All language subtitles for Batang PX.en

I'm very happy to be
with you tonight, sweetheart.

[dog barking]

Next time, you bring me
some flowers.

I like roses.

Don't forget. Promise?

[woman] Why? Do you think
I wanted this life for myself?

Had I known you'd turn my life
into this?

[man] Shut up!

[woman] You bastard!

You don't deserve all
the sacrifices I made for you!

[Amboy]
My mother and I are the same.

We never knew our fathers.

Her father, my grandfather,
died before she was born.

That's what she said.

We're from Olongapo,

a place full of kids
who don't have fathers.

So, my Mom was okay

growing up
not knowing her father,

even after her mother remarried.

You should help out around here!
You're not a kid anymore!

[Amboy] When she was younger,
she wanted to run away.

At first, she pitied
my grandmother,

but she got tired of it all
eventually.

She knew nothing was to become
of her life

if she stayed there.

So one night, she ran away.

She didn't want to be
with her mother anymore.

My Mom's a brave woman.

Even when she was younger,
she was fearless.

[woman] Sir, come on in.
We've got pretty girls here.

Come on in! Try our place!

Mommy, look at her.
She's pretty.

We can hire her as a hostess.

You're right.
What a pretty girl.

-Mommy, let's talk to her.
-Hi! Come here, dear.

-What's your name?
-I'm Tessie.

Come. Would you like
to go inside?

-It's nice here.
-Okay.

Okay, let's go.

-Help her with her things.
-I'll carry your bag.

Come, I'll accompany you.

You'll definitely earn
a lot here!

[Amboy] I don't know
who told her she could sing.

But she loved doing it.

Unfortunately,
music didn't love her back.

But being fearless,

she didn't care
what anyone said.

She sang
whenever she wanted to.

It was through
her singing talent

that my mother met
my American father.

Because of my mother's singing,
I'm here sharing her story.

♪ How many times ♪

♪ Do I have to get hurt? ♪

♪ I give my heart away ♪

♪ To strangers ♪

♪ In the hope of being loved ♪

♪ And drown ♪

♪ In someone's tight embrace ♪

♪ I can feel ♪

♪ That you're there ♪

♪ Waiting and hiding ♪

♪ Yearning for fate ♪

♪ To lead you to me ♪

Oh! Yes, babe.

Wanna take one?

Okay, how much?

-Five pesos, sir.
-Okay.

Here's the money.
No, no, thanks. Keep the change.

Tessie! Tessie!

I know you're in there!
Come out!

Come out this instant!

If you don't, I'll call the cops
on you and your man!

What's the matter with you?
She doesn't want to...

Would you quit it,
goddammit!

-She doesn't want to see you.
-Hey, I want to see my daughter!

-Would you just leave?
-Not until I see my daughter!

Don't touch me!

Listen, lady.

If you don't leave,
I'll call the police.

Go ahead, you jerk!

-I will! They'll take you away!
-You white monkey!

Tessie, if you don't
come with me, I swear...

until my last dying breath,
I won't forgive you!

[Amboy] Ever since she ran away,

she promised herself
she'd never go back.

My father also promised
that he'd take her to America.

Of course,
she'd rather go to the States

than return to her mother.

[Alma]
Tessie, remember this day!

[gasps] I hope you experience
the same pain

you're causing me now!

You ingrate!

[Amboy] Tessie always tells me
that the day I was born

was the happiest day
of her life.

Even my American father
was overjoyed.

He was even the one
who named me.

It was only here in Manila
where I got the nickname Amboy,

because that's what
Tessie calls me.

The name my father
gave me is Christopher.

That's the name of his
best friend from Baltimore.

Baltimore's a place in America.

Oh my. [chuckles] Hello.

Tessie, I want you
to listen to me, okay?

I'm coming back. I promise.

[Amboy crying]

Michael, let's go.

I love you.

[Amboy]
My father didn't want to leave,

but he was assigned
to another country.

He had no choice
but to follow orders.

My mother never forgot
that moment:

My father in the jeep,
waving goodbye,

promising he'd come back
for us.

That's the last day my mother
ever saw Michael Dahoff.

[Tessie]
Amboy. Amboy, let's go.

-We need to leave now.
-Why?

Tessie, what time is it?

Stop asking questions.
Hurry up and pack your things.

We need to leave now
while Mrs. Concepcion is out.

Let's go.

[grunts]

Why are you so slow?
Hurry up. Oh, my gosh!

-Oh, no!
-Be quiet!

Hurry up, while no one's here.

Dude, how are you?

-Tessie?
-Sara, can we crash here?

We've got nowhere else to go.

What did you and your son
do this time?

That's what you get
for being an idiot!

What did I tell you when
I first saw that Arman, huh?

I told you he's no good for you.

The calluses on my feet
are bigger

than that dimwit's brain.
Are you even listening?

Is this sandwich spread
homemade?

I so want to slap you right now.
Will you listen to me?

-Arman's a good guy.
-My goodness. [sighs]

You call that a good guy?

He borrowed money from you
then left.

And now, you and your son
are like rats

sneaking out of your house
because you can't pay rent.

-We just need a lucky break.
-Goodness, Tessie.

How will you get a lucky break

when your life's a huge mess?

You keep relying on men.

[Amboy]
When the bases closed down

and all the Americans
left Olongapo,

Tessie decided
we should go to Manila.

She said it'll be easier
to find work there.

And she did take on
all sorts of jobs.

Unfortunately,
my Mom gets bored easily.

She always finds
something wrong.

She says it's just bad luck,

the same way she becomes unlucky
in love.

In case I take you in,
how many will be living here?

-Two.
-Two?

Isn't this too big
for just two people?

-It's okay.
-The rooms here are too big.

-How much for the rent?
-Seven.

-Seven thousand?!
-Yes.

-That's too expensive!
-Not at all.

The rates around here run

between twelve
to fifteen thousand.

And this place is close
to everything,

like the grocery, the hospital,
the church

and schools.

What more could you ask for?

So that's two months deposit
and one month advance?

-Yes.
-Tessie, let's talk.

-I told you it's expensive.
-Will you shut up?

I'm the one negotiating.

I like it here.

The vibe and ambiance
seem nice.

Are you interested?

I'll give it to you in two days.
21,000 pesos, right?

-Yes.
-Will a check do?

A check?

It's risky to carry
too much cash in public.

Um...

-Mama!
-All right. You're here.

This is Angela,
my granddaughter.

-She's... Tessie, right?
-Yes.

-And her brother, Amboy.
-I'm her son, not her brother.

If she's your mother,
why do you call her Tessie?

Because her name is Tessie.

Why does your granddaughter
call you "Mama?"

I'm getting good vibes
from the house.

I think it'll bring in luck.

You'll definitely need luck
with that kind of rent.

Why don't you go back
to our town

and start a business?

I don't know anything
about business. Besides...

I don't want to breathe in
Mt. Pinatubo's ashes

day and night.

I'd rather stay and breathe in
the bus fumes here.

Tessie, where will we get
21,000 pesos?

That's not a problem.

Hey. Why are you looking at me?

I'll pay you back.

Tessie, are you insane?
That's 21,000 pesos!

[sighs]

I already lent you money
when you moved out.

Sara, can you say no to us?

We've been through
a lot together.

Can you really turn a blind eye
on me and your godson?

