

Hello, Pa.

Soccoro. How are things?

Fine, Pa.

How come there's a racket there this early?

Genji and I will just go out of town.

Wanted to tell you something. Here's your Tito Art…

Hold on. Hold on.

You're not going to work today?

I took two days off.

Bye.

Let's go?

I'm counting on you. Even just a small amount for my campaign.

I'll give you your money back when I win.

Okay, bottom's up.

Who's boss. Who's boss.

We now have our own politician in the family.

Pa, I don't have money right now.

The club's not doing great.

It's a small amount.

Soccoro.

-Can you take a picture of me? -Sure.

Say cheese.

Also here.

Hey.

What's wrong?

I really love this. I really love spending time with you.

Me too.

But…

I have to leave again.

It's fine.

I understand.

I mean, if it's for work.

But tell me where you're going. Answer my calls, at least?

Paris…

I've become Yakuza.

When we broke up,

all I wanted was to be worthy of you.

And then,

I was drawn to this life.

And it's been good to me.

It's dangerous, I know.

And the last thing I want…

Paris…

I don't want to hurt you.

But you're hurting me right now.

You're breaking my heart.

Back then, you could not take me as I was.

And now,

I cannot take you

as you are.

Maybe

we'll

find

love

somewhere.

But not right here.

Good evening.

Executive suite, please.

Patrick, son?

Thank God you finally called me.

How are you now?

Can you turn on your video? I want to see you.

Patrick, where are you? Your grandma's worried.

I'm okay, Ma.

We're holding a picket here in Malabon

for the laborers of Ventex.

Haven't you learned your lesson?

You just got out of the police station.

You might be neglecting your studies.

Where will you go? I don't want you to end up like me.

Do you have anything else to say, Ma?

If not, I want to say something.

If it's fine with you and if you want to listen.

Here they are,

the people I'm with.

They're painting the signs.

Then…

Some of them are making music over there.

We've been here for three days.

We sleep here.

Toffee, this is Mama.

Good evening, Ma'am.

Ma, I want to introduce you to Sir Roy.

He's the union president.

Good evening, Ma'am.

Then this is Miss Jocelyn Castro.

Hello, Ma'am. Miss Vicky. I am Josie.

Thank you for lending us your son.

Wipe your sweat, kid.

I thought of you just now, Ma.

While the workers were telling us about the abuse they went through.

But they put up with it for years because…

where else can they go?

They're even more scared of the thought of

having nothing to bring home to their families.

There.

I thought of you because…

I was thinking, what about you?

How much abuse did you have to put up with?

You'd never tell us because you wouldn't want all of us to worry.

I'm just scared for you.

I'm scared of the things you go through there.

You know, Ma, I asked Grandma once

why she allowed you to go.

And she said,

she regretted not doing everything for you to finish college.

You wanted to study so badly.

So she allowed it because…

she didn't want you to be like her.

Who amounted to nothing.

She really said that?

Yes, Ma.

Every time I see Wanna's photos and her posts…

I kind of feel jealous.

Because they get to be with you all the time.

It's hard because even if we talk repeatedly,

there are some things we can't tell each other.

As if we don't know each other.

Ma, are you in the hospital?

Yes.

My customer had an emergency.

Hideo doesn't have a family, and he's old.

I see. Go ahead and see to him first, Ma.

We're starting a meeting here.

All right. Just take care.

Thanks, Ma. You too.

I didn't understand anything but I know you got trouble with your son.

Yeah. He's no longer a kid.

He has his own mind now.

Time flies so fast I didn't realize my time as a mother is over.

He's still just a kid. He's your kid.

And the job of a mother is never over.

You always tell me so many stories.

A lot of them you just invent because you have to keep me on the clock.

You already forgot what you really are.

Why are you so talkative all of a sudden?

You're supposed to be sick with your rotting liver.

Let's celebrate?

Champagne? Champagne?

Yes? Yes.

Excuse me.

Wanna, where are your sisters?

None of them have been taking my calls.

They didn't even tell me if they're coming in or not.

Well, Ma, that's their business.

Champagne.

Champagne.

Thank you very much.

What the hell? What's your problem?

You're new and you're poaching customers.

Those are our regulars.

I didn't steal anything from you.

You talked to them outside. You think we don't know?

Excuse me, excuse me.

Just because Vicky has your back--

-So what are you going to do about it? -I told you catfights not allowed…

I already told you. You can't do this here.

Mama Charry.

It's your fault.

