YOU AND THE REAL YOU

Janice “Ja” Abanto Buenconsejo graduated Computer Secretarial in 2005. She finished an Entrepreneurial Course at Academy for Creating Enterprise, whose founder is Stephen W. Gibson, a professor and entrepreneur guru in Brigham Young University Provo, Utah USA. She took Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English at the University of the Cordilleras. She received training and seminars from well-known financial and personality development gurus.  Ja started out as an entry-level employee in different positions. 

From a DJ at the age 16 in one of the popular FM radio stations and a stage actress, being a member of the Evening Opportunity Class Thespian Circle and the Balamban Mobile Performing Arts Company, back in her hometown, she went to teaching, coaching, marketing and managing. Currently she is the CEO and founder of her own company -- the Bozine Publishing which will soon launch  a magazine, Bozine Mag. 

She has also been a spiritual motivator since 2007 and a speaker to thousands of Filipino people both profitable and non-profitable organizations. She had been awarded as one of the best speakers and leaders by one of the international marketing companies established in the country. She is a wife to Jeff and mother to Aaron.

Her advocacy is to inspire, train and teach the youth and young adults in this generation the belief system that will empower them to maximize their full potentials and achieve their goals in life. Hence, she wrote a book dealing on that advocacy which is entitled, "You and the Real You."

So if you want to know "why you are, what you are and how to unleash your full potentials" grab a copy now for it has only limited edition. You can also invite her for an inspirational talk that will surely surprise you.

FAN-BASED PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN FOR DUTERTE HAS BECOME VIRAL

Out of the five official candidates vying for the Presidency I have only two choices left -- Santiago and Duterte. In my own opinion, the two of them are the only presidential candidates who are not stained with corruption and deceit. Both of them are known to have "iron claws" over scrupulous criminals.

I love Miriam for her brilliance, cunning, wit and sense of humor. She has good track record of leadership. Though people always called her Brenda a colloquial name which often connotes "brain damage". Probably because she has been looked as a genius but cunning woman who had told the press that if Erap would win for presidency she would jump over an airplane and said something like "Magpapabaril ako sa Luneta kapag nagkakatotoo 'yan (I will submit myself on a firing squad in Luneta if that will become true)" but when Erap won and asked over her past statement she just said with a big smile, "I'm sorry, I lied."

As for Digong as Rodrigo Duterte is often called I admired him for his view on federalism and his advocacy to stop crime with iron hand though I hated when he lied that he would not be running for presidency, when he blatantly said things against the Pope especially for his suggestion for  the pope not to come back to the country for according to him the pope had caused a stream of heavy traffic which caused him to pee on the wheels of his car in the middle of daylight in the street, and when he would be spitting out his untamed expressions.

Today, I am amazed of the different people who have organized groups of volunteers for Duterte's candidacy. They have contributed their own pocket just to fund his campaign starting down at the basic unit of the local government which I think is a very powerful tool for victory. Then there is a group of friends who call themselves as the "Yo Brothers", since they always addressed each other as "yo" whatever it means, who has come to me and ask for a little help of modifying their designs and logos which will be used in the printing of their t-shirts and other campaign ads. They are a die-hard fans of "Du30" for they firmly believed in his platforms and his capacity to enforce those if he wins in the coming presidential election. Though I am a bit hesitant at first, I just did the modification not because of Duterte but because of their strong faith in him. I hope that if ever their pet candidate would really win, he could really meet their expectations of change for the betterment of this nation.

ON FEDERALISM

A CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

What is federalism?

It is a form of government where sovereignty is constitutionally shared between a central governing authority and constituent political units called states or regions.

In basic terms, it will break the country into autonomous regions with a national government focused only on interests with nationwide bearing: foreign policy and defense, for example.

The autonomous regions or states, divided further into local government units, will have primary responsibility over developing their industries, public safety, education, healthcare, transportation, recreation, and culture. 

These states will have more power over their finances, development plans, and laws exclusive to ther jurisdiction.

The central government and states can also share certain powers.

How is it different from what we have now?

We presently have a unitary form of government. Most administrative powers and resources are with the national government based in Metro Manila. It's Malacañang that decides how much to give local government units. The process is prone to abuse, with governors and mayors sometimes having to beg Malacañang for projects they believe their communities need.

How local government units spend their budget has to be approved by the national government. 

In federalism, the states will have the power to make these decisions with little or no interference from the national government.

Examples of federal countries: United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, India, Malaysia.

PROS

Locals decide for themselves. Regions have their own unique problems, situations, geographic, cultural, social and economic contexts. Federalism allows them to create solutions to their own problems instead of distant Metro Manila deciding for them.

The states can establish policies that may not be adopted nationwide. For example, liberal Metro Manila can allow same-sex marriage which the state of Bangsamoro, predominantly Muslim, would not allow. In the United States, some states like Colorado and Washington have legalized recreational marijuana even if other states have not.

