Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Marimar Episode 47

Marimar Episode 47 – The one with the Bella-Natalia slapping spree to prove who the real Marimar is.

Esperanza takes Marimar to Gustavo who is sitting with Natalia in the living room. Esperanza tells Gustavo that Marimar wants to tell him something, “Gustavo, may sasabihin si Bella,” and Marimar makes a move to speak but she is interrupted by Natalia who stands and says she’ll go first, “Ako muna magsasalita.”

Natalia tells her father, “Alam ko nung una akong iprinisinta sa inyo, nag-aalinglangan kayo kung ako talaga ang inyong anak pero ngayon nagbalik na ang alaala ko,” and she went on to reveal what she overheard from Marimar and Esperanza’s conversation; making the two women wonder how she knew it and making Gustavo all the more convinced that she is her daughter.

Marimar is crying as Esperanza consoles her with a hug. Natalia tries to be sweet towards Gustavo, who is now truly convinced at Natalia’s identity. Bella says, “Paano nya nalaman iyon. Ako yon eh. Ako yon” insisting that Natalia’s story is about her.

Meantime Sergio is with Kim and he apologizes to her. “Sorry if I ruined your birthday.” She asks Sergio for a picture of Marimar. Sergio asks her why she’d want to see one. She replies, “Bakit, kailangan ba lahat ng gagawin ng tao may rason? Gusto ko lang, birthday gift mo na sa akin.” (Why, must everything we do have to have a reason? I just want to see it. Let this be your birthday gift to me.)

Back at the Aldama mansion Esperanza does not believe Natalia’s recollections but is a bit surprised at how she seems to know everything about it, so close to what Bella had told her just a while ago. “Sinungaling ka Natalia. Magsabi ka ng totoo Bella!” She asks Bella to tell her side of the truth.

Bella tells Gustavo that she is the real Marimar, “Ako po si Marimar. Ako ang nawawala ninyong anak, ako yung totoo ninyong anak,” she is his long, lost child.

Sergio gives Kim Marimar’s picture and when she sees it, she recognizes the lady she helped in the hospital “Siya yung babaeng tinulungan ko,” and we see a flashback to Kim and Bella in the hospital worried about little Cruzita.

Sergio, “Kilala mo siya?” (Do you know her?) But Kim denies it, saying that she just seem to look like someone she knows. Sergio persists, “Sino?” (Who?) Kim lies saying she looks like her best friend in Macau. Sergio further adds, “Nakita ko lang kasi sa reaction mo.” (I saw in your reaction that you seem to know her.)

Gustavo is dumbstruck at having now two Marimar’s before him but Natalia insists that she is Marimar and says, “Papa, wag kayong maniwala sa kanya...katulong lang siya dito.” (Don’t believe her, she’s only the maid). Natalia comes toward Bella and slaps her while calling her a liar, “Sinungaling!”

Gustavo stops her and asks Bella, “Bakit ngayon ka lang nasabi sa akin niyan?” (Why say this to me only now?)

Marimar was about to tell him but Natalia cut her short shouting that she is a liar and she just wants to be rich and steal from Gustavo.

This angered Marimar who came at Natalia, slapping her back with a vengeance as she too shouts, “Ikaw ang nagnakaw sa pagkatao ko. Lahat alam nating dalawa kung sino ang tunay na Marimar, at ako si Marimar.” (You are the thief, you stole my identity. We both know who that real Marimar is and that is me.)

Gustavo tells everyone in the room to stop fighting as he faces Bella nd say, “Oo, unang kita ko pa lang, magaan na ang loob ko sa iyo. Kamukha mo si Lupita. Pero may mga sinabi si Natalia na kaming dalawa lang ang nakaka-alam.” (Yes I admit the first time I saw you, I already liked you. You look like Lupita. But Natalia has mentioned things that only my daughter and I knows.)

Bella says she cannot explain how Natalia found out about the same things that she knows. At this Gustavo, in this highly emotional confrontation, starts feeling his chest. He seems to be in some pain he is trying hard to hide from the women. Bella insists that she is the real Marimar. She says she doesn’t know how to make them all believe her but God knows she is telling the truth. She talks directly to Natalia who is now also in tears telling her that she knows the truth.

Natalia is stubborn and won’t give in. She tells Marimar that she is the daughter of Gustavo. She repeats that to Gustavo saying not to believe in Bella who is only a maid.

Bella in tears runs out hurt that Gustavo does not believe her. Esperanza runs after her. Just then Gustavo falls clutching at his chest. Natalia screams for help.

Flor and the maids gossip about what happened earlier. They are in the kitchen and everyone is rooting for Bella to be the real Marimar. They all agree that she is the real one because she is as kind as Senor Gustavo and Natalia is such a horrible little witch. Fulgoso tells them that he already knows who the real Marimar is. He is however hungry and would like to eat, “Hoy pakainin nyo muna ako. Ilabas nyo lahat ng buto na natira sa bulalo kagabi.”

