Maple Leaf Dreams (2024)

[bunniefuu]

I used to think that the job I had

in the Philippines, I'd have here.

-The same one.

-Yeah.

But employers are always looking for

those who already have

Canadian experience.

I took a caregiver's course

because I really wanted

to become a Canadian.

I took care of other people's children,

while I couldn't take care of my own.

And that here, we are all equal.

Excuse me.

They might run out of Manang's dinakdakan!

Are you crazy?

-Extra rice, coming up.

-Sorry!

THE BEST IN TOWN MANANG'S DINAKDAKAN

-Manang, dinakdakan!

-Manang, dinakdakan!

But there's only one left!

Alright, let's play rock-paper-scissors.

Best of three,

the winner gets the dinakdakan.

Okay, ready.

-Rock-Paper-Scissors!

-One!

-Rock-Paper-Scissors!

-Two!

Rock-Paper-Scissors!

How about that?

Hey miss, you can have this.

I wouldn't want to ruin your day.

No thanks, you might think

I'm bitter or something.

It already looks like it,

you ordered sauted bitter gourd.

Okay, let's share it.

I'm Macky, by the way.

Molly.

Let's eat?

-Let's eat.

-Oh, sorry.

Life here in Canada is tough

but if you want a better future

and a stable job,

there are plenty of opportunities here.

There are many ways to come to Canada.

The first one is you can apply

as an international student,

or get an open work permit,

or even bring your whole family along.

Molly, have you printed

the sales report yet?

I've emailed it to you.

I'm having trouble with email.

Can you bring me a printed copy?

Okay, sure.

I'll go back to the office

and just leave it on your table.

No, no, no. I won't be returning

to the office.

Can you just bring it to me?

I'll send you the address.

Dad has been pestering me about it.

Molly?

Alright, alright,

I'll just bring it to you.

Where are you?

I'll just text you the address.

Molly?

Okay, okay. Bye.

Here's the report.

Do you need anything else?

And you, my god!

I thought I heard you hooked up

with a girl!

What happened to you?

Are you okay?

You weren't answering your phone.

Sorry, M. Chloe had a last-minute request.

Your cousin again, huh.

You know how she is.

Yeah, she's all drama

and you do all the work.

Okay, forget it.

I'll just get more pissed. Let's go.

Macky, Molly, you're here!

I'm glad you made it.

THE BEST IN TOWN MANANG'S DINAKDAKAN

You know, I thought you broke-up already.

Come on, sit down.

Look, my candle is ready.

And of course, your favorite dinakdakan.

Oh wow, Manang, it's heart-shaped.

-Thank you, Manang!

-Thank you!

-Oh, wait.

-Huh?

-What?

-Alright, let's eat!

Are you really going to break my heart?

Of course not!

Just eat!

Next time

if you know you're going to a dead zone,

at least study the routes first!

Are you even thinking, Rolly?

I'm sorry, cousin.

It won't happen again.

Hey stop that, you're hurting my ears.

Come on!

I just can't find

any inspiration nowadays.

Here's old man Nato,

he was a rockstar back in the day!

What was the name of your band?

Bandits!

That was before, I'm all washed up now.

That's terrible.

Hey! Hi, Macky, how's it going?

Dad!

Dad, what are you still doing here?

What if your arthritis acts up?

I'm okay, son.

-Joris got me doing this side job.

-Really!

This can help with our bills, you know!

Enough of that.

Hey, Mac! Come here and play something.

I miss our high school gigs.

I'm too tired, dude!

Maybe some other time.

-Hold on, it's hot, move a bit, it's hot!

-This is taking forever.

-There you go.

-Here it comes.

-Hot and fresh.

-Oh, delicious!

Well of course, it's my cooking.

Hey, Dad, what's up

with Uncle Vernon again?

Oh, dear, don't mind your Uncle Vernon.

You know how he is,

he can't get an erection anymore.

The only thing that hardens is his face

when he's angry.

I can't believe he kisses me

with that mouth!

Hey, guys, we owe that man a lot.

If it wasn't for him,

you wouldn't have finished college!

And you wouldn't have been

able to study, Gabie!

What if I stop going to school instead?

Look at Elon Musk, Steve Jobs,

Bill Gates, they're all smart!

