THE CALLING

The scene is set in Barangay Dapdap, a small coastal village in Cebu, where a towering and ancient dao tree stands steadfast by the shore. Its gnarled roots stretch deep into the earth, spreading out toward the gentle waves lapping at its base. The moonlight filters through the tree's thick branches, casting soft, silvery patterns on the ground.

Jan, a young man with a restless spirit, leans against the tree trunk, staring out at the vast ocean stretching endlessly before him. The night is calm, accompanied by the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves. Behind him, the faint glow of nipa huts reflects the quiet life of the village, where laughter and the scent of salt linger in the air.

When his younger brother Miko arrives, carrying a lantern, the two discuss Jan's growing desire to leave their small barangay and explore the world their late father once spoke about. Jan reveals an old journal filled with notes about the interconnected cultures of Asia and expresses his determination to follow in his father's footsteps to understand these ties.

The scene is both introspective and symbolic, highlighting Jan's inner conflict between staying rooted in his home and seeking the unknown. The dao tree, with its deep roots and unwavering presence by the ever-changing ocean, represents the balance between grounding oneself in one's heritage and reaching out toward new horizons.

As the brothers return to their hut at their mother's call, Jan casts one last glance at the moonlit sea. The waves, whispering promises of adventure, signal the beginning of his journey to discover the heart of Asia and his place within it.