SCENE 1

SETTING/S: Resto/Bar
SFX: Busy chatter
Song: “Mr. Suave” (fade in 00:00 - fade out 1:57)
Narration: It was a crowded evening at the EmpyRed Resto/Bar. Everyone
was leaving after the last performance, lost in their own world. Sonder.
Some had found their passion, some had enjoyed a night out, some were
facing their struggles, and some were just beginning to live their purpose.

*/ EMMAN was cleaning the table thoroughly after the last group of
customers left. He sighed looking at the sea of people leaving.*

EMMAN: Tsk, best performer na yun?! San banda don? *(scoffs) Tunog takuri ng
kapitbahay! Mas magaling pa ako, e!

*/ EMMAN slides his fingers in his beard, sudden angle swift, looking at
the crowd.
*/ [INSERT SONG. “MR. SUAVE” (FADE IN 00:00 - FADE OUT 1:57)]
*/ When he was about to sing the hook of the song, his manager shouted
behind him.

MANAGER: Hoy, hoy, bata. What are you singing out here for, huh?! You’re
supposed to clean, this and that! *(pointing at the tables) OUT! Get out, already!
*(gesturing him to leave)

*/ EMMAN left the store, clueless and scared he might lose his job.

//CLOSED CURTAIN//

SCENE 2
SETTING/S: School
Song: Bagsakan Instrumental
_________________________________________
*/ CALEB smirked, dramatically pushing back his hair as his friends
snickered, plotting to irritate another classmate.
*/ [INSERT SONG. BAGSAKAN INSTRUMENTAL(FADE IN 00:00 - FADE OUT
0:20)]*

CALEB: *(gloating) How do I look? Gwapings, right?

ISAAC: Gwapings? More like, gwapato. *(mimics a duck's snout, laughing)

*/ CALEB scowled, ready to retort when KYZEN whistled.

KYZEN: Target locked. Better grab your lady then, Leb.

*/ He pursed his lips toward an unsuspecting classmate. CALEB shrugged

confidently.

CALEB: Woah, never knew we had a goddess for a classmate. Hey there sweet
cheeks, what's your name?

*/ She rolled her eyes. ISAAC and KYZEN laughed, inching closer.

KYZEN: I think she doesn't like you, dude. The hair gel you applied this morning
was all for nothing then?
ISAAC: Tsk tsk, dapat kasi naligo ka muna. She's basically disgusted by you, bro!
CALEB: Will the both of you cut it out? I don't see the reason why you guys are
laughing at me, it's not like you guys have any girls-

*/ The girl cut her off, and their attention shifted to her.
GIRL CLASSMATE: Do the three of you have nothing better to do? If your goal was
to annoy me, congrats, you've done it successfully! Now shoo! My boyfriend might
see you, and might I add that he's the possessive type.
CALEB: A jealous man? Psh, you deserve someone better than that—
ISAAC: Someone like who?
CALEB: Someone like me!
GIRL CLASSMATE: Ikaw? Seriously? *(disgusted) No, thank you.
CALEB: What kind of date do you prefer ba? Cinema?
ISAAC: Picnic?
KYZEN: Dinner?
CALEB: Shh, ang ingay niyo both. It’s obvious naman that she likes to be with me,
so ano? What is your choice?
GIRL CLASSMATE: A big no to all of them!

*/ She stomped away. The three laughed in victory. As she exited, IMIRA
entered, watching her storm off.

IMIRA: Is it so hard for you three to not cause a ruckus? Not a day passes by
without someone being pissed off by you bunch.

*/ IMIRA crossed her arms as she made her way to the group of men.

ISAAC: Look what the cat dragged in! If it isn't our precious friend Milagro!
KYZEN AND CALEB: Mi–lag-ro! Mi-lag-ro!

*/ IMIRA scoffed at the name as the other three giggled at their own
antics.

IMIRA: Will you stop it with the “Milagro” joke? My name is Miracle! I-mi-ra! *(hand
gesture) Don’t think of yourself as someone who's clever and funny just because
you translate my name to Tagalog. It's soooooo baduy!
KYZEN: Psh, same thing.
IMIRA: Uhm, no it isn't! Plus, you three are on thin ice. You guys are lucky that the
girl's boyfriend isn’t around.
ISAAC: Oh come on, Imira! I highly doubt that we’ll get beaten up! We’ve been
hitting the gym lately. Look! Look!