This makes sense in an archipelago of over 7,000 islands and 28 dominant ethnic groups. For decades, the national government has been struggling to address the concerns of 79 (now 81) provinces despite challenges posed by geography and cultural differences.

With national government, and thus power, centered in Metro Manila, it's no surprise that development in the mega city has spiralled out of control while other parts of the country are neglected.

More power over funds, resources. Right now, local government units can only collect real estate tax and business permit fees. In federalism, they can retain more of their income and are required to turn over only a portion to the state government they fall under.

Thus, local governments and state governments can channel their own funds toward their own development instead of the bulk of the money going to the national government. They can spend the money on programs and policies they see fit without waiting for the national government's go signal.

Promotes specialization. The national and state governments can specialize in different policy domains. With most administrative powers now with the regional governments, the national government can focus on foreign policy, defense, and other nationwide concerns, like healthcare and taxation.

States have more autonomy to focus on economic development using their core competencies and industries. The state of Central Luzon can focus on becoming an agricultural hub. The state of Mimaropa, home to Palawan, can choose to use eco-tourism as its primary launch pad.

Possible solution to the Mindanao conflict. The creation of the state of Bangsamoro within a federalist system may address concerns of separatists who crave more autonomy over the administration of Muslim Mindanao.

Decongestion of Metro Manila. Through fiscal autonomy for state governments, federalism will more evenly distribute the country's wealth. In 2015, 35% of the national budget went to Metro Manila even if it represents only 14% of the Philippine population.

Lessens dependence on Metro Manila. When there is political upheaval in Metro Manila, other regions that have nothing to do with the chain of events are left waiting for the resources that ony the national government can release. With federalism, regions work independently of Metro Manila for most concerns.

Brings government closer to the people. If detractors say federalism will only make local political dynasties more powerful, supporters give the argument that, in fact, it will make all local leaders, including those part of political dynasties, more accountable to their constituents. State governments will no longer have any excuse for delays in services or projects that, in the present situation, are often blamed on choking bureaucracy in Manila. 

Assuming more autonomy for regions leads to economic development, there will be more incentive for Filipinos to live and work in regions outside Metro Manila. More investors may also decide to put up their businesses there, creating more jobs and opportunities to attract more people away from the jam-packed mega city. 

Encourages competition. With states now more self-reliant and in control of their development, they will judge themselves relative to how their fellow states are progressing. The competitive spirit will hopefully motivate state leaders and citizens to level up in terms of quality of life, economic development, progressive policies, and governance. 

CONS

Possibly divisive. Healthy competition among states can become alienating – creating rivalries and promoting the regionalism that some say already challenges the sense of unity in the country. It could enflame hostilities between ethnic groups in the country like Tagalogs, Cebuanos, Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Tausugs, and Zamboangueños.

Uneven development among states. Some states may not be as ready for autonomy as others. Some states may not be as rich in natural resources or skilled labor as others. States with good leaders will progress faster while states with ineffective ones will degrade more than ever because national government will not be there to balance them out.

But in some federal countries, the national government doles out funds to help poorer states. A proposed Equalization Fund will use a portion of tax from rich states to be given to poorer states.

Confusing overlaps in jurisdiction. Where does the responsibility of state governments end and where does the responsibility of the national government begin? Unless these are very clearly stated in the amended Constitution, ambiguities may arise, leading to conflict and confusion. For instance, in times of disaster, what is the division of responsibilities between state and national governments?

May not satisfy separatists in Mindanao. Separatists are calling for their own country, not just a state that still belongs to a larger federal Philippines. Federalism may not be enough for them. After all, the conflict continues despite the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

How the Philippines would look when federal

In some proposals, there will be 10 or 11 autonomous states. Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr envisioned 11 states plus the Federal Administrative Region of Metro Manila.

Here's how the Philippines will look like as laid out in Pimentel's 2008 Joint Resolution Number 10.

Cost of federalism

Shifting to federalism won't come cheap. It would entail billions of pesos to set up state governments and the delivery of state services. States will then have to spend for the elections of their officials. 

Attempts at federalism in PH

There was an attempt during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. One of her campaign promises was to reform the 1987 Constitution.

A consultative commission she created recommended federalism as one of the goals of the proposed charter change. But the attempt failed because of opposition from various sectors who believed Arroyo wanted to use the reform to extend her term limit.

(Note that shifting to a federal government does not necessarily mean an extension of term limits for the sitting president. Such an extension would only take place in a shift to a parliamentary government.)

In 2008, Pimentel Jr and Bacolod City Representative Monico Puentevella filed joint resolutions to convene Congress into a constituent assembly with the goal of amending the constitution to establish a federal form of government.

