They say fairy tales
are far from real life. But we receive stories
about lives that are like fairy tales. Just like this story from Iloilo
when MMK was there. Friends, if there
is a male Cinderella, it's Jerome Penides
from Manduryao, Iloilo City. [Jerome] Dear Charo, once upon a time in our kingdom
at Pototan Iloilo, there was a prince
living happily even if they are poor,
like in fairy tales. Like in fairy tales, heaven sent him a surprise. -[Inday speaking in Ilonggo]
-Inday? Inday... [Inday speaking in Ilonggo] [sighs] [clears throat] [sighs] Sorry, children. Dad doesn't have money. I don't know
how to pay off our debts. But this is will only last until we pay off
what we owe to them. Which one, Dad? For Sylvia, your grandmother. [clears throat] Uh... She paid for everything. For Inday's operation. She needs some help
at their house. Like an errand boy. She wants one of you
to work for her to pay our debt. So one of you will work for your grandmother Sylvia. -Rolly, you're older.
-[sighs] You're also stronger. You're dependable when it comes to house chores
or in the fields. So... you will remain in the house. Jerome, you will work
for Grandma Sylvia. [clicks tongue]
I don't want to, Dad. I want to stay here. Your Grandma Sylvia has money. You can eat well there. You can taste meals that you
can't have here in the farms. What's more, you can study. She'll send you to school. You can finish your education. Dad, you can say whatever you
want but I don't want to do it. Enough. Stop crying. You're a man,
you should be brave. -[lock clangs]
-Men don't cry. [speaking in Ilonggo] [sniffling] [Sylvia] Hey, what? [Jerome sniffling] Life is harsh
and it's better to know that while you're young. Follow me. Faster. [Sylvia] If you're obedient,
we won't have any problems. It's your job to fetch water,
tend to the garden, and sweep the floor. I don't like lazy people. I don't like it
when people are slow. What? I just said I don't like
slow people. What are you doing?
Are you dumb? Upstairs! Be thankful you're going
to live in this household. [Sylvia scoffs] Otherwise,
you will rot at the farm. [scoffs] And I want you to know that everything in this house
is important to me. So don't go touching stuff. And don't you... Don't! [Sylvia speaking in Ilonggo] I'm the only one
who can sit there. I don't want it to get dirty.
Understood? This is my room. Don't touch anything
unless I say so. That's my mother's room. Your Grandma Puring. Over there. But you're not obligated
to take care of her. That's Lucring's job. That's my child Digna's room. Come, follow me. This is the Lucring
the helper's room. But you can't stay together because you're a boy
and she's a girl. Hey, what are you looking at? What did I tell you? Troublemakers have no future. You're annoying. Okay, hurry up then. You're so slow! I'm hungry. [Sylvia] Come, follow me. Over here. There. We have a lot of boxes
and old curtains. Make use of it.
Turn it into a bed. You're used to beds
like this, right? No, I sleep on a bamboo bed. Hey, don't be smart with me. I don't like smart alecks. Oh, it's better to sleep
on the floor. It feels fresh. Get out of there! Out! [Sylvia] Lucring, hurry up.
What are you doing? Am I going to eat or what? [Digna] ...which we're about
to receive from thy bounty through Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lucring speaking in Ilonggo] [Sylvia] Lucring, what is this? It's bent. When will you learn? [Lucring] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Can't you get
the simplest thing right? -Look at this.
-I'm sorry. I'll fix it. [Puring] Sylvia, where's
Lucring? I'm hungry... -Food...
-Mom doesn't have food yet. -What's wrong with you, Lucring?