They didn't finish their studies,

but they all became billionaires!

Wait a sec! Are you smart?

Do you want me to slap you

back to reality?

Do you want it, huh?

-Should I slap you?

-I am resourceful though!

I even have

this online buy-and-sell business.

I don't even ask for pocket money

from you guys.

-Hey!

-The nerve!

Say something!

-I don't want to!

-Why?

You know I'm happy seeing

you guys drive each other crazy.

It's true though! Clever beats smart!

And a strict mother beats

a naughty daughter like you.

Hon, just a little more patience.

I'm about to set up my own workshop.

You've been saying that

since my first communion, Dad.

And you're still driving for Uncle Vernon.

Just be patient.

I promise, it's almost there.

Babe!

Are you okay?

Are you thinking of someone else?

I'm getting jealous.

It's JP.

He was my classmate in college,

my crush too.

I was just thinking,

what if I ended up with him

instead of you.

Well then, you'd probably be miserable

by now.

You would have lost your chance

to be my girlfriend.

And if that happened,

I'm absolutely sure, when we bump

into each other at the mall,

you'd be begging me,

"Macky,

please be my boyfriend."

What if I push you over, huh?

You're so full of yourself!

You were the one who was crazy about me.

"Miss, you can have my dinakdakan."

Remember? You were trying to be cute.

But you were charmed by my dinakdakan.

I know, right? I was so cheap. Geez!

It's not just dinakdakan

that I'll give you, Molly.

If I could,

I'd give you my life as well.

I'd do anything for you.

Anything?

It depends

Yes, everything.

Even if it means

being far from your family?

It's just that even now

we're still indebted to Uncle Vernon.

Dad works as his driver.

I'm Chloe's assistant.

If this continues, M,

Dad will never have his own motor shop.

We'll be working for them forever.

I know we're in the same situation.

I know you're not earning enough

for your family.

If that's the case,

what will happen to us?

Right?

What will happen

to our family in the future?

What's your plan?

What's our plan?

Let's move to Canada!

Canada?

How?

As an international student.

You can work while studying

and I can work full time.

Then maybe after two years,

or once you've finished your studies,

it'll be my turn to study,

and you'll work full-time for us.

M, where will we get

the money to go there?

For tuition, as well!

I'm sure our savings won't be enough.

Then, we'll save more!

Starting now,

every extra penny we get, we'll set aside!

Yes, it might take a while,

but it's good to have a plan.

Right?

M, why?

I'm tired of being poor, M.

I'm tired of owing favors.

I'm tired of begging.

I'm tired of scraping by.

It can't be like this forever, M.

I want to give my family

a comfortable life.

But I can't do that here.

I can't do it here!

I'm tired.

I'm exhausted, M.

Don't worry.

On my days off,

I'll take extra driving gigs.

And all the side jobs

I can take, I'll do them.

So we can save up faster, okay?

We'll make that Canada dream come true!

Come here!

Canada?

Isn't it freezing over there?

It snows, right?

You get cold easily,

you won't be able to handle that.

Mom! There are people living there now.

If they can survive,

I'm sure I'll get used to it.

It's not about that,

you'll be all alone over there.

Fine, let's say Macky's with you,

but what about us, your family!

That's why I didn't pursue being

a domestic helper in Hong Kong,

so I could be with you, my family!

We may all be together here,

but we're always depending

on our relatives!

Mom,

if I don't do anything, Gabie and I

will be stuck in this life forever!

Aren't we doing enough, your dad, and I?

Weren't you able to finish college?

And you, you're still studying,

aren't you, Gabie?

Doesn't that count for something?

Mom,

I'm truly grateful for all of that.

But of course,

I want us to have our own house.

For dad to have his own motor shop.

We need to be free, Mom!

Not always tiptoeing

around people's moods!

Those crazy people, my dear,

we owe them a lot.

So is it okay with you,

that they'll forever be belittling us

just because we owe them?

Rolly, I can't handle this anymore.

You talk some sense to your daughter.

We're already paid up.

Whatever we owe that family,

I've paid for it with every insult

I took for all of us.

Dad!

Hon.

When are you planning to leave?

Macky and I still need to earn more.

Once we have enough money for tuition,

and to start life there,

we'll leave immediately.

