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XXX
AN ADAPTATION OF
EDITH TIEMPO’S BONSAI

INT. HOUSE –DAY

In a messy room. Two individuals sitting on the couch fighting.
STEPHEN is screaming at ALEX’s crying face. She slaps him.

ADOLF (V.O)
Majority sa mga tao dito sa mundo
ay naghahanap ng kapartner sa buhay.
And when we fall in love. We fall into
different categories. Tulad ng isang
toxic na relasyon. Mga relasyon na pilit
na pinagpatuloy kahit nakakasama na.

Transition: Screen turns to black -Continuous

EXT. SM SEASIDE ROOFTOP –NIGHT

YDIANNE and MERYL are sitting with a big gap between them. Ydianne
tries to reach out. However, Meryl stood up and walked away, while Ydianne
cries her eyes out.

ADOLF (V.O)
May mga taong takot na mag commit.
Pero sa dinami-daming relasyon,
ours is my favorite. Ako si ADOLF at siya si
SHANNEN at ito ang storya namin.

INT. ROOM –DAY

The room is deafening from all the cheers and claps of the Tagisan ng
Talino audiences. Two teams, from the Law department and Nursing department
respectively are competing against each other. ADOLF, a nursing student
who’s a super-smart overachiever with roughly a thousand of commitments
taking up his time. He is one of the top students in his class and
consistent in getting good grade.

HOST
And the winner is… from the
Department of Nursing, Adolf
Ven Adolfo.

The room is filled with cheers and high-fives. However, SHANNEN, a girl from
the crowd who’s holding a banner to support the representative from the
Department of Law raised her hand and shouted.

FROM THE CROWD

SHANNEN
I object! I believe that there is
an errancy in your judgement.
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The final point should —no, must be

given to the department of Law.
(She refers to the nursing contestants)
I consider this competition a farce.
I want a rematch.

People are silent and shocked by what she just said.

HOST (O.S)
I’m sorry, the decision has been
made and is irrevocable.

Law supporters boos around the host while the nursing students cheered
louder.

HOST (CONTINUED)
If you have any problems with
the results, unfortunately there is
nothing we can do with that.

The host gave Shannen a smug look and rolled her eyes to clap back. She then
turned to where the DEEP LAUGH is coming from. And to her shock it came from
Adolf. They looked at each other’s eyes and he gave her an annoying grin —
one that Adolf used to mock.

SHANNEN
(She took a glimpse of wrist
watch and then to her classmate
at her left)
You know what? I got to go.

She gave Adolf a last cold look. And walked out.

EXT. EUNICE’S HOUSE –AFTERNOON

A garage/garden full of green plants and flowers. The door opened and
closed with a big BANG. Shannen showed up with unbuttoned shirt and messy
hair. She struggles to tie her shoelaces. She stood up and greeted Eunice,
her boss.

SHANNEN
(breathy)
Good afternoon ate.
EUNICE
(Without looking at her)
You’re late, again. Ika-ilang late
mo na ‘to? Natagalan ka na naman sa
school anoh?
SHANNEN
Intrams po kasi namin.
(She fixes her bun and kneeled down
to water the plants-like clockwork)
Hindi na po mauulit.
 3

EUNICE
O sige, maiwan muna kita jan nak.

She watered the plants with a smile. As she poured, she noticed a pair of
shoes. She looked up to see whom the mysterious shoes are attached to.
Because of her shock. She accidentally splashed the remaining water from the
sprinkler she used.

SHANNEN
Oh Shoot. Pasensiya na po
(She used her apron to wipe
The drenched part of the
stranger’s shirt)

She tilted her head upwards and her face suddenly changed. She stood up and
crossed her arms with her right eyebrow raised.

SHANNEN (CONTINUED)
Sinusundan mo ba ako? Why are you
here? Are you done laughing at me,
or kulang pa ‘yon?
ADOLF
(Clears throat)
First of all, hindi kita pinahiya.
You did a great job doing that to yourself.
Second, we deserve that win. We won
fair and square.
SHANNEN
Did you though? That’s what I hate about
our country. We have different perception
of what’s fair and what’s not. This is why
I want to become a lawyer. To fix our broken
Justice system where people aren’t compromised
and—
ADOLF
(He raised his hand)
Stop! Gusto ko lang bumili ng bonsai.
O pati ‘yon gusto mo ring talunan?
And lastly nandito ako para—
(He saw Eunice)
Oh tita kumusta.

