Mateo (2026)

[bunniefuu]

(somber music)

I'm glad you didn't leave.

Never forget what matters most.

Our family.

I'm not...

I'm not ready.

I know.

But Mateo needs you.

(somber music continues)

My little boy.

Always be brave.

Take care of him.

Remember, strength comes from love.

I love you.

It wasn't your fault.

There was nothing you could have done.

There was.

Couldn't afford it.

She didn't want you to leave.

She wanted you here with our family.

Mama, I'm not letting this happen again.

Just remember, Mateo needs his father.

I'm only doing this for him.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

I miss him, Kiko.

I want to see him again.

Come and eat, Mateo.

You look troubled, anak.

Is something wrong?

I was just wondering.

About your father?

What was he like when he was here?

Always thinking of others.

Even when he was tired, he'd

carry you around the house.

He worked hard to give

you everything you wanted.

I don't remember that.

You were very small.

Just a baby.

Do you think he still

remembers me like that?

Oh, anak. I'm sure he

thinks about you every day.

I just want to see him.

I want him to come home.

He will come home.

He loves you too much, Natu.

I wish I could talk to

him and hear his voice.

If he could talk to you, do

you know what he would say?

What would he say?

He would tell you,

"No matter where I am,"

"I'm still with you."

(dramatic music)

Lola, he said he'd come home this year.

I know, anak. I'm sorry.

There must be a good reason.

Why can't he find work

here in our country?

Why does he have to go so far?

When your mother got sick,

we couldn't afford the medical treatments.

He vowed to never let that happen again.

So when your mother passed away,

he looked for better paying jobs

and only could find them in Thailand.

He wanted better for our family.

There were no jobs here for him.

It's been so long.

Why doesn't he try to

get a job closer now?

Because we can't afford to take chances

with the roof over our head.

What happened?

Why did the letters stop?

Sometimes work gets hard there,

and he can't get enough time off.

But he always writes.

I think something is wrong.

I know it's scary, but

your father is strong.

He will come back.

Don't worry.

I just miss him, that's all.

I know, anak.

You're not alone.

I miss him every day.

When will I see him again?

I don't know when, but

one day he will be with us.

What if he can't though?

(soft music)

(soft music)

The letter stopped.

Something is not right.

Maybe he needs our help.

(soft music)

Hello, Mateo.

Where is your Lola Carmen?

She is at home resting.

Where are you going

so early in the morning?

I'm on my way to see my dad.

Your father?

I haven't seen Miguel in many years.

I haven't seen him since I was little,

but I will find him.

It's almost sunrise.

Would you like a snack for your journey?

That would be great.

Thank you.

Here you are, little one.

Be safe during your travels.

Come again with your father.

(dramatic music)

Empty chair at the table

Rice is warm, but it feels so cold

Mama hums in the kitchen

Leaving half the story untold

Every face in the

crowd I study, I stare

Like a child in a maze,

still hoping you're there

I don't know what I'm looking for

But my heart keeps pulling through

Every road, every open door

I'll find it when I find you

If it takes me all my life

Through the dark and all I knew

I don't know what I'm looking for

I'll find it when I find you

All Jeepneys on the corner

Headlights painting midnight blue

Silence loud on the rooftop

Talking softly to the sky for you

Here's your face in my smile

Here's your voice in my name

All these pieces I carry,

do they fit you the same?

I don't know what I'm looking for

But my heart keeps pulling through

Every road, every open door

I'll find it when I find you

If it takes me all my life

Through the dark and all I knew

I don't know what I'm looking for

I'll find it when I find you

(gentle music)

Anak?

Mateo?

Mateo!

Lola, are you alright?

Mateo is missing.

I can't find him.

Calm down, Lola.

When is the last time you saw him?

Last night.

He was gone this morning.

It's okay.

Kiko must have run off.

And Mateo just went after him.

He's just not like that.

You are not alone.

We will find him.

Is everything okay?

Mateo is missing.

We need to find him.

Spread out and start in the

alleys, then move outward

in all directions.

Stay in groups of two

or three for each block.

Move quickly and we will

find him before dark.

(upbeat music)

Let's try to get one, Kiko.