Dad!

Dad, what's this?

Dad!

I can't accept this!

You saved this up for your shop.

This is yours, Dad.

Macky and I will handle it.

My dear,

whatever plan you and Macky have,

go for it.

Your mom and I,

this is our life already.

You can change yours

you and your sister's, okay?

Gabie.

Thank you, Dad!

Thanks, bro!

I'll miss you, Mom.

-Do you have everything you need?

-Yes, Mom.

-You didn't forget anything?

-No, Mom.

My dear, it's cold there!

Yeah, Sis! You might freeze

to death there!

I have a jacket!

Dad

When I come back,

you will leave this place.

You should be in your shop.

Thank you.

Be good, okay?

Your sibling is working so hard for you!

Goodbye, my dear!

We're here now at Terminal 1

because we are headed to Toronto,

Canada.

Honestly, I can't believe

we're about to board.

Me neither.

I'm not sure if this jacket

I brought is enough to keep me warm!

-What do you think?

-Hmm

I know being with you is enough.

Corny as ever.

As long as we're together,

we can face anything!

It's time to board.

Look, suddenly there's a crowd.

So many people.

It was just us a moment ago.

Exactly!

We were here first, but it looks like

we'll be the last to board.

-It's alright, as long as we get there.

-Definitely.

We're in Toronto now.

M, we're here!

It's cold!

Here we are! We've arrived!

We're here at Union Station.

Look at this.

It's beautiful here!

We're outside Union Station. There it is.

-Look, that's the CN Tower!

-Huh?

-CN Tower.

-Yeah. Oh, is that it?

There.

That's the CN To--, it's beautiful!

-Stop, please!

-Para, really?

-There.

-Look, there it is.

Let's go, let's go.

Wait.

-Where are we going?

-There, there!

Is that it? Wintermute.

-Wintermute?

-Right there.

-Where?

-Wintermute, right there.

Benito, hurry! Come on.

Oh, there.

Let's go.

Fifteen Wintermute?

-Macky and Molly?

-Yes!

This is my son, Benito.

Say hi to your new sister and brother!

Don't stress them out.

These are the people

I told you we'll be living with.

Just follow me.

We're so excited to have you here.

Let's go up.

Open the door, please.

Be careful now! We're going downstairs.

Benito and I are excited

to have company at home.

This is the kitchen.

So, we're sharing this.

This is your room. Come in!

Come, dear!

Sorry but you only have

a mattress for now.

But you know,

you can find cheap beds online.

Sometimes Canadians even throw them out.

This is your bathroom.

The shower's new,

and you have a closet too.

There's plenty of space

for all your stuff.

Okay, I'll leave you for now

so you can rest.

-I'll give you the key later, okay?

-Alright.

Thank you!

Okay.

-Thank you!

-Bye.

I'm tired.

M and I are now at Kensington Market.

There's so much stuff to buy here,

and plenty of coffee shops as well.

My M's here too!

Ain't he sweet?

That's a great spot. Let's take a picture.

Wow, look at that!

Your foot-- There, there, there. Perfect!

Look at that! So gorgeous!

-Hey, whose girlfriend is this?!

-M!

Looking hot!

Wow, there are so many boutiques

around here.

Let's check them out.

This is for when you get promoted.

Matchy-matchy!

Come on, M!

I'll look like an old woman with that.

The goth look is in nowadays, right.

M, what are you doing?

M, you pervert! Put that down!

-That's it!

-What did you say?

So here's proof we're in Toronto!

This here is the old City Hall. Beautiful!

And there's the new City Hall. This one!

We're now in "Rom," Italy!

Just kidding, just kidding.

You can see the mix

of old buildings like this one,

and modern ones.

There, there, like those!

They filmed Jurassic Park there, I heard.

What?

Really? Because there's

a, what's it called, dinosaur?

There it is.

M? Where do you wanna eat?

There it is!

That's what I look like when I'm angry.

Yeah, when we're fighting.

The parks here are lovely,

aren't they? So big!

Let's check

if the food here is budget-friendly.

This is too expensive.

Yeah, it is.

Even here, it's quite expensive, huh.

Let's look somewhere else. Come on!

How I wish it could be this nice

in the Philippines.