-I'm on my way, on my way. You're so stupid! Hey, what are you
spacing out for? Feed my child. Yes? Yes, yes. [Sylvia sighs heavily] Can't we eat
the leftover fried chicken, pork adobo and pork chop
from earlier? [chuckles] They're only
for her grandchildren. This is for us. Hurry up. I'm so hungry. You know, it's like I work
three jobs here. And since Grandma Sylvia
gives a lot of orders, I have to bring a list. Problem is she is so chatty, she's already finished talking
while I grab a pen and paper. And she's not my only boss here. Her children are also my boss. Sometimes Digna makes me
clean her house. -[Jerome speaking in Ilonggo]
-[Lucring] Hmm-mm. Digna is just like her mother. She hits me on the head
with a dipper once a month. But why? All I know is she hits me
with a dipper every second week of the month. Why do you allow it? Because I need to work. No one else
can support my kids but me. And I'll endure everything
just so they can be happy. Won't they be happy
if you're with them? Take care of them instead. If I were you,
I'd leave this place. Don't worry,
I'll talk to Grandma Sylvia. I'll tell her she's too much. [laughs]
You think she'll listen to you? Of course. She's my grandmother. She's my father's aunt. Dad said we're blood-related. You don't want to believe me? Don't, Auntie! Don't, Auntie! Get out! Get out, you scum! I didn't mean to say that. I didn't do it
on purpose, Auntie. I'm helping you
and you're angry? I don't care if we're related!
Remember that! [man] Auntie, don't! [Sylvia]
I'll kill you! You ingrate! Are you trying
to make me look bad? Hey, what are you doing there? -What do you want? What?
-Uh... Nothing, I just want to ask
if you have a task for me. I don't! I don't! Go to sleep! You'll work tomorrow! Here, take this
to the kitchen. Faster! Yes. [door slams shut] It's late
but you're still sleepy? Hey, there's a lot
of work to do. You sleep like a log. You're so young
but you're so lazy. Hey, the world isn't going
to wait for you to wake up and give you blessings. Everyone is awake except you! [rooster crowing] What? What are you looking at? Move it! Hurry! You're so lazy! [scoffs] Jerome, fill it up. [Sylvia]
Hey, you, you're so stubborn. If I had enough of you,
I'll have you buried alive. You're better off
giving me flowers. I don't have time to wait. My fertilizer is going to waste. [Jerome laughs] What are you
standing around for? You have a lot of work to do. You need to water the plants. Faster, faster, faster. -[Jerome] Yes.
-Move it. Hurry. [Jerome] Hey. Hey, get out of there.
I'll fall. Hey, move. Move away.
Don't play here. [Digna] What are you doing? Hey, get inside.
I've been looking for you. Go inside. Come.
Follow your brother. Stay inside your room. Why, you!
You turned me into a gumamela. -I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.
-[Sylvia] Stop making excuses! Come down here. Come down. Take this.
Come with me to the market. Curses. Curse this kid. [Jerome] But I'm still lucky. I haven't read any fairy tales where the oppressed prince
or princess was sent to school. Make sure you've finished
what I told you to do. Yes, Grandma.
I'm ready to go to school. I hope you understand
the importance of this opportunity
I'm giving you. A lot of kids want to study
but they can't. A lot of people
will take any job just to study here in Iloilo, So make sure that you won't
waste the money I spend to send you to school, Jerome. Yes, Grandma. [Sylvia] Here's your fare. You only need to ride one jeep to get around
the whole of Iloilo. Grandma, what about my food? Just eat here before you leave. Then when you come home,
eat your dinner right away. You don't need allowance. Do you understand? -Yes, Grandma.
-[Sylvia] Now go to school. I will. [all]
"From a small room in a hut, the beggar moved to the biggest room
in the palace with a bed as soft as a cloud and pillows
as many as the stars." [Sylvia speaking in Ilonggo] [Jerome] Are you sure? What about Miss Lucring? The woman left. Someone told her
that she'll be happier if she takes care of her
children herself. The fool believed it. She can starve if she wants. If I find out who told her that,
I'll make them pay. Wow, a bed. This pillow is so soft. [sighs] Nice. [footsteps approaching] Only women use pillows. [sighs] Wipe those clean one by one. Make sure
there's no dust anymore. After that,
sweep the floor then shine it. You can rest after that. But since you're going to be
resting and sitting down, start doing the laundry. Step aside. Hurry up. You're going
to iron the clothes. What? But I don't know how. You can learn it. It's better if men
also know how to iron. Stop complaining. Jerome, are you almost done? Yes, almost. All right.
After that, go to the market. I want to eat batchoy. Buy a half kilo of liver.
Then buy a pack of pork rind. Then get some miki noodles. Not the canton kind.
Not the bihon style. There's a kind of miki noodle
used for batchoy. It should be thin. Then buy a
kilo of pork and offal. Then buy eggs, garlic,
tomatoes, and onions. -[Jerome] Yes.