KAPEROSA: ANG UNGO SA FORT SAN PEDRO

KAPEROSA

Ang Ungo Sa Fort San Pedro

A HORROR-COMEDY SHORT FILM

SCENE 1. EXTERIOR, DARK ROAD, NIGHT.

FROILAN

(VOICE OVER)

Motoo ba ka nga dunay langit? Motoo ba ka ug ikaduhang kinabuhi? Motoo ba ka nga dunay second chance? Mao ni ang nahitabo naku…

Deep breathing of a person can be heard in the background. Running feet in slippers can be seen on the screen.

SCENE 2. EXTERIOR, MAGELLAN’S PARK, NIGHT. Some teenage kids are building tents while others are singing worship songs, like “The Lord Is My Tower”, synchronized with dancing. And some are doing Bible-sharing.

SCENE 3. EXTERIOR, DARK ROAD, NIGHT. FROILAN, a 15-year-old street kid, the one who is wearing slippers, is still running. Two HOODLUMS are chasing him. FROILAN is caught and beaten by the HOODLUMS. Kneeling on the road, FROILAN is crying in tears. A gun is pointed on FROILAN’s forehead.

FROILAN

Sir, malooy mo naku, Sir! Bata pa ko, Sir. Kinse pa ko, Sir. Di pa ko gustong mamatay Sir.

HOODLUM #2

                        Kinse, unya kamao nang mangarnap?

FROILAN

Sir, dili ‘tawn ko dautang taw’, Sir! Aku ra ‘tawn ‘tong gibalhin ang motor, Sir, ky nagbabag sa karsada. Pasaylo-a ‘tawn ko, Sir.

HOODLUM #1

Ato na lang ni siyang i-salvage!

FROILAN

Sir, malooy intawn mo naku! Ayaw ‘tawn, Sir! Dios ko, luwasa intawn ko! Magbag-o na lagi ko sa akong kinabuhi. Dili na ko magpabadlong.

FROILAN closes his eyes as HOODLUM #1 is about to pull the trigger. There is a sudden peal of thunder and lightning hits on the middle of the road just a little distance from behind FROILAN. HOODLUMS’s POV. A middle-aged priest, GABRIEL, rises from the smokes created by the lightning that hit on the road. GABRIEL’S POV. The HOODLUMS run towards the motorcycle. Quickly, they ride on the motorcycle and start it. They are leaving in a rush. BACK TO FROILAN, he is surprised to see the HOODLUMS leaving. He turns around towards the direction of GABRIEL. FROILAN, in tears, embraces GABRIEL.

FROILAN

                        Salamat kaayo, Father! Kon wala pa ka moabot, hayan na-anhing na ko
                        ‘ron.

GABRIEL

Way sapayan. Dali, kuyog ta!

SCENE 4. EXTERIOR, MAGELLAN’S PARK, MIDNIGHT. GABRIEL leads the teenage kids in singing and dancing the action song, “Deep, Deep”. While FROILAN tries to imitate the action, Gwyneth, who looks conservative with her eyeglasses, transfers nearer to him. Seeing this, NAP, a funny gay, stays between them. The jealous HOWARD, a handsome kid but lacks self-esteem who is secretly in love with GWYNETH, walks away from the group. But his nerd-looking best friend, TEDDY, pushes him back to the group. While GERALD, a playboy-type, is dancing between GWYNETH and Elaine. ELAINE, who is sophisticated, is smiling at GERALD. After praise and worship, GABRIEL tells everyone to sleep. GABRIEL has noticed that NAP, GWYNETH, GERALD and ELAINE are looking at each other in a meaningful way as if they are planning something naughty before they go to sleep. But he just keeps his reaction to himself as if telling, “I know what you are doing.” When everybody has fallen asleep, NAP, GWYNETH, GERALD and ELAINE rise up. TEDDY, seeing this, wakes up HOWARD, and they join the group. They wake FROILAN, who is wondering why, and signal him to be silent. They sneak out from the tent and run silently towards the Fort San Pedro. GABRIEL who is awake and just observing what they are doing follow them like a comic stalker.

SCENE 5. EXTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, ESTABLISHING SHOT, MIDNIGHT. NAP, GWYNETH, GERALD, ELAINE, HOWARD, TEDDY and FROILAN run like cats towards the main entrance. FROILAN, who has heard a noise, looks back. The other kids also look back. Swiftly, GABRIEL hides himself behind the wall. When they see nothing, the five teenage kids enter the door way.

SCENE 6. INTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, HALLWAY, MIDNIGHT. The SECURITY GUARD can be seen sleeping at the table near the Reception Area.

FROILAN

                        Mag-unsa man ta nganhi?

ELAINE

                        Mag-witch-hunting ta. Naa kunoy ungo nga nagpuyo dinhi sa
                        Fort San Pedro.

