01x06 - Strange Territory

[bunniefuu]

Good morning, ma'am.

Thank you for accepting me
into your scholarship program.

The school is really big,

the facilities are nice,

but the culture of the
students here is different.

I know we just met,

but I was wondering
if you could help me?

I want in.

I want you to share your
answers with me just like with Grace.

Dad, can you please
explain what this is?

Lin,

open your eyes.

We’re already competitors in
the scholarship until we graduate.

So there will be
winners and losers.

Deal with it.

You’re right

if the school is profiting from us.

Then let’s profit from them, too.

Even if what you’re saying
is true, I’ll still fight fair.

I’m not like you.

Hon, come here.

Grace?

Are you home already?

Sorry, I forgot to text you.

But yeah, I’m home.

After everything I’ve done
for her, she was the first

girl I ever took seriously,
and then she does this to me?

Sorry, I’m so sorry.

Grace!

Don’t make a fool out of me.

Grace!

Don’t you wonder why
I suddenly admitted that

I was the one who leaked
the answers to our exam?

Grace was the one who leaked
it, that’s how it reached Kyle.

You’re really good
at acting, huh?

You already fooled me once.

Have some mercy on me.

I leaked the answers
to help others.

Linette Estrella, you are suspended
for the rest of the semester.

This is it!

Wow, we’ve really
come a long way, huh?

Before we begin,
some simple rules.

Fill up every blank in your
information sheet as well as

every blank in
your answer sheet.

I didn’t realize I was an
accomplice in a cheating scheme.

Leaving the premises
is absolutely forbidden.

Failure to comply
with these simple rules

would lead

to the immediate
cancellation of your score.

Miss, please open the door.

Miss, we’re gonna
count till three.

One.

What am I, stupid?

I won’t let that b*stard
order me around!

Two.

Son of a b*tch!

Pat, just stop!

You are the reason why this
mess started in the first place.

Rhea, so integrity refers to doing
what’s right based on your values,

while honor is about
how others respect you.

For example,

integrity is acting honestly,

and honor is
recognition that you earn.

Can you please try
using integrity and honor

in different sentences
for me, Rhea?

Rhea, can you
please stop doodling?

Teach, how many minutes
left before we finish?

Rhea, as I’ve said,

please speak to
me only in English

during our tutorial
lessons for practice.

Fine, in English.

How many minutes
before we end this?

You know what, Rhea?

If you’re too lazy to study, then
maybe you shouldn’t have gotten a tutor.

It’s just a waste of your
parents’ money, right?

Didn’t you ever think of that?

You know what, never mind.

Let’s just continue.

Sorry to disrupt your session.

Lin,

can I have a word
with you, please?

Ah yes, Ms. Maya.

Yes, Ms. Maya?

What is it?

Yes?

I noticed that you
called out the client.

Ah, yes, um, because
she was misbehaving

so I just decided to tell—

I know, I know.

You don’t need to explain.

But please, don’t do
that to your clients.

Not just with Rhea.

There have been
other complaints.

You just started here.

Just focus on doing your job.

But I am doing my job.

That includes calling
out students when they’re

evidently being rude or lazy.

That’s not really done here.

Why, ma’am?

Usually the teacher tells the students
when they’re not listening to them.

Why can’t I do that?

First of all,

you’re a paid tutor,

not a teacher.

You are being paid to tutor a
client based on their specific needs.

But what if they need discipline?

Ms. Maya, I just want to
make sure that my clients

actually learn something so the money
of their parents doesn’t go to waste.

It’s not your concern if
their money is wasted.

What matters is we’re being paid.

It’s not your concern
whether or not

the result of your tutoring is good.

But they’re paying for our services
and yet they’re not learning?

I’m sorry, Ms. Maya,
but isn’t that unfair?

Why, Lin?

Since when has the
world ever been fair?

Choose your battles, Lin.

The world is already
complicated enough.

Don’t make things
harder for yourself.

Thank you.

Get some rest now.

Do you need help?

No, I’m good.

Thanks.

Okay then.

Goodnight, Dad.

Mom?

Lin?

My child?

I’m so happy to
hear your voice again.

How are you? How was your day?

My child?

Are you okay?

Do you have a problem?

It’s nothing, Mom.

Are you sure?