(dog barking)

(upbeat music)

(Mateo moaning)

Now that was a treat, wasn't it, Kiko?

Are you ready?

Let's go!

(upbeat music)

(water splashing)

(upbeat music)

(cobra hissing)

(dog barking)

(upbeat music)

Thank you, Kiko.

You saved me.

(gentle music)

Kamusta?

Where do you come from?

My name is Mateo.

Is this Thailand?

Not even close, Mateo.

This is Barangay Maligaya.

Oh! Do you know how I can get there?

You can't get there on foot.

You need a boat.

It is a very long ride.

I don't have a boat.

But I will get there no matter what.

You seem very determined.

Why must you reach Thailand?

That's where my dad is working.

But he needs my help.

He used to send me letters,

but they don't come anymore.

I just know that something is wrong.

I know that you are afraid.

But the work in Thailand can be very hard,

and the men can get very busy.

I think your father is okay.

He just needs time.

No, that's what my Lola

says, but I don't believe her.

I can feel in my heart that he needs me.

Mateo, I admire your strength,

but your family must be very worried.

I think you should go back home.

The best way to help your father

is by taking care of them.

You don't understand, Po.

At home, it's just Lola and me.

We don't have anyone else.

So my dad went away to

find work, to help us.

But now, I don't want that.

Even if it means having very little,

I just want my daddy back.

Your father will be proud.

I will help.

Thank you.

All right, slow down.

You can't just go like this.

You'll need food and rest.

You stay here tonight.

Okay, but I can't stay long.

My dad is waiting.

Come along, Mateo.

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

Luz, we have a guest.

(birds chirping)

Who is this, Ramon?

This is Mateo.

Hello.

I'm on my way to Thailand.

Sweet boy.

You are welcome here.

(gentle music)

Wow, that's a big chicken.

(eerie music)

That is Chika.

She lives here too.

(eerie music)

Please sit down.

Salamat!

(gentle music)

(chuckles) Slow down, Mateo.

Sorry.

Don't be.

You have a long road ahead.

A journey like yours takes great strength.

You are brave, Mateo.

But the world is not an easy place.

That didn't stop my Tatay.

He went away to a place that

would be very hard for him

just to give us more.

Now I understand.

If we only did the things that were easy,

we would never have anything better.

So when I bring him home,

we will have something

worth much more than money.

We will be a family again.

(chicken squawking)

(dog barking)

(upbeat music fading)

(bright music)

This place is so much

different from the city.

Yes, it is very different.

But its people are the same.

(gentle music)

Lola Carmen, are you feeling well?

I am fine, Carlo.

But Mateo is gone.

He didn't tell you before he left?

Tell me what?

Has he come by?

Have you talked to him?

He came here early this morning.

Said that he was going to see his father.

His father is in Thailand.

Surely that's not what he meant.

Thailand? I'm sorry, Lola.

But that must be where he's gone to.

Oh, but he will never make it.

Please Carlo, I need your help.

I can't let him reach a ship.

It has been an entire day.

I'm sure he's halfway

across the ocean by now.

You don't need to worry, Lola.

Mateo is strong and he will find his way.

You can't let yourself become

crippled by your fears.

You must be as strong as he is

to be standing tall for

him when he returns.

Thank you, Carlo.

I will wait for him.

(dramatic music)

He is a very brave child.

But he is so little.

I worry, Ramon.

He can't make it that far.

He believes he can.

That itself is half the journey.

This isn't a child's game, Ramon.

We need to take him back.

Luz, if I were in trouble,

would you come looking for me?

Of course, I would.

But we both know that this isn't the same.

He is only seven.

His heart doesn't know that.

Mahal, it is love that separated them.

Now we must let love

bring them together again.

I know.

I won't stop him.

(gentle music)

(rooster crowing)

Are you ready to go, Kiko?

Are you ready, Mateo?

Thank you for helping me.

Sweet boy, we will miss you.

Come visit when you find your father.

I will.

Come along, Mateo.

(uplifting Filipino music)

(people singing in Filipino)

(gentle music)

Do not worry, Luz.

At the end of his journey,

he will find more than just his father.

He will find himself.

(sad music)

I'm going to give this to

Tatay when he comes back.

