"TAKAW TAWA"

Adapted from the short story

"My Father Goes to Court"
by
Carlos Bulosan, 1944

Screenplay by
DENIS 'DIEM' JUDILLA
diemjudilla@gmail.com
0932.456.6038
Cebu City, Philippines

SCREENWRITER NOTES

In its cinematic adaptation of Carlos Bulosans

"My Father Goes to Court", the "Takaw Tawa" screenplay
aims to adopt the visual style of 1920s Hollywood silent
films. If we assume the short story takes place during the
Narrators youth or childhood, and further assume that the
Narrator is an aspect of the Author, then the story takes
place sometime in the 1920s (Carlos Bulosan was born in
1913).

The 1920s saw the development and prominence of the silent

cinema form, which composed of the use of larger-than-life
visual performances as well as stylized title cards. The
silent cinema form can be considered appropriate for
adaptation from literary sources; silent cinema with its
dynamic facial and physical movements, music to mimic human
sounds, visuals and title cards is a literary cinema
because the audience reads the motion picture. This
silent short film doesnt have to be a black-and-white
motion picture.

It should be shot in color however muted of tone or less

saturated to evoke a nostalgic look.

1.

FADE IN:
EXT. A MUNICIPALITY - MORNING
A beautiful province: green rice fields, tall coconut trees
over pristine beaches, and A SMALL BUT PROSPEROUS TOWN
thats a well-known tourist spot and an agricultural
center.
A LOADED JEEPNEY wheels down the highway through this
pretty part of the province then makes a turn into A DIRT
ROAD, kicks up a cloud of dust.
INT. THE JEEPNEY - MORNING
Inside the jeepney rides THE FAMILY:
TATAY (mid-30s), THE DRIVER, handsome in a down-to-earth
way. Soft in the eyes, strong in features.
NANAY (mid-30s), beautiful like Mother Nature.
She sits in the back as she holds and watches the familys
precious cargo which are not their luggage.
THE CHILDREN, some asleep, numbers six to eight with THE
ELDEST SON in his mid-teens but already a double of his
Father and the YOUNGEST DAUGHTER still A BABE in the
Mothers arms.
TWO OR THREE of the Children, ages 6 to 12 sit in front
with the Father for company.
TATAY wipes his face clear with A KERCHIEF peers forward
through the windshield then turns to everyone and smiles.
INSERT TITLE CARD:
TATAY
Malapit na tayo! Tingnan niyo!
The family do as instructed. Each peer forward or lean
their faces out the side windows of the jeepney.
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
Before the familys eyes, A TALL THREE-STOREY TOWN HOUSE,
rise out a white tower, a monument of modern living.

2.

INT. THE JEEPNEY - DAY

Nanay and the Childrens mouths drop open in surprise.
Tatay smiles, the beginnings of a laugh form at the corners
as he turns the wheel.
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
The Jeepney turns away from the road that leads into the
driveway of the mansion to the neighboring lot beside the
mansions sprawling grounds where a MODEST RANCH BUNGALOW
OR WIDE BAMBOO-NIPA HUT squats.
There, the Jeepney brakes to a stop. The family exit the
vehicle.
EXT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY
The Children jump out and look at the Nipa Hut then at the
Tall Mansion. Nanay and Tatay join them, THE FAMILY LAUGHS
the warm music of a well-loved guitar (O.S) The Children run about to inspect their roomy new yet
modest home.
Tatay and Nanay stand close together, arms wrapped around
each other as they look over with pleasure their
surroundings.
Tatay looks up.
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
ON THE HIGH-RISE VERANDA, THE RICH MAN (mid-30s) stands
still as a statue, well-dressed in designer clothes.
His WIFE and their TWO CHILDREN; a boy and a girl, stand
with him, poised perfect like a magazine cover.
EXT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY
Tatay flashes out a smile, a dental treasure.

3.