Tessie, you're worse
than my mother

who loves hoarding medicine.

If my man leaves me
because of this,

you'll be sorry.

And your bad luck
better not rub off on me.

Just put it there.

Put it there, Amboy. Careful.

Are these all your things?

We already sold most of them.

New house, new things.
To get rid of the bad luck.

Ma, I'll check the sink.
I think it's clogged again.

We got hustled by that plumber.

Jessie, just leave it be.
You might make it worse.

It's fine, Mom.
It's just a clogged sink.

Excuse me.

-What is it now?
-What?

[Angela]
Uncle Jessie, have some water.

Thanks.

-Is it done?
-Almost. What's your name?

-Amboy.
-Hm.

Amboy. [chuckles]
What kind of name is that?

-What's your surname?
-Dahoff.

My real name
is Christopher Dahoff.

My father's American
so they call me Amboy.

-Have you met my niece Angela?
-Of course.

[chuckles] Excuse me.

You know, son,

I'm getting really good vibes
from this house.

I can feel our luck turning!

[Amboy] That's what you said
about our last house.

Stop being pessimistic!
You're so annoying.

It won't come true
if you're so negative.

Fine, fine.
This place will bring us luck.

That's it.

You see,

having negative thoughts
attracts bad luck.

We should think
that everything's going well.

Am I right?

Chance? All right.

-Come here!
-Tessie...

-Will you quit it?!
-[Tessie squeals]

You're a big boy now.
Hmm! And you smell horrible!

You don't smell
like a kid anymore.

I'm not a kid anymore!

[kisses] You're so handsome.
You know--

[Amboy] Only Tessie and I
understand each other.

Even her friends say
she's crazy most of the time.

♪ In the hope that love ♪

[Amboy] Maybe because no matter
how big our problems are,

she uses singing
as a form of escape.

That's what she does.
When she's happy, she sings.

And when she's sad,
she sings too.

♪ I can feel that you're there ♪

♪ Waiting and hiding ♪

♪ Yearning for fate ♪

♪ To finally ♪

♪ Bring us together ♪

TISAY'S REFRESHMENT STOP

-Do you have pork and beans?
-The small can or the big one?

The small one.

-How much?
-20 pesos.

Tisay, give me some cigs.

Psst, you don't ask for them.
You buy them.

What's with the attitude?
I'll pay you back.

Where's your payment, then?

Every day you get
cigarettes here without paying.

You even filch
from my grandmother!

Why are you so arrogant?

-[clattering]
-Want me to shove these down

your throat?

-Give me the cigarettes!
-There!

What's your problem?
What's with that look?

Why, what's wrong with looking?

-What did you just say?
-Didn't you hear?

He said, "What's wrong
with looking?"

-[grunts]
-[gasps] My god!

-Who's that, Macoy?
-The new tenant at Angela's.

Your bike's broken?

No, I just got this
from the trash.

This could still be of use.

-You know how to fix it?
-Of course.

Don't you have classes?

-I don't go to school anymore.
-Why not?

-Just because.
-Where's your mom?

-At work.
-You're all alone?

Don't you have a maid?

Mom doesn't like having one.

She says they either steal
or gossip about us.

-That's all you're eating?
-What's wrong with that?

I didn't say
there was anything wrong.

Angela, what are you doing
out there?

Nothing, Mom.

Let's go inside and eat.
The food's ready.

So, he stopped studying,

but he didn't give
any reason why?

That's all he said.

Mom, do you really know
those new tenants?

The woman's out all day

and she leaves her son
all alone.

Amboy said his dad
is an American.

Stop meddling
with other people's lives.

Why make those new tenants'
lives our business?

As long as they pay the rent
on time

and don't cause any damage
to the house,

then we should just let them be.

Too small.

-Is this size eight and a half?
-Yes, ma'am.

Do you have a nine?

That's the biggest size
available in our stocks.

What about nine and a half?

[sighs] The biggest size we have
is eight and a half.

What about another style?

That red one might be better.

Can you get it? That one.

You already asked about that

and I told you we don't
have a size nine for it.

What's with the attitude?

I'm the customer here!
Get it. Go.

The nerve.

-Hey, Teresita!
-What are you doing here?

My man just arrived
from Hong Kong

so we decided to go out.

-How's your work?
-I can't stand it here.

You're acting up again.
Remember, 7,000 a month!

Not to mention your
monthly bills and food.

I know, I know.

That's why before you start
acting up again,

remember your responsibilities
in life.

Sara,
I really can't stand it here.

The customers are such snobs

and I have to stare
at disgusting feet all day.

-And I barely get paid enough.
-[chuckles] Oh, just let it be.

Can you find me a...

-Sara. Let's go.
-[gasps] Honey!

-You've met Tessie, right?
-Hm.

-All right, all right.
-Hey.

[laughs] Go on.

-[chuckles]
-Your man is really something.

He can smell you
from a mile away.

-Don't worry about him.
-Are you buying anything?

Maybe later.

If he gets in a bad mood,
I won't be able to shop anymore.

-Bye.
-All right.

[customer]
Miss, where are the shoes?

[Amboy]
Aside from her karaoke machine,

my mother's prized valuable
is her photo album.

I can tell Tessie's feeling down
when she gets quiet...

and just stares at her
collection of old pictures.

-Why are you drinking?
-Just something to keep me warm.

I'm really tired.

Is there a problem? Why are you
getting yourself drunk?

Having a few drinks

is different
from getting yourself drunk.

Massage my back.

It really hurts, right here.

Your father's so handsome.

Out of all the Americans
in the base,

Michael was the kindest
and most handsome.

Even if he never came back?

Don't blame him.

There's a reason
he didn't come back.

Tessie, what if he comes back
one day?

-Will you accept him?
-Of course. He's your father.

Wouldn't it be better
if our family's complete?

We'd be happier.

-You're right.
-A little harder, please.

[Amboy] The one picture
we have left of my father

has a huge tear.

Tessie tore it up
out of anger before.

As for the other photos,
she burned them all.

But then she changed her mind,

so she fixed my dad's picture
with tape.

I only remember him
through this picture.

I hope that one day,
I'd really get to know him.

I want to feel
what it's like to have a father.

After all,
everyone has a father.

But I don't want to keep
my hopes up.

I just tell myself
that he's never coming back.

Still, he never leaves my mind.

-Let's swap. This one's old.
-This one, too.

It's too old.

-Dude, look.
-He's the new kid, right?

-Yeah, the new tenant.
-He's got a nice bike.

-Wasn't that thrown out already?
-I think he fixed it.

-Cool.
-Let's talk to him.

You picked this up

from Mrs. Castillo's
garbage, right?

-Yeah.
-Cool.

How'd you fix it?

It wasn't really broken,
just out of shape.

So I cleaned it up
and adjusted the handles.

[chuckles] Nice.

You're cool, dude.
I'm Choy and this is Macoy.

-What's your name?
-Amboy.

[car tools clanging]

[Jessie] I think the problem's
with the alternator.

Hey, Amboy.

Is this yours?

No, it's my friend's.
He asked me to fix it.

It keeps breaking down,
especially in heavy traffic.

Probably because
of the terminal,

not the battery. Let me.

Where'd you learn that?

In 'Gapo, there were a lot
of Americans there.

And when they left,
they also left their cars.

I have a friend who fixes cars

and sells them
at a cheaper price.