That's a wonderful idea, anak.

He will love it.

Oh, Mateo, my brave little boy.

Bring him home.

(sad music fading)

(dramatic music)

Kiko, come back here!

(chicken clucking)

Don't chase the chicken! Stop! Come back!

(dog nap per screaming)

(chicken clucking)

No!

Since you like the chickens so much,

you can live with them.

(dog nap per evil laughing)

Don't worry, Kiko.

I will save you.

- I always wanted a dog.

Welcome to your new home.

(dog nap per evil laughing)

If Lola Rosa could see me now. (Laughs)

(intense dramatic music)

Your Lola Rosa is here for a visit.

You look different.

I wasn't expecting you.

It has been a very long time.

Shall we visit?

Come inside.

Okay, well, it's good to see you.

What made you want to visit?

Hmm...

Well, I missed you and

thought I would come by

to see how you were doing.

Have some tea.

I just made it fresh.

Tea?

I would love that.

Hmm, thank you.

I'm sorry, there is just

something not right about you.

I look a bit different

because of my new diet

and beauty treatments.

(Mateo farting)

Are you feeling okay?

Hmm, do you smell that?

Yeah.

Something didn't agree with my stomach.

Yes, I smell that.

Mmm...

- Oh!

- Mm-hmm.

Well, well.

I have to go to the bathroom.

It's behind the house.

Walk to the left.

Excuse the mess.

Just go.

Kiko, it's me, Mateo.

It's time to go.

- Mmm.

What's taking so long?

Lola Rosa?

Are you okay?

(bamboo door cracking)

(grunts) What was that?

(bright music)

Lola Rosa!

Where are you going?

Why are you taking my dog?

Come back!

Where are you heading little one?

I'm heading to the docks.

That's a long road for small feet.

I have been traveling for a while.

I was told the docks

were in this direction.

What's waiting for you there?

My father.

He is waiting for me.

I need to find him.

He doesn't live with you?

No, I live with my Lola.

My father has been away for work.

When was the last time you saw him?

It's been a long time.

I ask you these questions

because I sense that you are

lost, and I want to help you.

If he is not there, what will you do?

If he's not, I will keep

going until I find him.

You carry a heavy journey

for someone so small.

My Lola says, the heart

doesn't measure distance.

Your Lola is a wise woman.

Come, the road is kinder when shared.

But there's a whisper in the wind now

Calling out my name so clear

Telling me to take that first step

Leave the weight of all my fear

Heart is racing, hands are shaking

But my hope is waking up

Every scar I've been collecting

There's a fire in my blood

I'm soaring through the sky

I'm flying high

All the chains I wore

are falling behind

Nothing in this world can silence me

Nothing will stop me from my destiny

I'm riding every wave

the storm can bring

Turning broken pieces into wings

I see the road that was made for me

Nothing will stop me

I hope you enjoyed the ride.

That was so much fun!

Thank you for helping me

I forgot to ask.

What is your name?

My name is Mateo.

That is a perfect name

for such a courageous boy.

My name is Juan.

Nice to meet you Juan.

I hope you find your father.

I will stop back by later

to see if you found him

or if you still need help.

Thanks again for your help.

(soft music)

(motorcycle rumbling)

(people chattering)

(dramatic music)

(hammer banging)

Watch the left side, steady now.

Hold it there, hold it.

(metal clanging)

(hammer banging)

Look out, he's coming down!

Run, get out of here!

(rubble crashing)

(tense music)

(machine beeping)

(Miguel sighing)

What are you doing out here, kid?

You don't look like a fisherman.

I don't know how to fish.

Who doesn't know how to fish?

The Philippines is full of the

best fishermen in the world.

It does sound like fun.

I remember years ago,

I watched one man catch a blue

marlin with his bare hands.

He got it back to shore

and ate it in 25 minutes,

didn't share a piece of it.

Wow, that sounds fun.

Fishing is fun kid, but

sometimes it is scary.

Boy, do I have a story to tell you.

A scary story?

I like stories, tell me more.

It was a dark night, I was alone.

A storm blew in.

I was out tying the cages down

when a wave knocked me overboard.

It happened so fast I

didn't know what hit me

until I saw a barracuda

stuck to my shoulder.