My child,

I understand if you’re
not ready to share yet

but I want you to know that if
ever you need someone to talk to,

I’m always here
whenever you need me.

Okay?

If only I could,

I would carry you myself.

Because I know that’s the only
way I could ever comfort you.

Oh, Mom.

You know, when
you were still a baby,

you cried a lot.

You always wanted me to
carry you, to hold you in my arms.

And whenever I put you
down, you’d cry again.

Well, it’s because

I really thought

you were just a clingy baby
but I realized the reason was,

you wanted me to carry you so

you could watch everything
happening around you, always observing.

Because of course, if you
were just left in the crib, right,

all you’d see were the
ceiling and the walls.

Oh, my child, even
when you were young,

it’s like you were already
ready to face the world and

I’m so happy because you
grew up smart and brave.

It’s really amazing to think

that now, you’ve
grown so much and

look at you, so brave,
you’re very strong,

you’re very tough,

and I’m so proud
of you, my child.

You know what, Mom,

I don’t remember the
things you’re saying.

But,

what I do remember

is when I was five
years old, how I cried.

How I cried when I saw that

your clothes were
gone from the cabinet.

When I realized that what Dad said
was true, that you weren’t coming back.

Lin,

that’s not true.

You know, what happened was,

I really, really did
mean to come back.

Okay?

My contract at the school,
it was only for two years.

But I was definitely coming back
because I was going to get you.

But then, your dad didn’t
want to, he wouldn’t allow it,

he wouldn’t give you to me.

And I can’t blame him because

of course, he was
angry at me since

I was the one who left, I
was the one who ended it.

My child,

I’m trying.

I hope it was worth it

whoever you chose over us.

Was it, Mom?

Was it?

My child, I don’t think
that’s a fair question.

When has the
world ever been fair?

Lin?

I don’t think you called
to reminisce, Mom.

Did you have something to say?

Nothing really.

I just really wanted to
congratulate you personally.

Because you’re now
studying at Possenti,

and I’m so proud of you

because you got into a prestigious
school with a scholarship.

My child, do you need anything?

Like, do you need me to buy
something for school, for this sem

or for the next sem?

Just let me know.

No need, Mom.

All good.

Mommy, let’s go.

Why are you taking so long?

Wait, baby.

Just wait, I’ll be there.

I’ll be out there.

Sorry.

Sorry, my child.

Sorry about that.

Go on, Mom.

They’re waiting for you.

Are you sure?

Are you okay?

Bye.

Please get the checks
ready to be released.

Yes, sir. Copy.

Good.

Grace, can you please double
check the design for our pencil.

Then compare it to the
mock-up from our artist.

Alright?

Then after that,

the next step is very important.

The size needs to match.

Okay?

The size must match the PSD
format of the mock-up design.

Alright?

Then after that, put
in the sample for me,

then give it to
me and that’s it.

Got it?

Wait, sorry.

Grace,

it’s only hard at the beginning.

But you’ll get used to it.

Okay?

Okay.

You got this.

Sir, the room is ready
for the next meeting.

Okay. Great.

Thank you.

So?

You take care of this first.

Yeah.

I got it.

You can handle it. Okay?

Hi.

How are you, hon?

Pat.

Sorry.

Thanks for inviting
me to meet up.

I really wanted
to talk about us.

Don’t get your hopes up.

It was my dad’s idea to
invite you here to dinner.

He wants to talk to you.

Uh, your dad, why?

The hell do I know?

I’m just following orders.

Does your dad know that we’re…

No.

He doesn’t know.

So don’t tell him.

- Well, well, well.
- Uncle Philip.

Is that you, Grace?

Hi.

Hi, Uncle.

Look at you.

It’s so good to see you.

You too.

Thank God.

And by the way, thank you

for your terrific
influence on my son here.

He’s doing fantastic in school.

Uh, yes, Uncle.

Anything for Pat.

You’re very kind, Grace.

So, let’s eat.

Sit. Sit.

So how are your parents, Grace?

Oh, um, I just live with my dad.

My mom passed
away when I was 13.

Dad, uh, remember I told you
about Grace’s parents, right?

Sorry, sorry.

It just slipped my mind.

It’s okay, Uncle.

So you live with your father?

