Filipinos are known for their hobby of binge-watching movies and television series. This pastime activity roots down to the good old days of cinemas and movie theaters. Some would prefer to watch the genre romance, comedy, horror, fantasy, or drama. According to a survey by American research-based Gallup in 2012, Filipinos are the most emotional in the world. This might somehow explain why there is an undeniable large number of Filipino drama films.
So, are you planning to have a tear-jerker movie marathon? Or maybe just feeling a little sentimental and wanting to lift up your spirits? Here is a list of movies about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that will either break your heart or inspire you..
Anak (2000)
This family drama film is often regarded by some as the best Filipino film of all times. Starring Josie (Vilma Santos) and Carla (Claudine Barretto), Anak is a reflection of the typical OFWs who wanted nothing but the best for their children. The film highlighted the portrayal of a sad reality that many OFWs are facing: (1) parents slowly losing connection with their children, (2) teenagers heading the wrong direction in life, and (3) money saved turning into dust.
Despite all these mishaps, Anak did not fail to look at the brighter side of the OFW life. Josie, an OFW, tried to rekindle a relationship with her daughter Carla. The story unfolds as the mother discovers how her daughter’s life was ruined by alcohol, drugs, and sex while she was toiling away as a caregiver in Hong Kong. Is it too late for Josie to make up for the missed moments with Carla and her other children?
Dubai (2001)
Credit: PinoyExchange
Dubai, a romantic drama film, revolves around the story of Raffy (Aga Muhlach), Andrew (John Lloyd Cruz), and Faye (Claudine Barretto). Raffy and Andrew are orphaned kids, and they had only each other to depend on. Raffy has worked in Dubai for nine years before Andrew finally got to follow him.
Their reunion gave rise to a sudden twist of events as Andrew meets Faye, who was one of Raffy’s former girlfriends. Faye and Andrew got along well with each other, sparking romance between them. Conflict arises between the brothers as Raffy realizes he still loves Faye. Is blood thicker than water? Or will the brothers decide to part ways because of their rift?
Katas ng Saudi (2007)
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Comedy-drama Katas ng Saudi focuses on the struggle of Oca (Jinggoy Estrada) to win back his family’s affection after a 10-year stint as a supervisor for an oil drilling firm in Saudi Arabia. Not only that, Oca has to settle an issue with his wife Marcy (Lorna Tolentino) concerning his continuous financial support for his mother, sister, and brother-in-law.
Will Oca succeed in reigniting the lost connection with his estranged kids? Or will he remain as a cash cow to friends and other family members who rejoice over his homecoming?
Caregiver (2008)
Credit: Wikipedia
The story begins as Sarah (Sharon Cuneta) bids goodbye to her world as a grade school teacher. She joins her husband Teddy (John Estrada) in London and takes the job of a caregiver, leaving her son behind in the Philippines with a promise to reunite someday. In London, Sarah discovered herself, got out of her submissiveness as a wife, and turned into an empowered woman. She found fulfillment in her humbling caregiving job and earned respect at work. Meanwhile, Teddy who failed the nursing exam twice, has been experiencing stress and depression.
Sarah and Teddy’s marriage started to be on the rocks as tension rose between them. Teddy insisted that they return to the Philippines and start anew. Will Sarah decide to go back to the Philippines to save their marriage? Or will she choose to stay in London to earn a living for her son?
Sunday Beauty Queen (2016)
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Sunday Beauty Queen is the first independent documentary film to be part of the Metro Manila Film Festival. This film follows the exceptional stories of five domestic helpers in Hong Kong. They take part in weekly beauty pageants as they spend their day off on Sundays.
The story addresses how these Filipinas view pageants as a platform for them to boost their confidence and dignity, and not just merely to get away from the tedious six-day work week. It features the struggles a migrant woman faces from behind the usual work clothes to the colorful and elegant gowns they wear on a Sunday.