NAP walks like a cat towards the SECURITY GUARD.

GWYNETH

                        Ungo diay? Ingon mga multo?

ELAINE

Dili ordinaryong multo ang nagpuyo nganhi. Ingon sa akong lola, naa kunoy kaperosa nganhi.

GERALD

                        Unsay kaperosa ba?

NAP stretches his hand as if he will touch the front of the SECURITY GUARD.

NAP

Shodi abas oi, mga toyabz,  kay maka-atamz ang guard. Akong signiton ang iyang…

GWYNETH

                        Ang unsa?

NAP suddenly grabs the keys on the waist of the SECURITY GUARD. Then he shows the keys to GWYNETH. The kids run silently towards the rooms. Using the keys, they open the first room and peep in. They hop in to the next room and enter.

SCENE 7. INTERIOR, ROOM, MIDNIGHT. NAP is looking for something in the drawers. INTERCUT. ON THE LEFT, GABRIEL from outside the window, AND ON THE RIGHT, GWYNETH and FROILAN are looking at the painting on the wall. The painting depicts a nun wearing a brown woolen robe, a veil and a wimple (a cloth covering for the neck and the sides of the face) and a habit composed of a robe with broad pleats, a camlet (wool fabric) garment, a domino (a short, sleeveless hooded cape) and a black bonnet. At the bottom of a frame is a plate indicating – MARGARITA ALBA (born on October 31, 1737 – died on October 31, 1758).

SCENE 8. FLASHBACK. INTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, GOBERNADORCILLO’S OFFICE, 18^TH CENTURY, DAY. The GOBERNADORCILLO is sitting on a chair which is besides a table where the CUADRILLEROS are talking some business. On the other side of the GOBERNADORCILLO, are CUADRILLEROS’ WIVES -- one is seated on a chair and she is combing the hair of another woman who is sitting on the floor while a third woman is listening to the men talking.  At the doorway stands the TWO CIVIL GUARDS. MARGARITA comes in wearing a Rococo gown.

GUARDIA CIVIL #1

Buen día , mi señora.

SUBTITLE: “Good day, my lady.”

MARGARITA

Necesito una audiencia con el Gobernadorcillo .

SUBTITLE: “I need an audience with the Gobernadorcillo.”

While MARGARITA is talking with the GUARDIA CIVIL #1, the CUADRILLEROS’ WIVES are gossiping.

CUADRILLERO’S WIFE #1

(VOICE OVER)

                        Quién es ella?

SUBTITLE: “Who is she?”

CUADRILLERO’S WIFE #2

(VOICE OVER)

                        Eso es Margarita , la hija de la bruja.

SUBTITLE: “That is Margarita, the daughter of the witch.”

CUADRILLERO’S WIFE #3

(VOICE OVER)

                       Ella es la hija bastarda de don Jaime Alba, un noble de la dinastía Estuardo de Escocia.

SUBTITLE: “She is the bastard daughter of Don Jaime Alba, a noble from the Stuart dynasty of Scotland.”

Passing through the TWO CIVIL GUARDS, MARGARITA enters the room angrily. The GOBERNADORCILLO stands up and takes the hand of MARGARITA to kiss it but MARGARITA pushes his hand away.

MARGARITA

                        ¿Dónde está Gabriel ? ¿Lo mataste? Gabriel ... !

SUBTITLE: “Where is Gabriel? Did you kill him? Gabriel…!”

GOBERNADORCILLO

(sarcastically laughs)

El anciano, Gabriel, ama a la Iglesia más que tú. Ya ha entrado en el sacerdocio.

SUBTITLE: “The old man, Gabriel, loves the Church more than you. He has already entered the priesthood.”

The CUADRILLEROS and the CUADRILLEROS’ WIVES are laughing and gossiping. MARGARITA bursts into tears and runs outside the room.

SCENE 9. INTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, HALLWAY, DAY. GABRIEL, wearing a priestly robe, is walking to the back entrance when he sees MARGARITA coming out from the GOBERNADORCILLO’S OFFICE and runs towards the back entrance.

GABRIEL

                        Margarita…

There is a surprise, excitement, and joy in MARGARITA’s face after seeing GABRIEL. She gladly embraces GABRIEL. She is in tears of joy. 

MARGARITA

                        Gabriel?...  Gabriel…!

GABRIEL

Nakasal na ako sa Santa Iglesia, Margarita! Gimahal ko ikaw. Apan mas gimahal ko ang Santa Iglesia.

MARGARITA

Gimahal ko usab ang Ginoo. Kondili kita magkadayon, hingpit na lang usab akong mag-alagad Kaniya.

SCENE 10. BACK TO INTERIOR, ROOM, MIDNIGHT.  GABRIEL is still looking at the painting from outside the window. Tears are running from his eyes. FROILAN, who is still watching GABRIEL, wonders why he is crying. A black cat, with a loud meow, suddenly jumps at NAP who is searching the drawers. FROILAN’s attention has diverted to the cat.