INSERT TITLE CARD:

TATAY
Mga anak, batiin natin ang ating
mga bagong kapit-bahay.
The Children obey and gather themselves around their
parents. Tatay waves out a greeting, the family follow,
their hands and palms out in waves.
INSERT TITLE CARD:
ANG PAMILYA
Magandang umaga, kapitbahay!
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
The Rich Mans face is immobile but his head rises but with
eyes cast down.
Then he moves from the veranda to the door where he waits
and allows his family to head in first.
His chin and nose still raised, his eyes down at the Family
of the Nipa Home then he also disappears inside his
mansion.
EXT. THE NIPA HOME DAY
Tatay and Nanay look at each other, and they exchange looks
with their Children.
Tatay does an exaggerated comic imitation of the Rich Mans
upraised chin and downcast gaze then shrug his shoulders
repeatedly, thats that.
When the warm music of the childrens laughter breaks Then
Tatay lifts up his arms to further raise morale.
INSERT TITLE CARD:
TATAY
Ibaba natin ang mga gamit sa
ating bagong tahanan!
The Family scrample to the Jeepney and unpack their
belongings and furniture, with Tatay take the lead.

4.

INT. THE NIPA HOME DAY

Nanay and her girls sweep and wipe the rooms.
Tatay and the boys bring in their luggage and furniture.
They also bring in dust and dirt.
Nanay and the girls sweep up the dust and dirt.
Tatay and the boys come in with more furniture and bring in
more dust and dirt.
Nanay and the girls stop Tatay and the boys then give them
the brooms and dustpans so that they clean up their own
dust and dirt.
The younger, smaller children also try to help bring in
larger, heavier items until Nanay finds them and gives them
lighter items to carry inside.
The younger, smaller children soon get tired that they
motion to their older, larger siblings to carry them, child
and item, inside.
Then the bare nipa home looks no longer empty, filled with
a sala set, a round plastic dining set and other humble
furnishings.
The family settle themselves on the sala or den area, all
bright smiles of satisfaction.
Then everyone drops down in exhaustion and falls asleep in
a siesta, an afternoon slumber.
LATER...
THROUGH THE OPEN WINDOW, DAYLIGHT SHIFTS INTO TWILIGHT
(GOLDEN HOUR) and falls warm on Tatays face, asleep.
INSERT
A GOLDEN POOL of fresh cooking oil.
SOMETHING drops in, makes a small splash.

5.

A large breaded chicken drumstick bubbles and froths.

Then MORE DRUMSTICKS fall into the oil
and fry.
TATAY, still asleep, but his nostrils go wide as he
breathes deep. His sense of smell touched.
INSERT
TONGS reach into the oil and raise each drumstick,
with its crispy gold crust.
These drumsticks are placed on paper towels, then
lightly sprinkled with spices. Then the drumsticks get
plated in a heap.
Eyes still closed in sleep, Tatay sits up.
His tongue flicks out in anticipation and then he reaches
out his hand...
INSERT
A LARGE CHICKEN DRUMSTICK, fried crispy to perfection.
Eyes closed, Tatay bites into something. He opens his eyes.
He locks gaze with that of one of his youngest boys, who
looks like hes about to cry.
Tatay turns and sees Nanays and the other childrens eyes
full of questions.
Quick, Tatay kisses his bite-mark on his son's arm and
consoles the crying boy.
INSERT
MORE DRUMSTICKS, roll down, their golden flakes like a
bountiful shower.
Tatay, Nanay and the Children cannot help but turn their
faces to the open window. Their eyes close and their
nostrils grow open. Smiles form their mouths.

6.

INT. THE TALL MANSION - EVENING

THE COOK delivers THE PLATEFUL OF FRIED CHICKEN on the
table before the Rich Man and his family who are busy eyes
down focused on their VARIOUS MOBILE AND TABLET DEVICES and
ignore the meal before them.
INT. THE NIPA HOME - EVENING
Nanay and her daughters lay out SEVERAL BANANA LEAVES IN A
LINE for a budol-budol of fresh hot rice, cooked sardines
with tomatoes and red onions and lots of cut calamansi.
The family gather then Tatay crosses himself bows his head
in respectful prayer, the family follow his lead.
After the giving of grace, the family dig in their hands
into their dinner, the older help/serve the younger first
before themselves.
As they share their meals, they share smiles.
INSERT
DRUMSTICKS pile in a heap that becomes a mountain.
INT. THE TALL MANSION - EVENING
THE COOK returns to the dining table to collect the plates,
only to find the mountain of fried chicken still intact.
On the plates are just small drumsticks, barely touched
with small bites and slices.
Each family member smile, their mouths full of rice.
The Cook peers in the vast dining room and find the Rich
Man and his family each in their own separate space,
occupied by their mobile devices.
EXT. THE PROVINCE DAY
THE SUN rises, a new day.