Flor declares that early on Bella was already genuinely kind and caring of Senor Gustavo, unlike Natalia who seems to be moody with her good graces. Fulgoso adds that had he been placing bets, he would surely be a rich man by now.

Sergio stands on the sidewalk where he saw Marimar pass by. He hopes, “Marimar sana magpakita ka ulit,” for her to show herself again.

Outside the Aldama homes, Marimar is contemplative in the gardens. She wonders why Gustavo didn’t believe her and seems to prefer Natalia over her when she is his real daughter. Gustavo is now alright and calls her. He wants to talk to her about what happened. He asks Bella for proof, hoping that he could give her more about her past. Marimar talks about the picture, her drawing and her ball but all this have been also revealed by Natalia. Gustavo adds that Natalia has the necklace which he had given his daughter. Bella asks Gustavo to believe her. She tells him that all she is saying is true. But for Gustavo, it is just too difficult to decide who to believe. (Why can't Marimar talk about how her mother and her used to sell rice cakes at a bus station. Surely Natalia doesn't know that?! Or that she knows the name of her ninang, the woman who told Gustavo where they are. Hindi nga ako si Marimar pero naalala ko na si Silva yon! Or she can talk about Lupita, how she used to care for her dahil di ba emote nya sa picture frame ng nanay nya naaalala nya ang pag-aaruga nun? Hay Dios mio Marimar, que boba mo hija! Grrr!)

Sergio seems to be oblivious to everything else around him. His eyes are fixed on the spot where he last saw Marimar. Antonio arrives and tells him, “Tama si Kim, dito nga kita matatagpuan.” (Kim is right . I’ll find you here.) He asks Sergio what he wants to do and Sergio goes to an outdoor chair facing the spot and tells Antonio, “Maghihintay lang ako.” (I’m going to wait.) Antonio reminds his friend that they have a business to run and that he is the boss of that company. He told Sergio he had to cancel two meetings this morning because he didn’t show up for work. But Sergio appears to be somewhere else and indeed he is. The handsome racer keeps replaying in his head the scene where he saw Marimar walking with the shopping bags and in a maid’s uniform.

Esperanza and Gustavo talk in the den. The woman asks her cousin, “Iniisip mo ba ang kalagayan ni Bella at Natalia?” Gustavo replies that they can’t keep Bella and Natalia together or else they’ll fight. Esperanza has thought of a way to know who is the real Marimar. She suggests to have both girls tested for DNA.

Cruzita and Marimar are in the bodega again. Apparently the explosion did not affect the structure. Esperanza comes in and tells her “Kanina ba kita hinahanap. Bakit kayo nandito? Bakit wala ka sa kwarto mo?” (I’ve been looking for you. Why are you here? Why aren’t you in your room?)

Marimar tells her aunt that she would rather stay in the bodege to avoid Natalia besides their constant bickering is really quite embarrassing especially to her father. “Nakakahiya kay Senor Gustavo, ayaw ko namang ipagpilitan ang sarili ko sa kanya.” Esperanza assures her that Gustavo’s cynicism is due to the fact that many have come before pretending to be Marimar only to find out that they were all lying. She tells Marimar that she cannot blame the man for becoming too wary of impostors. However Esperanza tells her that they will find a way to prove to Gustavo that she is the real Marimar. Esperanza leaves making sure first that both mother and baby are fine and Marimar tells baby Cruzita to go to sleep.

While they were sleeping, the sinister Natalia comes into the bodega and sprays sleeping gas to Fulgoso saying, “Fulgoso tulog na, panaginipan mo ako ha?” (Sleep now Fulgoso, dream about me ok?)

She then comes over to check on the baby and goes nearer towards Marimar. She grabs a pillow and tells the sleeping Marimar, “Bago pa malaman ni Gustavo na ikaw ang tunay niyang anak, makakaharap mo muna si San Pedro o si Satanas!” (Before Gustavo finds out that you are his real daughter, you will first face the pearly gates of heaven or that of hell!) Natalia suffocates Marimar with the pillow saying, “ako ang karapat-dapat maging Aldama, hindi ikaw!” (I’m worthy to be an Aldama and not you!)

But our heroine wakes up and is able to deflect the pillow while screaming, “Hayop ka Natalia. Walang hiya ka!” (You’re a beast Natalia. You are quite shameless!)

Marimar overpowers the slighter-built Natalia who is also screaming, “Hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi ka namamatay!” (I won’t stop until I’ve killed you!) But Marimar is able to pin Natalia down and strangles her. Just then Gustavo walks in and saves Natalia. He is upset again, thinking Marimar is going to kill his daughter. He tries to send her away. Marimar tries to explain but Natalia emotes that Marimar is trying to kill her when all she wanted is to apologize to her. Esperanza arrives and tells the girls to stop bickering. There is a way to end all this, she says. DNA test.