-[Sylvia] Buy a kilo of onions. Don't forget the pork rinds.
Here's the money. Where's the liver
I told you to buy? [Jerome] What? It's not there? Would I ask if it's here? -Why you... Next time,
-Ouch. Ouch. Ouch, it hurts. ...buy everything
I told you to buy. Fine. Fine. Now get to cooking. I don't know how to cook this. Here. Read that book. Learn how to cook batchoy. Hurry up. [retches] Jerome! [Sylvia grunts] Uh, you want me to cook
some sweet potatoes? [Puring]
Sylvia! Lucring! I'm hungry! Did you forget
that I'm still alive here? Grandma, here's your food. Grandma, sit up. Who are you? Where's Lucring? Grandma, Miss Lucring is gone. I'm Jerome, your grandson.
Domeng's son. -Oh. You're Domeng's son?
-I am. -I'll get your food.
-You're Domeng's son? [Puring]
Then you're my grandson? -[chuckles]
-Yes. -My goodness.
-Grandma, please eat. [speaking in Ilonggo] How are you? [Jerome sniffling] [speaking in Ilonggo] Is there a problem? I've been in this house
for so long but this is the first time
someone asked how I'm doing. [Puring] Really? [speaking in Ilonggo] [sniffling] Who are you?
What are you doing here? [chuckles] [teacher] Jerome, Jerome. It's dismissal time.
Your classmates went home. You fell asleep. I'm sorry, Ma'am. It's okay.
I understand your situation. Did you tell your grandma
about what I said? Did you ask her
to reduce your housework? Yes, ma'am. I told her. She said
you shouldn't interfere. She'll have the school fire you
if you interfere again she said. Do you want me to talk to her? Don't, ma'am.
She might actually do it. You might lose your job. Ma'am, can I rest
for at least 30 minutes? If I go home, they will order me
around nonstop. It's up to you. Thank you. -You're resting, huh?
-Ouch. Ouch. You said you were
going to class. -But look at you.
-It hurts! -[Sylvia] You're sleeping here?
-No. Ouch. -You're tricking me.
-[Jerome] I'm not. Stop it, Grandma. I was just resting.
I can't rest back at the house. -So you're complaining now?
-You think so? You're so insolent! I'll stop. Please, no. Ouch. Grandma, come and eat. Try the food I cooked... Who did that? Was it Sylvia? Wait, stay here.
Don't leave. Stay here. Let's sing a song. What? I need to do something
at the kitchen. There's a lot to do. Don't mind them.
She's not a queen. Do you know why they have money? Because of me. Really? Yes. I got a huge pension from my husband
who was a soldier. So your husband was a soldier? [chuckles] Of course.
But he ran out of luck. He died during the war. So who should be
the head of the family? Me, right? So if I want us to sing,
we'll sing. Right? -Okay, Grandma. If you say so.
-[Puring] Okay. What will we sing? What do you want to sing? Can you sing "Happy Birthday"? Of course.
It's just "Happy Birthday". -[Jerome] All right. Let's sing.
-Let's sing. [Jerome] One, two, three. [both] ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪ ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪ ♪ Happy birthday,
Happy birthday ♪ ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪ [both chuckling] Wait, why are we singing
"Happy Birthday"? Is it someone's birthday? [Sylvia] The rice is burning! -Oh, my goodness.
-On my way! On my way! Son, I'm sorry
if I don't come often. Going here is expensive. It's okay. Everything's okay. How is everyone doing?
How's Inday? -How's Mom?
-Good, good. Your mother misses you so much,
and your siblings, too. -Are you doing well here?
-Um... I'm... I'm well, yes.
[nervous chuckle] See? I told you.
You will be better of here. Your Grandma Sylvia will
take care of you. [chuckles] -[Jerome coughs]
-Do you have a cough? -Something caught my throat.
-What? Do you want me to get you
something to drink? -Sure, sure.
-I'll be back. All right. [sighs] Oh. Uh, Sylvia... can you let Jerome
come home for a few days? There's a fiesta and his mother
and siblings miss him so much. [Sylvia] Oh, well... [Jerome] Dad... [coughs]
Thank you, dear. Thank you. -[Jerome] You're so big now.