He hugged her tita. Shannen looked confused.

SHANNEN
(Pointing from Adolf to Eunice)
Wait, tita?
ADOLF
Uh… family friend kase. Kaya tita.
But, enough of that, it doesn’t concern
you.
 4

SHANNEN
You’re right I couldn’t care less.
Sige, saan diyan?
ADOLF
(He pointed)
Yung sa may dulo.

She packed the bonsai and gives it to him.

SHANNEN
Thank you.
(Her tone changed)
… And don’t you ever come again.
ADOLF
Too bad I’ll come here every weekend.
So you’re stuck with me.
Whether you like it or not.

She gave him an annoying smirk. Shannen rolled her eyes and sighed.

MONTAGE:
EXT.EUNICE’S HOSE –CONTINUOS
Adolf annoys Shannen. Later on, Shannen started to ridicule Adolf
too. Without realizing it they became friends. She taught him how to take
care of plants and many more. While watering the plants Shannen accidentally
cut herself.
<END MONTAGE>

Shannen screamed with pain.

ADOLF
(He ran towards Shannen)
Are you ok?

Adolf’s eyes are filled with concern. He checked Shannen’s cut and without
hesitation he took out a first aid kit from his backpack. Witnessing this
act proves that the assumptions she has about Adolf was wrong. He’s sweet
and caring. Maybe even a “boyfriend material,” one that she would date. She
continues to stare at Adolf’s face.

SHANNEN (V.O)
Tignan mo nga iyang mukhang ‘yan.
I have to admit, he’s very charming
Kaso lang ang pangit ng ugali.
ADOLF
(Focused on her leg)
Stay still.
(Adolf then wrapped it with
Bandage)
That’s going to be fine. You’re lucky
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The wound wasn’t that deep.

SHANNEN
(She looked away)
Salamat.

She tried to stand up and because of her injured leg she didn’t stay long.
Adolf catches her and takes a long pause drowning at each other’s eyes.

ADOLF
Take the day off.
(Referring to her leg)
Dapat pinapahinga mo muna ‘yan.

Shannen just stood there, shocked by admitting that maybe—just maybe—he’s

not “that bad”.

ANGLE ON: ADOLF PACKING THE BONSAI

SHANNEN (V.O)
What is this? Am I— no,
This is impossible I’m not
Falling for him right?

She smiled at Adolf.

ADOLF
(Creeped out)
Uhhh.. may problema ba?

She shook the thought out of her head

SHANNEN
(She nodded a couple of times)
No, okay lang ako.
ADOLF
(He showed her the bonsai)
How much for this?
SHANNEN
That’s 50 pesos each, so 100
Pesos ‘yang dalawa.
ADOLF
(Hands the 100 peso bill)
Here you go. See you next week.

Adolf waved goodbye. Before he gets to the door Shannen called him.

SHANNEN
What’s the bonsai for?

Adolf smiled and turned around to face her.

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SHANNEN (CONTINUED)
I mean are you making a mini-garden sa
bahay niyo? Or- Oh no
(She covered her mouth from shock)
May girlfriend ka? Who could tolerate someone
like you? And why would you give her bonsai?
dapat yung bouquet. Ang cheap cheap mo!
ADOLF
Really? Why would I take your advice
on dating when it’s really obvious na wala
kang boyfriend.
SHANNEN
Gusto mo?

Adolf’s eyes widened.

SHANNEN (CONTINUED)
(She rolled her eyes)
I’m kidding. Hey, if bibili ka
ng bonsai every week I can just
deliver it to you. Free of charge.
(She raised both of her hand)
Just put your number…
(She hands her phone)
here.

They stare at each other for a moment. Adolf then typed his number on
Shannen’s phone.

ADOLF
(hands her phone back)
Just a warning. If you send that
first text there’s no going back.
Just don’t fall for me too hard.
SHANNEN
(Both hands on her hips)
Oh please. Who says I’m going to?
ADOLF
You’re the type of girl na magsusulat
Ng poem tungkol sa’kin. It’s written
All on your face.
SHANNEN
Anong pake mo?
ADOLF
Because I’m not falling in love with you back.
SHANNEN
How do you know?
ADOLF
I don’t believe in love.
SHANNEN
It’s not a religion. It exists whether you
Believe in it or not.
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ADOLF
Talaga ba? Can you prove it?
SHANNEN
Love songs, poetry, and marriage.
ADOLF
(Thumbs down and makes
A BOOING sound)
Everything you just said are just words
On paper. I have to get going.