People have comfortable lives,

and the surroundings are lovely,

so we wouldn't have to leave.

But we're here now.

This is our second home.

This is hard work.

Just hurry up, will you!

So we can have a proper bed.

What if you help me instead?

So you want some motivation?

Did that work?

Yeah, Macky what the hell's

taking you so long?

Let's just finish this,

so we can do something fun!

Here I am at my school,

it's my first day as a student again,

so I'm super nervous, but

I can do this!

-M!

-Yes?

M, I'll take care of that.

-It's okay, I'll do it.

-I'm not doing anything here anyway.

M!

M, let me do it.

I don't have anything to do here anyway.

-You sure?

-Yeah, I'll take care of it.

Sorry, I'm running late.

It's okay, go ahead.

M.

Take it easy, okay?

I'm sure you'll find a job soon, okay?

Hey, kabayan! What can I get you?

Lechon? How many pounds?

Kabayan!

It's nice to see there's lechon

in Canada too.

You know us Filipinos,

wherever we are in the world,

we crave Filipino food.

Are you new here?

Yes, we've only been here for a month.

But I'm finding it hard to get a job.

I know I can't be picky,

but nothing's working out.

Do you have any openings here, sir?

Oh I'm sorry, but there's nothing

at the moment.

Okay, sir, bye!

-Thanks!

-Thanks!

Kabayan, wait a sec.

Wait.

How about

I hire you as a cleaner here?

Janitor, dishwasher, are you up for that?

Oh, sir! Absolutely!

Sorry, that's all I can offer for now.

Who would've thought a fellow Filipino

would be the one to help us?

I know it's hard getting started,

but just trust in Him!

Hey, we've got another one

to take under our wing!

Handsome!

This is my wife, Edna, and my eldest, JV.

I'm Macky.

Alright, just stay there for now, okay?

Thank you, sir!

You're welcome.

Eat up, dear,

while you wait.

So many artworks.

-It's beautiful here.

-Yeah.

So many artworks.

Let's sit there.

The food here's expensive, M, right?

No kidding. They must be using gold

for seasoning here!

-Jollibee, really?

-Yes.

I bought it on my way home

from school yesterday.

Actually, it was pretty expensive.

-How much?

-Five dollars.

-Five dollars.

-Yeah.

That's like 200 pesos for us! Times three!

Never mind! Let's eat.

-Thanks, M.

-You're welcome.

Don't you worry

Someday we'll dine

in those fancy restaurants.

We'll eat steak, sushi,

tempura, everything!

As long as we work hard for it

I know we can do it.

Not just that, M,

we'll open our own restaurant!

And I'll even perform there.

And I'll be the one to market it.

So every Filipino in Canada

will flock to us.

What should we name it?

That's cute, huh?

What do you think? Let's eat.

I'm sure it will be an instant hit.

It better be!

What did he say?

I can't understand,

the accent's too strong.

We've been here for a few months now,

so I can bump up my work hours.

Should I take that housekeeping side-gig

my colleague offered?

Just make sure you still have time

to catch your breath.

I should be telling you that!

You're already juggling studying

and your part-time job,

and now you're even planning

on selling rice-cakes.

The extra money will help us

save up faster.

I'm just really glad I came here with you.

I can't imagine being here on my own.

I think I'd die of loneliness here.

We promised, right?

We can get through anything

as long as we're together.

Hey! Happy Birthday!

Bro, you're a day late

over here in the Philippines.

But thanks for the treat!

We had pizza here, and I bought

some new shoes for my basketball games.

Look at that! Cool, huh? Right on!

Hey, that's slick!

That should make you MVP in the next game.

-No more being a waterboy!

-Definitely.

Son, who's that?

It's Brother Macky, Dad.

-Hey!

-Dad!

Hey, son! How's it going?

How are you and Molly doing over there?

We're still getting used to the cold.

But somehow, we've managed to adjust.

I'm missing our noisy neighbors

and all the gossip back home.

And of course, you guys.

We miss you too, bro!

Alright, I've got to get back to work.

Okay, take care, bro!

-Thank you, thank you!

-Bye, bro!

-Take care, son!

-Be safe, okay? Be safe!

Molly, remember my advice.

Don't make me a grandpa just yet,

I'm not ready to be a granddad!