I was in a panic and couldn't get it off.

I was tired that night, didn't

have much fight left in me.

All of a sudden, like

a flash of lightning,

something bit me and it hurt bad.

I was worried the sharks would come.

I started to pass out and then boom!

Out of nowhere, an old

Filipino woman saved me.

She dragged me to my boat

and caught me back on.

I blacked out.

When I woke up, she was gone.

I never could thank her.

That was the day I learned

what courage really is.

I never went back to the US after that.

Wow! That sounds like my Lola.

She has taken care of

me since I was a baby.

She sounds like a very courageous woman.

What about your parents?

Are they out here fishing?

My mother passed away.

I'm searching for my father.

He is in Thailand.

I need to go there to meet him.

Thailand? Whoa! It's not

that easy to get there.

That is a few day trip.

My boat wouldn't make it over the sea.

How will I get there?

I've been saving these 20,000 pesos.

You're gonna need them for that large ship

at the end of the dock.

That's a cargo ship.

Thank you so much.

Take care and be safe.

Good luck finding your dad.

I will.

(gentle music)

What are you doing on my boat?

I need to get to Thailand.

My father is there.

Can you help me?

This is a cargo ship, not a ferry.

I have 20,000 pesos for the trip here.

Let's see what you have here.

(dog barking)

Can you please take me to Thailand?

You just paid for stepping onto my boat.

And now, get off!

Find another boat.

(Mateo panting)

(gentle music)

You know what, Kiko?

We aren't giving up.

We are going to Thailand.

(gentle music)

No matter what happens,

you stay close, okay?

Ready?

Let's go!

(gentle music)

(dog barking)

Get away from me, back off, I mean it!

(dog barking)

Kiko.

Kiko, no.

No, no, no.

Get him!

(dramatic music)

Thank you, Kiko.

Find your way home.

[Announcer] Attention all crew.

A severe tropical storm is

developing ahead of our position.

Secure all loose equipment

and prepare for rough seas.

(somber violin music)

Should we turn back

until the storm passes?

I'm not gonna let

another storm slow us down.

We can't afford to miss another deadline.

[Reporter] An active tropical system

is currently moving westward

and is expected to enter

the Philippine area of responsibility

within the next 24 to 48 hours.

While the storm remains offshore,

the people would-

Lola.

I'm in here, Jana.

You're soaked.

What were you doing out in the rain?

I was checking on everyone.

People are talking Lola.

They're worried about the storm.

They don't need to worry.

It is just rain.

No, not just rain.

[Reporter] It's expected to intensify

over the next 48 hours.

Residents are advised to

remain alert and prepare

for heavy rainfall and flooding.

They say it could become a typhoon.

If it wants to be a

typhoon, then let it.

That's not my business.

Lola, be serious.

It will be here in a few days.

A lot can happen in just a few days.

I'm not even convinced it

will make it all the way here.

You may be right, but still,

I think you should leave

until this all blows over.

I am an old woman, Jana,

and I have been through many storms.

This one will be no different.

But what if it is different?

What if it's like the last big one?

I don't care if it's the

biggest one in history!

This is Mateo's home,

and even if every last

scrap gets washed away,

I'll still be standing here for him.

Fine.

If you won't leave, then I will stay.

I can help you prepare.

[Reporter] Further updates

will be provided as

the situation develops.

(somber music)

(thunder thudding)

(Mateo gasping)

(door clicking)

What are you doing in here, kid?

You're on a cargo ship.

You're in the middle of the ocean.

Please don't be mad.

I'm sorry.

The captain is gonna flip out.

I just wanted to find

my father in Thailand.

Thailand? Are you crazy?

It's a four-day trip.

You would have starved in here, or worse.

I tried to pay for the trip,

but the captain took my

money and kicked me off.

I have to get you inside.

I'll get you some food and water.

Then I have to go tell the captain.

Okay.

Sit here, I'm gonna get

you something to drink.

(gentle music)

All right, now you wait here

while I go talk to the captain.

What are you doing here?

We are all tied down.

The ship is secure.

We do have a slight problem.

Well, come on then, spit it out.

I found something,

someone hiding on the boat.

Are you joking?