7.

EXT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY

The Children exit and stretch and exercise and play in the
sun as it warms.
Then with buckets and pails they go to their water pump and
make a game of filling their drums full of water.
Then in batches, the children take turns in bathing
outdoors. Their shouts and laughter are warm music.
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
Nothing seem to stir about the mansion. Windows closed,
everything is quiet.
INT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY
Nanay calls the children inside.
INSERT TITLE CARD
NANAY
Magbihis na kayo, kay mag
aamusal na tayo!
The children rush inside, still-half-wet-half-dry.
The older children help the younger children towel
themselves vigorously and dress quickly.
Nanay spoons bowls of simple rice congee in ample amounts,
each bowl has flakes of buwad (dried fish) and a slice of
boiled egg.
Tatay leads the family to grace and then they spoon in
their bowls that they have to share, as there are more
mouths than bowls.
A MORNING BREEZE, WARM WITH SCENTS, come through their open
window.
The breeze touches their hair, their nostrils flare and
their mouths widen as theyre about to spoon more rice
congee in.

8.

INSERT
A STREAM OF RICH COFFEE, steam rises.
LONG, WIDE STRIPS OF BACON fry in their own
golden fat.
SUNNY-SIDE-UP EGGS, their whites and yolk fry in
perfect circles.
FRESH BREAD pushes out automatically from the oven, to
be greeted by blocks of soft butter and open jars of
sweet, colorful jams.
INT. TALL MANSION - DAY
THE COOK prepares the table with this continental breakfast
worthy of a five-star hotel.
The Rich Man arrives, dressed for a full-day at the office
and looks hurried, followed by his Wife and Children; each
holding a smartphone or tablet.
They take PICTURES of their breakfast.
EXT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY
The Children are now dressed for school. Tatay leads them
out, Nanay follow him, gives him A SMALL KERCHIEF.
The children share hugs and kisses with Nanay and their
younger siblings who still have to stay home.
Tatay leads everyone in one last group hug.
They turn to see...
FROM THE TALL MANSION, the gates open and THREE LARGE
VEHICLES (SUVs: Fortuners, Estradas) drive out.
THROUGH THE VEHICLES WINDOWS, the Rich man is driven in
the first vehicle, his Wife in the second vehicle and their
Children in their Third Vehicle.
When these three vehicle reach the road, they go in
different directions.

9.

Tatay turns to his wristwatch, his face grows in alarm.

INSERT TITLE CARD:
TATAY
Hala! Mahuhuli tayo sa unang
araw natin.
Another round of fast hugs and kisses. The school Children
pile inside the jeepney.
Tatay drives the jeepney to the road.
Nanay and the other children watch and wave.
INT. TALL MANSION - DAY
The Cook and her staff return to clean the table of
breakfast, to find the food barely touched. Only a few
bites of the toast and just all the coffee gone.
EXT. THE PROVINCE DAY
The sun rises to its noon peak.
The green fields look greener, the coastline and its waters
appear brighter.
EXT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY
Nanay cooks with A SMALL GRILL. Smoke rises.
She swipes at the smoke with a nipa/abaniko fan.
The younger children are at play a safe distance, away from
the grill but still in Nanays sight.
Tatays Jeepney drives up. The children run to greet it.
When it stops, the older siblings jump out to receive the
younger ones.
Tatay gets out and joins in the hug/huddle.
Then he goes to Nanay, still busy at the grill.
Smoke reaches him. He sniffs.

10.

INSERT
A large steak of beef, grilled, thick and juicy.
Tatay looks over Nanays shoulder to see...
A LARGE FISH grilled by Nanay who smiles at him.
Tatay smiles back then stares wistfully at the Tall
Mansion, where surely the scent of steak comes from.
Then his children grab him behind in play and they head
inside for their lunch.
INT. TALL MANSION - DAY
The cook and staff set up plates of steamy fillet mignon.
The cook looks eagerly at the clock.
Its nearly 12.
LATER
The clock reads a quarter to 2.
The Rich man and his family hasnt returned home.
The cook and staff collect the plates, and the now stale
steaks.
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
ON THE VERANDA The Rich Man stands, sips just orange juice
as he reads his news on his tablet.
Something causes him to look down and over from his veranda
to the yard of his neighbor...
He sees Tatay at play with the Children. They tumble down
together in laughter.
EXT. THE NIPA HOME - DAY
AT THE YARD, Tatay breathless with laughter looks up and
sees the Rich Man.