Mama Charry.

This is all your fault.

Vics? What are you doing here?

Vics. Vicky.

Hey, Paris.

Hideo had an emergency with his liver.

Yeah.

Vics? Paris?

Where have you been? I've been calling.

What's going on with you, Vics?

Hideo died.

I'm here because…

no one else will take care of things.

I'm waiting for his cremation.

Why are you guys here?

Wanna called.

They brought Mama Charry here.

Wanna said they're in room 311.

Mama Charry?

What happened?

-I don't know either. -Let's just go there.

Girls, wait outside for a bit.

Wanna, I heard you picked a fight with Angel and Heaven.

I didn't pick a fight with anyone. They cornered me.

You should have spoken to them calmly first.

Life here is hard as it is.

It's not right that you pull down other women.

And what's the deal with your boyfriend?

Why is he suddenly here? You didn't even tell us.

Whose boyfriend?

You told me you didn't have a boyfriend back home.

Or here? Boyfriend here or there? Where?

Have you forgotten about the rules of the omise?

The rules can be broken, right?

No boyfriends allowed?

Yet, Paris has one.

Sis Vicky has one and I am not allowed?

We're just worried about you.

Wanna, we're still talking to you.

Wanna, Wanna.

Wanna, we were talking to you.

We're still talking to you.

I'm just embarrassed about all that in front of Mama Charry.

She didn't have a heart attack.

She passed out from fatigue and too much dieting.

Wanna. Wanna. You're not the same anymore.

You're too much of a hustler now.

Tell me. Is Gino your boyfriend now?

Where did that even come from?

It doesn't matter.

What matters most is you forgetting everything we taught you.

I'm forgetting? But you guys are my idols. You're my idol, Paris.

Because you love money so much but you don't apologize for it.

Isn't that why you went back to Genji even though you're not sure he loves you?

What's gotten into you, Wanna?

Nothing.

But now I can take everything.

I know how to escape a rude customer.

I got that from you, Saki.

You're disgusted with this work.

I see you wanting to punch your client badly.

You're so strong. You can even do away with dignity.

But you will never be damaged like Paris.

Or a mistress like Sis Vicky.

I didn't mean anything about all that.

Who am I to judge?

But you're my biggest idol, Sis Vics.

You're a pro.

You're the best in taking men for a spin.

Now there's the real hustle.

So single-minded. As long as it's for money.

Way too much, Wanna. This is too much.

Just spitting facts.

So you did. Are you happy now? For stating the obvious?

Then go ahead and win this.

You're triggered? You're all triggered?

Of course you are. Because I see through all of you.

We all wear different masks but we're the same whores.

We're all whores for money.

At least I'm the best whore in town.

You're not helping, Paris.

The kid has a point.

Right? We chase after these gigs all the time.

We get the money, sure, but at what cost?

We've all played so many roles. Just to make it.

No getting sick.

No getting sad.

No hoping. No complaining.

Just always hustling.

Keep on hustling.

Hustle.

But it's exhausting.

I'm exhausted.

It's exhausting.

No amount of whoring gives you a choice but to keep hustling.

We still have to be mothers. Be humans, still.

It's so exhausting.

I went through such hard times with his father.

He would beat me up.

Then I got pregnant.

He said he didn't believe he was the father.

That's why it hurts so much.

I remember everything, even now.

Am I going to get old this way? When I have a family,

will my child see that his mother has to work at night?

Will he see me with different customers?

He didn't grow up with me,

since I left him when he was only three.

His love for me is not total.

He must remember all the time how I left him.

He couldn't feel my love for him.

I arrived at a breaking point.

I got so sick of the work and of the pretenses.

Pretenses at work and about myself.

I wasn't happy anymore.

I'm sorry, sisters.

I'm sorry about the things I said back there.

It must have been the fatigue,

the emotions.

Since Danny came here,

I've felt shaken.

I miss our farm.

I miss my family.

We're sorry, too.

For neglecting you for a while.

We are each going through our own issues.

But we're still here for you.

I'm sorry, Sis Vicky.

You took me in but I said those things to you.

-What happened to Genji? -Who's your date?

No one.

I just took myself out on a date.

Felt nice.

Pricey.

But felt nice.

I know now how you feel when you buy something for yourself.

You know what,

you would have had a nicer time if you were with me.

Well, how? You were with Genji.

I got so jealous of him.

Not just because I'm your friend.

Even more than that.

Since he came back,

I've been questioning myself more.