Bella asks what that means and Esperanza explains what the process is. Either a sample of their saliva or some strands of their hair to be compared to that of Gustavo’s to determine who the real Marimar is.

Natalia is afraid and asks, “Kailangan pa ba yon?” (Do we really need that?) And tries to get on Gustavo’s good graces to bypass the DNA testing. She even threatens to just leave if they force her. But Bella, replies, “Papayag ako.” (I will undergo the test.)

When Natalia and Gustavo have left, Marimar tells Esperanza that she will stay at her friend, Innocencia’s place until everything is settled. “Aalis na lang ho muna kami ni Cruzita para makaiwas na rin kay Natalia. Hiyang-hiya na po kasi ako sa malimit naming pag-aaway.” (I’m so ashamed about out constant fighting.) Esperanza takes some saliva from Marimar using a cotton swab and places it in a plastic bag.

Gustavo and Esperanza discuss the DNA test and Gustavo asks how Esperanza will convince Natalia to agree to one when she was quiet against it earlier. Esperanza assures her cousin, “Akong bahala.” (I’ll get to it)

Natalia is in her bedroom brushing her hair. She leaves the brush on the sofa and goes into her bathroom. Esperanza enters and takes some hair strands from the brush and places it in a plastic bag.

Natalia comes out of the bathroom and demands Esperanza to stop what she is doing but the elder woman tells her it is their right to know who the real Marimar is. “May karapatan kaming malaman ang totoo.” Natalia insists she return her hair samples as the elder woman didn’t ask her permission. Esperanza asks her why she is so afraid. Is it because she fears her lie is about to be found out?

When Esperanza leaves, Natalia panics and talks to her dead sister. She tells the dead that she is now used to the rich life and wouldn’t want to go back to being poor. Her sister tells her not to be stupid. There are many ways to fix this situation. Natalia’s brain begin plotting solutions and smiles.

Marimar and Cruzita are walking in Innocencia’s area. A neighbor finds her and greets her and Cruzita. Kim sees them and is certain that she is Sergio’s ex-wife.

The doctors doing the DNA testing have arrived. Gustavo and Esperanza meet them in the living room. Esperanza hands them the samples, first Marimar’s and then Natalia’s. A doctor labels them and keeps them. From a distance, Natalia is peeking, worried but not yet about to give up.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Marimar Episode 46

Marimar Episode 46 – Sergio sees Marimar and runs after her

The explosion caused all the diners to get up, except for Natalia who remained calm and seated. Everyone rushed out of the house when a maid came in to inform them that the explosion came from the bodega. (Is baby Cruzita alone in there?) Natalia waited for everyone to leave, smiled and pretended concern as she too ran out a while later calling after Gustavo.

Marimar falls with the explosion but soon regains consciousness and tries to stand up. She is unhurt as she sits up but her head is suddenly in a whirl as her memories come flooding back. She can now recall the plane crash that broke her family apart all those years ago. Marimar gasps, “Ang pagsabog na iyon kutlad nt pagsabog ng eroplano. Kasama ko si Itay, si Inay. Tama ba ang naaalala ko? Si Senor Gustavo, siya ang aking ama?” Her memory has been restored and can see her parents faces, her father is none other than Gustavo Aldama. She questions her memories whether they are true.

Meanwhile in another corner of Manila, Sergio asks Antonio if he has seen Kim. Antonio tells him not to avoid Kim anymore as she’s done nothing but good things for his friend. Sergio agrees and tells Antonio that the reason he is looking for her is because he intends to take her out on a date. Indeed she’s been very kind and patient with him. He adds, “The least I could do is to be nice to her.” as he talks to his friend. Antonio asks whether he is going to forget about Marimar from now on. Sergio declares he can never forget about Marimar but he believes it is really time for him to move on.

After he recollections about her past, Marimar passes out. Fulgoso is barking for help as two men came near her and go run to get help. Just then, the guests with Esperanza and Gustavo leading them come out of the house and the men inform them about what happened. Esperanza exclaims, “Diyos ko, si Bella!” Gustavo sensing a panic he cannot explain rushes towards the flaming bodega.

Sergio and Kim are out on a date and the rich divorcee asks the handsome racer “Is this a romantic gesture, or naaawa ka lang sa akin?” Referring to her earlier suicide attempt which Sergio doesn’t know she staged (the faker!). Sergio replies that he wants to make it up to Kim. Kim tells him that she understands. They’re both on the rebound after their respective spouses left them but she says it’s time to forget about them and tells Sergio, “Let’s focus on each other.” Sergio returns Kims smiles as he promises her, “From now on I will focus on you.” (Nooooooh!)

