A Journey Home

A JOURNEY HOME

I've lost many things in this life.

My job is one of them.

At this age? The timing couldn't be worse.

I'm sorry but...

you're way past our employers' age limit.

But I have plenty of experience, see?

Experience. That's great!

Try applying to other agencies.

You might get lucky.

Next!

Has experience lost its value?

Come to think of it, I sometimes wish I could forget the past.

My boss in Taiwan said that it was the crisis that cost me my job.

That there were many others like me, and that it wasn't my fault.

I must look for a job.

Driver.

Construction worker.

Caregiver.

All around.

Obituary EVANGELINE SIMBULAN

"Evangeline Simbulan."

Vangie?

"She is survived by her loving children...

Raffy...

Gayle...

Kristine..."

I have lost many things in this life.

What happened between Vangie and myself, that was all my fault.

Excuse me.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Your mom was a very good friend of mine.

And a very strong lady.

Imagine, she raised you on her own?

What happened?

Please take a seat.

It's in the papers.

Kristine?

Take over for a while.

How are you feeling?

You haven't slept for almost three days. You should rest a while.

It's just a headache. I just need a Paracetamol.

You keep taking medicine.

Mama wouldn't like that.

Raff, just leave it alone.

We didn't talk about this.

Who knows who might show up.

Raff, he deserves to know.

Baby, what are you doing over here?

I broke Jake's guitar. I'm afraid he'll get mad.

Well, just say sorry.

- But-- - Just say sorry.

- Are you okay? - Daddy...

I'm sleepy.

Is that so? Let's go sleep in the back.

Come, baby.

- How much is this? - That's 1000.

One thousand?

- This? - Four hundred.

- Can you give it to me for 220? - Three-fifty.

- Two-twenty? - Three twenty.

- Two-twenty? - Three twenty.

- Two-twenty? - Three twenty.

Come on, will 220 do?

Mister, if you want flowers for free, just go pick some from your neighbor's garden.

Please, just give them to me for 220, I just lost someone.

Sir, all my customers are bereaved.

How about this? How much?

One-fifty. Last bid.

It's tough to bargain, to be pardoned.

How about my children?

Can they forgive me for what I have done?

Do they still remember me?

- Good morning. - Kristine?

No, I'm Gayle.

Dad? I'm glad you could make it.

I read it in the paper.

I hope my presence doesn't bother you.

This is my last chance to see your Mama

to say goodbye and ask forgiveness.

This is Gayle.

I'm Raffy's wife.

Raff is over there.

Thanks for coming.

Raff...

Son. Raffy...

- It's been so long-- - Kidney failure.

It was late detection. The doctors couldn't do anything.

Raffy.

Big-shot, huh?

My kids are here.

Jake and Tinka.

Jake.

So you play guitar.

Yeah, I do.

I'll go back to my friends now.

Okay.

My youngest is at the back, resting.

She got tired from playing.

I didn't know I already have grandchildren.

Dad...

If you are ready to see mom...

Hi, Vangie.

Is it too late for me to ask forgiveness from our children.

And from you.

Where have you been?

Three years, I worked in Japan.

Two years in Hongkong.

Nine years in Taiwan.

Here, I got you something to eat.

- Thanks a lot. - Have a snack first.

What are you doing nowadays?

Looking for a job again.

Really? You should live with us for a while.

There's an employment agency near our house,

and I know somebody who can help you.

Gayle, are you sure that's a good idea?

You don't have to, I don't want to trouble you.

I've already applied to many agencies, I'm sure someone will call.

Dad. Later, I'll introduce you to my husband.

He's into sales. That's why he's always on the phone.

I think he's nice.

I'm sure he's lucky to have you.

So are you coming to live with us?

Let us pray.

Lord God, we are gathered here today

to give thanks that you have blessed us with the life of Evangeline Simbulan.

Lord, we are grateful for her love

and her company, which touched us here on earth.

Lord, we know that her passing has brought sadness to her loved ones.

We are praying for Raffy, Kristine, Gayle and their other loved ones

that despite this loss, Lord God, you will be their source of comfort.

What should I do, Vangie?

When I was abroad, I kept thinking of coming home.

But what if my family won't accept me?

And may our good memories of Evangeline Simbulan will never be forgotten.

I was gone for 20 years.

I abandoned them for 20 years.

For all these, we give you thanks in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

My brothers and sisters, I want to thank all of you for expressing your sympathy

with the relatives of our dearly-departed Evangeline Simbulan.

Pastor, thank you so much for all your support.

Pastor, thanks for the support. Thank you very much.

Don't mention it. We're like family.

But I've noticed that you haven't been coming to church, Raffy.

Are you attending this Sunday?

- We'll see. - Okay, Raffy.

- Thanks again. - No problem.

Raffy...

Thanks again for allowing me to be at your Mama's funeral. I'll be going now.

Wait, Dad, aren't you coming home with us?

I need to go back. They're waiting for me at my house in Pampanga.

The roaches, the lizards, the plants and the other insects.

I'll visit you or we give each other a call.

Okay, we'll be going ahead. Jake, let's go.

Dad, I'm sorry about Raffy.

He still finds it hard to accept what has happened.

That's okay, I understand.

We'll go ahead. Take care.

Thank you so much, Gayle.

Where's Raffy?

I thought you're going with them.

Is he my daughter's husband?

You can stay with us.

I'll just visit you.

Wait.

Wow, you have an impressive phone!

Not really. This is just cheap in Taiwan.

- I'll get your number. - Sure.

My phone may be pretty, but I don't have anyone to text with.

There you go.

Give me a call so I can get your number.

We'll text each other, okay?

Dad, let's see each other again. I don't want to just text.

Of course.

Tinka, please sit properly.

Raff, don't you want to go back for Dad?

What for?

This is your chance.

- It's been 20 years. - Exactly.

He'd been gone for 20 years. That's why I'm perfectly happy--

Sure, Dad. We can all see that.

No work, no family.

What else do I have to live for?

Vangie, what if I just follow you to your grave?

Raff, I'm just worried about you.

You're always angry. You've also stopped going to church.

Maybe if you resolved your issues with your dad--

That's enough. That's enough.

I don't want him in my house and that's final.

Dad.

Dad...

Dad, what now?

Come on, Tinka.

Please come in. Feel at home.

If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

This is embarrassing. I don't want to be any trouble.

Don't be like that, Dad.

Have a seat.