-How are you, brother? Do you always eat
roast chicken there? [speaking in Ilonggo] [speaking in Ilonggo] Do you sleep
on a comfortable bed? -[Domeng chuckles]
-[brother speaking in Ilonggo] Oh, Jerome,
don't mind your nosy siblings. They're jealous of you. Your brother is tired.
Let him rest. I'm not.
And they shouldn't be jealous. [dramatic music] I get treated like
a dog over there. [sobbing] What do you mean? Dad... I lied to you. Grandma Sylvia and her family
mistreats me. I can't do anything about it. [crying] [clears throat]
Jerome, where are you going? Uh, I need to be early
at Grandma Sylvia's. I thought you said
you get mistreated there? Yes, but I can handle it. [Domeng] No. I won't let you pay
for our debt to them anymore. Dad, this isn't about our debt. This is for my sake as well. What are you talking about? Dad, Grandma Sylvia
can keep sending me to school. I'll just be a burden here. You said it yourself,
if I can get an education, I have a chance
to achieve my dreams. You said if I stayed
here at the farm, I'll grow up just like you, I'll be helpless
if we don't have money. I'll talk to Auntie Sylvia. Dad, don't. Don't do it. They might get even more angry. Don't worry.
I'll take care myself. I'm used to it. I can't swallow it. Just do it. Swallow it! [sobbing] Stop it.
You're even shouting at me. Why are you like this? [Sylvia]
Because you're stubborn. I'm making you take this
medicine so you can get better. [Puring] No! I don't want to! You keep shouting at me! Whatever. What are you standing there for? You can handle this. Do what you want. [Puring crying] Grandma, please don't cry. Maybe... [sniffling] Out of all my children, Sylvia might be the boldest
of them all. She grew up without a father. She was forced to work
even as a child. You know... We were also servants back then. Our boss was so strict. There were a lot of people
at that house. We served them all. But even if Sylvia is like that, she worked hard for everything. She worked as a clerk. What was that again?
A salesgirl? Salesgirl. [Puring]
Then she went to school. She supported her family. That's why Sylvia is like that,
she's strict because of everything
that she went through. There, there, Grandma. [crying] Uh... [clears throat] Grandma, I'm done cooking. Uh, you can eat now. I made beef teriyaki,
pork with shrimp paste, and homemade sausages. [Jerome clears throat] [Sylvia]
You're learning, Jerome. If you keep that up,
we won't have any problems. Grandma, let's eat. I made you something special. I'm thankful that we're here
for each other. You're the only one
who treats me well. You're my only ally. But I don't understand...
[grunts] ...why you can't remember
my name. [grunts] Grandma, please eat,
it will get cold. Grandma? Grandma? Grandma? Grandma? [crying] Wait... Don't leave... Don't leave me here. Grandma? Grandma? Grandma, I have no one
to rely on here. Please don't leave me. Grandma, I'm all alone here. You're the only one
I can count on here. Grandma? Grandma? -Oh.
-Huh? [crying stops] [Puring] Who are you? Why are you hugging me? [chuckling] You're alive?
You're still alive. [exhales deeply] What? Well, I'm just thinking, when can I sit on your couch? You're an ambitious one,
aren't you? Jerome, once you get
ahead in life, you can buy a sofa
like this one. [Digna] Mama!
Mama, it's Grandma. -[Sylvia] What?
-Come. [Sylvia] What? Mom? [Digna] Grandma... [crying] [Sylvia] Mom! Mom! [Sylvia and Digna crying] [Digna] Grandma... [Sylvia wailing] [Sylvia] Don't leave us. [sniffling] [Jerome] Grandma... -[Sylvia] Jerome...
-Yes? Can you...
remove my white hairs? What? Okay. Do you this
for your mother as well? Uh, I haven't
ever since I came here. It's funny. You'll only realize
your shortcomings... to your parents...
once they're far away. My father just tolerated me
for so long. My mother was the one
who tried to understand me. -When... It hurt.
-Sorry. When my husband left me,
my mother was there for me. She was the one
who supported me. Where is your husband now? Who knows? I don't know. At first, our marriage
was wonderful. But one day,
he didn't come home. A week passed, then a month,
but he didn't come back. My children and I waited
for him at the house. Nothing. We had no food. I was so angry at my husband because we were dying
of starvation. -Ouch, child. It hurts. Careful.