Gustavo carries Bella over to the crowd as Esperanza cautions him reminding him not to exert too much effort since he isn’t really all that well. Natalia even dared a comment to just leave the maid to people who can help but Gustavo ignored them. He puts Marimar down and orders those around to call an ambulance. Bella wakes up and sees Gustavo looking worriedly down on her. She says, “Itay...” Gustavo is surprised at how she called him. He calls her name and asks, “Sino ang tinatawag mong itay?” (Who are you calling father?) But Bella passes out again. Natalia frowns as she gets worried that soon her lies will catch up with her, knowing Bella’s true identity.

Kim asks Sergio to dance. The young man tells her he doesn’t dance but Kim insists and so Sergio gives in. They dance with arms around each other, faces too close for comfort, ready for a kiss. Sergio and Kim seem to be enjoying each other’s company. (Pakshet! Doesn’t Sergio remember the first time he danced with Marimar overlooking the beach pa nga! Ang how sexy Marimar was when she was teaching him to dance? Grrrrr...how short-term his memory is indeed)

At one of the bedrooms of the Aldama mansion, a doctor checks on Bella and declares her to be out of danger. Gustavo and Esperanza, who is holding baby Cruzita (thank God she’s safe!), are both relieved to hear the good news. Gustavo asks about the baby, “Papaano si Cruzita?” Esperanza volunteers to look after the baby while Bella is in the hospital, even offering Cruzita to stay with her in her bedroom, “Dun na muna siya sa kwarto ko.” She hands the baby to a maid who takes baby Cruzita to Esperanza room.

Natalia who was also present tried to start up a conversation about how the fire came to be and why there was an explosion. Esperanza who doesn’t hide her dislike for the impostor snaps, “Anong malay ko?” (How should I know?)

Natalia tries to blame Marimar that perhaps it was due to her negligence being such an ignorant, uneducated person. Esperanza cuts her short by telling Gustavo that she wants the matter investigated to root out the true cause of the fire and explosion. Gustavo who seems as puzzled about the origin of this night’s disaster tells the tow women that they should discuss this matter outside to allow Bella time to rest. He leaves followed by Esperanza. Natalia swears in her head, “Leche, pumalpak ang plano ko. Nabuhay ka pa Marimar.” Esperanza turns around and sees Natalia still hanging about the room. She orders the younger woman to leave the room and Natalia is forced to follow her. Fulgoso, worried about his mistress can only say, “Dios mio, Marimar!”

Sergio and Kim are drunk. Kim thanks Sergio for a lovely evening. Sergio brushes it aside, “Wala iyon.” He takes his leave but Kim asks him to dance with her again. He is surprised at her request, “Dance?”

Kim tells him straight, “Come on Sergio. Let’s not talk. Stop apologizing and I’ll stop being a bitch.” She also commends him for how well he has handled their business so far and she is quite impressed. She sways with him but suddenly stops and says, “Kung nasa high school ako, alam kong dapat lang akong kiligin. So ito yung part na susubukan kitang halilikan at iiwas ka.” (If I were a high school teen this would be the part I’d feel shivers down my spine. This is where I’ll try to kiss you and you’ll try to avoid it.)

But Sergio surprises her with his reply, “Hindi na ako iiwas. Sabi ko naman sa iyo, simula sa araw na ito, sa iyo na ako fo-focus.” (I won’t avoid it anymore. Like I’ve told you, from today, I will focus on you.) They kiss.

The next day, Sergio is just waking up from a rumpled bed sans Kim. He tries to get up and Kim is seen by the bedroom door asking him, “Hangover?” She offers him breakfast: coffee, sandwich...but Sergio asks, “May nangyari ba sa atin kagabi?” (Did anything happen between us last night?) Kim tells him she’s never had sex with someone who immediately forgot about it the very next day, hindi at how good she must be in bed. She tells him whether he remembered anything and he replies that he didn’t. She confirms that nothing happened to them. She wouldn’t want to make love to a drunken man anyway.

Innocencia visits Marimar who now seems to be well after her accident. The former insists that Marimar should get some rest instead of walking about as she may not be all better for all she knows. But Marimar told her that she just needed someone to talk to about what she’s been able to remember. She tells Innocencia about her memories, restored at last and her discovery of her parents. Innocencia tells Marimar that she indeed have amnesia as she previously told her. Marimar doesn’t know what it means. She tells her friend that she now remembers everything including the faces of her parents. She declares that she know who her father is. When Innocencia asks, she declares that it is Senor Gustavo.

Innocencia urges her to tell her employer at once. But Marimar hesitates stating that he knows Natalia to be his daughter. Innocencia insists that Marimar has all the right to let him know. However Marimar reveals that Gustavo had been quite upset with her. She knows that he now prefers Natalia over her. Still, Innocencia reasons that she must tell him.