NAP

                        Ay, iring gilaygit! Ungo nga dakog itlog!

When FROILAN looks back at the direction of the window, GABRIEL is already gone. NAP finds an Ouija board where the cat jumps.

NAP

Unsa man ni? Ouija board! Pero karaan dili parehas atong sa salida nga Ouija Board, triangle. Kini, lingin kinahanglan  pa ug baso.

GWYNETH has found a candle with a holder; HOWARD, a safety match; and TEDDY, a glass.

NAP

Hmmm, mura’g kita na ko ini sa salida nga Spirit of the Glass.

The lights are switched off. A candle being lit, a match stricken and its smoke trapped in the glass which is put over the Ouija board can be seen on the screen. FADE IN TO FROILAN, NAP, GWYNETH, HOWARD, TEDDY, GERALD and ELAINE PLAYING THE “SPIRIT-OF-THE-GLASS” GAME. They utter the chant -- “Spirit of the glass, spirit of the glass… please, come in!”  At first they push the glass with their right second finger touching it. They are laughing as if they are fooling themselves that some spirit is moving the glass but in fact they are manipulating it to move to different letters.

GERALD

This is all fake, I need proof. Is there anyone in here? If anything is in here and not talking, you’re a coward.

ELAINE

                        Tana, Gerald, mangadto ta sa taas. Mas dunay thrill ngadto.

As ELAINE and GERALD have left the room, the other five kids are startled since the glass moves now by its own towards the letters -- Y-A-W-A. Then the lights in the entire fort go off.  They start screaming.

TEDDY

                        Kon tinood ka nga ispirtu, palihuka ning mga butang dinhi!

The chandelier in the room begins to shake violently and the chimes ring like pieces of metal being smashed together. The glass abruptly floats upward and shattered. A black smoke then comes in. The room becomes as cold as ice and the kids are shivering. The horrible stench of death fills the room and the kids cannot stop gagging and coughing.

GWYNETH

                        Kabaho arong patay! Unsa na man ni?

HOWARD

                        Katugnaw. Gwyneth pagaksa ko’g hugot bi.

FROILAN

                        Ayaw na mo sige ug tinonto kay dili na ni duwa-duwa.

NAP throws away the Ouija board. The black smoke spins around the room and turns into a KAPEROSA, a ghost wearing a habit like that of the nun in the painting but its face is like the Halloween’s jack-o’-lantern, a hideous pumpkin lit with flickering fire from within, and its hands are like claws of a barn owl. The KAPEROSA is screaming like a banshee. Black smokes are belching from the bottom of its robe. It is surrounded by a ring of fire and the room becomes so hot. TEDDY hides under the table. HOWARD, FROILAN and GWYNETH run towards the door.

NAP

                        Howard! Froilan! Gwyneth! Ayaw ko ninyo’g biya-i!

GWYNETH

                        Nap…!

HOWARD, FROILAN and GWYNETH go back when they see that NAP cannot move out from his position. NAP is jogging in place and screaming but without voice. He is pointing at his feet. The KAPEROSA swoops down and attacks HOWARD, FROILAN and GWYNETH with its claws. The three kids shout in pain. The KAPEROSA then flies towards NAP. But when it is about to hover over NAP, TEDDY, who has found a fire extinguisher, comes out from under the table and sprays the fire extinguisher at the KAPEROSA. TEDDY is screaming which startles the KAPEROSA for a while. HOWARD, GWYNETH and FROILAN pull NAP but he is stuck and cannot be moved.

HOWARD

                        Teddy, sakto na ‘na! Tabangi mi’g alsa ining Nap!

TEDDY throws the fire extinguisher at the KAPEROSA. Together, HOWARD, GWYNETH, FROILAN, and TEDDY carry NAP towards the door. The KAPEROSA is still following them.

SCENE 11. INTERIOR, HALLWAY, MIDNIGHT. The lights are flickering. A loud peal of thunder is heard on the background. Lightning flashes can be seen from the outside. Heavy rains pour. The wind is blowing towards the inside of the hallway. The SECURITY GUARD is awakened by the gush of the wind. He gets his flashlight on the table and runs towards the entrance door. As he closes the entrance door, HOWARD, GWYNETH, FROILAN, and TEDDY who are carrying NAP enter into the hallway from the museum. They walk fast towards the entrance door. The SECURITY GUARD is startled at first to see them but when he recovers he shouts and runs towards them. HOWARD, GWYNETH, FROILAN and TEDDY have dropped NAP on the floor and run upstairs. NAP shouts in pain but in a comical manner. The SECURITY GUARD grabs the hand of NAP but comically, he is shocked when the KAPIROSA floats from the museum towards them. NAP stands up and runs comically towards the entrance door. When he is about to open the entrance door, NAP looks back. NAP’s POV. The KAPEROSA floats over the SECURITY GUARD. The SECURITY GUARD is enveloped by a thick black smoke and the KAPEROSA is also turning into a smoke. A scream of excruciating pain is heard on the background. When the smoke is gone the KAPEROSA and the SECURITY GUARD are also gone. BACK TO NAP, NAP hurriedly opens the entrance door. As he opens the door, NAP bumps into GABRIEL. NAP screams hysterically.