What am I?

Why do I feel these things?

Maybe it was just because we're always together.

Then I turned angry at myself because…

because I love you.

Saki, I love you, too but--

Don't.

You can't just say those things.

I know you love me.

As a friend.

I feel it.

But I can't give you everything. That's the problem.

I can't compete with Genji.

He has a dick.

Genji and I are not together anymore.

I thought at first he was my Prince Charming.

Maybe I'm not cut to be a Disney Princess.

Hello, Patrick.

Hello, Ma.

Check this out.

Look.

Wow.

It's beautiful, right?

This is the tree of the Sakura.

Look. See that?

That's beautiful.

Aren't they pretty? These are cherry blossoms.

I wish you were here to see them.

Of course. Why not?

Next time. I can come with Grandma.

What was that?

There, in Japan. To see cherry blossoms.

They're pretty. Look, they're beautiful.

How are things, Vicky?

The same, Ma. Still okay.

I get homesick from time to time.

I miss you all so much.

If I could just earn a living for all of you guys while I'm back home…

Vicky, working here is hard.

Yeah, that's the thing.

It also crossed my mind if I could still live there.

So I thought it would be better for both of you to come here.

That would be tricky.

I'm old now, Vicky.

And what about your brother Jay and his children?

Ma, of course we miss you.

And you're coming home in the summer, right?

Let's talk about all of it then.

Dear, listen.

How to do this? About…

Sorry.

For…

For, let's just say, whatever I couldn't give you.

The…

I know there are times…

Sorry, dear.

In times you needed me there but I wasn't around.

I'm your mother. But I am only in your life in moments.

I'm sorry for that, dear.

It's just, I love you so much. You know that, right?

Yes, Ma. I know that now.

I love you too, Ma. We'll fight and hurt each other.

But we'll always be mother and son.

You're not like most moms but you're still my mother.

And…

I want you to know that I understand you, Ma.

You work for my sake,

for the sake of all of us.

But it can't deplete the love we have for each other.

I know our hearts won't ever get tired.

I see everything that you do for me.

Thank you, Ma.

I love you.

Thank you.

Thank you, son.

Grandma, why are you crying?

The tinola soup was too hot.

Our drama rubbed off on Ma.

It's on you, it's too early for this.

Take care there, Ma.

We'll be expecting you here in the summer.

Of course. Tell Ma to wear her bikini.

I reserved my two-piece.

I'll look forward to that, Ma.

What do you have there? Wow.

Hi, Vics. Look.

Whose idea was this?

I've been helping out, sis.

What else do you need, Wanna?

-You good? -Yes, all good.

I'll help you out there.

Here are the strawberries.

Sis Saki?

-Sis Saki. -Hey.

Sis Saki. Bro? Bro Saki, Sis Saki?

Bro. Bro.

-You're handsome. -Thank you so much.

So handsome.

So handsome.

You look so handsome.

Passable?

Hey, we want in.

Wait. I have another surprise.

Wow, a bag of surprises.

Hello.

We're here near the parking.

Where are you?

There he is.

Danny.

He asked me to do this.

Hello.

I really just passed by

to see Wanna before I fly home.

Wanna, I don't think I can handle life here.

It's not for me.

And…

I want to apologize for everything I said.

You called me a whore, right?

But that makes all of us.

I'm not the one you should apologize to.

I'm sorry.

Okay.

Okay.

We did dream of being together forever.

But, Danny, even though

I've been here for only a year,

I saw that I could have other dreams.

I want to help my family.

To go back to school.

To take a trip to Iceland someday.

Danny, I'm a different person now.

A different woman.

And I'm still likely to change on this path.

Well, since you're already here, join us.

You should be grateful my sisters are nice.

Come.

It's nice to have a drink.

As a woman, it's my mother whom I look up to.

So, it plays a vital role in my life.

My sisters are women too,

and wherever they go, they prove they can handle anything.

For me, there's no word that stands prouder than Woman.

I tell myself this all the time,

even if my husband's Japanese, I'm grateful to be Filipino,

because no one loves and cares the way we do.

I said that by 35,

I'd stop working in the omise.

Because deep down,

I still dream of having a family, of having kids.

But here, I found something I never had before,

peace of mind.

If I had the choice, I'd choose to stay in Japan.

I've learned to live with it.

I've always dreamed of having my own business someday.

I told my husband and my kid, when the time comes…

When my time comes, bring me home to the Philippines.

I'll always find my way home.