Sergio is nursing a nasty hangover and Kim’s look quite amused. She declares, “Nacha-challenge ako sa ganitong mga sitwasyon.” She coaxes Sergio to go eat and get changed and to, “Make it up to me,” she says as she gets closer to him. She continues, “Alam mo kung bakit? Birthday ko ngayon,” and she kisses Sergio. After they kiss, Kim says, “Happy birthday to me,” and leaves Sergio still disoriented and still drunk. He just waves at her and says in a flat tone, “Happy birthday.”

Marimar enters the Aldama residence and looks around the huge hallway leading to the living room. She goes over to a bureau where there are several framed photos including a recent addition, which is that of Natalia’s. She picks up the framed photograph of her mother and tells her silently, “Kaya pala pamilyar kayo sa akin. Nung bata pa ako, iniisip ko kung anong itsura nyo. Ngayong bumalik na ang alaala ko, naaalala ko ang kabaitan nyo, ang pagaaruga nyo sa akin. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo.”

Esperanza walks in and she smiles, glad to know Bella is alright. She asks why Bella is holding Lupita’s picture. Marimar replies that she saw it had some dust so she was just cleaning it when Esperanza arrived. Marimar asks where Gustavo is and Esperanza told her that he went to the park with Natalia. In fact, she adds, the she is on her way there as well. She asks Marimar to come along with her and the young woman agrees.

Sergio gives Kim a nice birthday treat at a restaurant complete with a meal, flowers and a birthday cake. He holds the cake in front of her and says, “Happy birthday, make a wish.” Kim looks into Sergio’s eyes and tells him, “Wala na akong mahihiling pa dahil ang matagal ko nang hiling, nandito na sa harapan ko.”

They are about to kiss but suddenly Sergio’s eyes catch a glimpse of someone familiar. He sees Marimar walking with shopping bags and in a maid’s uniform. He forgets everything about Kim as he gets up and leaves the restaurant.

Sergio runs out and shouts, “Marimar?” Marimar, about to get into the car sees her husband and softly asks, “Sergio?”

She realizes that she doesn’t want any form of confrontation at this moment so she ducks in quickly into the car as she tells the driver to leave at once.

Sergio runs after their vehicle shouting her name over and over again. Esperanza noticing the young man and the name he is screaming asks Bella whether she knows him. Marimar just keeps silent as the car gains speed and Sergio finally got tired and stops. He falls on his knees screaming her name. A while later, he stands and walks back to the restaurant where Kim still waits for her birthday kiss.

Marimar is frantic as she enters the Aldama residence with Esperanza’s shopping bags. In the kitchen, Esperanza confronts her about the young man running after her. She admits that the man is Sergio, her ex-husband who left her. “Ama ni Cruzita?” Esperanza asks whether he is her baby’s father. Marimar says yes but adds that he left them.

Esperanza couldn’t quite figure out one thing which she told Marimar twice. “Tinawag ka niyang Marimar.” (He called you Marimar) And the young maid replied, “Opo.” (Yes)

Now Esperanza’s voice is a pitch higher, “At ang pangalan mo ay Bella!” (And your name is Bella!)

Indeed it is quite difficult to explain and Esperanza has some foreboding in her when she demands of Bella to be honest with her. “Huwang kang magsisinungaling sa akin.”

Marimar tries to calm her down by assuring her of her honesty, “Hindi po ako nagsisinungaling.”

Esperanza asks Bella, “Sino ka? Paano ka napadpad dito? Sinong magulang mo?” (Who are you? How did you get here? Who are your parents?)

Meanwhile, Sergio is back at the restaurant to an obviously annoyed Kim. After all her scheming, still one sight of Marimar and Sergio literally runs out her door. Sergio tells Kim that Marimar is in Manila too. He wonders who she is with. Irritated by his lack of sensitivity, she blurts out, “Ayaw ka na niyang makita, Sergio. Ayaw na niya sa iyo. Tapos na kayo!” (She doesn’t want to see you Sergio. She doesn’t want you. You’re through!)

But Sergio was in such deep thought that he actually missed what Kim had been saying, “Anong sabi mo?” he asks the disappointed celebrant.

She tries to rephrase her earlier statement and says, “I’m sorry Sergio, sa akin pa manggagaling ito. Sometimes the truth hurts. Tanggapin mo na ayaw na ni Marimar sa iyo.” (Accept that she doesn’t want you anymore) and she stands to leave.

Sergio grabs her arm and tells her, “Si Marimar lang makakapagsabi kung ayaw na nga niya sa akin. Hindi ikaw.” (Only Marimar can tell me if she doesn’t want me anymore. Not you.)

Kim walks out, her perfect date ruined. Sergio is still wondering how he would be able to find Marimar.

Back to Marimar and Esperanza’s confrontation, Marimar tells her aunt, “Kung sasabihin ko ang totoo, baka di kayo maniwala” her reservation that the elder woman may not believe what she is about to tell her.

But Esperanza insists, “Sagutin mo ako!” (Answer me!)

Marimar reveals that Gustavo is her father saying, “Ako po si Marimar,” that she indeed is the real Marinar.

