Crying Ladies

The story begins as Wilson grapples with the grief of losing his father. He feels the heavy burden of upholding his family's ancestral traditions, particularly the need for professional mourners at the funeral rites.

Wilson sets off on a journey through the winding alleys of Manila's Chinatown to find the ideal professional mourners for his father's funeral. Despite the decline of the practice, he is determined to honor his father's memory.

During his search, Wilson encounters Stella, a resilient mother recently released from prison. Initially hesitant, she accepts the role of a mourner after Wilson offers her an advance payment, despite the painful history she shares with his father.

Stella is joined by two additional mourners: Aling Doray, a former B-movie actress, and Choleng, a woman struggling with her past. Together, they form a bond as they navigate their shared experiences and emotional turmoil.

Amidst her mourning duties, Stella's heart aches for her young son, Bong, who is about to leave with his father and stepmother. She dreams of stable employment to regain custody of him and mend their broken family.

As they fulfill their mourning responsibilities, Doray entertains the group with stories from her illustrious past as an actress. She shares delightful anecdotes about her role in the classic film *Darna and the Giants*, bringing a glimmer of joy to their mourning.

Choleng struggles with the memories of her affair with her friend’s husband, Ipe. She seeks to atone for her past by deepening her faith and engaging in acts of charity, striving for personal redemption.

As the funeral approaches, Wilson begins to confront the emotional complexities of his father's death. He gradually comes to terms with his father's flaws, recognizing the positive influence he had in his life despite their issues.

Wilson surprises Stella with promising news about a Japanese entertainment company looking for performers. Eagerly seizing this chance, Stella feels a renewed sense of hope and purpose in her life.

Stella embraces her newfound success as a karaoke actress, which illuminates a path for her redemption. This opportunity not only offers her personal fulfillment but also brings her closer to being reunited with her son.

Doray receives an offer to reprise her role as an extra in the sequel to *Darna and the Giants*. This chance allows her to recapture the magic of her past and reignite her passion for acting, much to her delight.

Having freed herself from Ipe, Choleng embarks on a transformative journey as a marriage counselor at her parish. She uses her life experiences to help others heal and navigate their own paths toward forgiveness.