Someone snuck onto my boat

without my permission?

It's just a child.

I know that little rat.

He tried to get on with his dog.

Bring that maggot to me.

He will answer for this.

Calm down, boss.

It's just a kid.

He's really no harm at all.

I'll go get him.

(water splashing)

(thunder crashing)

I know the storm is

getting scary out there,

but we have to go speak to the captain.

Do I have to? He is really mean.

I'm more scared of him than the storm.

Trust me, everything will be okay.

I'll be with you.

(wind howling)

(water splashing)

Be easy on him, Captain.

Don't worry, I'll be easy.

Who do you think you are

sneaking onto this ship?

I told you to get off.

I'm sorry.

I just wanted to see my father again.

You little brat.

You trespassed and went against my orders.

I wonder how your dad

would feel about this.

I wouldn't know.

I haven't seen him since I was a baby.

You think that's going to

make me feel sorry for you?

You could have wrecked this whole trip.

What could he have done?

You're not being fair to him.

Shut up, you.

Let the kid talk.

My father is in Thailand.

He left for work six years ago,

and I haven't seen him since.

So what?

Life is tough.

That's no excuse for you to break my rules

and sneak around.

I didn't want to sneak around.

I tried to pay for a trip,

but you took my money

and didn't let me on.

But my father is all alone

over there and needs my help.

So I can't let anything

stop me from getting to him.

I'll give you credit, kid.

You have guts.

I was a lot like you when I was younger.

I'm sorry I took your pesos, kid.

Here's what I'll do.

I'll get you to Thailand free of charge.

Really?

You would do that for me?

You're special, kid.

And I remember being

in your same situation

when I was your age.

What happened?

My father had to travel for work too,

a place even farther than Thailand.

But he never came back.

I don't want another kid to feel that pain

if I can help it.

Instead of stopping in Malaysia,

we will travel straight

through to Thailand.

Oh, wow.

That would be great.

Thank you so much.

I'm gonna give this

storm a run for its money.

It's shaking again.

Everyone get below and hold on tight.

(thunder rumbling)

(wind howling)

(dramatic music)

Well, kid, it's your lucky day.

I hope you find your father.

You know what? You're not

as mean as I thought you were.

You're a good person, Captain.

Maybe you're right, kid.

You helped me see that I

had a smile left in me.

Thank you for your help.

Maybe I'll see you again one day.

I wish I could give you

and your father a ride back,

but I have to get going to the next stop.

That's okay.

Goodbye, Captain.

You be good, kid.

It was nice to meet you, Mateo.

Thank you for all your help.

Especially with the Captain.

Actually, I should be

the one saying thanks.

Because of you,

it's gonna be a lot easier to work with.

It would be fun if you

two could meet my father.

I would love to,

but the captain gets cranky

when we are not on time

and we are leaving soon.

You stay strong, Mateo.

Go find him.

I will. Thank you again.

(people chattering)

(bright music)

Hey, hey! You can't be in here, kid.

This area's restricted.

Please, I need to find someone.

How do you know this guy?

He's my dad.

Here, kid.

Do you know him?

Yeah, I know him.

He works here.

Well, I mean, he used to.

What do you mean?

Is he still here?

Nah, kid.

There was an accident a little while back.

He got hurt pretty bad.

Is he okay?

Yeah, yeah, they took

him to the hospital.

Last I heard, he was going to make it.

Where is the hospital?

Go back down the main

road, past the small shops.

You'll see a big green and white building.

You can't miss it.

When you get inside, show him your photo

and ask for your dad.

They'll help you.

Okay, thank you.

No problem, kid.

And good luck.

Yes?

Excuse me, I'm looking for my dad.

Name?

His name is Miguel Reyes.

He's here.

Second floor, Ward 3, Room 301.

Thank you.

(bright music)

Every step that I've taken

Leads me close, but I feel so far

Have I only been dreaming

Or will you really be there?

Somewhere close I feel you now

Past the fear I won't allow

When I see your pain

and I'm almost through

I'll be standing there

And I run to you

I don't know what I'm looking for

But my heart keeps pulling through

Every road every open door

Daddy.

Mateo.