And so I somehow worked
in his auto shop.

The battery wires
just need some cleaning.

-Okay, let's try it.
-All right.

[Jessie] Tessie! Tessie!

Oh! Jessie, what is it?

Mom asked me to get
the payment for the rent.

You see, I went to your house
the other day

but your Mom wasn't there.

Of course, I couldn't just
entrust the money to your maid.

Mama asked me
to get it from you.

Well, you see, Jessie,
it's like this.

I had to lend the 7,000

I reserved for the rent

to my friend.

Her husband had an emergency.

Is that so?

It was appendicitis,
so I had to help out.

Just tell your mother-in-law
that I'll pay her on...

Monday, perhaps?

She said you promised
to pay today.

Just explain it to her.

-But Tessie...
-I know she'll understand.

Tell her I'll surely give it on
Monday.

I'll even give her new bills so
it'll look good in her wallet.

-Okay.
-All right. Thanks.

Goodness, they just won't quit.

Told you it's expensive here.

You're not helping!

Where have you been?
Why are you coming in just now?

Good grief...

Don't give me that attitude!
Carry these groceries!

That'll leave marks
on the floor.

Take it out!

Hey, Amboy, come here.
Where were you?

Why do you leave
the house unattended?

What's there to steal here?

Who are those friends of yours?

Our neighbors.
What's wrong with that?

So that's why you just leave
the house unattended?

I had to avoid Miss Cedes

in case she asks me
for the rent.

Why are you changing the topic?

Tessie, we need to pay the rent.

That's 7,000 per month.

What do you think
I'm doing right now?

You're betting
on the lottery again.

You really think we'll win?

You're being negative
that's why we never get lucky!

Sit down.

I don't want you hanging around
with those boys.

It's all fun until you get
into all sorts of vices.

You'll learn how to drink
and play with women.

Amboy, are you courting someone?

Tessie, with all our problems,
I don't have time for that.

Carry on with your bets.

I'm sick of hearing
your stories.

That gimmick of yours
is overused.

Sara, you don't understand.

I'm not stupid to fall for that.

I just moved in.
I have so many expenses.

-I'm still trying to save...
-I don't have money.

It's not like I earn a lot
from selling shoes.

I said I don't have money.

But what about me
and your godson?

[scoffs] Why are you asking me?
Am I your nanny?

Even your mom gave up on you.
What makes you think I won't?

-It's just 7,000.
-"Just" 7,000?

Sara?

You were able to lend me 21,000.
What's seven more, right?

Tessie, I don't know if I
should kill you or slap you.

-Which one would you prefer?
-[man] Sara!

Oh! Honey!

Hi, honey, welcome home!
How was Hong Kong?

-We need to talk. Right now!
-Is there a problem, honey?

Go home.

What kind of attitude is that?

You're worse than the customers!
You can't be rude to them!

-But, ma'am--
-Good grief!

In case you've forgotten,

you're paid to serve
the customers!

If you don't have the patience
to help them try on shoes,

and if you can't stand holding
their feet,

then look for another job!

To think you're just
a contractual employee

and here you are,
acting like you own the place!

Unbelievable!

Foul-mouthed dwarf.

Acting like her store
is all that.

Fine then, I'm quitting.

So annoying.

-Excuse me, miss?
-What?

Do you have a size nine
for this?

[Cedes] I should just burn
that unit down.

The stress is killing me.
Look at what she's doing now.

That Tessie's hiding from us.

-Calm down, Mom.
-Eat up.

What do you want me to do?
Act nice all the time?

That woman's hustling us
right in our faces!

Mom, it's my birthday.
Let's just eat.

Happy birthday.

Mama, can we invite Amboy
to eat with us?

What?

Amboy's mom is hustling us

and you want
to invite them over?

Ma, we've got so much food.

We can't finish all this.

Besides, Miss Tessie isn't home.
Amboy's all alone there,

probably eating
pork and beans again.

[Angela] Amboy!

Amboy!

-Who's there?
-It's me.

-Who's there?
-Angela.

-What? Is it about the rent?
-No, I'm here to invite you.

-Where?
-My house.

It's Uncle Jessie's birthday
so we prepared a lot of food.

Aunt Laura even bought a cake.

-Come join us.
-Thanks, but I already ate.

-Pork and beans again?
-No, Vienna sausage.

Don't you want cake?
We have ice cream too.

Ice cream...

-What flavor?
-Strawberry.

Never mind, it's embarrassing.

We haven't paid
your grandmother yet.

Why be embarrassed?
She's the one inviting you.

♪ Where are you ♪

♪ Love of my life? ♪

♪ He who is willing ♪

♪ To rule my world ♪

♪ The answer ♪

♪ To all my prayers ♪

♪ The one
Who will only love me ♪

♪ How many times ♪

♪ Do I have to get hurt? ♪

♪ I give my heart away ♪

♪ To strangers ♪

♪ In the hope ♪

♪ Of being loved ♪

♪ And drowned ♪

♪ In someone's tight embrace ♪

Eat up, Amboy.

Amboy, what does
your mother do?

She sells shoes.

-Shoes?
-How about before that?

Tessie's been through
so many jobs.

She also sold books,
cemetery lots and coffins.

She even became a waitress.

But her real job
is an entertainer.

-What kind of entertainer?
-A singer.

A singer?

Ah, yes, I heard her singing
one time.

No wonder she just sells
shoes now.

What province
are you from, Amboy?

Pampanga, Olongapo.

That's where your mother
used to work?

She used to be a singer
in 'Gapo,

as well as in Angeles.

That's where she met
my American father.

When the base closed down,

she wanted us to move to Manila.

She didn't want to be
an entertainer anymore

and wanted a new career.

Did I mention
that she sold plastic basins

and buckets on the sidewalk?

-I don't think you did.
-Yeah, she used to do that.

Angela said you stopped
going to school?

Why don't you go
to school anymore?

Don't you want to?

-I do.
-Then why don't you?

We lack bread.

-"Bread?"
-Dough.

He means money.

-Why is it called "bread?"
-Just because.

-Miss Cedes?
-Yes?

Can I have another stick
of barbeque?

Sure. We've got plenty.

You already know a lot about me,

but you've hardly shared
anything about yourself.

What would you like to know?

Like I said, I work in a company
that imports luxury cars.

The expensive kind.

And I graduated from La Salle.

From La Salle?

Yes. And, what else...

I lost my parents
at a young age and...

I'm still a bachelor until now.

What? You're still a bachelor?

Why do you seem so surprised?

[chuckles] No reason.
So, you're still a bachelor?

-Well, isn't it obvious?
-[chuckles]

Well?

[door opens]

-Amboy, why are you still up?
-You two woke me up.

Uh, Danny,
this is my son, Amboy.

-Hi.
-Don't forget to lock the door.

Sorry, he's a bit moody
sometimes.

It's nothing.

I understand.

[Amboy] You're late for work.

It's my rest day.

Did your friend sleep here
last night?

No, Dad.
He didn't sleep here, Dad.

He just drove me home, Dad.
He went home right away, Dad.

Any other questions?

You're a real piece of work,
aren't you?

You're so rude!

Why?

Why? How could you treat
your Uncle Danny that way?

Uncle Danny?

I just met that idiot last night
and he's already my uncle?

Why, is he related
to Uncle Nick?

