Pagbalik (The Return)

Rica (50s), after working abroad comes home to stay with her ageing mother until she finds new work. She is disappointed to discover that all past years of sending money to the Philippines to repair their old home amounted to nothing. It looks the same way as she left it years ago. Her son, Vincent (18), is finishing college and needs to focus on his studies so Rica takes over to be a caregiver to her mom, Choleng (85).

Taking care of her stubborn elderly mother is a nightmare. She never thought that it can be so difficult. Choleng complains about everything and treats Rica like a child which she really despised. Afternoons are spent on prayer meetings and evenings on more praying.

Rica realizes that her mother's difficult behavior is caused by her impaired hearing. With the help of their prayer meeting group they pitched in to buy her a hearing aid that she refuses to use.
It reaches a point that Rica and Choleng start fighting. Rica blames her mother for her futile sacrifice of working abroad.
Rica decides to accept an offer to work abroad again.Choleng requests for her not to leave anymore. Rica thinks otherwise.
On the same evening, Choleng prays silently but earnestly in her room. Suddenly she chokes and breaks down, tears running down her eyes. She goes to sleep then into comma.

In the end, Rica learns what Choleng has done all the years that she was working abroad.

  • Maria Suzette Ranillo
    Director
  • Julienne Ilagan
    Writer
  • Maria Suzette Ranillo
    Writer
  • Bambi Beltran
    Writer
  • Maria Suzette Ranillo
    Producer
  • Amir Aluk
    Producer
  • Gloria Sevilla Cortez
    Key Cast
    "Choleng"
    Badlis sa Kinabuhi, Gimingaw Ako
  • Suzette Ranillo
    Key Cast
    "Rica"
    Siargao, Tiniente Gimo, Gimingaw Ako
  • Vince Ranillo
    Key Cast
    "Vincent"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Pagbalik
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Light comedy, Drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 28 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 30, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    45,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Country of Filming:
    Philippines
  • Language:
    Cebuano
  • Shooting Format:
    4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino
    Manila
    Philippines
    September 13, 2019
    Official Entry
Distribution Information
  • Solar Entertainment
    Distributor
    Country: Philippines
    Rights: Theatrical
Director Biography - Maria Suzette Ranillo

Maria Suzette Sevilla Ranillo (born March 16, 1961) is a Filipino actress who started at the age of 12 as an actress with the screen name, Nadia Veloso. She is well known for her awards and successes in film, television and theater.
FILMOGRAPHY
Pagbalik (Nuances Entertainment Productions, Pro Pro and Solar Pictures) Directed by Hubert Tibi and Suzette Ranillo as Maria S. Ranillo. 2019.[4]
Siargao (Ten17P and Solar Pictures) Directed by Paul Soriano. 2017.
Tiniente Gimo (KIB Productions, RMS Productions and Viva Films). Directed by Ronald M. Sanchez. 2016.
In Progress (SR Films) . Directed by Suzette Ranillo. 2008.
CareHome (GGS Entertainment) . Directed by Suzette Ranillo. 2006.[5]
I Will Always Love You (Regal Films). Directed by Mac Alejandre. 2005.
Kristo (CineSuerte). Directed by Ben Yalung. 1996. Film Academy of the Philippines Best Picture Nominee.
Segurista (Neo Films). Directed by Jose Aguiluz. 1995. Entry to Toronto Film Festival (Canada).
Muling Umawit Ang Puso (Viva Films). Directed by Joel Lamangan. 1995. Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Nominee.
Trudis Liit (Merdeka Films). Directed by Jett Espiritu. 1993. Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Nominee.
Kumander Alibasbas (JE Productions). Directed by Augusto Buenaventura. 1981. Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Best Picture Awardee.
Taga Sa Panahon (Premiere Productions). Directed by Augusto Buenaventura. 1980. FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Nominee.
Aliw / Pleasure (Seven Stars Production). Directed by Ishmael Bernal. 1979. Urian Best Actress Nominee.
Gimingaw Ako (Kampilan Films). Directed by Amado Cortez. 1973. FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Awardee.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Pagbalik" is a project that is intented to uphold traditional Filipino values of caring the elderly. In the midst of rapid urbanization and development, what used to be taken for granted has become a struggle for today's society. One of the most relevant locations in the country today is Cagayan de Oro City where the culture of traditional Filipino values and modern globalization struggles to attain a certain semblance of balance. This is where the story of a senile, hearing-impaired mother, Choleng, and her daughter, Rica, unfolds and unravels. The film hopes to shed light to the problem of the modern single Filipina's resolve to choose between taking on selfless familial responsibilities or the pursuit of individual personal ambitions.