If you don’t mind,
what does he do?

He owns a printing
press company.

Wow.

Salute to him.

A single father
and a businessman.

And he successfully raised a
beautiful and smart daughter.

I need to invite him for a
whiskey night one of these days

So we can talk business and all
about business-minded people.

Sure.

You know,

my family,

we weren’t always this well-off.

My father was a
small-time businessman.

He sold steel for construction.

And I was his assistant.

I looked up to him.

He taught me the value of
hard work and determination.

That’s why I worked hard
to reach my current status.

It’s because of his teachings.

And I’m passing on
those lessons to Pat here

so he’ll work hard even if he
didn’t experience our hardships.

Success is sweeter

when it’s earned
through hard work.

Right, son?

Yes, Dad.

That’s why I’m so proud of him.

His improvement in school is

dramatic.

And that’s thanks to you, Grace.

Actually, I didn’t
just invite you here

for a delicious dinner, Grace.

I wanted to give you
something special.

Something that would show
you how much I appreciate

what you’ve done for my son.

I want you, Grace,

to go with Pat

to study at Boston University.

I’ll cover all the expenses.

Dad,

isn’t that a bit,

sudden? I mean,

- Grace has to think about it.
- I know.

I’m sorry.

It’s a big decision.

But don’t worry.

I’ll talk to your father.

And I’m sure he’ll
come on board.

Who would say no to an
opportunity like this, right?

What do you think, Grace?

Uncle,

I don’t need any
more time to think.

I’ve already made my decision.

Why did you say that?

Why did you accept Boston?

Are you really that selfish?

You’ll do everything
just to get what you want?

First with Tony, now this?

For God’s sake,

how many times
do I have to tell you?

I don’t love Tony.

I was just scared
to face all of you.

I was scared to face Lin.

But especially you.

Grace, I’m done with your drama.

I don’t want this anymore.

Then why didn’t you tell
your dad that we’re broken up?

Look,

I know that you’re
angry with me.

I can feel it.

But deep down, I know
that you still love me.

Pat,

I just said yes to your dad’s
offer for me to study in Boston

because I know that that is the
only way that I can be with you.

I still love you, Pat.

But I don’t,

I don’t love you, Grace.

I don’t believe you.

Believe what you
wanna believe, Grace.

Yes, I loved you.

But you hurt me.

You lied to my face.

How can I love you after that?

You know what you destroyed?

Trust.

Trust, Grace.

Did you ever really love me?

Because me…

Yes, I did.

But you?

Huh?

What, after just one mistake?

One mistake, and it’s so easy for
you to just throw away everything

that we have been through.

Fine,

if you wanna end this right now

then admit to your
dad that we’re over.

It’ll only mean that you
don’t love me anymore.

I’ll understand.

I don’t wanna force myself onto
someone that doesn’t want me.

I don’t.

For this month’s payment.

Thank you, Ms. Maya.

Let's talk tomorrow.

There's a new
client that came in.

Ms. Maya,

Yes?

Is it still possible for my salary to
increase if I can get more clients?

I just need to pay for
something at home.

How much do you need?

Sounds like a big amount.





Oh my god!





That's huge!

You're still young but you
already have a mind that big.

Well, that's

one and a half year of tutoring
stubborn students if you want.

What if you double or triple
the clients you sign me?

That's not possible, Lin.

The amount you need

is equal to the total
clients we have in a month.

And I can't possibly
give you all of our clients.

You're not the only tutor here.

Do you have other
jobs you can recommend

so I can earn that amount in
a span of one to two months?

If regular tutoring, none.

But,

unless

you want to consider
what I have in mind?

I have a client

who needs a stand-in for the Standard
Test for International Colleges exam.

Stand-in means

the exam is under
the client’s name

but you’re the one who will
go to the STIC center

to answer the exam for them.

That’s one sitting,


And maybe the 50,000 shortfall,

you can cover with
your regular tutoring.

I’m sorry, Ms. Maya.

But,

why did you suggest
this kind of job to me?

Lin,

let’s not pretend here.

I know

that you had a cheating
record in your school.

I already did a
background check on you.

Yes, but don’t worry.

I don’t judge.

I don’t care.

That’s why I still
took you in, right?

All I’m saying is, here you are.