Or Uncle Arman?

How about Uncle Joseph?

Who else?

Don't talk to me that way!

You may be older now, but I can
still give you a beating!

Your Uncle Danny
is a decent man.

That's what you said about
Uncle Arman and Uncle Nick, too.

Danny is different!
He graduated from La Salle!

Not everyone can graduate
from that school.

He speaks English well,

he's admired and respected
by others, he's smart.

Hold on.
When did you meet this guy?

-Yesterday, at the store.
-Just yesterday?

You just met him yesterday

and you already know
a lot about him?

For goodness' sake, Tessie!

Who gave you a say in this?
You're just a kid!

I know more about people
than you do!

Your Uncle Danny
is a good person

and he loved my singing.

Why? Is he deaf?

Let's quit fighting.
I'm getting pissed off.

Let's fix this.

I want a serious conversation.
Sit down. Sit!

I admit, our life's
a mess right now.

Even you would agree
to that, right?

That's why we need
to start fixing our lives.

-Exactly. Then why--
-I'm not done talking yet.

You're getting older.
You're turning into a young man.

Your mustache is growing

and your voice
is starting to crack.

I don't know how to raise a man.

It's hard to understand men.

You're a man.

Sometimes,
I don't understand you.

I love you, even if I
don't understand you.

But you need a man
who can straighten you up.

I'm doing this
so you could have a decent

-and respectable father who--
-Tessie!

I already have a father.
He's in America.

[thumps] You're so rude!
Don't you talk to me that way!

I gave you your life!

Amboy! Go home.

Your Uncle Danny
bought a lot of food.

Let's go.

-Who's with your mother?
-She's getting played again.

Here, for your hard work.

I don't want any trouble
with your mom.

Bye.

What took you so long?
Come, let's eat.

Your Uncle Danny sold a car,

that's why he bought these
for us.

What do you call that car
you sold again?

BMW 5 Series.
An actor bought it.

-Tess, wait. That's my spoon.
-Why?

-Get another one.
-Oh.

Good afternoon.
Tessie, can we talk?

-Hold on.
-Sorry for interrupting.

There.

That's two months' worth
of rent,

for this month and the next.

Give that to your mother-in-law.

And tell her to call the bank
if she doubts this check.

-You need anything else?
-No.

Shove that down
your mom-in-law's throat.

All right, bye!

Why did you do that to him?

Forget about him!
Serves him right.

Come and eat!

[Amboy] I don't know
how I really feel about her.

Sometimes,
I want to grow up already

so I can work for the two of us.

This way, I won't be able to see
the foolish acts that she does.

But sometimes,
I want to grow up...

so I won't need her anymore

and leave her because no matter
what others tell her,

she still remains stubborn.

[Tessie and Danny laughing]

[Amboy] Her friends don't know

that Danny's
been visiting more frequently.

At first,
he'd visit twice a week.

-[Tessie squeals]
-Then it became thrice,

four, five times...

And now, every night.

Amboy?

-Amboy, what's wrong?
-Nothing.

Are you crying?

No.

Do you want to stay
in my house for a while?

Do you want me
to stay with you here?

Can I sit?

Your choice.

[sniffles]

It's okay.

What is?

Whatever it is.

Thank you.

[Tessie] What about this one?

[Danny]
With the additional options,

it costs around 5.3 million.

[Tessie] What? You can already
buy a house with that.

[Danny]
But look at how handsome it is.

Amboy, which one do you like?

There's no point in choosing one

because I know
I can't afford it.

That's why you should
want it more.

As they say,

the more you want something,
the more likely you'll get it.

You get what I mean?

I'm sure you and my Mom
will get along well.

Mr. Ramirez, I'd like you
to meet Tessie, my fiancée.

-Hi.
-Hi, how are you?

Fine, sir. Fine.

And this is her son,
Christopher.

[Mr. Ramirez]
Hello, Christopher.

I'm so happy
during moments like this.

Why?

Because I never experienced
this as a kid.

When I was staying
with my grandfather,

their whole family would go out,
including my cousins.

But I was never invited.

There was even a time,
one Christmas...

I was left alone in the house
with our two maids.

How come?

They went to Baguio
to spend Christmas...

without me.

It felt like...

You know.

They didn't want me
living with them.

But where could I go, Tessie?

When my parents died,

I was passed around
from one relative to another,

until I ended up with them.

Danny, stop it.
You're starting to make me cry.

Tess, no. I'm happy now.

No, correction.
I'm very, very happy.

It's like my dream come true.

To have a family.

[Amboy] Sometimes,
I want to believe him.

I told myself
to give him a chance.

Maybe Tessie's right.

He's a smooth talker,

and it's clear
that Tessie's crazy about him.

-Laura?
-Ma, look, they bought so much.

[woman] That's a lot of stuff...

[people chattering]

-[man] Help me with this one.
-[Danny] Tess...

Show them
where to put the chairs.

[Tessie]
Just take them inside.

Oh, this one's beautiful!
Thank you! [chuckles]

-[Danny] I'll take these inside.
-[Tessie] Be careful with those!

[woman] How lucky!

[woman 2]
Where'd that come from?

[Amboy] I can't blame my mother.
Danny's good at working things.

And no one has ever cared
for my mother this much before.

Answer me.
Am I getting lucky yet?

Was I right about my hunch
on this house?

Crazy woman.
You can't be too sure. And this?

All these? Are these appliances
already paid for?

Some are fully paid,
the others, by installment.

Then brag about it
when they're all fully paid.

Tessie, how well do you know
that man?

Look around!
Is this not enough proof?

I mean, with everything
I've been through,

I already know
how to manage things.

Hmm...

Danny is such a nice man!
He treats us like family.

And he treats Amboy
like his own son.

Do you see
how important this is to me?

If you say so.

Tessie, does that Danny
have a brother?

Give him my address in Olongapo.

Tell him I also need someone
who'll take care of me.

This is it!
This is the lucky break

that I knew would come
to me one day.

Amboy and I
will be happy at last.

He can go back to school.

I'll buy him imported clothes

so he won't feel left out
in La Salle.

[sighs] You still want to argue
with this crazy girl?

No way!

[Danny] No need. It's heavy.

[Tessie] That's why I'm helping.

-It's fine, I can manage.
-Amboy,

get your Uncle Danny's bag
outside.

-Why is his luggage here?
-Your Uncle Danny is moving in.

Hey, Amboy! Amboy!

It's your fault.
The kid lacks discipline.

Look. He's disrespecting you,
his own mother.

-[man speaking on TV]
-Tessie, my beer!

Amboy...

Don't turn your back on me
when I'm speaking to you!

You're such a rude kid.

[thuds]

Don't you disrespect me
in front of your Uncle Danny.

I don't care about him.
Why is he living here?

That's not part
of our agreement.

Wait, wait. Hold on.

I'm the mother here
and you're just my son.

I don't need your permission
to do whatever I want.

If my parents can't stop me
from doing what I want,

-what makes you think you can?
-Tessie.

Hold on. I need to straighten
this kid up.

Let me.

Amboy, I was never selfish
when it came to you.

I did everything
to provide for you.

Don't treat me like this
in return.

Let me handle this.

[sighs]

Amboy...

We need to discuss matters

regarding the order
in this house.

I know that
you don't want me here.

I know that
you're giving your mother...

a hard time so that...

she will ask me to leave.