-Yes. It hurts, child. So I took a job. I lowered my pride just so I can feed my children. I worked at a mall,
at a wet market. I lost all the love I had
for my husband back then. So I brought my children
here to Iloilo. [sniffles] This is where I worked. Mom went with us. She gave me strength. Ouch. Over here, child,
at the bottom. [Jerome] Yes. Mom always told
I had to be strong because my children
depended on me. Then... So you sent Auntie Digna
to school by yourself, Grandma? All of them. I was strict and tough. But because of that,
they all graduated. My children grew up well. They all finished Commerce. [Sylvia sniffling] You are a good mother. I thought you were just being
snobby and grumpy. There's still time to change. God knows... I tried my best to be good. God knows. Grandma, it's not too late. You can start with me. Uh, why don't you increase
my allowance? Then give me less chores
in the house... Hey, hey, hey, wait. Just because I'm talking to you, it doesn't mean you can do that. -Watch it, Jerome.
-[stutters] Um... No. Stop it. It was just wishful thinking,
Grandma. [Sylvia] Wishful thinking? What if I make you wish
you didn't say that? -Go to the kitchen.
-[Jerome] Yes. [Sylvia]
You still have a lot of chores. [Jerome] Yes. [gasps] [Digna] Hey, Jerome,
what are you doing? Why are you so slow? I feel kind of sick. You're just feeling that. If you sweat it out,
it will disappear. I've been feeling like this
since yesterday. [Digna] Let me see. Oh, just drink some medicine
in the afternoon. So hurry up
and you can rest sooner. -Go on, hurry.
-Yes. Go on. Domeng, Vina,
what happened to Jerome? Aren't you ashamed of yourself? I knew you had a bad attitude. But I didn't know
you were heartless. The doctor said my son had
typhoid fever for a long time. You didn't do anything. Enough, Vina. Enough. [Domeng clears throat] We're taking my son home. He will never come back to you. I'm sure Jerome has worked
long enough to pay back our debt to you. -Do you need money?
-[Domeng] No need. We'll look for money to buy
medicine for our son ourselves. We don't want to be
indebted to you and pay for it
until the end of our lives. Go on. Leave.
We don't need you here. [Jerome] If you think about
the protagonists in fairy tales, when princes get punished, they will change
after they experience hardships. Yes, they were content
in their kingdom. Happy. But they had no direction.
No ambition. -[Domeng] Jerome.
-Dad. Jerome, my son,
why are you outside? Go inside and rest. You need it. [Jerome exhales] I only need one more year
and I can graduate high school. Jerome, son, I allowed you
to go back there the first time. But think, you almost
lost your life there. Dad, I don't want to miss
my opportunity just because I got sick.
[chuckles softly] It's more important for me
to finish my studies. I want to our family
to live comfortably. Did you know that Grandma Sylvia was a helper in the past? She worked hard
to improve their lives. I want the same thing. [magical music] Grandma! Grandma! [Jerome] Grandma? Grandma... You're here. This is for you. I did my best in school
so I won't waste your money. -[chuckles softly]
-[Sylvia] Oh. Congratulations. Uh, this is for you. For me? Wow, a polo shirt. [chuckles] And shorts. Thank you so much. I thought you didn't
love me, Grandma. [chuckles] You love me after all. Because all your clothes
are tattered. The neighbors might say
your boss is poor now. [girls chattering] [clears throat]
Excuse me, girls. Uh, I'm trying to study here. I can't concentrate
because you're laughing so loud. Yes. I need to finish
my chores at home, too. So can you lower it a bit
because you're... I need to do the laundry. I also need to go to the market. I need to tend the garden. -[Jerome] I need to...
-Jude... -Group mates, here. I saw it.
-[girl] Is that it? [Denden] Wait a bit.
I can hear you over there. Let's be serious.