Esperanza couldn’t believe what she is hearing, enough for her to repeat her declaration that Bella is lying twice, “Sinungaling ka! Sinungaling ka!” She also asks her, “Kung ikaw si Marimar, kung ikaw si Marimar, bakit ngayon ka lang nagpakita?” (If you truly are Marimar, why have you only shown yourself now?)

Marimar in tears confesses, “Kagabi lang lahat bumalik ang alaala ko. Dun ko lang naalala lahat dahil sa pagsabog.”

Esperanza is still in denial as she too cries, “Hindi ako naniniwala sa iyo. Hindi ako naniniwala sa iyo!” (I don’t believe you)

Marimar answers, “Hindi ko po kayo pipiliting maniwala sa akin pero totoo po lahat ng sinasabi ko. Malinaw po sa alaala ko. Nandito po lahat sa akin yon.” (I won’t force you to believe me but everyhting I said is true. It’s all clear to me now.)

She talks about her first encounter with Gustavo, “Pinuntahan po kami ni Itay. Naglalaro po ako ng bola. Sabi ko noon, ang saya-saya ko dahil sa wakas makukumpleto na rin ang pamilya ko. Nangako si Itay na dadalhin kami ni Inay sa Maynila. Sumakay kami ng eroplano. Gumihit ako ng larawan: si Itay, si Inay, ako. Magkahawak kamay. Binigay ko kay Itay. Nilagay niya ito sa bulsa niya, malapit sa puso niya. Sumabog ang eroplano. “ (Father came to us. I was playing ball. I said back than that I am the happiest child because at last, my family is complete. Father promised to take me and mother to Manila. We rode a plane. I gave father a drawing of a family – father, mother, me – holding hands. He placed my drawing in his shirt pocket, near his heart. The plane exploded.)

Marimar longed for her to be reconciled with her parents but fate destined them to be apart. But now because of the explosion, she remembers.

Esperanza, after listening to her confession and knowing Bella to be quite truthful comes to her and embraces her. She still has many reservations about her true identity but this she tells Bella, “Hindi pa ako lubos na naniniwala, pero kung papipiliin ako kung ikaw o si Natalia; ikaw na lang sana ang tunay na Marimar.” (I still do not completely believe you. But if I were to choose between you and Natalia, I would like for you to be the real Marimar.)

Esperanza advises her that they should look for Gustavo and tell him her story at once. “Hanapin natin si Gustavo. Sabihin mo sa kanya lahat ng sinabi mo sa akin.”

Unknown to them, Natalia is just outside the room. She heard everything. (Uh-oh!)

Monday, October 29, 2007

Marimar Episode 45

Marimar Episode 45 - The one with the explosion

Gustavo sees Bella hitting Natalia with a feather duster and demands that the maid stop what she is doing to her daughter immediately. Natalia whines to Gustavo crying how Bella just attacked her. Marimar in her anger at Natalia almost harming Cruzita forgot that Gustavo is in the same room and lashes at the lying Natalia, "Walang hiya ka napakasinungaling mo talaga!" while she continues to use her feather duster as a weapon.

Gustavo now believes Natalia's story that Flor and Bella, mere servants in his home, have been cruel to his daughter. He shouts at Bella to stop hitting Natalia.

Sergio and Antonio rush to Kim's suite after a hotel staff warned them about Kim not opening her door after several requests to clean the room. They get to her just in time as she is splayed out on the floor, her head resting on the bed and beside her a bottle of sleeping pills that she had taken. Sergio runs to her and covers her with a blanket. Kim declares, "Ayaw ko nang mabuhay, Sergio. Kung di mo din lang ako papansinin mabuti pa mawala na lang ako." (I do not wish to live, Sergio. If you aren't going to give me your attention, it is best that I disappear.)

At the Villa Santibanez, Renato can be seen pulling a trolley bag towards the door and Angelika asks him where he is going. Renato replies, "Sa lugar na malayo at di mo ako maloloko." (To a far away place where you will not be able to fool me.) Suddenly Angelika pulls a gun ang points it at herself. She cries, "Papatayin ko ang sarili ko kung ito lang ang tanging paraan para maniwala kang nagsisisi na ako." (I will kill myself if this is the only way to convince you that I feel sorry for what I've done.)

Bella continues to air her side to Senor Gustavo. She says that he probably will not believe her because she is only a maid in his household against the words of his very own daughter. "Katulong lang ako dito, hindi ninyo ako anak," declares Bella wanting Gustavo to believe her cause for hitting Natalia continuously.

Natalia sensing Gustavo softening declares that nobody wants her in the house. She threatens, "Aalis na lang ako dito. Hindi ko kayang manirahan sa isang bahay na kasama siya," pointing at Bella. (I'd rather leave this place. I cannot bear to live in one house with her.)