Dad, come on!

Molly, forgive your old man.

He's just teasing you.

You know he just misses

playing around with you.

Hmm.

Hold on, when are you coming back, hon?

Mom, we haven't even been here

for half a year.

I won't come home

until we have a nice house,

and Dad has his workshop.

I promise!

No pressure, hon! Just take your time.

English!

Hey!

Good heavens, that mouth of yours.

Alright, dear, we're off to intercourse.

Just kidding. Your father and I

are going to bed.

Don't starve yourself, okay?

We love you, hon!

-Bye-bye!

-Take care!

How are you? You seem down.

Why? Did something happen?

I just miss my family

in the Philippines, sir.

You know, Macky,

that's normal in the beginning.

That's your battle here in the first year.

It's all about work,

and taking care of the family at home.

You'll get through it.

How about you, sir?

How long did it take for you to adjust?

It was a long process.

My wife came here first.

She applied as a caregiver,

and found work as a nanny.

As for me, I was managing

a roast pig business in Cebu.

After a few years,

when the visa was approved,

my wife brought me here

with our first child.

When I arrived,

I was working as a forklift driver.

Night shift.

I did that for ten years, Macky.

When I got home in the morning,

my wife would leave.

She'd go to work while I,

without any sleep,

would take care of my kids.

I didn't have time to get some shuteye,

I'd take them to the park

until they got tired.

When we got back home,

I'd get ready for work,

just in time for my wife to return

so we could take turns

watching our children.

One day, I was so tired, I fell asleep.

The school called me,

I wasn't able to pick up my kids,

they were left there alone, crying!

So, I immediately got up

to pick up my kids.

I didn't even realize,

I was just wearing underwear, half-naked!

It's really tough, Mac.

But you'll get through it.

I can't even count how many times

my wife and I argued

over money, time, work,

taking care of our children.

I can't remember how many times

I thought of going back home.

What about the business, sir?

How did you come up

with this roast pig business?

We attended a Filipino Festival here.

I saw so many of our countrymen!

That's when I thought of starting

this business.

We never expected our sales to double.

Then we opened a second branch.

And we're helping a lot of people.

Like you.

But we couldn't do it without Him.

Come on, let's get inside.

You can do it. It's just a test.

Did you eat already?

I'm still full, M.

Is that all you're having?

I'll eat more later,

after I finish my presentation.

Don't I get a hug or something?

M, I'm sorry.

Can it wait till later?

I've got work tomorrow at the store,

and I can only do this now.

Can't be helped.

I can't afford to be late,

my boss will fire me.

Macky!

What's this?!

How many times have I told you,

if you can't sh**t straight,

at least clean up!

Your pee is splashed all over the toilet!

M can we not fight about this now?

M, we don't even have time to clean,

so let's try not to make a mess, okay?

What about you?!

Your hair is all over the drain,

I'm the one who cleans it!

Did you hear me complain?

You want to play the blame game? Huh?

M.

Can we not fight about this now?

I'm tired,

and you are, as well.

So, please!

Hey, M! Clean that up, will you?

Oh, my God!

This is fun!

Merry Christmas!

Son, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and Molly!

Merry Christmas!

M, have you eaten yet?

I've brought some lechon.

It was take-out for a customer

but they left it

so the boss gave it to us.

M

I'm sorry about last night.

I took my stress out on you.

I'm sorry too, M.

I should've been more considerate.

Just a bit more, and we'll have enough

for your tuition next semester.

Thanks, love.

I know it's been a huge adjustment

for you, being here

But I never hear you complain

even when you're struggling.

But of course! It's for our family.

Come on, let's sit.

You okay, M?

Yes.

I just miss Dad.

But I know we can't go home.

The days will fly by, M.

You won't even notice,

soon they'll be picking us up

at the airport,

or we'll be picking them up.

Here it is!

Happy Noche Buena!

Smells amazing.

-M, get dressed?

-Huh?

Why?

Get dressed.

Where are we going?

Just do it! Come on!

-What? Hold on--

-Just come!

Macky, where are we going exactly?

Just come!

Trust me.

What's up, Molly? What happened?

Ate Roselle, can you

and Benito come with us?

Where?

Here!

A Filipino lives there.

What do you think?

Let's go!

