Mac Andre R. Arboleda
A scene from “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon.” Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya.org
Sunset arrives in Carlo Catu’s Cinemalaya-winning film “Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang Dapithapon” (Waiting For Sunset), a tale that centers on an unlikely trio composed of an unmarried couple named Teresa and Celso (played by Perla Bautista and Menggie Cobarrubias) who has to help an estranged husband and old man named Bene (Dante Rivero) faced with a terminal illness.
Although it is not uncommon for Filipino films to explore themes of grief and loss, “Dapithapon” shows what happens in the moments leading up to the inevitable death of a loved one: forgiveness, companionship, and understanding. What makes the story intriguing is the journey of unraveling the histories and navigating the complex relationships each character has with one another—experienced in a visual style that’s patient, warm, and sentimental.
Teresa is compelled to confront her past with Bene, despite being in a happy relationship of 27 years with Celso thus far. Celso agrees to this, and eventually forms a friendship with the man. Bene, whose unwillingness to continue living is seen in how he rids of the antique furniture in his home, tries to find resolve within himself and “Tetang” (a term of endearment for Teresa who now goes by “Tere”) whom he has hurt in the past.
Stories involving the people left behind by the quiet chaos of their marriage had striking effect. In one scene, Bene reunites with his son Chito who appears to have been carrying a grudge against his father for the longest time. In another scene, Celso rushes to comfort his daughter Marissa, who explains that it’s not that easy to leave a relationship riddled with extramarital affairs.
Overall, the movie is hopeful in that it continually provides the characters opportunity to display emotional maturity, some room for growth, and the promise that every sunset could only mean that the sun will rise again.
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Mac Andre R. Arboleda is a zinester from Los Baños, Laguna. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Pananaw, the official literary and arts folio of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Tweet him at @asshulz.
