SOLEDAD

Scene 1: Intro[Panorama modern view of Manalang House ]

Angela Manalang (Francisco) is seen within her house, slowly walks out carrying an umbrella.

Transition to Church view

Camera angles Manalang as she enters the church, carrying her rosary. She settles in her place, bended knees, looking straight at the altar.

BLACK SCREEN

[Voice over: ]

Manalang: It was a sacrilege, the neighbors cried, The way she shattered every mullioned pane To let a firebrand in.

Camera locks on the altar until last line, comes back but transitions Manalang’s place with Maria (Bandola).

Maria is seen praying hard with her rosary. Looks at the altar and sees Padre Nicolas (Lana). Rosa (Nacion), her friend, is with her.

Scene 2: Maria & Nicolas[ Outside the church, after the recessional. ]

Rosa: Ever since Padre Nicolas became the head priest, every Sunday became more lively.

Maria: He’s quite witty and I like the way he talks.

Rosa: Heard he’s a mestizo, from a well known family in Manila. It must be an honor for his family that their son is a great priest.

Maria: Indeed. *nods with a sly smile on her face. (Rosa doesn’t know that Maria and Nicolas are very close. They would hang around during Sundays after the mass, enjoying their company with each other)

-Screen flashes their sweet scenes together-

Out of no where, Padre Nicolas suddenly appeared.

Nicolas: Good afternoon ladies, may God continue to bless you and your families.

Rosa: Oh, Padre Nicolas. Maria and I were just talking you. Your homily was indeed very inspiring.

Nicolas: Maria? Is this true?

Maria: Yes, Padre Nicolas. We are indeed enthusiasts of your vocation.

Rosa: Oh! I forgot that I have errands to do. I’ll go ahead. Bye Padre, Bye Maria. (begins to depart)

Nicolas: Take care of yourself!

Maria looks around to see if there are no people around them, whispers something to Nicolas.

Maria: Nic, we need to talk. * slowly forming a joyous smile on her face*

-Screen shows love scene-

BLACK SCREEN

[ Voice over:]Manalang: They tried in vain to understand how one so carved from pride And glassed in dream could have so flung aside her graven days…

Scene 3: The Scandal[In an isolated place]

Maria: Nic, will you do anything for me?

Nicolas: Of course, my lady

Maria: Then marry me.

Nicolas: *speechless*

Maria: I thought you would do anything… (Disappointed)

Nicolas: I love you, and you know that. I would do anything for you and I promise you to give you that ring to seal my love, our love.

Maria: Then why?

Nicolas: Today is not the right time. I’m still in the order, anticipating the reply from the archbishop concerning my letter of dismissal.

Maria: Promise me then... Promise me that you will marry me. Because I can feel a child, growing with me.

Nicolas: Oh Maria… of course I will!

They show their affection with each other. Then suddenly…

Rosa: Maria! What is the meaning of this?

Maria: Rosa? What are you doing here?

Nicolas: Wait, I can explain…

Rosa suddenly flees from the place.BLACK SCREEN

[Voice over:]

Manalang: why she dared profane the bread and wine of life for some insane Moment with him…. But it never died, the scandal never died.

Scene 4: Lose It All[In a farmhouse]

Screen shows the lifestyle of being a farmer, the river, the cold breeze and cold sweats in order to earn a living.

Maria is seen laying on her bed, troubled and in doubts. Hair’s messed up, face looks haggard. Transitions to a scene where she vomits, looking straight through a mirror near the sink. (Shows her state of pregnancy)

Celia (Bongat): Maria! Maria! (shouts in the background)

Maria: Yes mother?

Celia: Can you go to the market and buy some spices?

Maria: *continues to vomits*

Celia: Maria? Are you… *sees Maria and concludes her pregnancy*

Maria: Mother…

Celia: So the rumors are true? You’re pregnant and carrying a bastard, you bitch! *pulls Maria’s hair, scolding scene*

Maria cries: Mother, stop it! Nicolas loves me and he will marry me.

Celia: Stop it with your illusions… You’re sick! Your father was a very noble man and you’re just a….

Maria: Say it Mother! Say it!

Celia: YOU ARE NOT MY DAUGHTER! YOU’RE A DISGRACE! SHAME ON YOU, MARIA!!! SHAME ON YOU!!!

Maria packs her stuff and leave with a veil covering her face.

Scene 5: Walk of Shame

[Voice over:]

Manalang: But no one guessed that loveliness would claim her soul's cathedral burned by his desires, Or that he left her aureoled in flame.

[In the streets]

Maria walks slowly in the narrow streets of their town. People are all looking at her, scrutinizing her every step. She imagines herself naked as she walks, with rocks and tomatoes flying within her presence. Murmurs are heard in the background. She continues her steps until she reaches the monastery.

Reaching her destination, Maria knocks on its door.

Maria: Nicolas! Nicolas!

Door opens, Alfonso the Church helper appeared.

Alfonso: Maria, why are you here?

Maria: Is Padre Nicolas here?

Alfonso: Padre Nicolas? He is no longer here, the Archbishop promoted him again, he was sent to Cordilleras to lead a mission.

Maria: THAT CAN’T BE! HE PROMISED ME… HE PROMISED… *freaking out scene*

Alfonso gives her a letter

Alfonso: Found this in his room after he left, this must be yours since it got your name on it.

Maria sees the letter, takes it and continues to sob. Alfonso leaves. She opens the letter, looks at it for a while and tears it apart.

SCENE 6: FINALE

[Voice Over:]

Manalang: And seeing nothing but her blackened spires, the town condemned this girl who loved too well And found her heaven in the depths of hell.

*Song starts*

Maria is seen on her knees, approaching the altar with a rosary on her hand while crying. Transitions to flashbacks: her walk of shame scene, murmurs, sweet scenes with Nicolas, Nicolas’ departure scene, Nicolas’ letter, etc.

A tired, exhausted Maria is seen settling back to their house. Celia is not seen in the scene. She sits on her bed and sees blood coming out from her dress.

Maria: My baby… at least we’re together.

*Suicide Scene*

-END