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CHANGING PARTNERS

Palitz Reyes
Nov 15, 2017
5 min read

It has been a year when I first watched the Play. I knew that it was a musical, but I never thought that the words and music would cut my heart to bleed. I saw it in three different play dates, and I cried three times as well. The story of Alex and Cris was my story, but could be your story too.

People always say that "age doesn't matter." For some, yes. For others, no. To Alex and Cris... it mattered. Lucky are those couples who found love with half or more than a decade gap between them. Their love stories may have succeeded, but I know there were a lot of trials came on their way.

The story started by making you feel how fresh, exciting and free is the love story of the two. Alex and Cris, both looked young, careless and happy with what they have on their fresh start. Cris was described as the Millennial -- the impatient, sensitive and juvenile. Alex was the dominant, matured and career-driven. Cris has loved Alex in the most sincere way he/she can and so as Alex.

Older people say that the real success of being in a relationship was when you survived the first three years. Either living together or not, those first three years are the crucial parts. But for me, based on my personal experience, and by watching this film, the challenge of survival was over those years.

But, is love really enough? What was it really like living with someone who provides you shelter, places food on your table, pays for all your expenses, and gives you all your needs and in return, they just expect you to love them? And what was it like having someone who you think will take care of you through the years but as it happens, you are taking care of them instead? Are you really in a romantic relationship? Or not? Do you equally love each other? On your first years, maybe. After that, I don't know.

Here are some photos from the play: (Please hover your mouse pointer over the photo to manually switch photos.)

I will have my views on ALEX (Agot) and CRIS (Anna) love story. Para hindi ako hirap sa he/she :)

The struggles of Cris in their love story were more about having that debt of gratitude to Alex. Yes, Alex never asked for anything in return, but to Cris, as years, 6 years passed by, it became an issue. It is the issue. Cris knew that someday, that day will come that she needed an escape plan. Escape plan because the truth is she got tired of living inside Alex's world, behind Alex's shadow. Whenever the character of Cris would say "Babayaran ko na lang, papalitan ko na lang, pag nagkapera ako... etc" it only shows how eager she wants to get out of the relationship. She always wanted a job, but a job at her comfort. And when she starts to earn, she will pay Alex for everything. Then, she leaves. That's the ugly truth.

"Lunes hanggang Linggo, laging nandito lang ako. Sa kanya ay nakatanghod, ano pa ba ang gusto niya?"

"Sa anino niya'y hindi ako nasisikatan ng araw. Wala akong araw." (Lines from the songs of the film.)

For six years, Alex gave everything to Cris. Her life, time, money, attention and love. But the question is, how come she waited for six years just to ask Cris to leave? She had doubts. Loads of it. I know she felt used. She was lied to. She was betrayed. She was played too. Was it just because of love? Or maybe, she was just hopeful that one day, that day will come that she will see the Cris she wanted her to be. And maybe, they'll have their happy ending.

"Kung 'di mo siya kilala, madali kang maniniwala sa mga kwento niyang akala mo'y totoo. Madalas kong binabantayan ang mga mata niya kung saan banda siya tumitingin. Kung sa kaliwang pataas daw'y nagsasabi ng totoo. At kung sa kanang pataas naman ika'y tinatarantado. Pero nakatitig lang siya sa akin. Ang paningin niyang nakapako lang sa akin. Hindi bumabaling sa kanan o sa kaliwa. Kung 'di mo siya kilala madali kang maniniwala sa kanya."

"Mabigat ang maletang dala mo. Iyan ang kabaong ng pagibig na pinatay mo, sana ay kaya mong buhatin. Habang buhay mo 'yang bubuhatin."

Nevertheless, it all boils down to making decisions and choosing the right path in their own personal lives and their love life. There is always and will always be an "Angel" in every relationship. So it is up to you if you will let Angel come your way and destroy the pillars you built.

Changing Partners will teach us to appreciate our partners, their feelings. To ask yourself a million times if you are on the right track of your relationship. To know when to let go and stand firm on that even if it will hurt the most. And to simply... love.

Alex and Cris are in me.

Alex is You and I am Cris.

Cris is Me and You are Alex.

Here are some photos from the Gala Screening: (Please hover your mouse pointer over the photo to manually switch photos.)

Technically, this is the first time I am impressed with Direk Dan's work as a whole. If there is a specific part of the film that I have so many expectations to, it was the switching part of the confrontation scene. I could still remember and feel the goosebumps when I watched it in PETA Theater. I was so Amazed in that particular scene. In this film Direk Dan really did a great job. The switching of shots and just entire film direction was amazing. I fell in love with the music arrangement the first time and I never thought I'd fall in love with it again. I think it was unexpectedly expected hahaha! And with the Actors, God! Sir Jojit for Best Actor please! Ms. A is at her best in both singing and acting. Sandino was exceptional. And Anna just showcased another side of her being a "Best Actress." I just love the film, the story, the music, the actors and the characters! Looking forward for a commercial run.

The story, music and lyrics are all written by Vincent Dejesus. Translated into film by Lilit Reyes and Directed by Dan Villegas. Changing Partners is an official entry to Cinema One Originals 2017.

Please watch it. It screens on select Ayala Cinemas, Cinema '76, Cinematheque and UP Cine Adarna until November 28. If ever it will have another theatrical performance again, please watch it too! You won't be disappointed.