#lovelocal

Alone/Together officially hit the cinemas last February 13 and quite a lot of people were intrigued by the movie – including me. The movie’s teaser made the audience feel like it’s something worth watching. A lot of people even created theories, which made me, and perhaps others too, eager to watch it. But to be honest the official trailer kind of ruined everyone’s curiosity as they somehow gave away the plot and refuted all the theories created. I still gave this movie a chance despite of it all and I’m glad I did. 

So what are my takeaways? [Warning! Spoilers ahead.]

1. It’s okay to feel lost in your 20′s.

Christine (Liza Soberano) was once so hopeful about her dreams. With a Magna Cum Laude standing, she dreamt of changing the world. She was so sure of what she wanted to become in life. Five years later, it dawned on her that her dreams weren’t really that simple and easy to achieve. 

“Hindi ko alam anong nangyari,” Christine uttered. While she was sitting on the same spot where she used to dream, a lot has changed about her and she felt like a complete failure.

The movie didn’t sugarcoat anything about this reality – the curse of "adulting.” That even the smartest students, the overachievers, and the goal-getters will get lost while navigating through adulthood. All of a sudden, you won’t have it all figured out anymore. You will make choices that can make or break your future. You slowly lose sight of who you are and what you want to be. And that’s okay.

Because somehow, you will be led to where you’re truly meant to be, despite the number of detours that you experience in life. I believe that you will end up doing what you truly want to do and where you will be happy – especially if you will be brave enough to chase after your dreams. Just never lose sight of your principles, your goals, and ambitions. Take it one step at a time.

2. College grades don’t necessarily equate to success.

Raf (Enrique) is an average student in the movie. He had mediocre grades. He was delayed for graduation and he was struggling to finish his degree. Contrary to Tin (Liza) who is a straight A student who graduated on time with Latin honors.

Right after college, Raf became a successful doctor while Tin struggled to keep her career in tact, due to the decisions she made. She became part of a huge scam which ruined her credentials. The movie showed that grades don’t really define who you are and they aren’t the ticket to success. 

3. Serve the country.

“Pera ng gobyerno ang ginastos sa pag-aaral mo tapos dayuhan makikinabang sayo? Que horror!” 

These words were one of the highlights of the movie for me. It strucked me. Christine’s professor and mentor exclaimed this strong statement to her. In her defense, she just wanted to gather experience and knowledge so she can come back and apply everything back here at home – in her own country. But her professor said that a lot of people have said that, but they never came back because of the money and comfort that foreign countries offered.

It’s quite hard to love our country, to be frank especially with the rising inflation rate, EJKs, low minimum wage, unemployment rate, and all the toxicity that I read daily all because of politics. I was once that fresh graduate who opted to work abroad because I knew that I would have a higher salary and give my parents a better retirement, without thinking that I would use my skills for the benefit of another country. 

Alone/Together somehow encouraged its viewers to serve the Philippines. With Raf's choice to serve the barrios as a doctor. It made me realize the importance of staying in the country and serving fellow Filipinos despite the struggles in succeeding in our country. I guess it will be a battle between patriotism and greed.

The movie made me love and appreciate our country – its history, art, culture and everything else in between.

4. That one great love comes once in a lifetime.

It comes only once and while we’re at it, be sure to make everything worthwhile so we won’t have regrets. 

When that one great love doesn’t stay with you, accept the fact that perhaps it happened for a reason. Sometimes, we tend to be fixated on that “great memory” and we forget why we didn’t work out with the person. Know when to let go – especially when you are currently in a relationship. STOP CHASING AROUND YOUR EX.

Perhaps that’s my least favorite part about the movie. When Tin and Raf sneaked around behind their partners’ backs. But it still taught me a lesson regarding the things that I shouldn’t tolerate. We shouldn’t normalize acts like these because other people’s feelings are at stake too. 

5. Communication is the key.

When you are in a relationship, learn to communicate properly. Your partners aren’t mind readers. Also they are called “PARTNERS” for a reason. Even if it seems like your problems are too much to take, learn to share it with your significant other. Never feel like you’re a burden. You should work together – may it be in your highs or lows. 

6. Be true to what you want. Stop forcing things that don’t make you happy.

Life is short. Chase after your what-ifs, especially if it’s related to your life goals. It’s never too late to make those dreams come true, no matter how crazy they may seem. Do not waste seconds of your life in people or situations where you feel unhappy. Matuto kang maging malaya at magpalaya. 

If there’s one thing I learned in life, you have to be true to what you want and your actions will follow through towards achieving that goal. Somehow, the universe will make away and help you reach your dream – only if you truly, genuine desire it.

Overall, Alone/Together was a huge success. Not everyone loved the movie but I guess it’s because they didn’t watch it with an open mind. Some parts of the movie weren’t that appealing to me too, but I chose to look at it as a chance to learn.

I think it’s a good movie that’s not all about the “happily ever after” that local cheesy films used to offer. It taught me a lot about life, going after what your heart truly desires, and never giving up on people who matter to you.