If it takes me all my life

From the night into the new

I don't know what I'm looking for

I'll find it when I'm with you

(upbeat music)

Hi, Daddy.

Mateo, look at you.

You came all this way.

I had to.

I was scared.

Hey, it's okay.

I'm right here.

Now I know what I'm looking for

I found it when I found you

I love you.

(footsteps tapping)

Doctor cleared you.

You can go today.

Are you ready?

Yeah, I'm ready.

Can you get my bag, anak?

(dramatic music)

Are you gonna be okay?

Yeah, I'm... I'm okay.

Let's go home.

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

(people chattering)

You found him, huh?

You've got a good kid.

Yeah, I do.

Boat's leaving soon.

I talked to the captain.

You're all good.

I have money for the trip.

Keep it, kid.

You've earned it.

Thanks for everything.

Go on, get out of here, Reyes.

You've given me enough trouble already.

Take care of each other, all right?

I don't want to see you here again.

(people chattering)

Oh

Oh

Where did the time go

What's happened since I left

My little boys now become

someone stronger than I am

Oh

How can I ever find the time

To tell you all that's on my mind

Oh

I wasn't there to help you grow

Now I just want you to know

That every time the sun went down

You were all I ever thought about

Every breath I took was for your name

Every scar I wear to

ease your pain, oh

I'm sorry I didn't do a better job

That you had to come this far

Where do I even start

I look at you, I wanna say I'm sorry

For all you've had to

go through because of me

I wish I never had to leave

I only went away for you

But now I see I never needed to

Oh

I wanna tell you everything

That I never got to say

Oh

How I'm proud of who you are

And all you've carried out this far

And every time the sun goes down

I will be the one to guide you now

Every tear you cry

I'll wipe away every hurt you have

I'll gladly take home

And I'm sorry I had

to leave for so long

That I have to go so far,

but this is our new start

(gentle music)

(rain splattering)

We'll be okay.

(dramatic music)

Other way.

(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

(rain splattering)

(intense dramatic music)

Hold on.

It's okay.

Daddy!

(Mateo sobbing)

(intense dramatic music)

(bell dinging)

(rain splattering)

(waves lapping)

Come on, kid.

Come on!

Whoa.

What happened?

Easy, kid.

You had a rough night.

Aren't you the fisherman from the docks?

That's right.

Lucky for you, I was out last night

and a friend helped me find you.

Thank you for saving me.

Don't thank me, thank him.

(waves lapping)

(bright music)

Kiko!

(upbeat music)

I was out on the

water about to head back

when this little guy

started such a ruckus,

I thought there was a sea monster.

(dog barks)

So of course I started

looking for something.

And the farther I went, the louder he got.

Then finally we spotted

you and got you to shore.

(soft music)

Kid?

I didn't know you had a dog, Mateo.

(gentle music)

Oh

Oh

There's a quiet in the morning

Like the world has slowed its pace

Every breathe has coming easier

In this still and steady place

I can feel it in the sunrise

In the way the light moves in

Something softer around me,

telling me to breathe again

I don't need to look behind me

I don't need to feel alone

Even when the ocean parted us

You were with me all along

Oh

I am stronger when I'm with you

I am more than I can see

Every piece of who I am

is the love you gave to me

Oh, oh now I feel it all together

Every part that made me whole

It was never just my story

It was written in a song

Oh

There's a warmth I recognize now

In the way we move as one

Every step feels lighter

Like the weight is finally gone

I done I don't need to understand it

I don't need to see the end

I can feel it all around me

in the arms that hold me in

Oh

I am stronger when I'm with you.

I am more than I can see

Every piece of who I am now

Is the love you gave to me

Oh, oh now I feel it all together

Every part that made me whole

It was never just my story

It was written in the song

Oh

Oh

Oh

(gentle music)

Oh

Oh

(gentle music)

(waves lapping)

(gentle music)

(waves lapping)

You know, I meant to ask,

how are you holding up

after that barracuda attack?

Oh, I've never been better.

You'd never know unless... (gasps)

Is something wrong?

You're, you're the one

that saved me that night.

How?

I mean, what? I mean...

(Lola laughing)

(waves lapping)

Hey, thank you.

Wow.

(uplifting Filipino music)