Okay.

-Ready?

-Game!

Wait, wait.

A Filipino lives here, right?

-What's going on?

-So we should sing a Filipino song.

Oh, caroling!

Merry Christmas!

Oh, Filipinos!

We all know how it is here.

We do everything.

Later we'll need to clean this all up.

So why did you decide

to come here to Canada?

We faced a lot of hardships

when we first got here.

-Yeah.

-There really were a lot.

The first thing that comes to mind is that

it was really hard trying to find a job.

I used to think that whatever job

I had in the Philippines,

I could get the same one here.

However, employers are always looking for

someone with Canadian experience.

Yeah, that's the thing here.

They always ask if you have

Canadian experience during interviews.

How can you get Canadian experience

if no one will give you a chance?

I don't have any Canadian experience,

what Canadian experience?

I'm from the Philippines.

I started taking a caregiver's course,

because I really dreamed

of becoming Canadian.

I came to Canada for,

for a better life for my family.

When I was just 12 years old,

we went to Vancouver, and immediately

I knew, my whole family knew,

this is where I wanted to be.

In the first year, it's really scary,

your funds start to drain,

and you need to find work

as soon as you get here.

I studied for so long at UP,

and my experience was greater than

those who graduated here,

so it was hard to swallow.

But you have to accept it

because that's just how it is.

I cared for three autistic children,

it was tough.

I'd walk them to school,

trudging through the snow,

I never thought life in Canada

would be like this, but I had no choice.

I was caring for other people's children

while I couldn't take care of my own.

So, that was the hardest

and most painful part of

my experience here in Canada

when I first arrived.

The toughest part was

I couldn't give my child enough time.

I thought I was happy here,

and then it just hits you,

you've spent so many birthdays here,

all alone.

Christmas comes,

and you're still far from family.

Then New Year follows.

One time, I came home,

completely exhausted.

My daughter came up to me and said,

"Mommy!"

Don't work anymore, Mommy."

Only parents will understand.

You'd sacrifice everything for your child.

It's hard when your salary

doesn't seem enough.

But I endured.

Sometimes,

I'd knock on a neighbor's door,

offering to clean

just to make ends meet,

for the extra income,

for the three-month-old child

I left behind.

I broke down then.

That's when I realized,

we're all equal here.

You're neither above nor below.

You're right smack in the middle,

as long as you can prove to them,

that you can work hard

and make a difference.

You'll take your whole life with you

in 46 kilos of luggage

when you come to Canada.

That's it. That's all.

Don't come here

if you're not mentally prepared,

emotionally prepared to sacrifice,

because that's what you'll face.

It's not easy.

But if you strive, if you persist,

if you remain faithful to God,

the reward here is incredible.

Here in Canada!

I'm so happy, I said,

all my suffering, all my pain,

it feels worth it. Like a challenge,

and I got motivated the most.

Aim higher! When you're in Canada,

you have to make sure

you'll make it worth it.

Your cup will be filled with new

and beautiful experiences.

We're all human.

Incredible, right?

It's saddening.

It was fun.

But most importantly, the stories

of the people here are inspiring.

Look here, just look at these pictures.

Beautiful!

-That's why I love you.

-I love you more.

Oh my!

M, this is nice!

It's beautiful, M!

Thank you!

Are you happy?

No, not really.

Well, you want to be happy?

Hey, hey! Cut that out!

Don't be ridiculous.

You're crazy.

Hey, Macky! Are you alright?

You look pale.

You should head out early!

I'll talk to Sir Wilson.

It's nothing! I'm fine.

M, let's have dinner.

M!

Macky?

M?

M?

What's happening to you? Are you alright?

I'm fine, love.

-Just tired.

-Tired?

M, you're burning up!

M, you have a fever!

What happened?

It's nothing, nothing at all.

It'll be gone by tomorrow.

M, hold on. Just wait.

Ate Roselle!

Ate Roselle!

What is it?

We need to get Macky to the hospital!

That's Canadian healthcare for you.

It's free, but you'll wait forever!

It's tough if it's an emergency

and you have no insurance!

-Exactly.

-Take it easy.

-Now we're short for Molly's tuition fee.

-Let me take your bag.

-I've got to make up for it fast.

-Thank you.