11.

He gives out a friendly wave of his hand, an action

mirrored by his children.
The Rich Man doesnt appear to register or return the
greeting, instead he moves away from the veranda,
disappears from sight.
Tatay shrugs, his children follow his shrugs and soon
return to their games.
EXT. NIPA HOME - EVENING
The children now lean out their large window, eyes and
noses directed to the Tall Mansion.
They close their eyes and raise their noses, breathe in
deep.
INSERT
BAKED GOODIES like cakes, cookies and flans.
STEWS, rich and thick filled to the brim with big
chunks of savory meats.
MEATS AND VEGGIES stir-fry, they jump colorful and hot
from the wok.
TATAY appears by the window, above the heads of his daydreaming children and sniffs the air appreciatively.
Then he touches them gently rouses them.
INSERT TITLE CARD:
TATAY
Halika mga anak. Kumain na tayo.
He leads the children from the Window to their dining table
where the simple fare of tinolang gulay na may malunggay
(moringay and vegetable soup) wait for them, hot like tea.
They say their grace with thankful faces and sip their
soups. They smile at one another.

12.

INT. THE RICH MANS VEHICLE - DAY

The Rich Man turns from his mobile device and looks out the
window as he passes by the Nipa Home.
He sees the Children at play: stout, with sun-blessed skin,
healthy and full of energy.
His vehicle drives up the driveway.
INT. TALL MANSION - DAY
The Rich Man look down at his own TWO CHILDREN as they lay
in rest, quiet and still, weak-looking but still able to
browse their mobile devices in amusement.
EXT. TALL MANSION DAY.
FROM HIS VERANDA, the Rich Man watches his neighbors
children run, play and laugh as healthy and blessed
children do.
His lips purse and his brow frown, thoughtful as envious
men do.
The Cook brings him out a snack, inside in a cover dish.
When uncovered, it reveals a thick pulled pork sandwich,
its juices seep out on the thick sliced bread.
The Rich Man looks at it briefly with disinterest, he takes
the drink that accompanied the sandwich instead then looks
back the children below...
Theyre no longer play but sit or lie down, their noses
raised up to the air and sniff the air with deep breaths.
Then they smack their lips, and roll out their tongues and
laugh warm music out as if tickled.
The Rich Man then looks back at his sandwich, it still
looks substantial but somehow it looks less colorful, less
appetizing than before.
He pulls in the Cook, who carry the meal, inside the house.
Closes the veranda doors.

13.

Then all the windows of the mansion gets closed.

EXT. THE NIPA HOME DAY
Tatay and Nanay have a simple picnic on their yard of fresh
fruits like bananas, manga and rambutan to share with their
children who laugh and play.
NEIGHBORS come by, watch the children play their games and
laugh out when the children laugh out.
Tatay and Nanay invite these passers-by to share their
fruit. Most never decline.
A COUPLE OF POLICEMEN arrive, in a casual manner, as if on
patrol and watch the children.
ONE POLICEMAN (late 30s) approach Tatay slowly.
Wiping his face with a kercheif, Tatay rises up and greet
the Policeman, offers him and his companion some fruit.
Grateful, the policemen accept the offer. They both cheer
the children as they watch them play their game.
Then as the game ends and the children all fall in a huddle
of laughter, the policemen join in the merriment by
laughing with them.
Then with reluctance the older policemen hands Tatay
covertly a sealed envelope.
INSERT TITLE CARD
POLICEMAN
Ginoo, pinatatawag kayo sa
korte. Meron nag pataas ng kaso
laban sa inyo.
Tatay looks surprised, then surprise turns to shock when he
holds the envelope.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Kaso, laban sa akin? Bakit?
Sino? Anong ginawa ko?

14.