Asking for my help to find
you a job for instant money.

I only suggested the
best and only option.

But it’s still up to you,
whether you accept it or not.

Okay?

I don’t want to do
something wrong again.

Suit yourself.

But think about it still.

And if you change your
mind, just let me know.

Integrity here in Possenti?

Since when?

How much do you
charge our parents?

How many bribes have
gone through this office?

The world is already
too complicated.

Don’t make it
harder for yourself.

Son, do you need anything?

Like, do you need me to
buy something for school

for this sem or the next sem?

No need, Ma. I’m okay.

Papa and I are okay
here. Okay, Ma?

Ms. Maya,

I’ll accept your offer.

Kuya sorry, I think I
went to the wrong place.

You said secret
guardian, ma’am, right?

This is it.

Okay, thank you.

So,

why are you here?

Do you work with Ms. Maya?

Look,

I’m sorry.

I didn’t know.

If you want, I can message
Ms. Maya right now

and I can ask her for
recommendations for other stand-ins.

Grace,

it’s okay.

We’re already here.

It’s okay.

Okay.

So, how are you, Lin?

I’m fine.

So, how does this work?

What do I need to do?

So,

basically,

Pat's dad wants to send
me to Boston to study and

he wants me and Pat
to go there together.

But

before we do head there,

we need to pass the STIC exam.

That’s why I need your help.

But

Pat already has his own stand-in,

but he's in the next
batch, so he let me go first.

So, are you and Pat okay now?

Yeah.

Pat and I are okay.

That's good.

I hope we will be too.

Look,

if you feel like
you're being forced,

you can back out anytime.

It's okay.

Just think of me as your stand-in.

That's all.

So, tell me.

What should I do?

Ms. Maya said,

you should memorize
all of my information.

- Next please.
- So, you're prepared if anyone asks.

The photo is yours,
but the info is mine.

The documents? Passport?

Full name?

Grace Anne L. Dizon

and date of birth?

February 21, 2007.

Okay,

you may surrender your
bag and phone over there.

Thank you.

Next please.

Lin?

My child?

Hello, Ma.

Oh, thank you. You
answered my call.

I was just trying my luck.

Ah,

why did you call?

Ah, no. Nothing. I just
wanted to check on you again

because last time our
conversation was cut short, right?

Are you busy?

Ah, I’m just at the
STIC Center, Ma.

I’m going to take an exam.

It starts at 8:00 a.m. I only
have 50 minutes.

Sorry, sorry. I disturbed
you with my call.

Wait a moment, my child.

You mentioned STIC?

Why? Are you going
to study abroad?

Child.

If you want, you can just
study here in Australia,

the schools here are good.

Then I already mentioned
that to your Uncle Greg because

he has lots of contacts here
who can help you. That’s for sure.

And then, won’t
we be together too?

I want to study in the US.

Not in Australia anymore.

Papa and I can manage.

Is that so? Okay.

Okay. Sorry.

I just got excited.

Ah, Ma. I have to go.

I’m really sorry. I forgot

that it’s 10:50 a.m.
here in Australia.

Isn’t it more advanced
here than in the Philippines?

Sorry again.

Bye.





Time zones.

Look at the time
here in the Philippines.

It's 12:00 p.m.

While in Australia,
it's already 3:00 pm.

Because of daylight
savings, Australia is

three hours ahead
compared to the Philippines.

Only one exam is used
when taking the STIC.

It’s done at the same
time and on the same day.

So if the exam is at




Correct.

So what will happen is,

I’ll take the exam
first in Australia

then I’ll send the answers
before the exam starts here.

Would it be too expensive if
you only sent the answers to us?

Who said you’d be the only
ones benefiting from my answers?

With what we’re going to do,

the whole Philippines can
benefit from the STIC answers.

But Lin,

how are you supposed to
get the answers for the exam?

Memorization.

I’ll memorize all the answers
then I’ll send them to you.

Didn’t you already
take the exam?

Can you memorize all of that?

I can, if I have enough time.

I tested it with
the remaining time

I was able to memorize
half of the exam.

That means,

I can’t do this alone.

Someone has to help me.

And I have no assurance that this
will be the only exam in Pat’s batch.

I see.

So you need someone else.

Who else is as smart as you?