M!

The doctor said you can't work for now,

so you can recover quickly, okay?

M?

Your enrollment is next month.

M, I've got it covered.

Just focus on getting better. Okay?

Come on, let's go in so you can rest.

-Take it easy.

-Slowly.

-Marielle!

-Hey!

-Hey, Macky! How are you?

-I've got this.

I've got it. Don't worry.

-Alright, you go ahead.

-Okay, okay.

Thank you!

-Ross!

-Hey, Macky!

Hey, Macky! Why are you back at work?

It's only been two weeks

since your surgery.

-Are you okay now?

-I'm all good.

And I can't just have Molly

working on her own.

Good thing boss let you come back so soon?

Of course, I pestered him.

-What happened there?

-Nothing, just got into an accident.

An accident?

Or did your boyfriend hurt you again?

Mom!

-Mom, how are you?

-Molly.

Mom, what? What's up?

Your father

Oh, what happened to Dad?

He had a heart attack.

When he went to pick up

your uncle earlier.

Molly

Your father is gone.

Mom!

Is it true--

Daddy!

Daddy!

My Daddy!

My Daddy!

Molly!

Molly!

Molly!

Molly!

Molly! Molly!

M?

Let's eat.

I'm not hungry.

M

you haven't eaten in days.

You might get sick.

M?

Didn't I tell you I'm not hungry!

Why are you so annoying?!

I'm sorry, M.

I'm just worried about you, that's all.

What's with the bruise again?

-Dump that boyfriend of yours already.

-Keep it down. Someone might hear you.

Honestly, girl, he's just treating you

like a punching bag.

He's not that bad, he's just depressed

because he can't adjust here in Canada.

Just tell him to have sex with you,

instead of beating you up.

You're crazy!

-Hey, Macky, working hard, huh.

-Yeah, I have a lot of bills to pay.

-You'll just get in trouble.

-Does he even get me?

You'll just end up in jail.

Calm down. Come on,

take a breather. Go inside.

Just ignore the jerks here.

Hey, Mac! You alright?

I noticed you've been out of sorts lately.

Here, have some coffee.

Go ahead.

Is there a problem?

Molly's dad passed away.

She wants to go back to the Philippines.

Everything we've worked for

will go to waste if that happens.

We promised each other,

we'd get through anything together.

It's tough to be alone here.

That is tough

but

it's even harder when

you're with someone

but they hurt you all the time.

M?

How can I help you?

What can I do?

Nothing.

I don't know either.

I know your burden's heavy.

But I'm here for you, see.

You can talk to me.

Lean on me.

Macky?

Didn't I tell you,

leave me alone.

Is that so hard to understand?

Leave you alone?

Fine.

But for how long?

When will you come to your senses?

I can't stand watching you

neglect yourself, M.

You don't eat.

You don't sleep.

Are you trying to k*ll yourself?

Yeah, I think it would be better

if I was just gone!

Because I chose to come here, Macky,

Dad gave me his savings!

Macky, Dad's workshop,

it's just a dream now.

And even if I earn millions here,

even if I give it all back,

it's worthless, Macky!

Why? Because he won't be there to see it!

He's gone, Macky! He's gone!

So now you're just giving up?

Is this how you thank him?

As long as I'm here,

I will be reminded of him.

I will be reminded of what he gave up,

because of me!

Because of me!

That's the problem with you, M,

you avoid owing people like the plague.

You think everything that's been

given to you, you have to repay.

It's not always like that, M!

Sometimes, people give

because they love you!

Not because they're expecting

something in return!

Your dad

he gave up his dream

because he knew it would make you happy!

That was enough for him, M!

It's enough for us!

Can't you see?

Do you think it was easy

for me to come here?

M?

Back home, I was a manager!

But here, M, I'm nothing!

I take abuse and insults

every g*dd*mn day!

But I endure all that, M,

because I want to support your dreams.

Because I love you so much, Molly!

I love you so much!

I need you to fight, M!

Please!

We're here because of you.

As much as I want to fight, Macky

I can't.

I really can't, Macky.

But you,

you can stay here.

Your family needs you.

M, I can't be alone here!

Macky,

I just want to apologize

for what happened last night.

I'm ashamed of what I did.

Amanda?

