In My Life

Jolog na kung jologs. I won't be ashamed to admit that I was looking forward to watching this movie. It's not because of the actors nor the story. It's because of the location... New York. The second city I fell in love with instantly.

I have to say, I am a bit skeptical about the movie. I thought the focus is on the gay relationship. But it is not entirely that. You know what they say, "Don't judge the book by its cover."

The story actually depicted typical Filipinos abroad. There is a struggling TNT, a successful Filipino, a young couple without a child, and of course a Filipino who at first isn't crazy about the U.S. but eventually loved it.

1. Most plight of the TNTs would probably be finding a job that would enable them to earn enough money to sustain their daily needs with extra cash to send to the family left back home. Another would be finding ways to legalize their stay. One of the popular ways they resort to is 'marriage for convenience'. You have to bear in mind though that you should marry a U.S. citizen (not just a Greeencard holder) for you to actually change your status. So these TNTs have to come up with the money they have to pay their 'spouses' in exchange for papers. It's a risky situation. But reality dictates that desparate needs call for desparate measures.

2. A successful Filipino. In the U.S., the more successful you are, the less time you have for yourself or your family. In the movie, his character couldn't find the time to accompany his mom. He would always be either too busy or got caught up with something. I guess it is safe to say that work ethics is a serious matter, delivering results is very important and you must be accountable to your actions.

3. The young married couple having no children. It's common knowledge that in abroad, having a nanny for your child is very expensive. That having a child is an important issue the couple must decide on. A lot of factors has to be weighed in in the decision-making process.

4. A first-timer tourist who loved the U.S. more than expected. I have to admit, I am one of those persons who say 'I just want to see the U.S., that's it'. But setting foot on New York made my heart flip flop and actually made me want to live there! Anyway, adjusting with the way of life and the lifestyle is the first hurdle you have to pass. It's a totally different environment and if you're not open to change and to learning new things, you may have a difficulty blending in.

The story really never focused on the sexuality of the characters. It is just a spice in the story. Of course it is an issue that had to be addressed. But only at the beginning. Once that issue was resolved, the story focused on the characters and their relationship with one another. It's a welcomed breather as it is not your ordinary love story about a girl and a boy who fell in love, broke up and eventually realized that they're really meant for each other.. A happy ending. This movie depicts different levels of love from different persons. The extent of how we can adapt to change and actually embrace it. How candidly one instance can make you appreciate what you have. Most importantly, how greatly a single circumstance can affect you for the rest of your life.

I love the first part of the movie. The boys touring Vilma around the city. The scenes made me sigh as I was brought back to one of my happiest moments! hahaha Seeing NYC again makes me want to book a flight and vanish from here.. pronto! hehehe

I'm secretly praying that next year plan with my friends will push through. I have exactly a year to save up for the trip. I just hope I'd be able to or who knows, maybe parents will bring me along with them. We'll see.