I guarantee you

that it's not going to happen.

Why?

Because I'm already a part
of this home.

Are we clear?

Understand?

If your mom
cannot discipline you,

and you get to do anything
you want...

that will change.

As long as I'm the one
putting food on the table...

buying the clothes you wear

including this bed you sleep on,

then I'm in charge here.

I'm not saying this
to punish you.

One of these days,
you'll thank me for this.

And one more thing.

The next time I see you
being rude to your mom...

I'll punch you.

I don't care what she says.

-You bastard!
-[people clamoring]

-Don't hide from me!
-Please stop it!

I know you're in there
with your woman!

Come out here, Danny!

-Who's that?
-I don't know.

[gasping] Open this!

Come out, Danny!

Hey! Why are you making a scene?

Stay out of this!
This doesn't concern you!

I know, but you're causing
a scene in front of my house!

-[Monica] Stay out of this!
-Miss, please stop.

-What's going on?
-[Monica] Danny, come out here!

[Danny] Monica!

Try lying to me now.

Tell me that you don't have
another woman!

-Leave, Monica.
-Why should I?

You care about
what these people might think?

You don't want them to know

how you just left
after you grew tired of me?

Hold on. Can you two
just talk inside?

[Monica] You bastard!

Or just go somewhere else.
Don't argue here.

-Leave, Monica.
-No!

You don't want to?

-[groaning]
-Come here.

-Come here!
-You bastard!

-Let me go.
-Go!

-Move!
-[laughing]

You're leaving
whether you like it or not!

No!

-Get in!
-You bastard!

Drive if you don't want
to get hurt!

You bastard! You monster!

[crowd chattering]

What are you looking at?
What?

Amboy, you really have
a nice family! [laughing]

Happy family!

Why didn't you tell me?

Tell you what?

Monica and I have been over
for a long time.

If it's over,
then why was she here?

Why are you asking me?

I don't know
how that woman thinks.

-You told me you were single.
-Stop it.

What are the neighbors
going to say?

That woman caused a scene
on the street!

I said stop it.

It's so humiliating!

-[screams]
-[breaks]

When I tell you to stop,
you stop!

Look what you did.

You ruined the set.

Amboy, clean that up.

Someone might step on that.

Mm. Tessie.

[Tessie] I know
what you're gonna say.

He didn't mean that.

It's that girl's fault.

And now you're taking his side.

Use your head.

I feel this way

because I have already done
some thinking.

Amboy,

just give me this one.

I just want us to be happy,

and have a good life.

I'm already having a hard time.

Danny...

...cares for us.

No one has cared for me
that much before.

Do you really love him?

He loves us.

Amboy, please!

Just give me this one, okay?

You're a good kid, right?

You're just stubborn sometimes.

Try to be less stubborn, please?

Accept him, so we won't have
any more trouble here.

Danny is a good father.

So?

Can you give me a chance?

For you...

...okay.

Chance.

[chuckles]
Can I have a kiss? Mm!

[chuckles] What a good kid!

If he hurts you,
he'll answer to me.

No need. I'll kill him first
before you do.

Amboy, there's a reason
why we have utensils.

[Amboy] I allowed Danny
to act as my dad.

Tessie's so thrilled about it.

She likes seeing Danny
boss me around.

The more Danny hounds me,

the more he becomes
the king of the house.

Amboy, are you done?

Press down harder. Like this.

Clean this part, too.

[Amboy] I kept my mouth shut

because I made a promise
to my mother.

Danny probably thinks
I'm warming up to him.

I even forget
to think of myself sometimes.

It feels natural
for him to boss me around,

scold me.

And like what he always tells
my mother, it's for discipline.

You're so sweet, Danny.

-[giggles]
-Looks good on you.

-Here's more.
-[gasps] Wow, it's beautiful!

[Amboy] All I know is that
Tessie's really happy.

I've never seen her this happy,

even though Danny is slowly
changing who my mother is.

If it makes her happy,
who am I to stop it?

Wow. This will look good on him.
Oh, there's cologne!

I thought she gave it
to you earlier.

Jessie, have you seen my bike?

-Didn't you leave it there?
-I saw it there last night.

It's missing.

That's because you left it
outside.

You can't be too sure
about the people out here.

All right.

I'm sure it's gone.

Where else could we possibly
find your bike?

It's mine and I won't stop
until I find it.

What are you guys talking about?

-Amboy's bike is missing.
-Have you seen my bike?

I'm not really sure, since
all bikes look the same to me...

Just tell me.

I saw Bimoy and his friends
carrying a bike earlier.

I think they were headed
to the plaza,

but I'm not sure
if that was your bike.

Hey! Amboy! Amboy!

Hey, I'm not sure
about that, okay?

[indistinct chattering]

Hey, why do you have this?
This is mine!

And who told you
that it's yours?

Hey! This kid...

Don't mind him. He takes after
his deranged mother.

-This bike is mine.
-Why are you so arrogant, huh?

Strutting around here

just because
you have an American dad?

Think you're a big shot? Huh?

This bike is mine.

Give him back his bike.
He might cry.

He'll run crying
to his mom's sugar daddy.

-That old man can only...
-Arrogant kid.

-Bimoy, get my bike back.
-Give me that!

-I said the bike's mine! Hey!
-Oh, is that so?

-[grunts]
-[clatters]

-All right! [laughs]
-Oops! My bad!

-What?
-What a lame bike.

-[clatters]
-Wooh!

Do you want me to do
the same thing to you?

Let's go.

Wanna fight?

-What?
-Let's go.

Hey! You three dimwits,
clean that up.

-[clatters]
-[man 1] Crappy bike.

[Danny] Sir, as far as I know,

my accounts
are fully liquidated.

You can ask Fely.

I already consulted with her

when your accounting
didn't match.

She couldn't give me
an explanation.

Sir, considering my track record

and my sales performance
in this company...

I am not questioning that,
Danny.

I want to know

how almost 330,000 pesos
from car sales

aren't reflected in our books.

Sir, this job
is important to me,

and so is my credibility.

That's why we're clearing
things up, Danny.

When can you give me
your computation

so I can get
to the bottom of this?

[Danny]
They're just jealous of me.

I already know someone
is spreading rumors about me.

It's not my fault that
my coworkers are all idiots!

You should have told
your boss...

That guy's an idiot too.

He only got that position
because his uncle is the owner.

Even so, Danny.

You should have told him

that the people there
are after you.

You think you know better?

Are you the one working there?

Do you know what's really
happening there?

Danny, I'm just trying to help.

They can't fool me.

No matter what tricks they pull,

they can't take me down.

Maybe they think
you're pocketing the sales...

What?

What did you say?

Who benefits from my earnings?
Where does that money go?

To you and your son, right?

[Tessie crying]

[hoots] There she goes
with her theatrics!

Your mom should've been
an actress...

...not a singer.

So dramatic!

[Bimoy] She's beautiful.

-The one I saw looks better.
-[Bimoy] Where?

She's sexy.
Prettier than your girl.

[Bimoy]
Tell me when you see her.

You sure that's Bimoy's jeep?

Yeah. That's what he uses
when he goes out.

-[Bimoy] Let's call her.
-All right, she better be sexy.

-Dude, are you sure...
-He broke my bike.

Now, we're even.

I'm not sure.
I'll ask Danny first.