The older policeman looks sad and touches Tatays shoulder

in apology.
INSERT TITLE CARD
POLICEMAN
Nasa sobre ang lahat na detalye.
Pero nagsulat iyan kay abogado
baka di mo maintindihan. Pumunta
kayo sa korte, ang klerk po ang
magpapaliwanag.
The policeman offers a quiet smile.
INSERT TITLE CARD
POLICEMAN
Pasensya na po sa abala.
Sigurado ako isang di pag
kauunawaan itong lahat.
The policemen take their leave, the older casts one glance
at the children.
INSERT TITLE CARD
POLICEMAN
Masasaya at masisigla na mga
bata... totoong yaman ng
pamilya.
The older policeman then cast a long glance at the Tall
Mansion, then shakes his head.
Tatay sees the policemans action and then also looks at
the tall mansion.
EXT. TALL MANSION - DAY
The tall mansion stands still like a statue, asleep, its
windows and doors closed and barred.
EXT. MUNICIPAL HALL DAY
The Jeepney parks at the Municipal Hall.

15.

Nanay leads the younger children to play at the near-by

plaza/park grounds.
Tatay, accompanied by his eldest sons and daughters,
approach the steps and go inside the municipal hall.
INT. OFFICE OF COURT CLERK - DAY
The older policeman from earlier receives Tatay with a
handshake.
Then he motions Tatay over to a desk where THE LADY CLERK
(50s) takes the now-open envelope and reads the forms
through her thick spectacles.
INSERT TITLE CARD
LADY CLERK
Dapat pumunta ka sa korte bukas
para sumagot sa paratang na
ninanakawan mo ang espiritu at
yaman sustensya ng mga pagkain
ng iyong kapit-bahay.
Tatays eyes grow wide and his jaw drops.
Also his older children.
The policeman shakes his head and shrugs.
Tatay and his children look at each other.
They laugh out loud.
Then the laughter instantly stops when Tatay turns serious
back to the Lady Clerk.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Seryoso?!
The dry stern face of the Lady Clerk, who does not laugh or
smile, says it all.
INT. THE COURT ROOM - DAY
THE FAMILY are the first to arrive in the empty courtroom.

16.

Tatay takes the seat on the table on the right side while
Nanay and the children sit directly behind Tatay, take up a
whole long bench.
Silent, Tatay leaves his chair and paces to the floor
before the Judges bench and stabs the air with his open
hand and outstretched arm, as if to rehearse his defense
before the judge who will serve as jury.
He acts out several dramatic actions of appeal, from
serious to downright pleas.
His performance turns out to be comic that the younger
children couldnt help but laugh. Even Nanay has to smile.
But the merriment stops when the Rich Man arrive.
He now moves feeble; his face full of deep, dark lines of
anxiety or insomnia. His neck is wrapped with A NECK-BRACE.
With him, HIS YOUNG LAWYER (30s, geeky) aids him at every
step. They take the table on the left.
Tatay and Family look at the Rich Man. When he turns to
their direction, they look away as if nothing.
When he turns away, they steal a glance at him again.
When he turns back to them, they turn away as if nothing.
Soon the courtroom gets filled with SPECTATORS; the two
policemen, the lady clerk, the neighbors from earlier, and
the Rich Mans Cook and kitchen staff.
THE JUDGE(50s, thin as a rail) enters the room and sits on
his bench and raps his gavel once for everyones attention
and to order.
Everyone stand in a hurry and then sit down.
The Judge scans the courtroom and finally settles his gaze
on Tatay for a long beat.
INSERT TITLE CARD
THE JUDGE
Wala ka bang abogado?

17.

Tatay rises and respectfully bows then raises his face

along with his answer.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Kagagalang na hukom, ako ang
magdedepensa para sa akin po.
The Judge nods, then waves his hand for the court to
proceed.
THE RICH MANS LAWYER jumps out from their table. Then
stabs a finger to Tatays direction. Tatay and his family
lean back as if pierced.
INSERT TITLE CARD
RICH MANS LAWYER
Tinatanggi mo ba na ninanakawan
mo ang espiritu at yaman
masustensya mula sa pagkain ng
aking kliyente?
Tatay stabs a finger back, just as forceful that the Rich
Mans Lawyer flinches.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Oo, tinatanggi ko. Walang
basehan ang inyong akusasyon!
The Lawyer doesnt relent. He changes tactic and heads out
to the floor before the judges bench.
Tatay is quick to follow or mirror his action.
INSERT TITLE CARD
LAWYER
Tinatanggi mo ba na habang
nagluluto ang mga kusinero ng
aking kliyente ng piniritong
manok o adobong baboy, ikaw at
iyong pamilya ay nasa labas
sumisinghot sa espiritu ng
pagkain?