Gustavo tries to pacify Natalia and tells her she is not leaving. "Ako ang bahala kay Bella," he tells his daughter as the two of them leave Bella's quarters.

Back at a five-star hotel suite in Manila, Sergio asks the woman before him, "Kim anong pinagsasabi mo?" (What are you talking about?) Kim passes out and Sergio tells Antonio to call an ambulance quickly. He tries to carry Kim to take her to the hospital.

Renato seeing Angelika on the brink of a massive nervous breakdown tries to calm and pacify his wife. He reaches for the gun and gently holds her in an embrace and asks for forgiveness. The elder Santibanez declares, "Angelika bakit hindi kita matiis? Lahat na ng kahayupan ginawa mo sa akin pero bakit hindi pa rin kita makalimutan? Ikaw pa rin ang laman ng puso ko." (Angelika why can't I ignore you? You've done all despicable things towards me and yet why is it that I cannot forget you? You are still the one my heart longs for.)

Angelika now secured in her husband's admission of love for her answers, "Renato, patawarin mo ako. I love you Renato. Magsimula tayong muli." (Forgive me. I love you. Let's start over again.)

Natalia is alone in what appears to be a stockroom of sorts and of course, in her demented mind, her elder sister is with her. She shows her sister the things that she's taken from Gustavo's room - evidences of the real Marimar: a picture of a young girl and the drawing Marimar gave his father on the plane. Her sister's ghost orders her, "Sunugin mo para walang ebidensiya." (Burn them so there won't be any evidence left.) Natalia uses a cigarette to burn a huge hole into the picture. When this seems to be slow in flaming up, she uses a lighter instead. Just them she heard someone coming so she hurriedly throws the stuff in a bin and hides herself. It is another maid who is bringing a basket of unused stuff into the stockroom for storage.

Marimar is at the kitchen with Cruzita and Fulgoso. The mutt is still angry at Natalia and her lying ways as he barks, "Napakasinungaling ng Nataliang iyon. Dapat kinagat ko siya para nakaganti tayo, Marimar." (I should have bitten her to avenge us, Marimar)

Esperanza walks in on the trio and asks why Bella is crying. She tells the elder woman her side of the story leading to Gustavo walking in on them seeing her hit Natalia. After she tells her story, Esperanza believes her but sighs, "Ang laking gulo naman nito." (What a big mess this is.)

Bella offers that perhaps it is best if she should just leave but Esperanza asks her "Bakit ka naman aalis eh ikaw ang nasa tama?" (Why are you leaving when you're in the right.) Adding that Natalia started it and she is wrong to cause harm to Bella's daughter. But Marimar tells Esperanza that Gustavo is pretty much upset and he'd surely side with his own daughter instead of a lowly maid. Esperanza tells Bella not to worry adding, "Ako ang magpapaliwanag kay Gustavo. Huwag kang mag-alala," she will explain things to Gustavo.

But before Esperanza had the chance to talk to Gustavo, he already returned to Bella's quarters and found mother and daughter there. He tells her to leave at once and shouts, "Lumayas ka na!"

Marimar is putting clothes into a bag crying as she tells Gustavo that there is no need for him to send her away. She has decided to leave. "Hindi ninyo ako kailangang ipagtabuyan. Aalis ako dito. Hindi ko po pagpipilitan ang sarili ko." (I won't impose myself on you.)

Just then an Esperanza who had obviously come running enters Bella's room and pleads with Gustavo not to let Bella leave. She tells her cousin that Bella and the baby have nowhere to go.

Gustavo reasons that Natalia is afraid Bella will hurt her again and he remains firm in his earlier decision. But Esperanza pleads some more, telling him Bella is a good person who would never hurt anyone for no reason. Esperanza even offers to pay Bella's wages out of her own pocket just let her stay with them.

Surprised at his cousin's turnaround he asks why now Esperanza is defending Bella when she used to dislike her and had been quite harsh on her. Esperanza tells Gustavo that she made a mistake in judging Bella earlier. She has had a chance to get to know her and she finds her to be a good person. "Kaya hinaharap kita ngayon." (That's why I'm telling you now.) She implores her cousin, "Nakikiusap ako sa iyo Gustavo, huwag mo siyang palalayasin." (I'm pleading you Gustavo; please do not send her away.)

In his anger, Gustavo still has a soft heart and Esperanza pleadings got to him. He decides as he faces Bella, "Dun ka sa bodega! At huwag na huwag kang magpapakita ng kahit na anino mo sa anak kong si Natalia!" (There in the storeroom. And don't even show your shadow to my daughter Natalia!)

Bella thanks Gustavo as he leaves with Natalia but Natalia is all the more angered in the fact that Marimar has found an ally in Esperanza. To herself she says, "Leche ka Marimar! Nakahanap ka pa ng padrino kay Esperanza. Kung mapilit kayo, sige. Ewan ko lang kung talagang tatagal ka Marimar." (If you insist on her staying, ok. We'll soon see how long you are able to last.)