I can't just go out
with you guys on a whim.

Sara, it's not that I'm locked
up in here,

of course
I have to take care of Danny.

I'll call you later.
Danny's here. Bye.

Danny, what happened?

That idiot Ramirez told me
to resign,

or else they'll sue me
for theft.

Did you tell him
about your coworkers?

No one will believe me.

No matter what I say,
no one will believe me.

They think I'm a thief.

Danny, you lost your job?

What's going to happen?
What about the bills...

All you think about is yourself!

Everytime you see me,
all you think about is money!

Money!

"Where will we get the money
for the refrigerator?"

"Who'll pay for the electricity
and our food?"

Goddammit!

I'm sick and tired of it.
What about me, Tessie?

They mistreat me in that office.

I brought in millions
of profit for them,

and yet how much
do I earn in return?

A handful!

Meanwhile, that Ramirez sits
comfortably in his office

doing nothing,

while I try my best to convince
those customers to buy cars.

I'm only getting
what's rightfully mine!

All my life, I was oppressed.

I'm only claiming
what I deserve.

And because of that,
they're calling me a thief?

A thief, Tessie!

No...

I worked hard to get
where I am today.

And keep in mind that I got here
without anyone's help!

[Cedes] Tessie!

-I'll get it.
-[Cedes] Tessie!

Tessie, come here.

-What is it?
-Someone's looking for you.

What is it?

There are people looking
for you. It's about Amboy.

-What is it?
-Are you Amboy's dad?

-No, but she's the mother.
-I'm his mother. What's wrong?

Do you know
what your foolish kid did?

He slashed my jeep's tires!

Hold on, how can you be sure
that it was Amboy?

He left this behind.

Someone saw him slash the tires.

He dropped that
when he ran away.

This is Amboy's, right?

Where is your son?

-Where is Amboy?
-Danny, I don't know.

Don't just stand there!
Go to your son!

Danny, wait! Danny!

Amboy!

-Amboy!
-Amboy, run.

-Danny! Danny!
-Macoy, let's go.

-[Tessie] Danny!
-Where are you going?

-[man] Look, it's Amboy!
-[grunts]

-Trying to run, huh?
-[Tessie] Danny, no!

-Don't hurt my son!
-Stop it!

-[Tisay] Stop it!
-Stay out of this!

-[grunting]
-Move!

[crying] Don't hurt Amboy!

-Stop it!
-Stay out of this!

You're tough, huh? Come here.

[clamoring]

Danny!

[Cedes] Have pity on the child!

Let go of me!

I will, after I'm done with you!

[Amboy] Tessie!

Tessie!

[Danny]
Let's see how tough you are.

-Come here.
-[Amboy] Tessie!

[Danny] Come on, fight!
You want to punch me?

-[crying] Danny!
-[Danny] You want to punch me?

Danny!

-Danny!
-[Amboy groaning]

-Danny!
-[Danny] You want some more?

-You want more?
-Amboy...

-[Danny] You wretched kid!
-Have pity on the kid.

-[Amboy] Help me, Tessie!
-[Danny] Fight back!

I thought you were tough!

Amboy?

Amboy?

Amboy, open the door.

I'm not mad anymore.

[Amboy]
I've suffered through a lot.

I just keep my mouth shut.

I just don't share it
with others.

I've gone through
all kinds of pain...

Some easily heal,

while some keep coming back

even when the wounds
have already healed.

Let's go.
Your mom's looking for you.

Uncle Jessie, what about Amboy?

We can't do anything for him.

Let's go.

See? What did I tell you?

You kept insisting

he's a saint sent down
from heaven.

Kick that bastard
out of your house.

-I can't do that.
-Why not? He hurt your kid!

Tessie, do you want me to smash
this plate on your face?

Has that Danny brainwashed you?
You used to be so clever.

Now, you're just a fool.

How can I kick him out

when everything in that house
came from him?

He pays for the rent
and all the household expenses.

You'd rather let the two of you
get beaten up

than die of hunger?

She's right!

You both managed to survive
without him in the past.

Why can't you just kick
that man out?

You don't understand.
It was Amboy's fault.

And Danny's just going through
some problems

because he got fired.

Who doesn't have problems?

It's about dealing with them
the right way.

We'll get through this.

When? When you and your son
are both dead?

Amboy!

Amboy!

Why is it so messy in here?

Your shoes are everywhere.

Put them away,
clean up the house!

[Amboy]
Danny couldn't find a job.

The news about him
stealing money travelled fast.

While he's struggling
to find work,

he directs his frustration
at us.

We never do anything right.

Everything must be in order,

even if our own lives aren't.

Hello, sir. Good evening, sir,
ma'am. Welcome.

This way, sir, ma'am.

There's still a lot of guests.

[Amboy] At first, Danny didn't
want my Mom to go back to work.

But with no money coming in,

and Danny unable to find a job,

he knew my mother had to look

-for a temporary job.
-[customer] Thank you.

Tessie was back to working
night after night.

[knocking on door]

Where have you been?

The restaurant closes
at midnight.

There was a wedding.

We waited for the guests
to go home.

-That's why I'm late.
-Hmm.

Wedding, huh?

Who's the guy you were with?

Danny, I'm tired.

Are you complaining because
I'm the one you're feeding now?

Are you blaming me
for your life's troubles?

You're the one
who brought me bad luck.

If I find out
you're cheating on me,

I'll kill you.

Remember that.

I'll kill you.

[knocks]

Tessie?

Tessie?

Tessie!

Tessie!

Your Uncle Danny left.

I saw him leave earlier,

probably an hour
after your mother left.

Don't you have any keys?

I left them inside.

Have you eaten?

Come, eat with us.

So now your mother's working

while that man
sits pretty in the house.

Ma, stop it.

Why? I'm just stating
facts here.

Amboy, you can think
more clearly than your mother.

Talk to her.

-Can he really do that?
-Why not?

Look at what's happening
to the kid.

Amboy, that man treats you
that way

because you're not his real son.

-And...
-Ma, stop it.

Amboy, don't you have
other relatives?

I don't know.
I haven't met any of them.

Even a cousin?
An uncle or an aunt?

I have aunts, but not by blood.

They were my Mom's coworkers
at a club in 'Gapo.

Oh no! You definitely can't go
to those women.

Always remember, Amboy,

if you need anything,

don't hesitate
to ask for our help.

Mama and I
are always here anyway.

Besides, you're like family.

What is it, Amboy?

-Aunt Maribeth.
-Where's Tessie?

She's still asleep.
She got home late from work.

-Is he Christopher?
-Yeah.

Amboy, this is Melinda.

She was looking for you
back home.

She wants to talk
to you and Tessie.

No one lives in the last address
we went to.

We've already traced
a number of kids

whose fathers were assigned
in Subic and Clark.

-Our organization--
-[Tessie] Hold on, hold on.

Can you speak slower?

My mind isn't functioning yet,
since you guys woke me up.

[Melinda]
I'm a part of an organization

acting as a go-between

for the American servicemen
and their children

whom they have left behind

in the countries
where they were assigned.

Tessie, your Michael Dahoff
is coming back.

What?

He asked
for our organization's help

in finding you and your son.

Tessie, did you hear that?
My father's coming back.

Don't butt in.
I'm getting confused.

My goodness,
what else don't you understand?

He's coming back for your kid.