18.

Tatay looks conflicted. He looks back to his family.

Nanay only nods serenely.
Tatay looks back at the lawyer, with resolution.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Hindi ko tinatanggi. Totoo ang
sinasabi mo.
The courts spectators become animated with Tatays
declaration. They whisper and stir in their seats.
The Judge raps his gavel, calls for order.
The courtroom settles down.
The Rich Man manages to smirk, despite his high neck brace
holding his chin frozen in place.
The Lawyer looks pleased at this development. More
confident, he moves close to Father.
INSERT TITLE CARD
LAWYER
Tinatanggi mo ba na habang ang
kliyente ko at ang kanyang
pamilya ay naging mahina at
masakitin, ikaw at iyong pamilya
ay naging malusog sa katawan at
kaakit-akit sa pananaw?
Tatay responds as if hes being overly praised and
complimented. He waves off the Lawyers words then looks at
his family.
True, Nanay looks younger and more beautiful. The Children
turn in their seats and look shy as the spectators rise in
their seats to look over the family and nod appreciatively
for their natural, healthy-handsome appearances.
Tatay shrugs.

19.

INSERT TITLE CARD

TATAY
Di ko tinatanggi iyon. Paano ko
matatanggi iyon?
He motions to his family, look at them!
The Lawyer himself could only nod in agreement. Then he
shakes himself, remembers his place.
Turns to his client. Then turns back to Tatay.
INSERT TITLE CARD
LAWYER
Kung ganoon nga di mo
tinatanggi. Paano mo mapaliwanag
sa korte, sa ating kagalanggalang na hukom itong
pangyayari?
Tatay scratches his head in confusion. He taps his fingers
on his lips in thought.
He turns to Nanay and the Children for answers or hints.
They all simultaneously shrug their shoulders, Tatay-style.
Tatay then turns to look at the Rich Man, who ignores him.
Struggles to turn away in spite of the neck brace.
Then Tatay looks at the Judge, who looks back at him.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Kung marapatin niyo, kagalanggalang na hukom, nais ko po
makita ang asawa at anak ng
Reklamador.
The Lawyer turns to his client, the Rich Man who doesnt
seem bothered by the request. He tries to nod in spite of
his neck brace but couldnt so he waves his hand, yes.
The Lawyer addresses the court.

20.

INSERT TITLE CARD

LAWYER
Walang problema sa amin.
Sumasang ayon kami.
The Judge raises his gaze to the Two Policemen, his
bailies.
INSERT TITLE CARD
JUDGE
Papasokin niyo ang pamilya ng
Reklamador.
The policemen make their exit and make their return quick.
The spectators in the court, the judge, and Tatay turn and
their jaws drop wide open simultaneously.
The Rich Mans Wife enters accompanied by nurses, her
children follow sitting in wheelchairs, ignoring the stares
by looking down in their smartphones.
The entire family wear matching neck braces.
The Rich mans children look frail and pale, and fussed by
their nurses.
The Rich Mans family gets wheeled to the table where the
Rich Man and his Lawyer sit.
Frozen in surprise, Tatay has his mouth open while he moves
closer to the Judge who also has his mouth open in shock.
Tatay finally closes his mouth.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Gusto ko po tanungin po ang
Reklamador. Pwede po ba?
The judge closes his mouth and motions with his hand,
proceed.
Tatay approaches the table of the Rich Man. The Lawyer
leans forward as if for defense.

21.

Tatay looks serious.

The Rich Man ignores him, with difficulty.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Ipinipahayag mo sa kagalanggalang na korte na ninanakawan
ng aking pamiya ang espiritu ng
sustansya ng iyong kinakain kaya
kamiy malusog at masaya habang
kayo naman ay naging masakitin
at mahina?
The Rich Man leans to whisper something to his Lawyer. His
Lawyer whispers something back in counsel.
The Lawyer leans forward to answer.
INSERT TITLE CARD
LAWYER
Sabi ng aking kliyente ay oo.
Tatay purses his lips, then shrugs as if resigned.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Okey sige. Pagbabayaran namin.
Ngayon din. Ora mismo.
The spectactors in the court turn to each other surprised
at this declaration.
The Judge raps his gavel for order.
The Rich Man looks surprised. The Lawyer looks smug.
Tatay picks out his pocket for HIS KERCHIEF which he
unfolds on the table, reveal it to be a large piece of
cloth.
Then he pulls out all the money he has in his wallet and
his pockets which turns out several bills and plenty of
coins.