NAP

                        Ungo! Ungo! Ungo…!

GABRIEL gets a pail of water and pours it on NAP’s head. NAP has awakened from his nostalgia and hugs GABRIEL in fear. GABRIEL signals NAP to go back to the camp as he enters the hallway.

SCENE 12. EXTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, SECOND FLOOR, MIDNIGHT. GERARLD is flirting with ELAINE while the latter is playing hard to get.

GERALD

                        Sige na gud, Elaine. Ayaw na sige ug pakipot ba. Sugta na ko ba.

ELAINE

Pag-sure baya, Gerald. Wa jud koy salig sa imong pagka-playboy. Unsaon na man lang si Maja, si Farina, si Bea, si Sarah ug si Kim?

GERALD

                        Chismis ra lagi na. Sige na, uyab na ta…!

Suddenly, a black smoke comes in and turns into the KAPEROSA. ELAINE, who is facing the direction of the KAPEROSA, is terrified to see it.

ELAINE

                        Gerald…!

GERALD

                        Elaine… Ngano? Sugton na ko nimo?

ELAINE

                        Gerald, kaperosa! Naay kaperosa!

INTERCUT. ON THE LEFT, HOWARD, GWYNETH, FROILAN AND TEDDY entering from the stairs they run towards the first door. on the right, elaine and gerald are running towards the other direction. FADE IN. FROILAN’s hand can be seen twisting the doorknob which is locked on the screen.  CLOSE-UP TO ELAINE AND GERALD’S FACES SCREAMING. The KAPIROSA hovers over ELAINE and GERALD and it turns back into a thick black smoke. The black smoke envelops the two kids who are screaming in excruciating pain. As the black smoke vanishes, the two kids also vanish. FADE IN, HOWARD, GWYNETH, FROILAN and TEDDY run to the second door and it is open. They enter hurriedly and close it.

SCENE 13. INTERIOR, MUSEUM, MIDNIGHT. FROILAN and GWYNETH find a place to hide inside the room. As soon as they hide, HOWARD, GWYNETH, FROILAN and TEDDY see the ghost of the GOBERNADORCILLO pouring liquor on his wine glass and drinks. Then they see the ghost of MARGARITA coming through the locked door. She is wearing the habit like that of the KAPEROSA.

MARGARITA

                        ¿Dónde están los huérfanos?

SUBTITLE: “Where are the orphans?”

The GOBERNADORCILLO bursts into laughter.

GOBERNADORCILLO

Tengo los ahorcaron porque habían robado las existencias de arroz del granero. Servirá como una lección para todos los ladrones como ellos.

SUBTITLE: “I have them hanged because they had stolen the stocks of rice from the granary. It will serve as a lesson for all the thieves like them.”

The GOBERNADORCILLO sarcastically laughs. MARGARITA angrily jobs the GOBERNADORCILLO femininely. He grabs her hands, embraces her, and tries to kiss her. MARGARITA fights back but the GOBERNADORCILLO jobs her stomach. MARGARITA who is unable to endure the pain collapses to the floor. The GOBERNADORCILLO takes off his clothes and rapes MARGARITA. GABRIEL in a priestly robe come in through the locked door and punches the GOBERNADORCILLO on the face. The GOBERNADORCILLO gets his revolver and shoots GABRIEL by the heart. GABRIEL drops dead. FROILAN and GWYNETH are in shock. TEDDY is about to shout out loud but HOWARD abruptly shuts his mouth.  The GOBERNADORCILLO is walking in circles realizing what he has done. But then after getting an idea, the GOBERNADORCILLO puts the revolver on the hand of the unconscious MARGARITA and then he runs through the locked door. MARGARITA has awakened. She is shocked to find the dead body of GABRIEL. She wails so loud. The GOBERNADORCILLO comes back with the TWO CIVIL GUARDS, the CUADRILLEROS and the CUADRILLERO’S WIVES who are all shocked to see the tragic scene.

GOBERNADORCILLO

Ella es un asesino ! Una puta ! Llévala al tribunal !

SUBTITLE: “She is a murderer! A whore! Take her to the tribunal!”

The GOBERNADORCILLO takes the gun from MARGARITA. The TWO CIVIL GUARDS arrest MARGARITA.

