CASTILLO, SOFIA FRANCHESCA S.V.

September 22, 2019

Reflection Paper

The movie “It takes a Man and a Woman” contains a lot of life lessons which will make
you realize some things about yourself relating to self-awareness, family values, and leadership.
The movie revolved around the relationship of Laida Magtalas and Miguel Montenegro. When
Laida’s mother and father had a problem and Miguel, too, lost his father. Laida chose to
comfort her mother first before she went to Miguel when he needed her, showing the family
value of “family first”. After Laida comforted her mother, she flew from Canada to Philippines
to be there for Miguel. She arrived at a wrong timing, witnessing Miguel kiss Laurel, after that,
things got messy. Laida broke up with Miguel and flew back to canada leaving him in the
Philippines.

Laida chose herself rather than letting Miguel fix the relationship, the process can be
painful but leads to greater self-awareness. She used this matter in order to develop herself,
become bolder, fiercer, braver. When you are fully self-aware of whom you are at the core, you
become free to do the things you want without fear to be judged. She started wearing different
clothes and talking differently, Laida version 2.0. As for Miguel, after losing his father and laika
calling quits in their relationship, he became a mess. He was lost. He became arrogant,
stubborn and irresponsible but even though the company employees are starting to lose their
trust to Miguel, his siblings are still there to support and love him.

When their paths crossed once again after two years, they both felt that they still have
an empty hole in their innermost soul and knew that the only one to fill this up is the other
person. Laida was starting to struggle about her feelings for Miguel, she went to their family
business and saw her parents being sweet to each other. Laida then asked her mother how she
forgave her father for cheating. Her mother’s answer is that everybody makes mistakes and
forgiveness is a decision. “Choose to forgive. Choose to love” is her mother’s mantra. Her
mother forgave her father because she loves him. Love wins above all. Miguel then realized and
accepted his faults, being aware that he was wrong at some point. Regarding leadership, Miguel
had to build himself again in order to lead efficiently and effectively.
 In conclusion, these are scenarios that happen not only in movies, but also in reality. We
have to go through being aware of ourselves, our own feelings and perception in order to
become our best selves, to accept and forgive. Love is also a recipe to forgiveness. Choose to
forgive. Choose to love.