22.

He bags all these inside his kerchief and takes it to his

side of the court where his family is.
He whispers close to Nanay, who listens, then a smile glows
in her face then she nods.
She opens her bag and pours out a purseful of coins.
The Children follow their parents and hand all the money
they have in their pockets.
Then more hands bring over coins into the pile in the
kercheif, surprising Tatay and his family.
Spectators; neighbors, the police men hand over more coins
and motion to their rear...
Behind them, hidden are the Cook and Staff who raise their
hands discreetly in support.
Tatay and his family smile in gratitude.
Tatays kerchief becomes a heavy bag of coins.
He hefts it once, twice.
He looks at the Judge.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Kagalang-galang na hukom, humihingi ako ng permiso tumayo po
sa pinalikuran ng silid na ito.
The Lawyer stands up, both puzzled and irritated.
INSERT TITLE CARD
LAWYER
Meron ba ito patutunguhan?
The Judge looks thoughtful. Then waves his hand, ignores
the lawyers objection and motions Tatay to proceed.
Tatay nods his thanks and moves to the back of the
courtroom where he heads to the wall, almost unseen, hidden
by the crowd of spectators.

23.

The Rich Man tries to follow him by sight but struggles

against his neck-brace.
Even Nanay stands up on, the Children stand on the bench to
find Tatay among the sea of heads and faces.
Finally, Tatays arms spring out of the crowd, in his hands
he holds the kerchief bag full of coins.
Then he starts to shake the bag. Many times.
The loud, sweet tinkle of the coins carry beautifully in
the courtroom.
The spectators turn their faces toward the sound and the
strange sight of the bag of money with wonder.
Tatay returns to the front and stands before the Rich Mans
table. He leans close to the Rich Man.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Narinig mo ba?
The Rich Man gives Tatay a side-way glance. A beat.
INSERT TITLE CARD
RICH MAN
Narinig ang alin?
Tatay hefts up the heavy bag of money. It tinkles again.
INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Narinig mo ba ang tunog, ang
espiritu, ng kwarta nang kinalog
ko ang supot na ito?
The Rich Man stares at Tatay, he frowns confused.
Then he slowly nods.
INSERT TITLE CARD
RICH MAN
Oo, narinig ko.

24.

Tatays mouth stretches into a smile. He then nods.

INSERT TITLE CARD
TATAY
Kung ganoon binayaran ka na para
sa espiritu ng yaman sustensya
ng iyong pagkain gamit sa
espiritu ng tunog ng kwarta ito.
The Rich Man opens his mouth to speak then his jaw just
drops open and he becomes frozen.
Tatays youngest child, the baby carried by the oldest
daughter, coos and giggles. Followed by the older siblings,
then the eldest children.
Nanay tries to settle them but laughs herself.
Their laughter is music, and it is catchy.
The whole courtroom laughs.
Even the Cook and the Kitchen staff(!)
The Judge pounds his gavel hard for order.
Everyone becomes quiet, and embarrassed.
The Judge looks sternly at everyone then at Tatay, then
finally at the Rich Man and his Lawyer.
INSERT TITLE CARD
JUDGE
Ang desisyon ng korte ito ay...
ipapawalang bisa itong kaso!
The Judge breaks into a smile, then laughs.
The court breaks out in more laughter.
Tatay goes over to Nanay, the entire family embraces.
The Rich Man looks sullen. Then he turns to the sight and
sound of HIS OWN FAMILY laughing at him!

25.

He looks surprised, he could not believe his eyes.

He shakes and then starts laughing himself.
Tatay points it out to everyone. Everyone continues
laughing.
The Rich Man laughs so long and hard, that he suddenly
stops to let out a LOUD BELCH! (BURPS!).
He looks surprised!
IRIS CLOSE:
FADE UP TITLE CARD:
"ANG WAKAS"