A rich boy runs away from home to a big city where he knows no one. There he meets other youths who have come to Manila in search of happiness. To provide for themselves they offer sexual services to horny old men. When one of them dies, they decide to fulfil his last wish – to go home. The journey begins.
There are a surprising number of films in Philippine cinema that can be described as LGBTQ+. These include many that far surpass the rest of the wide range of Philippine films in terms of artistic merit. As such, Petersen Vargas’s film clearly stands out. The vices of the big city experienced by the young men are only the background. What stands out is much more important. The need to belong, friendship and other ethical categories that have nothing to do with sex. An excellent ensemble of actors, fascinating dynamic cinematography. Music that supports the plot, and the director's ability to make the audience truly sympathetic to the story being told.
Mihkel Möölman