What's wrong with that?

It's good that your son
will finally meet his father.

[sighs] That bastard.

He left us
and promised to come back.

And then he returns
after 15 years?

-And...
-And what?

He kept his promise.
He came back.

I thought you said

that your son's future
was your main concern?

-How is this...
-Am I right?

How is this a solution
to Amboy's future?

What kind of a future
can you give him?

How well do you think
are you raising him?

[scoffs] You're his mother

and yet he calls you
by your name.

I was still a kid then, too.

I didn't want him to call me
"Mommy."

He's still your son,
and that American is his father.

Be practical.

If you really love him,

you'll do everything
to give him a bright future.

I'm running late.

That's your problem.

You only hear what you want.

Tessie, do I look okay?

Come here
so I can fix your collar.

[exhales] My son is so handsome.

Show that Michael what he missed

for not being with you
all these years.

Tessie, why won't you come
with me?

-He wants to see you, too.
-Some other time.

Tessie, I bet he'll be glad
to see you.

He came here for you, not me.

You told me your dream...

...is for the three of us
to be reunited.

I'm not yet ready to face him.

We haven't seen each other
for a long time.

I don't know how I should behave
in front of him.

I'm nervous.

I don't know how
to speak English.

How will we understand
each other?

That's not a problem
because you're his son.

You don't know English,
he doesn't know Tagalog.

That makes you even.

You know, Tessie,
I love you so much.

I love you so much, too.

Son, give me a kiss.

-Fine, fine.
-[smooches, chuckles]

-[grunts]
-Hmm!

Ouch!

All right.

I don't want to crumple
your shirt.

Your father might say
I don't take care of you.

-Go.
-I'll be back later.

[indistinct chatter]

Are you sure he knows
that I'm coming today?

Yes, we've already talked.

He'll be here any minute now.

He's probably in his room
preparing himself.

There he is. That's your father.

Uh... Hi. Sorry to keep
you guys waiting.

It's all right.
We're a bit early.

We overestimated the traffic
from their house to the hotel.

Christopher, he's your father.
Michael, your son.

-Hi.
-Hi.

[clears throat, chuckles]

-[Michael] So how's your mother?
-Okay.

Well, I was really hoping
to see her.

How come she's not here?

[Melinda] She's quite busy.
She has some appointments today.

I see. It's okay.

Well, you must be in high school
now, Christopher. Right?

Well, I assumed
that since you're fifteen...

Michael, he stopped studying.

What? Why?

We can talk about that
some other time.

I'm very sorry
to hear that, son.

[chuckles]
You don't say much, do you?

I cannot talk English.
Only little.

Oh. That's okay.

That's okay. That's fine.

Look, I brought
some things for you.

They're just little things,
nothing really. Some clothes,

I've got some shirts,
but they're probably too big.

And I've got some
for Tessie, too.

They're upstairs in the room.

We'll get them later.

And, um, there's something else

I'd like to show you,
Christopher.

Um...

Those are
your brothers and sisters

in Baltimore, America.

That's Steven, he's the eldest.
He's about eleven.

That's Mark,
and that's baby Amy.

That other woman there,

that woman's my wife,

Jenny.

Wife?

Um, he has another family
in America, Christopher.

It's too big.

I don't want any clutter
around here, Amboy.

I told you
to open those upstairs.

Tessie, for you.

What?

It's in my bag.
I think it's for you.

-Throw those away.
-But they're his gifts for you.

Give them back
the next time you see him.

Tell him I already have
enough bags.

Wait.

What's your problem?
He gave you a nice gift.

And yet you have the guts
to get mad?

What is this, a bribe?

To win me over
after abandoning us?

He's a monster.

A bag and... What is this?

What does he think of me,
a child?

Why are you mad?

Because until now, he's still
making a fool out of me!

He wanted to see you,
but you didn't go to the hotel.

That devil.
Who does he think he is?

A god who sits around waiting
to be worshipped?

He knows where I live.

If he wants to see me,
then he should come here!

Hold on.

Are you mad because...

...his gift wasn't cash?

What did you say?

That's what you're really after,
right?

For Amboy's father to pay back

every cent you spent
raising that...

...fake American boy,

-who's also a gift from him.
-I don't care about the money.

I don't need his green money.

What I'm fighting for
is my dignity! [grunts]

[door opens, closes]

[sighs] Your mother's
being dramatic again.

-[Angela] Hi.
-Hey.

-Are you going with your dad?
-Where?

To Baltimore, of course.

I don't even know
where Baltimore is.

I looked it up
in the encyclopedia.

Baltimore is in Maryland

and they have a famous
baseball team

called the Baltimore Orioles.

Don't talk in English.
We won't understand each other.

Sorry.

You still haven't answered
my question.

-Are you leaving with your dad?
-If Tessie's going too.

Why would Tessie go?
Your Uncle Danny is here.

Is that a problem?

Then we leave without him!

Why should I care?
We're not related to him anyway.

-[Tessie] That's mine!
-[Danny] Give me the money!

Amboy, your mother!

-That's my money!
-This is mine! [crying]

[Danny] I know
you're cheating on me!

-Tessie!
-[Danny] I've had enough!

-[screaming, crying]
-[grunting]

Let me go!

Amboy! Amboy! Mom!

-[clamoring]
-Let go of me!

Come here!

-Get in there!
-Let me go! [groans]

Stay there!

[Amboy] Tessie!

Tessie!

Tessie! Tessie!

-[Amboy] Tessie!
-[bawling]

-You're cheating on me?
-[screaming]

Tessie!

[Danny] I'll kill you, Tessie.
I'll kill you!

-Hey!
-Let go of her!

-Danny, stop it!
-Get out!

-We're calling the cops!
-What are you doing to her?

-Danny!
-Open this!

-Get out!
-[Tessie screaming]

[Cedes] Danny, you bastard!

Where are you Tessie?
You're helping him?!

-No! Come here!
-[Amboy] Tessie!

-Come here, Tessie!
-[clamoring]

-I'm so sick of you!
-Amboy!

Don't worry, we got back at him.

I kicked him right in the nuts.

The dimwit couldn't even stand.

What did he do to you?
What happened to your face?

[sobbing]

How can I go to work
looking like this?

Kick him out.

As if that's an option.

If he doesn't want to go,
then we'll leave.

That's what we always do
when there's trouble, right?

We're good at running away.

Run away? How?

He'll find us, and hurt us.

Stop making excuses, Tessie.

I know you don't want
to leave him.

Even if he's hurting both of us,
you still love him.

Because the two of us
won't survive.

So you just accept
what he's doing?

Let's say you do love him.
Do you love him more than me?

If you don't leave him, Tessie,
I'll go with my Dad to America.

Are you threatening me?

I'm not. I'm just telling you
how I feel.

If you don't leave him,
then I'll leave with my Dad.

Go ahead.

You think I'll break down
if you leave?

I've suffered for a long time
because of you.

I've lost so many things
because I had to raise you.

Had I been selfish then,

I would have thrown you away

so that someone else
could raise you.

And now, you're threatening me?

Fine, go with him.

You and your American dad
can both go to hell!

I'll even throw a party

because at last,
I'll be put out of my misery.

I won't have to humiliate myself

and sing at clubs anymore
just so I could feed you!

What are you waiting for?
I thought you were leaving?

Go! Get out!

You ruined my life!