*/ The three flexed their non-existent muscles. IMIRA grimaced, gagging in

disgust.
IMIRA: Ugh! Disgusting! Utterly disgusting! Put it away, you freaks! My poor eyes…

*/ The bunch stopped their antics as they looked at IMIRA’s over the top
expressions.

KYZEN: You're insufferable, what brought you here anyway?

*/ IMIRA excitedly clasped her hands together.

IMIRA: Well finally! Now you’re asking the important questions. Here, see for
yourselves.

*/ IMIRA handed them a flyer.

CALEB: What’s this?

IMIRA: You guys have eyes, diba? Read the pamphlet kaya, maybe then you’ll know
what it's about.
ISAAC: All that nasty attitude and for what…?

*/ CALEB in the center held the flyer as the three of them skim through it.
Eyes widening by the end of it.

ISAAC: Is this for real?!

*/ IMIRA slowly nodded.

KYZEN: *(astonished) They’re really doing a battle of the bands for the upcoming
school event?
IMIRA: Mhm!
CALEB: You’re not joking, aren't you?
IMIRA: So annoying! Akala ko ba you guys read it? Yes, the event really is
happening! Thought you guys might be interested, you know, since music is kind of
your thing. Plus, I heard that it's got some grade incentives, it might help you guys.
You’re all kind of struggling.
CALEB: Geez, girl. No need to remind us of that. Thank you for this though, we’ll
join for sure. Where can we register?
IMIRA: Oh wait! I don't know if this is true, ah? Pero there’s a minimum of 4
members per band eh.

*/ The three men looked at each other, clearly dumbfounded by the new
information dumped on them.

IMIRA: Oh you guys are screwed, *(IMIRA giggles) there’s no way anyone will
team up with the three of you.

*/ IMIRA kept giggling. Suddenly, an idea popped in KYZEN’s mind.

KYZEN: What about you? You're our friend, aren't ya? Why don't you join us, Imira?
*(IMIRA raised her brow)
ISAAC: Yeah, you can play the guitar!?
IMIRA: Play the guitar? And what? End up with callouses? I’ll pass, my hands are
too precious for that kind of labor.
CALEB: Can you make an exemption? Just this once, please? It’ll be fun!
/* IMIRA shook her head, refusing the offer.

ISAAC: Okay well, since you and your stupid hands won't join us, do you have
anyone in mind that we can persuade to join?
IMIRA: Hmm.. nope! Absolutely no one! The new student might though.
KYZEN: Huh? New student?
IMIRA: You guys don't know? *(raising her right eyebrow)

*/ The three boys shook their heads in sync.

IMIRA: Gosh, are you guys ever informed? You’re lucky I'm feeling nice today.

*/ IMIRA flicked her hair over her shoulders.

KYZEN: Wow thank you for your grace, all high and mighty Imira! *(sarcastic) Now
tell us the new student.
IMIRA: Oh right! Well, I heard from the faculty that a new student is transferring
here in class. But I’m not a chismosa ah!

*/ IMIRA looked behind the boys as their teacher was nearing the rooms'
entrance.

IMIRA: Ma'am is here.

*/ IMIRA rolled her eyes and flicked her hair as she made her exit.

KYZEN: Why is she our best friend again?

CALEB AND ISAAC: Because she keeps us in check..?
KYZEN: Right.
*/ KYZEN nods in approval.
*/ The class quieted down as the teacher entered the room.

TEACHER: Alright everyone, please settle down. Usually we’d start the class with a
prayer, but we’ll do it later, alright? You see, a new student has transferred to our
school, a scholar. I expect all of you to welcome him with open arms, is that clear?
TEACHER: Emman, anak, you can enter the classroom na.

*/ EMMAN entered, uniform slightly wrinkled, eyes filled with nervous

excitement.

EMMAN: Kamusta everyone! Uh, My name is Emmanuel pero.. ano.. you can also
call me Buloy! I'm 17 years old and my favorite color is asul! Transferee lang ako
dito kaya medyo dehado ako. Ano, sana maging isang malaking barkada tayong
lahat!
*/ He caught the curiosity of many—especially the three in the last row.

