In one of the moving scenes in Coming Home, paraphrasing what Sylvia Sanchez’s character told her bestfriend played by Samantha Lopez, “Marami na ang umalis sa akin, siya lang ang bumalik. Hindi ko pa ba siya tatanggapin?”
She was referring to her husband played by former senator Jinggoy Estrada who left her and her family after finding himself smitten by the charm of Mercy Dungca (played by Ariella Arida), who eventually ends up as his “reluctant mistress.”
It may be a dumb statement to some who have not experienced Salve’s (Sylvia) situation but delving deeper into what her character is going through, it’s a statement full of compassion and forgiveness. It reinforces the idea that family will always be a place where you can go back to, it’s a safe place.
Initially earmarked for the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival, it recently made the cut as one of the 10 official entries in this year’s online edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Coming Home, touted as the perfect Christmas Day offering due to its focus on core Pinoy family values, the main strength of the film lies in the exemplary performance of the main cast members. It features a formidable ensemble led by award-winning actors Martin del Rosario and Edgar Allan Guzman, Jake Ejercito, Shaira Diaz, Vin Abrenica, Janna Agoncillo, and Julian Estrada, together with Smokey Manaloto, Samantha Lopez, Almira Muhlach, Luis Hontiveros, Alvin Anson, Chanel Morales, and Orlan Wamar, with the special participation of Geneva Cruz.
Line produced by ALV Films and produced by Maverick Films, Coming Home is directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr., with screenplay by Gina Marissa Tagasa.
Coming Home tackles the complex dynamics of a Filipino family dealing with issues and challenges that threaten to tear it apart, but eventually brought together, in the end, thanks to the prevailing power of love, forgiveness, and redemption.
The story revolves around the triumphs and travails of Benedicto “Benny” Librada (Jinggoy) who rises from his humble beginnings to further his studies and eventually provide for his family’s brighter future as he works as an OFW in Qatar. But even the toughest and most loyal patriarchs can stumble and succumb to temptation.
Through all her family’s turbulent storms, Salve Librada (Sylvia) threshes out her role as martyr wife to the hilt—maxing her strength and sacrificing her own interests just to keep her family together, and even doing her best to conceal her terminal illness until it’s too late.
Adding more color to the compelling family drama are the equally intricate relationships the Librada siblings Ned (EA), Yuri (Martin), Enji (Jake), and Sally (Shaira) get embroiled in.
Inspired in part by true-to-life events, Coming Home climaxes with a heartwrenching twist that will leave viewers in tears, as it brings to fore the indomitable Filipino family spirit, tempered by faith and forgiveness.
Coming Home is showing via Upstream.ph starting Christmas Day.