Your x-ray shows that the
spaces in your spine are thinning.

So every time you move,

your bones rub against each other,
causing your pain and discomfort.

This is what we call spinal stenosis.

So, doc,

is there a treatment or
medicine that needs to be done?

Given how severe it is,

the best option I would
recommend your mom

to help her get back
to her normal activities

is surgery.

Doc,

maybe we can
manage with medicine?

Like herbal
remedies? Or maybe...

massage?

Sad to say, ma'am.

There’s no medicine for this.

If we don’t operate on her,

it could potentially
get worse over time.

Ah, Doc.

The problem is,

we don’t have
money for the surgery.

- If…
- Alright, Doc.

Whatever the best option is,

that’s what we’ll do.

Alright.

I don’t understand you

why you agreed with that
doctor that I should have surgery.

You know those doctors,

all they do is make
us spend money.

I even know someone

who just took herbal
medicinal drinks.

It cured their

liver disease.

Ma,

what’s the point of
consulting doctors

if we’re not going
to listen to them?

They’re the experts. They
know what they’re doing.

Child.

Where will we get money

for the surgery?

We have no money.

And then you won’t even
let me take laundry jobs.

So, how?

- Ouch!
- There! Ma!

- Ouch!
- Go slow, just take it easy.

Ouch!

Ow, ow!

Wait, wait.

Ouch!

It hurts!

Oh, there, Ma, look.

Wait! Just wait a second!

- Ma!
- It hurts!

My God! My God!

It hurts!

It hurts!

Are you okay now?

Okay.

I’m okay now.

I’m okay now.

Ma,

you know, I need to find a job

so we can save up
for your back surgery.

And what about your studies?

Ma, we don’t really
have a choice.

No,

Tristan. No.

That could ruin your schooling.

Son, just one more
year and you’ll graduate.

All I need is to rest.

That’s it.

Then I’ll be the
one to find a job.

- I’ll do it.
- Ma!

Why are you so stubborn?

Do you want to make
your condition worse?

Don’t you feel
sorry for yourself?

You can’t even stand up.

You can barely
lean properly, Ma.

Ma,

my decision is final.

Please don’t stop me.

My life is less important to
me than your life is to me.

So please, Ma, don’t
be stubborn anymore.

Hi, Lin.

Why did you come by?

Is there a problem
with our plan?

Lin, I’m really sorry.

And I’ve missed you a lot.

Like, a lot.

It’s okay, Grace.

We already talked
earlier, right?

But,

it’s different.

We’re not close anymore.

And I want us to be okay
like how we were before.

And...

I really hope that you’ve
forgiven me for what I did last sem.

That’s nothing.

We all have our reasons.

And we all have our mistakes.

That’s over now, Grace.

Thanks, Lin.

And, yes,

I have learned from
my past mistakes.

Which is why I am also here.

Honestly, I'm really
concerned about you

with this new cheating
scheme that we're planning.

I don't want you to get
in trouble like last time.

I'm okay now, don’t
worry about me.

All is well.

Okay, but

I can't help but wonder,

why do you want to
go through that again?

Let's just say that

I really need the
money right now.

Because,

I don’t want to keep
relying on other people.

Actually,

I’m doing all of this for Dad.

He deserves more.

He deserves better.

He’s been through
too much hardship.

Okay.

Anyway, sis,

no matter what happens,

I'm just always
here for you, okay?

Thanks, sis.

So, here.

So, here are the following
candidates that I have for our plan.

Bank?

What are you doing here?

Aren’t you making money
from leaking exam answers?

Teach me.

- Hey!
- Ouch!

Ouch, son!

My God, I think I’m dying.

If Bank isn’t part of our plan,

the plan won’t push through.

You know that.

We’re going to Australia

to take the STIC exam.

So, Bank,

you memorize the first half

and then,

Lin gets the second half.

We have a contract signing here

and all meetings are recorded.

No one will tell on anyone
because you’re already accomplices.

Why did you do
that to us, Pat, huh?

Why did you do that to us?

No, come on, guys.

You’re really going
to believe him?

He's just stressed out.

Bank, just focus on your mom.

I’ll take care of the STIC.

You’ll still get your share.

Thanks, Lin.

But you and I both know

that you can’t memorize
the whole STIC exam.