Week 3: Discussion#3

Holy Week special (UCSP) discussion questions (answers should be at least 5 sentences):

1. Who are the main characters of the story. Describe them, how their paths met and how their relationship developed.

The main characters in the movie were Arturo Duyan and Soccoro de Jesus. Arturo or Art is an independent, kind, and an aspiring person. Given that his father left him when he was still a teenager, he sought to help his mother by earning a bit of cash. This also sparked his entrepreneurial skills and mindset as he established his first salon shop. He also continued to branch out and try other businesses such as a boutique shop. He also met Cora in his first shop as her mother, that was his customer, introduced her to him.

Soccoro or Cora is a bit of an intimidating and snobbish person. However, as the story progress, Cora learned to be friendly especially to Art. They enjoyed their moments being friends such as when Art was doing her hair or the times that they shared meals together. As they got comfortable together, Cora started to see Art more than just a friend and despite his gender identity. Art then reciprocated her feelings as he was just developing his own. This also seemed logical since he also wanted to help Cora as a struggling single mother. As time passed, they got married and started their own family with three kids.

2. What were the issues/challenges that the main characters faced?

The main problem was Art’s decision despite his gender identity. He agreed to be Cora’s partner even though they had conflicting gender identities.

As Art expanded his business, he had less time to spend with his family since he was often exhausted every time he got back home from work. His feelings then slowly faded until he met a good-looking man named Jake. Jake was a chef and he met Art as he was once a customer in Art’s shop. With Jake’s friendly personality, he got close to Art quite easily. He brought him food and took care of Art once when he sick. This troubled Art since he got physically and sexually attracted to Jake even though he already has a relationship and a family with Cora. One thing led to another and Art ended up seeing Jake and cheating on his wife. However, he found out that Jake was only latching off of him because of money. As he got what he wanted, Jake suddenly disappeared out of Art’s life. This caused Art to hit rock bottom and even attempted of ending his own life.

From this situation, we can prove that attraction is an important part of a relationship. It is hard to be with someone out of just pity. Commitment is key for prolonging a relationship. However, attraction plays the role of maintaining the spark no matter how many years may pass.

3. In the deepest, darkest moment of the guy's life (the main character), what made him have a change of heart, realize his mistakes, and do the right thing to live a moral life and restore his family?

When Art was at rock bottom, he was willing to put everything away. As he was about to end his own life, his brother, who is also a pastor, stopped him from doing so. He calmed him down, talked some sense into him, and introduced him to God. After this, he turned to God and sought guidance from Him. He was able to forgive himself as he learned that God is also able to forgive him from his acts. He then proceeded to reconcile with his family, and everything turned out fine in the end.

4. What is repentance? Cite specific part/s in the film where this was expressed.

Repentance is the act of feeling contrition or regret from past sins or any wrongdoings. This is followed by reconciliation or atonement which are acts that show and prove commitment for improvement or change.

We can mainly observe repentance from the main character. Art sinned when he cheated on his wife. He then repented doing so once he found out that Jake betrayed him and vanished with his earnings. After that, he sought forgiveness to his wife from all his wrongdoings. We can also observe repentance from the Cora as she also lacked initiative of showing love and attention to Art.

5. What is reconciliation? How do we reconcile? Why is this important in restoring broken relationships?

Reconciliation is the restoration of relationships. It is the act of bringing two conflicting parties, followed by uniting and fixing the broken relationship.

As I have mentioned, repentance precedes reconciliation. To successfully fix broken relationships, we must first fix and mend both parties individually. Both must first realize, regret, and reflect from their own sins. Next, they must also acknowledge and understand the mistakes of their partner. Then, we can proceed to reconciliation by being humble enough to change ourselves for the relationship.

Humans are imperfect and with this, making mistakes is inevitable for us. Therefore, reconciliation is important to any relationship. In times of conflicts, repentance and reconciliation is key in fixing a broken relationship. This enables the relationship to fix and withstand the inevitable problems and thus, making the relationship even stronger.

6. What are the morals of the story? What part/s touched you the most and what are the major lessons/realizations that you had after watching the film?

The story had a lot of messages and taught lots of lessons. First one is giving back to your family. Our parents raised and loved us unconditionally so it would be nice if we returned the favor when we are able to. The part where Art provided aid to his mother on his father absence is also the most heartfelt scene for me.

Second is being prepared before entering a relationship. Art should have been aware that Cora will not satisfy all his needs. Despite his temptations, he should have stayed faithful to the relationship since it was his own decision to enter the relationship in the first place. On the other hand, he could have also refused to enter the relationship at all. If I were him, I would have chosen this option and just continue to support her until she is able to provide for her own. This option is also more convenient and better for the both of them in the long run.

Third is repentance is reconciliation. Given that we are imperfect, and mistakes are inevitable, forgiveness is a common concept for us. However, I was still amazed that Cora was able to forgive Art for such a grave sin. This made me realize that as God can forgive any grave sins, there are also other people who are close to having this ability.