Nightbird

This is good news for all of us because the international relations

between Australia and the Philippines shall be further strengthened.

We learned that an archeological artifact found in Australia shall be returned to us.

- Hey, bestie. - Hey besties, what's up?

- You're finally here. - Bestie, let's meet up later?

Where?

It is a traditional headhunter ax, or an ax used in hunting...

- The usual place. - What time?

this ax dates back its creation to the 1900's.

It was stolen from the Philippines and sold illegally.

A few years later...

After end of shift. 4:00 p.m.

Interpol tracked down the location of the artifact

and in cooperation with the Australian government,

Please. I'm sick of taking calls.

the suspects were caught and the so-called headhunter ax was recovered.

- Alright. See you. - Yay! See you Rach.

as Filipinos, we should treasure and appreciate not only the present

but also our past and beginnings.

- Jesus, why do you keep following us? - Sir… Ma'am…

- We told you, we didn't break that! - It was that way when we saw it.

- No, sir. That's not true. - You're such a pest.

We're your regular customers. What's wrong with you?

You can't make me pay for something you broke.

I don't care what you say--

But it wasn't us. Why do you keep blaming us?

We didn't break it. That's how we saw it.

It was already broken.

- Ma'am, please don't do this. - We don't care.

Ma'am, sir! You have to pay for this!

You broke it!

Ma'am, sir! Please wait!

It's snapped, look.

Are you messing with me?

I told you, it was already like that!

But sir, it was your wife who held this last.

You liar! I didn't break that!

Ma'am, I am not a liar.

This was a good quality--

Call your manager! I want to speak to her!

Go!

Wait here, sir.

You don't need to call the manager, babe.

- Was it you who broke it? - Yeah.

- You stupid little... how much was it? - 1800 pesos.

Come on, let's go.

I thought you said you'll wait for the manager?

Who the hell are you? Nosy bitch!

Sir, we welcome all tourists here with open hearts.

And what we want in return

is respect.

Who do you think you are?

I'm Rachel.

- So? - I'm from here.

Okay?

And the way you insulted the saleslady back there,

speaks of how lowly you think of us.

Let's just go.

Ouch!

Oh my god, miss! Please stop!

The lady had every right to demand you pay!

And can you not be rude to everyone here?

Have some manners!

Just because you're not from here,

doesn’t mean you can get away with everything!

Please, stop fighting.

We understand, miss. We'll pay.

I'm sorry. We'll pay it.

We're gonna pay for it. Ouch!

They said they'll pay for it.

- This is your fault. - Thank you, sir.

We shouldn't have come here. Goddamnit.

Sorry, babe.

Oh, please. We're the locals.

I can't believe he had the gall to be angry! As if!

It was their fault.

I swear, some people--

Sis, choose your battles. Take it easy!

I know, but I just can't help it.

I'm not generalizing,

but some people are just downright disrespectful.

Somebody has to look out for our own.

They can't just treat people like that!

Sis, are you an anthropologist or an activist?

Sis, it's not about principles. It's about dignity.

It's about being human.

Sis, calm down.

I gotta go. Bye.

Okay.

Who'd you beat up now?

Nobody, uncle. Just some rude tourists.

I swear to god, kid.

Do we have everything from Mama's list?

Yeah! I got everything.

The line was crazy at Sir Inggo's!

- Your mom and her shopping lists. - You know how she is.

Hi, dear!

Yes, Ma.

Isn't it late for lunch?

How are you?

I'm good. Let's eat.

Did you get everything I told you to get?

Yes.

The watermelons and the papaya soap?

You can take a Pinoy out of the Philippines

but you really can't take Philippines out of Pinoys, huh?

What was that?

Ma, there's a Filipino store in Melbourne, right?

Too pricey!

Fine, I'll shop here.

But I won't bring much, okay?

I don't wanna lug around all that food and soap.

It's taking forever. I'm so excited to see you.

Sleep it off over the weekend, Ma.

I'll be there when you wake up.

I can't wait to see you and hug you!

- You know it's just for two years, right? - I'm so happy that you finally

decided to leave Baguio.

A lot can happen in two years, sweetie.

Who knows, you might meet someone here.

Ma, I'm going there for my Masters!

And please, women aren't built to just stay home,

have kids, and cook.

I just want you to have a partner, sweetie!

It's different when you have someone to come home to.

Ma, I can take care of myself. Don't worry about me.

I can't wait to have a grandchild and for you to have a partner!

Marina?

Marina!

Here it is! I bought your favorite Baguio longganisa!

Look!

Say something to your daughter. She got herself in trouble again!

What?!

She's too hard-headed!

You're at it again!

- See you, Ma. Talk to you later. - You're just like your father!

Wait out here for a bit, okay?

I won't take long.

Good morning!

Good morning, sir.

Yes, I called earlier.

I was gonna ask about your rates.

Please wait, sir.

Thank you.

Okay!

Great, thanks.

Thanks, sir.

Come on, sweetie.

I have a surprise for you.

Really?

I think you'll love it.

You'll have loads of fun.

Get in.

Not in front of the kid!

Papa!

Papa! Papa!

Papa!

Papa!

This was recovered mid-19th century

and the axe used for wood carving and hunting made by our Ifugao communities.

The axe, or as they call it, "lingua"

reflects the value systems and traditions passed through generations.

And we are thankful to the Australian government

for returning it because it was stolen

and it has been returned to its proper home now.

This speaks for our cultural heritage

between Philippines and Australia.

A heritage that was formed and bonded by our respective ancestors.

- Thank you, ma'am Rachel. - Thank you, ma'am Rachel.

Thank you so much.

If you need anything else, just message me,

and we can discuss via Zoom.

- Thanks. - Thank you.

Oh, by the way, I just wanted to thank you for doing the interview today.

I really believe you are the right resource person for doing the interview.

Really appreciate it.

Thank you, Rome.

By the way,

are you...

are you pushing through with your trip to Melbourne?

- Yes. - You're absolutely sure?

Yeah.

Why?

I just hate this feeling, you know?

What feeling?

Of goodbyes.

And it's you who's leaving, so…

Rome, you know it's just a temporary one, right?

Yeah, but still. I mean--

You do know there's social media, right?

We can talk anytime.

Besides, why don't you pursue your Guggenheim Fellowship?

Well, honestly, I'm still thinking about it.

We'll see how it goes.

What's there to think about?

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity so, go.

I guess so.

- I have an idea. - Yeah?

Why don't I take you out for breakfast tomorrow?

Just you and me.