[sobbing]

-All right.
-Now what?

-Is that all you're bringing?
-Yeah.

Let's go to the car.

Bye.

There is no greater sin

than a parent neglecting
her child.

Even a dog defends her puppies.

But when a mother neglects
her child,

she can never be forgiven.

Well, the capital's depending
on what prospect it'll risk.

Amboy, do you know

-your dad's room number?
-Yeah.

Do you want us to accompany you?

No, it's okay. Thank you.

-All right.
-We can wait for you here.

It's fine. Thanks again.

Take care of yourself.
Write to us, okay?

Just tell me what gifts
you'd like from America,

I'll send them to you.
And please watch over my mother.

Take care of yourself.

Take care.

Bye.

Let's go.

Christopher, hi! Hey.

-Hi, Daddy.
-Hi.

Uh, I was just packing.

My flight's at three
in the afternoon.

Um, does your mother know
you're here?

-Yes.
-Yeah?

Is there a problem?
Is there something wrong?

Uh... I'll go with you
to America now...

...with you, Daddy.

I see.

So, um...

...you wanna go
with me to the States?

Yes!

Christopher...

I want you to listen
to me, okay?

I came all this way to see you.

[chuckles] You already
know that, don't you?

When I left you and your mother
15 years ago...

...behind, I never forgot you.

Even if I got my own family
back home,

you were always in my mind.

I never forgot you.

You understand that.

If I had it my way,
I would take you with me,

I would bring you... I swear.

[chuckles] But, Christopher,
it's not that easy...

[stammers]

There's some difficult things...

It's not simple, my boy.

You understand me?

No.

Uh...

Sit down, Chris. Come.

Christopher,

it's like this.

I have my own family.

My wife?

She knows all about you.

But I have children.

They're too young.
They won't understand...

...about you,

who you are,

why you're here
and they won't understand

about your mother and me.

It's not good.

It's not good for you
to go with me to America.

You cannot go.

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

But I'll make it up to you,
okay?

You're not gonna lose a father.

I lost my father,
you won't lose yours. I promise.

We're gonna write to each other.

I have your address,
you have mine,

and we'll communicate.

And maybe in time,
in the future when...

Well...

I promise you, I'm gonna make it
up to you, my boy.

I really will. I really will.

But right now,
you have to stay here.

Okay?

With your mother.
She needs you.

Your mother is a loving,
loving woman.

Even as far back
as I can remember...

Christopher.

Christopher!

Just take it.

-Thank you.
-Bye.

What now?

You went through my things.

-You thief!
-What?

Where's the money I hid in here?

Shut up before the landlady
hears you again.

Make me a cup of coffee.

You bastard!

You monster!

You're denying it, you thief!

I said shut up.

I chose you over my son

and this is what you do.

-Move over.
-You're worthless!

No one loves you
because you only love yourself!

You're greedy!

How much money
was in that can of yours?

How much did you trick me
into spending for this house?

If I'm greedy,
then you're a user.

You're worthless now.

Men leave you because they see
how stupid you are!

[sighs]

Your own son left you
because you're of no use to him.

[bawling]

You want to count
how much we've spent?

-Fine. Stay there!
-Ah!

Okay!

Let's start!

I gave you this, right?

-Right?
-[clattering]

Stop it!

-This pottery. It's mine!
-Stop it!

-Uh...
-Stop it!

Uh... This and that one...

This one.
I gave this to you, right?

-I said enough!
-[clattering]

This one. I'm sure that this
came from me. Am I right?

-Right?
-[clattering]

Get out of here! You bastard!
You monster!

[bawling]

You're ungrateful.

I gave you everything and now
you're calling me names?

Where are you going?

I've had enough of you.

Come here.

Is that Amboy?

-I thought he already left?
-Amboy! Amboy!

-Hurry! Your mom...
-Why?

Tessie!

Tessie!

Wait, we can handle this.

[groans]

Amboy? What are you doing here?

[sobbing]

Amboy...

Mama?

Mama...

Mama.

-[Tessie sobbing]
-[Amboy crying]

-Amboy.
-Mama.

Don't leave me again, okay?

I didn't mean what I said.

I was just angry.

-Don't leave me again.
-I won't leave you again, Mama.

[door opens]

-Why?
-Someone's here.

[stammers]
Did you lock the door?

Did you use the chains?

I'm not sure.

Are you crazy? Put that down!

If he hurts you again,

-I'll bash his head in.
-Shut up.

-Give it to me.
-No!

[shushes]

-[grunts]
-[shushes]

What are you doing here?

What's that for?

Get out of my house.

You're not welcome here.

Get out.

Tessie, can't we talk this over?

My Mom doesn't want
to talk to you.

You're not wanted here.

So, your American son is back.

Why?

His father
didn't want him either?

Leave!

I admit...

...I was wrong.

I didn't mean for it to happen,
Tessie.

But you started it.

I did everything
so we could be a family.

You, me...

...your son.

But you didn't care
about any of that.

What was your condition
before I came along?

We don't need you!

And don't you say
that you loved us.

-I loved you.
-You didn't love us!

-I just did what's right!
-If you hurt my son,

I'll kill you.

I'm not kidding. I'll kill you.

You can't do that to me, Tessie.

I know you.

Even if you keep telling
yourself otherwise,

you can't live without me.
[grunts]

[clamoring]

Gotcha!

[grunting]

You bastard!

My god!

My god! I think I killed Danny!

Amboy, check on him!

-Hurry!
-Wait!

He's still alive.

-What?
-He's still breathing.

-[stammers] Are you sure?
-Yeah.

-Tessie, Ma!
-What mess is this now?

-Mama...
-What is this?

-Oh, my god.
-Is he dead?

-What did you do to Danny?
-My mother just fought back.

Fought back?!

-This is what I was afraid of!
-Mama...

-Mom, that's enough.
-You bring nothing but trouble!

Look at the trouble
you've caused! Huh?

-Ma, he's still alive.
-Let's call a doctor, Jessie.

-Hold on.
-Mama...

Look at what you've done!

-No... he's still alive.
-Mama, calm down.

-Huh?
-He's still alive.

So, is your mother awesome
or what?

[Amboy] My mother swore to me,

she'll never have
a boyfriend again

[indistinct dialogue]

because according to her,
men bring her bad luck.

She says it's fine that I'm

the only guy in her life
for now.

Maybe she's serious this time.

She also found a new job.

She's had enough
of sleepless nights.

Her new work entails

flattering women to get them
to use beauty products.

My mother's good at flattery.

That's why she easily attracts
the customers.

-[customer] Really?
-Unlike you. You look so young.

-[customer chuckles]
-You look thirty-something.

-Oh, that's too much.
-[laughs]

[Amboy] I told my mother
I want to study

so I won't grow up stupid.

Because stupid people
tend to grow up as jerks.

So, I'll study while working

as a part-time mechanic
with Jessie.

-You're wearing makeup?
-Yeah, so what?

We just came here to shop
and you're made up.

So what? Don't you want
your mother to look pretty?

Whatever.

Let's go!

[Amboy] There may be changes,
or none at all.

We'll never know
what the future holds.

But nothing will change
between me and my mother.

If there's one thing
we've learned

it's that we both got
each other's back.

Come what may,
as long as we're together.

We make a good team,

and it'll be hard
to bring us down.

[theme music playing]