I know that life's tough here.

You're looking for someone to lean on,

someone to love you.

But that doesn't give us

the right to do wrong things.

I'm really sorry, Macky.

It won't happen again.

And thank you,

for choosing to understand me,

rather than judge me.

Molly! Good to see you out and about.

How have you been?

I'm thinking of going back

to the Philippines.

Maybe Canada just isn't for me.

Come, have a seat.

Are you sure about your decision?

Have you discussed it with Macky?

Molly?

You and Macky have been through so much.

Do you think it's right to give up now?

I can't do it anymore.

You know, Molly?

I understand what you're going through.

I know what it feels like

to lose someone you love.

It took me a long time to accept

that my husband, Paul, was gone.

And

sometimes,

it still hurts.

What do you do, when it's too much?

Nothing.

I just allow myself to be sad for a while,

I cry,

and then I pray.

It's true what they say,

that the greater the love

you have for someone,

the greater the pain you'll feel

when they're gone.

But after that,

you just have to get back up! Fight!

If it were up to me,

I would've given up a long time ago.

But I have Benito.

He gives me strength.

I wouldn't do that to my son.

He already lost his dad.

He'd lose a mother as well if I gave up.

So I stay strong.

Benito!

Brother Macky!

Did something happen?

THE BEST IN TOWN MANANG'S DINAKDAKAN

Let's leave them be.

I bet you're hungry.

Dinakdakan!

Manang's Dinakdakan.

M?

I lost myself these past few months.

But thank you,

thank you for not leaving me.

Whether I leave or stay here,

we'll do it together.

Thanks, M,

for reminding me every day.

I promise, Macky,

I'll never forget that.

We're here at Jack Layton Ferry.

And of course, since it's by the sea

it's chilly here, hence the bonnet.

But I brought with me M's hug!

Looks like we're

in for an adventure today.

It's beautiful here, M.

I used to only see this

in brochures and vlogs.

But being here feels different.

I feel like this is the place

where all my dreams will come true.

This is the place

that will change my life.

Our life.

Macky, Molly, fighting!

Fighting!

What's that?

A maple leaf.

They say it symbolizes love,

strength, and resilience.

Like us to each other.

From start to finish, M.

As long as we're together

I know for sure,

our love will see us through.

I love you, M.

I love you.

We're here now at Dundas Square, Toronto!

Dunda--!

M, come on, dance!

Mom!

Mom, how are you doing there?

You and Gabie should start processing

your papers now.

So when our PR gets approved,

I can petition for you.

Oh my, we're so excited.

Don't worry, dear, we're okay.

Okay, Mom, take care!

I'll call again.

So, Ces, did you get

your entrance exam results?

Yes, Brother!

I passed in Architecture

and Civil Engineering!

But I'm not sure which one to choose yet.

Well done!

Congrats! Just pick what feels right

for you, I'll support you.

Thank you! I'll keep you posted.

Okay, just say hi to Dad

and little brother for me, okay?

Love you, bro!

-Is this ours?

-Yes.

-We have a car now?

-Yes.

From now on, I'll be picking you up

and dropping you off.

And we can go to many other places.

Nice!

We're finally moving up.

M?

-I got an email earlier.

-What did it say?

It was about my PR approval.

I'm officially a resident here

in Canada, M!

Congrats, M!

Thank you, M!

Why, what's wrong M?

Nothing, it's just that

We've been away from our family

for a couple of years now.

We've celebrated many birthdays,

Christmases, and New Years

without them.

We've made a lot of sacrifices.

You,

you gave up your job in the Philippines.

Time I could have spent with Dad

before he passed away.

All the pain and hardship,

do you think it was worth it, M,

for my PR?

We got through it all, right?

We survived.

From the day that

we came here not knowing what we'd face

until today.

We've overcome everything.

We did it together.

Look at this,

this is something

you only dreamed of before.

But it's here now.

Right in front of us.

So that's why

you've kept our lucky charm.

M

Thank you!

For the strength,

the courage,

and the love you gave me.

That's what brought us

to where we are now.

What do you say? Shall we go?

Let's go.

But this is just the beginning.

I know we have so much more

to go through and achieve,

as long as we're together.

As long as we're together

with our fellow countrymen here.

We can get through anything.