Okay, first things first. [Jerome] I thought the prince
will grow old without finding
his princess charming. Thankfully, he met Denden. How long will you endure
your situation? Here we go again, Den. You don't understand. I need Grandma Sylvia. She sends me to school. Why are you smiling? Our pastor told us a story. Do you know how to tame
a wild elephant? Wait, what does an elephant
have to do with this? Just listen. Ever since the elephant
was young, it was put inside a cage. And because it was still young,
it tried to break free. It kept ramming into the bars. But because it was still small,
it won't succeed. So... When it grew up, even if it became huge
and fully-grown elephant, it didn't try to break free because it thought it still couldn't ram
through the bars. But it didn't realize
it was strong and huge now. All it needed to do
was push through once and it can go back
to the forest. It's the same for us. You told me you wanted to study and improve your life compared
to what you had before. You had no choice
if you had to pay your debts. But, Jerome, what are you doing? You never gave yourself
a choice, either. Wait, where are you going? Your cage is too small, Jerome. It's too small
for two elephants. You're so slow!
You're slower than a turtle! You're just like your father!
That's why you never improve! I told you to do that hours ago
but you're still not done! -When will you finish?
-[clattering] What do you want, Grandma? Do you want me to turn
into a robot? You want me to trip over myself
while following your orders? Is that it? What else do you want? Was it not enough I spent
my youth serving you? Do I need to shake in fear whenever you call me? What more do you want? My life? Is my life not enough? Do you want me
to become your property? Have some mercy. Have mercy. Get out of here! Get out! You talk too much! [Jerome] I worked hard, Charo. I put out thrice
the effort I did when I was still a houseboy. Until I found success
and got a good job. Jerome... Yes? Boss, did I do
something wrong? What are you saying? I approached you because
I noticed your good work ethic. Really? [chuckles] I refer to you as a good example
when I talk to my employees. [chuckles] Really? Because of your performance,
effective next week, I'll promote you
into supervisor. [Jerome] Mom... Mom... What are these?
There are so many. [Jerome] Souvenirs. Here. [talking over each other] Go back to your Mom. He doesn't want to be carried
by his grandpa. [Domeng] There are so much. Yes. Is there an occasion? -What is this?
-What's the occasion? Mom, Dad,
Jerome was promoted again. -Oh, congratulations, my son.
-[Jerome] Thank you. -You've come so far now.
-[Jerome] Thanks, Dad. [Domeng] My son
achieved his dreams. [chuckles] Why wouldn't he be promoted? The sun hasn't risen yet
but he's up already. Ready for work. Everything can be achieved through hard work
and persistence. You shouldn't slack off. Always wake up early. That's the first thing
I learned from... [dramatic music] [Jerome] Fairy tales end
with a happily ever after. But I often get asked, what
happened to the antagonists? Jerome... Grandma. [chuckles] [Sylvia]
I didn't realize it was you. God bless you. Look at you. You don't look like
a houseboy anymore. [chuckles] Really, Grandma? Your tongue
is still sharp as ever. How are you doing? I'm well. I've been planning
to visit you one day. I wanted to apologize
for everything I've done to you. My body is weak now
and I can't travel far. I hope you'll forgive me. What's done is done, Grandma. Let's forget about it. It's thanks to you
that I've achieved what I did. I wouldn't be here if you didn't whip
or hurt me a little bit and taught me lessons. You're not angry at me, dear? No, Grandma. Thanks to you,
I became ambitious. I learned how to be successful. Thank you. Thank you so much. -Thank you, Grandma.
-[Sylvia] My dear grandson. -[Sylvia] My dear grandson.
-[chuckling] -Oh, Grandma...
-[Sylvia] Huh? [Jerome] It's still here? Of course. Here. -[chuckles]
-[Sylvia speaking in Ilonggo] [both speaking Ilonggo] [chuckles] [laughing] [clears throat] -[Sylvia] Go on.
-[exhales deeply] [Charo] "I still visit Grandma
Sylvia regularly together with my wife Denden
and our three children. We bring her food
and various souvenirs. Sometimes,
her great-grandchildren pull out her white hair. And that brings joy
and a smile to her face. Thank you for your time,
Jerome." Life is difficult these day. We need to work hard, get along, and endure the hardships
we experience. The important thing
is to stay positive in spite of these challenges. Because we will get
through them one day then achieve a happy
and successful future. Friends, this is Charo Santos. Good evening to all of you. ["Maalaala Mo Kaya"
theme playing]