//CLOSED CURTAIN//

SCENE 3
SETTING/S: Resto/Bar — Night
SFX:
SONG: “Akala” (fade in 00:00 - fade out 1:01)

*/ The venue buzzed with joy and laughter. Some sang along with the
soloist, others laughed over inside jokes, and most were already wasted.
Meanwhile, ISAAC, KYZEN, AND CALEB sat back, munching on chips,
waiting for their favorite band.

KYZEN: When will this end? We've been waiting since 6 o'clock!
CALEB: Wait lang kasi, bro. Just enjoy the music!
ISAAC: Be patient, Zen. It's about to end na.

*/ A waiter came to give them their ordered drinks. They didn't seem to
pay attention to the waiter, CALEB just nodded to him.
*/ Returning to the bar, EMMAN, the waiter, was met by his stressed-out
manager.

MANAGER: Emman! *(he shouted)

*/ The manager grabbed the tray from his hands.

MANAGER: Leave that for now. Can you please perform after Joseph’s
performance? BnB is still not here! They are supposed to perform, and people are
waiting for them. Just sing their songs, and don't disappoint them.
EMMAN: Sir? Me? Sing? *(points at himself) I'm sorry but I'm sure most people
will leave if they saw me on the stage rather than their favorite band. *(nervous
laugh)
MANAGER: I will take care of it, ako ang bahala! You know how to sing, right? I saw
you singing the other night. It's better that you’re on the stage than no one! Please,
Eman. Just for now. I will give you a bonus! *(desperately pleading)

*/ Needing the money, EMMAN reluctantly agreed.

EMMAN: Okay, sir. Basta po 8:30 PM, kailangan ko na po umuwi.

*/ As EMMAN changed in the locker room, the soloist wrapped up her set.
His manager rushed to him.

Manager: Time na. Go! Go!

KYZEN: Who's this nerdy looking guy?

*/ KYZEN was calm, but sounded annoyed.

CALEB: What? I thought it's BnB about to perform?

KYZEN: Let's go. We're just wasting our time here.

*/ KYZEN and CALEB were about to stand up when Isaac stopped them.

ISAAC: Wait. Isn't that the guy from our class? The transferee?
CALEB: What? That nerd can sing? *(amazed)

*/ Curious, they decided to stay, watching from afar.

EMMAN: Hi, uhm. *(hesitant/shy)

*/ Everyone covered their ears as the mic made a loud squeal noise.

EMMAN: Ay! Sorry, sorry. *(nervous)

*/ The room was filled with silence. No one dared to stand up, just waiting
for EMMAN to make a move.

EMMAN: BnB is not here. So… I will be the one to sing you their songs.
RANDOM PERSON: Booooo!
RANDOM PERSON: We went here for them, tapos wala naman pala? *(annoyed)

*/ Noises began to fill the room as some people began to rail against the
situation. Not until EMMAN began to sing did the noise subside.

[insert song (FADE IN 0:00 - FADE OUT 1:01)]

*/ As EMMAN sang, the room settled. Some customers stood- including the
3 to sing along in pre chorus to chorus. The spotlight went to them. By the
end, cheers erupted.

PEOPLE: Isa pa! Isa pa! Isa pa!

*/ While they were shouting again and again, EMMAN's MANAGER stepped
up on the stage.

MANAGER: Okay! I can see that you guys enjoyed Emman's performance. But
unfortunately, his performance will stop here. Thank you, Emman!

*/ EMMAN bowed and exited the stage. The three boys exchanged looks
before following him. Just as EMMAN reached the locker room, they
blocked his way.

CALEB: Hey! Emman, right?

*/ The 3 boys were smiling, as if they had a bad idea. EMMAN was
confused, wondering why the 3 boys were suddenly approaching him.

KYZEN: Do you know us? We're from the same class!

EMMAN: Ay, hello? Pasensya na, pero kailangan ko na kasi mauna. May aasikasuhin
pa kasi ako.

*/ The three boys stopped EMMAN'S path just as he tried to leave.