Adolf left the store. She checked her phone and hugged it when she sees his
number on it. She’s twirling with happiness.

MONTAGE:
INT. ADOLF’S ROOM –NIGHT
In a very messy room. Adolf plays a deafening music. He bangs his head
with the music and play his imaginary guitar. His phone lits up—a message.

EXTREME CLOSE UP: PHONE

SHANNEN
It’s the end of the week. Where
Could we meet up?

Adolf smiles

INT. LIBRARY –NIGHT

Peace and quiet. She’s studying with her friends.

ADOLF
So you took the challenge.
Don’t forget, I warned you.

She rolled her eyes.

INTERCUT between Adolf’s room and the Library

SHANNEN
As if.
You’re the last person I want
To be with.

She lied.

ADOLF
That’s harsh.
How’s your leg by the way?
SHANNEN
It’s strong enough para
Sipain ‘yang mukha mo.
ADOLF
So hostile.
Pwede bang mag meet
 8

Tayo sa SM?
SHANNEN
Sige. Does 8:00 am
Sound good?
ADOLF
Sounds great. It’s a date then.
SHANNEN
A what now!?

MONTAGE:

- EXT. CAR –DAY –MOVING. Adolf driving

- EXT. JEEP –DAY. Shannen hugging a couple of bonsai.
- INT. RESTAURANT –DAY. Adolf patiently waiting for Shannen. Tried to
play games to entertain himself.
- INT. IN FRONT OF A LONG LINE IN THE ELEVATOR –DAY. Shannen arrived at
the SM mall however she refused to wait on the line and take the
stairs instead.
- INT. RESTAURANT –DAY.
Adolf stood up. He started to get worried, so he calls Shannen.
- INT. STAIRS WITH A SIGN THAT SAYS 3RD FLOOR. She struggles to climb the
stairs for the plant is very heavy and her leg hasn’t fully recovered.
- INT. IN FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT –DAY.
Shannen wouldn’t pick up, so he tried to text her instead.
EXTREME CLOSE UP: ADOLF’S PHONE.

ADOLF
Where are you?
<END CLOSE UP AND MONTAGE>

Shannen arrived with sweat on her forehead and her glasses are a little
foggy. She looked around to find Adolf. Adolf is then smiling at her back.

ADOLF
Hey
SHANNEN
(Takes a long breathe)
Hey
(She handed him the bonsai)
Here you go, that’s 200 pesos in total.

Adolf hugged the bonsai in his arms and tried to brush skin with Shannen as
possible.

ADOLF
(Hesitant)
Kumain ka na ba?

Shannen smiles.

CUT TO: RESTAURANT

INT. RESTAURANT –AFTERNOON
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The place plays a classic jazz music which helps settle the mood.
Shannen then arrived. Adolf then quickly stood up and offers her a seat—a
real gentleman.

SHANNEN
Salamat sa paghintay.
ADOLF
No problem. It’s my pleasure.
SHANNEN
(She took a seat)
Gosh! Can the girl’s bathroom be
more disgusting?
ADOLF
Yes, it’s called the boy’s bathroom.

They laughed. When the chuckle dies down Adolf changed the topic. And stare
at her sternly.

ADOLF (CONTINUED)
Hey, I’m really happy we’re having
Lunch together. I believe that we start of on the
Wrong foot. That’s why I called you here. To start
Again, with you. Hi I’m Adolf.
(He took out his hand)
SHANNEN
Wait, so let me get this straight.
You planned to lure me in here to eat with you?
Not creepy at all, Adolf. Not at all.
(She took a sip of water)
I just hope after this you won’t open my
Insides and checked to see if you remembered what
I’m eating right now.
ADOLF
(Playful)
Stop you’re ruining the moment.
SHANNEN
Oh umhh—Okay… Hi I’m Shannen nice to meet you.
(They grasp each other’s hand tightly)

MONTAGE:
INT. SOMEWHERE IN THE MALL –CONTINUOS
-RESTAURANT.
Adolf then offers her a spoonful of cake.
It left a chocolate icing on her lips, Adolf quickly wiped it with his
hands. They paused. Staring at each other’s eyes.
-ARCADE.
Both of them are having fun playing basketball. The games’ in
progress. Points has been scored, strategy and teamwork is shown. They
win. They were so full of glee that they hugged each other.
<END MONTAGE>

EXT. SM SEASIDE’S ROOFTOP –NIGHT

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It’s nice and quiet in the rooftop. They are in the edge of the slide,
looking at the stars. Looking at her.