GUARDIA CIVIL #2

Date prisa! Levántate!

SUBTITLE: “Hurry up! Stand up!”

GUARDIA CIVIL #1

Lo siento, mi señora . Pero tienes que venir con nosotros.

SUBTITLE: “I am sorry, my lady. But you must come with us.”

The TWO CIVIL GUARDS take MARGARITA outside through the locked door. The GOBERNADORCILLO, together with the CUADRILLEROS and the CUADRILLERO’S WIVES, follows them. TEDDY screaming runs to the door but bangs on it and cries in pain. HOWARD and GWYNETH run to help TEDDY. GWYNETH unlocks the door and after unlocking it she, together with HOWARD and TEDDY, runs outside. FROILAN runs towards GABRIEL and checks on him.

FROILAN

Father! Father Gabriel! Pagmata! Malooy ka, ayaw ko biya-ing mag-inusara! Ikaw ra ang bugtong nakong paglaum!

FROILAN bursts into sobs and cries. GABRIEL is enveloped by light and is awakened.

GABRIEL

Salamat, anak! Tungod sa imong pagmahal, gawasnon na ko gikan sa walay kahumanan ug balik-balik nga kamatayon!

SCENE 14. EXTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, ROOFTOP, DAWN. FROILAN and GABRIEL come out from the museum. Commotions of people shouting can be heard in the background.

CUADRILLERO’S WIFE # 1

(VOICE OVER)

Mátala! Ella es hija de una bruja !

SUBTITLE: “Kill her! She is a daughter of a witch!”

CUADRILLERO’S WIFE #2

(VOICE OVER)

Cuelgue hasta la muerte !

SUBTITLE: “Hang her to death!”

CUADRILLERO #1

(VOICE OVER)

Ella es una puta ! Piedra hasta la muerte !

SUBTITLE: “She is a whore! Stone her to death!”

CUADRILLERO # 2

(VOICE OVER)

¡No! Quemarla en la hoguera ! 

SUBTITLE: “No! Burn her at the stake!”

MARGARITA

Nuestro Padre que mora en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad.

SUBTITLE: “Our Father who dwells in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done.”

CUADRILLERO’S WIFE #3

(VOICE OVER)

¡Espera! ¡Escucha! Ella está rezando la Oración del Señor. Ella no es una bruja! Establezca su libre!

SUBTITLE: “Wait! Listen! She is praying the Lord's Prayer. She is not a witch! Set her free!”

CUADRILLERO #3

(VOICE OVER)

                        El diablo fue capaz de tomar la apariencia de un ángel. Que nadie se engañe.

SUBTITLE: “The Devil was able to take on the appearance of an angel. Let no one be deceived.”

CUADRILLERO #4

(VOICE OVER)

Mátala!                               

SUBTITLE: “Kill her!”

All the CUADRILLEROS and the CUADRILLEROS’ WIVES are shouting “Mátala!”. GABRIEL, followed by FROILAN, runs towards the edge of the rooftop where the courtyard can be seen. FROILAN’s POV. MARGARITA who is tied on a stake is being burned by the fire while the people -- the CIVIL GUARDS, the CUADRILLEROS and the WOMEN -- around are shouting in mockery. MARGARITA is screaming in excruciating pain. Devilish smile can be seen on the face of the GOBERNADORCILLO.

FROILAN

(VOICE OVER)

Dili aku makatoo sa akong nasaksihan. Ang nangagi misagol sa karon. Ug dili ko makatoo nga adunay mga tawo nga ingon niato kaluog ug ingon ato katig-a ug balati-an. Unsang matanga sila sa pagka-Kristyanos?

GABRIEL

                        Margarita…! Margarita…!

SCENE 15. EXTERIOR, FORT SAN PEDRO, COURTYARD, DAWN. Only ashes are left at the bonfire. The GOBERNADORCILLO, the CUADRILLEROS, the CUADRILLEROS’ WIVES, and the TWO CIVIL GUARDS are still there. Still, there is no remorse in their faces.

FROILAN

(VOICE OVER)

Sa akong nadunggan nga mga istorya, usa ka kabus nga babaylan nga gipaangkan ug Katsila ang inahan ni Margarita. Pero mikalit sila ug kadatu sa dihang namatay ang amahan ni Margarita.

Suddenly smokes appear and transform into MARGARITA’S MOTHER, who is wearing a queenly black gown during the Georgian Era and holding a jack-o’-lantern, comes near to the ashes.

MARGARITA’S MOTHER

                        Margarita, anak!

Everybody is terrified to see MARGARITA’S MOTHER. She picks up the hood, which is part of the nun’s domino, which is left unburned.

MARGARITA’S MOTHER

Kining kapirosa mao ang saksi sa iyang pagsimba sa inyong Diyos pero unsay iyang gidangatan? Kamatayon!