ISAAC: Do you want to join our team? For the Battle of the Bands! *(smiling like a
kid)
EMMAN: Sorry, pare. Busy, e. *(looking annoyed)
CALEB: Come on, bro! We're classmates! Pagbigyan mo na kami!
KYZEN: He's right. Plus, you sing so well. You could be our lead vocalist!
CALEB: Good idea, dude! *(smiling and cheerful)
EMMAN: Bakit ba ako yung natripan niyo? *(irritated)
ISAAC: Because you did so well earlier! Join with us na, Emman!
EMMAN: I'm really sorry, but I have to go.
CALEB: Emman, my bro! *(Caleb puts his arm to Eman’s shoulders) You heard
naman what Sir John told us kanina sa school, ‘di ba?
ISAAC: Incentives, bro!
EMMAN: Sorry, mga brad. ‘Di kasi ako sure if kaya ko, e. May gawain kasi ako
palagi.
CALEB: That's fine! What if we'll have our practice every break time? *(positive)

*/ The atmosphere shifted when KYZEN spoke in a serious tone.

KYZEN: Emman, listen up.

CALEB: Uy, bro. Calm down, pare.
KYZEN: We need you to join our team because we are missing one member. We
can only join the battle if there are 4 of us. And plus, many incentives. We’ll pay
you, Aayaw ka pa ba?

*/ KYZEN's tone was serious, but with a mix of persuading. EMMAN bowed
his head, hesitant– seconds passed, then finally he nodded.

EMMAN: Okay, fine. I'll join.

CALEB: Really? Yun oh! New Member!
ISAAC: Yown!

*/ CALEB and ISAAC high fived each other.

KYZEN: Thanks, bro. *(smug look)

CALEB: When do we start practicing?
EMMAN: Next week?

*/ KYZEN asked EMMAN to give him a first bump. Together, they strolled
outdoors to laugh and chat about irrelevant topics.

//CLOSED CURTAIN//

SCENE 4
SETTING/S: School
SFX:
SONG: “Parang Ayoko na Yata (fade in 1:40- fade out 2:32)
“Papa Cologne” (fade in 00:00 - fade out 00:43)

*/ EMMAN is sitting down in a chair, frustratedly trying to contact the 3

people who invited him.
[insert song (fade in 1:40- fade out 2:32)]

*/ ISAAC, KYZEN, and CALEB walked through. EMMAN stands up and

confronts them, a serious and annoyed expression on his face.

EMMAN: Hoy kayo! Lintek, kanina pa ‘ko nag-iintay dito oh! Anyare? *(points the
place)

*/ The three look at each other, surprise and confusion seeping through
their facades.

KYZEN: Uh, *(looks at friends once more) — Calm down bro, we just bought
some stuff from the mall. I guess we lost track of the time, sorry.
EMMAN: *(scoffs, unamused) Sana nagsabi man lang kayo, o i-page ako. Kanina
pa ‘ko andito, at anong oras na kayo dumating?
ISAAC: *(slight chuckle) I'm sorry that you had to wait for us, but we still have
time to prepare before the event ah? What's the problem?
CALEB: Yeah, so what if you stayed here for a bit? It's not like you were doing
anything too important naman.
EMMAN: *(getting more aggravated) Marami. Akong. Kailangang. Gawin. ‘Di
lang dito sa banda, o sa resto. May pamilya at kapatid din akong inaasikaso. Sorry
kung ‘di niyo maintindihan yung sitwasyon ko, ah? Mayayaman kasi kayo, diba? Sa
tingin niyo, sa inyo palagi mag-aadjust yung mga tao.
ISAAC: Woah, take it easy man, we didn't mean to offend you. Let's just continue
with the practice and talk about this at a later time, okay? Babayaran ka nga namin
diba?

*/ CALEB and KYZEN look at EMMAN before looking at each other amused
yet slightly concerned.
*/ EMMAN looks intensely at the 3 of them, huffing before packing his
things and leaving.

CALEB: Hey! We said we're sorry, man! *(shouting)

*/ CALEB tries to block EMMAN from leaving, yet he only shoulders him
from his path. IMMIRA enters the scene, eating, and sees them.

IMIRA: Not funny guys, he has a right to be angry. *(throws wrapper at CALEB
and walks away) 4? 5? Hours ata siyang nagwait sainyo. Disrespectful and
discouraging behaviour. I’m sure that poor boy has a shift pa mamaya, and you
wasted his time.
CALEB: It's not our intention to make him angry deliberately.