SHANNEN
(She closed her eyes and feel
As the wind brushed her face)
It’s so nice up here.
ADOLF
(Looking at her)
Yes, and ganda ng view.

She felt a drop of water in her eye. Thunder roared. It’s raining. Adolf
grabs her hand and ran to the nearest shelter they could find.

SHANNEN
(Shivering)
Muntik na ‘yon ah.

Adolf placed the bonsai outside in the pouring rain. He looked at her and
noticed she’s rubbing her hand together and kept blowing in it to keep her
warm. He takes his jacket off and placed it on her shoulders.

SHANNEN
(She looked up)
Salamat. How about you? Hindi
Ka ba giniginaw?
ADOLF
I’m okay.
SHANNEN
No, really. It’s like negative 40
Degreed in here. We can share.
(She smiled at him)

Adolf scooched towards her. He took both of her hands and blew hot air in
them. Shannen looked away —blushing.

ADOLF
….Wala.
SHANNEN
Anong wala?
ADOLF
You asked me once if I have a
Girlfriend. My answer is no. Not
Anymore.
SHANNEN
Why what happened?
ADOLF
She cares too much what other
People thinks.

EXT. SIDE OF THE STREET –NIGHT -FLASHBACK

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MAUREEN (O.S)
Adolf, listen to me. Breaking up
Will be good for the both of us.
ADOLF
I disagree.
MAUREEN
Great. Disagreeing is what we do best.
Can’t you see? Adolf this is—
ADOLF
I love you. Okay? I got so
That I know without you it would be
Really different.
MAUREEN
(Voice breaks)
Adolf, if you truly love me you would
Let me go. And I wouldn’t call that love.
Whatever you felt for me that’s not love.
I think there’s no word for that.
ADOLF
Actually there’s a word for that, it’s love.
If you’re looking for a word that means caring
about someone no matter how much it destroys you
And hurts you, it’s love. And in love, you don’t
Stop —ever. Even when people roll their eyes
On you or- or call you crazy. Even then —especially
Then. I love you.
(He kneeled down)
MAUREEN
Stop!
CUT TO: BACK TO PRESENT
EXT. SM SEASIDE’S ROOFTOP –NIGHT

SHANNEN
Did you love her?
ADOLF
What is love anyway? Lust? Attraction?
Attachment? It’s just orchestrated by chemicals
in the brain. As a nursing student, I know
these facts cold. Knowing them helped me get over
her betrayal. I believe that love are just chemicals
and coincidences. So why does with you, it felt like
something more?
SHANNEN
Me?
ADOLF
(He touched both of her hands)
I feel something for you.
(He let it touched his face)
Do you feel the same thing too?
SHANNEN
(She smiled)
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…I do.
(She hugged him)

ANGLE ON: BOTH OF THEIR FACES (INTERCUT)

TRANSITION: SCREEEN TURNS BLACK
INT. SHNANEN’S ROOM –LATER
She’s anxiously checking her phone every 5 minutes. Waiting for
Adolf’s phone call or text. She started to get worried. She tried texting
him again for what seems to be a millionth time (give or take)

SHANNEN (V.O)
That was one of the best thing that
happened to me. You coming to my life.
I should’ve known that it was too good
To be true. I should’ve enjoyed it while
It last.

CLOSE UP: SHANNEN’S PHONE.

She typed—
SHANNEN
I’m worried about you.
You haven’t talked to me
For almost a week now.
Call me when you read this.
-Love, Shannen
<END CLOSE UP>

SHANNEN (V.O)
I got my hopes up but
You never did. Is this how
It feels when people ghost you?
You gave me nothing. No calls,
No texts, no reason to stay.

EXT. EUNICE’S HOUSE –DAY

SHANNEN
Ate Eunice. Nasaan po ba kayo?
EUNICE
Oh Shannen, ba’t andito ka?
Hindi mo pa schedule ngayon.
I che-check ko—
SHANNEN
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