MARGARITA’S MOTHER takes the ashes and throws them at the GOBERNADORCILLO.

MARGARITA’S MOTHER

(VOICE OVER)

Unsaon man nimo kining balay nga bato kon ikaw dili na usa ka tawo? Sukad karon mahimo ka nang usa ka Kaperosa nga maglatagaw niining Fuerte de San Pedro hangtod sa hangtod. Ang tanang tawo nga maigu sa imong anino kan-on sa asu sa daub sa akong anak! Ug walay bisan si kinsa ang pili-on niini, bisan pa ang cuadrilleros ug ang ilang mga asawa!

The GOBERNADORCILLO is transformed into a barn owl. The barn owl flies up and screeches loudly. The jack-o’-lantern is thrown at the head of the owl. She throws the hood at the owl and it transforms into an undamaged nun’s habit which envelops the owl as if its clothes. The owl is screeching much louder. The GOBERNADORCILLO has totally transformed into the KAPEROSA. The KAPEROSA then floats towards the direction of the CUADRILLEROS, the CUADRILLEROS’ WIVES, and the TWO CIVIL GUARDS who are firing at the KAPEROSA in vain.  They are enveloped with black smokes. They scream and wail in excruciating pain.

MARGARITA’S MOTHER

(VOICE OVER)

Bugtong ang hilak ra sa mga inosenteng bata nga imong gisakit ug gipatay ang makaluwas sa imong kalag!

MARGARITA’S MOTHER is enveloped by black smokes and vanished. GWYNETH enters from the back entrance and runs to the courtyard. HOWARD and TEDDY run after her but stop upon seeing the KAPEROSA floating towards GWYNETH. GWYNETH who is very terrified runs around the area screaming for help until she falls near the staircase. The KAPEROSA is about to hover her. FROILAN, who is carrying a Bible, runs downstairs and embraces GWYNETH.

FROILAN

                        Ayaw!

FROILAN opens a page in the Bible. The KAPEROSA, who is floating towards FROILAN and GWYNETH, is screeching loudly. HOWARD and TEDDY kneel down and pray.

FROILAN

(VOICE OVER)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He made me lie down in green pastures: he led me beside the still waters. He restored my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anointed my head with oil; my cup ran over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

GABRIEL, who is holding a cross and a bottle of holy water, runs downstairs. He raises the cross and sprinkles holy water at the KAPEROSA.

GABRIEL

Sa ngalan ni Hesus, gimando-an ko ikaw sa pagpahawa niining lugara ug padayon ngadto sa lugar diin ikaw angayan nga moadto! Pahawa, Satanas!

The KAPEROSA screams loudly. A loud cry of a new-born baby can be heard in the background. The whole body of the KAPIROSA sparks, a-blazed, and burns into ashes. GABRIEL, FROILAN and GWYNETH walk near to the altar where the baby cry is coming. A new-born baby boy, who is lying at the foot of the vacant glass case of the Señor Santo Niño, is smiling at them. FROILAN puts the Bible beside the baby boy. When FROILAN is about to hold and carry the baby it disappears and the image of the Señor Santo Niño is back inside the glass case.

MARGARITA

(VOICE OVER)

                        Gabriel…

GABRIEL looks behind. MARGARITA, who is wearing her rococo gown, is standing near.

MARGARITA

Froilan, daghan kaayong salamat sa imong tabang. Ang imong pagbalik sa Dios, ang imong pagmahal sa imong isig ka-tawo ug ang imong pagpasaylo sa mga tawo nga nakasala kanimo maoy nakapalinggawas kanamo gikan sa gahum sa yawa nga mibilanggo kanamo sulod sa dugay nga panahon.

GABRIEL

                        Tana uban kanamo, Froilan.  Kinahanglan na kitang motabok
                        sa kahayag.

FROILAN is confused.

FLASHBACK TO SCENE 3, CLOSE-UP ON FROILAN’S FACE, NIGHT. A gun is pointed on his forehead. The trigger is pulled. HALF-BODY SHOT. FROILAN’s body falls dead on the road while his soul remains kneeling on the road. DISSOLVE BACK TO FROILAN NEAR THE ALTAR.

FROILAN

(VOICE OVER)

                         Ang kinabuhi diay usa ka tanghaga. Ug ang gahum ug pagmahal
                         sa Dios dili matugkad.

FROILAN goes with MARGARITA and GABRIEL towards the beam of light that is coming from above. GWYNETH is crying and leans on the shoulder of HOWARD while TEDDY winks at him and gives his two thumbs up. Entering from the back entrance, NAP, GERALD and ELAINE, who all have cuts and burns in their skins, run and embrace GWYNETH. The SECURITY GUARD who also enters from the back entrance is amazed to see FROILAN, MARGARITA and GABRIEL enter and vanish through the beam of light.

END