*/ IMIRA shrugs, and sits down on a chair and scrolls on her phone.

IMIRA: Buloy doesn't like to waste time since he works to help his family. That's
most probably why he got mad. Apparently he's the only one who sustains them,
and has work after school.
KYZEN: Damn, *(scratches the back of his neck) we didn't know. *(nudges
Caleb) ‘Kaw kase e, why do you even need to have us buy so much deodorant? It's
your fault why we were late! Ganon ka ba kabaho?
ISAAC: Oo nga, go get that checked out or something. It’s not normal, bro.
KYZEN: Or try Papa Cologne!
[insert song (fade in 00:00 - fade out 00:43)]

CALEB: ‘Nak ng— I’m not mabaho! Hygiene kasi tawag don, *(sharp laugh) Kaya
ako lapitin ng mga babes. Yown!
IMIRA: Ew, *(disgusted look) since wala na din naman kayong practice ngayon,
why don't you go ahead and say sorry to Buloy? Buy something for him and go to
his house. As for his address, you can ask our adviser or go to the resto where he
works, go check it nalang and get out of here before I make batok sa inyong tatlo.
Nakakasuka, Leb!

*/ IMIRA walks out

//CLOSED CURTAIN//

SCENE 5
SETTING/S: Tindahan
SFX:
SONG:“DIWATA” (FADE IN 0:00 - 1:02 FADE OUT)

*/ The three (3) boys parade around the area where they found out
EMMAN lives.

ISAAC: Area 1… Here it is! This must be the street where Buloy lives in.

*/ ALL 3 looked around the crowded and noisy road where children played,
people drank alcohol, and a store owner cooking barbecue outside their
sari-sari store.

ISAAC: Sorry guys, it’s kinda kadiri here ah.

CALEB: Hah! I feel like I'm about to get mugged— *(push) Aray! What was that
for?
KYZEN: Bad joke man, and what are they gonna rob you of? Yung 13 bottles of deo
mo? Don't make us laugh. Let’s ask that tindera over there nalang.

*/ They walk over to ALING BEBANG’s store.

ISAAC: It’s kinda dirty here, though.

KYZEN: Bro, seriously? Our grade is on the line.
CALEB: Hey ate, what's your name? No need sa last, sa’kin nalang kunin mo.
*(flexes arm and kisses)
ALING BEBANG: ‘Di kami nagpapautang toy, lumayas ka! *(hits Caleb with the
fly swatter repeatedly) *(other 2 laughs)
CALEB: Woah! Easy lang! We just wanted to ask if you know someone here named
‘Emman’? Where does he live?
ALING BEBANG: Emman? Bakit? Aabangan mo para mag-suntukan?

*/ The 3 shake their heads. ALEX walks by getting her barbeque from
ALING BEBANG and overhears their conversation.
ALING BEBANG: Pwes, wala akong kilalang Emman. Walang akong kilalang ganyan
na nakatira dito.
ISAAC: Weh? Matangkad po, may salamin, kulot buhok? Nag-gigitara at
kumakanta?

*/ ALEX, who was near them, spoke.

ALEX: Excuse me, si Buloy ba tinutukoy mo? Hindi yun umuutang, bata pa siya. Ay
saglit, *(rubs her nose) Kaano-ano nyo ba si Buloy?

*/ CALEB looks at the 2, smirks, and straightens up, fixing his hair and
adjusting his clothes.

[INSERT SONG. “DIWATA” (FADE IN 0:00 - 1:15 FADE OUT)]

CALEB: Hi, miss ganda.

KYZEN: Baduy, bro.

ISAAC: I don’t know these people. Anyways, kabanda niya po kami, miss. Do you
happen to know where he lives? We just want to apologize to him for our late arrival
sa pratice namin.
ALEX: Wow! Straight English. Ah ge, dito kayo, samahan ko kayo kila Buloy.
*(points far)
*/ While following ALEX, ISAAC and KYZEN seem in doubt.
KYZEN: You’re not recruiting kids, right?
ALEX: Aba! Baka kayo nga yang mga sindikato? Alam mo, edi ‘wag. Kayo na nga
tinutulungan e. Psh!
CALEB: Miss, miss, he’s joking. He looks like a joker, right? *(laughs)