Esperanza walks towards Marimar and hugs both the young woman and her baby. She is relieved that Gustavo had listened to her pleas but is still worried at what Natalia would do to get rid of Bella.

At the Villa Santibanez, Angelika and Renato are getting ready to leave for their second honeymoon in Paris. Diego is loading their luggage to the vehicle as Angelika and Monica talk by the resort's lobby steps. Monica asks her friend, " Sigurado ka bang ayos na kayo niyan? O baka naman trip mong magpakamatay sa Eiffel Tower? (Are you really sure that you and him are okay? Maybe you feel like getting suicidal on top of the Eiffel Tower.)

Angelika assures Monica that she has all her little schemes planned and worked out. She is not one who just leaves without something up her sleeve and she will execute her plans in Paris. Monica keeps asking her whether she is sure her friend's plans are 100 per cent certain. She reminds Angelika that Renato is stronger than her; probably also smarter. But Angelika is quite confident that her scheme this time will be a success and tells Monica, "Watch out ka na lang sa pagbabalik ko sa Villa Santibanez." (Just watch out for my return to the villa.) She them leaves the managing and overseeing of the resort to Monica and Perfecta while she is away. Renato is ready to leave and compliments his wife on her choice of clothing. They leave for the airport as Monica, Diego and Perfecta wave them goodbye with Monica even sneaking in "Pasalubong!" (Bring some gifts!)

Marimar has settled in the bodega (storeroom) with Cruzita and Fulgoso. She asks her loyal mutt, "Fulgoso sa tingin mo, dapat pa ba tayo manatili dito?" (Should we continue to stay here?) Fulgoso reveals that he is also hurt at the fact that since Natalia arrived, Gustavo has not been as friendly to Marimar. Marimar seeming to hear her mutt's feelings adds, "Dati magkasundo kami, pero ngayon, ni katiting na amor wala na siya para sa akin." (Before we used to get along well but now not even an iota of feelings is left for me.) Marimar laments how hard it is for her to have Gustavo mad at her when she considers him like a father. Fulgoso can only sigh and dish out his famous doggy line, "Hay, Dios mio, Marimar."

Trying to forget the days events, Marimar gets ready for bed as she removes her bonnet and her eyes get caught to the contents of the trash bin. She finds the burnt photo and the drawing that is still intact. She gets a flashback when she saw the drawing but she isn't certain. Marimar exclaims, "Pamilyar ang batang ito sa akin pero bakit ganoon, parang sinunog ng sigarilyo. Baka si Natalia ito pero bakit parang hindi naman niya kamukha?" (This child looks familiar but why is there burn marks like cigarette burn? Perhaps this is a picture of Natalia but why is it that it doesn't really look like her at all?) Marimar is stunned by another blast from her past.

Natalia continues to fume about not being able to get rid of Marimar. She schemes about having Marimar totally thrown out of the mansion when unfriendly-sister-ghost opines, "Pero kung lumayas siya, paano natin siya mapapatay?" (But if she leaves, how are we going to kill her?) She sees her ate's point and agrees. "Tama kailangan niyang manatili rito para mailigpit natin siya nang maayos."

Just then Gustavo walks in greeting his daughter good morning. Natalia reminds Gustavo that they still are short of servers for their party that night. Gustavo tells her that is not a problem as he can call his secretary to hire some extra hands to serve in the party. Natalia offers a suggestion of using Bella instead of spending more money, she says they can utilize the manpower they have at their disposal.

Gustavo clarifies using Bella as earlier Natalia exclaims she is afraid of the young mother. However Natalia seems to have forgiven Marimar and wants to give her a second chance. She tells her father that she feels sorry for Bella. Gustavo appreciates the kindness that Natalia is showing. He tells her that she has taken after her mother who like her had been quite "maalalahanin at maintindihin" (thoughtful and considerate) of others.

Esperanza is busy because if the party. She is in the kitchen and Marimar is cleaning the cutleries. She tells Bella that she is glad Gustavo had allowed her and Cruzita to stay in the bodega. Marimar tells her that she hopes Senor Gustavo will forgive her for hitting Natalia. But Esperanza, ever the pragmatist adds, "Mangyayari lang iyon kung titigilan ni Natalia ang kakasulsol kay Gustavo." (It will only happen if Natalia stops creating stories that irk Gustavo.) Esperanza tells Bella how she dislikes Natalia. "Bruhita yang batang iyan. Sobra kung pumapel!" (What a little witch she is. So flaky!) She even tells how Natalia acts like the organizer of tonight's event becoming such a "punong abala" (main busybody) when all these years she'd been the one organizing all of Gustavo's party without any hitches or complaints.

Bella reminds Esperanza to just forget about Natalia as she will only get herself all worked up about nothing. The elder woman agrees at her sage advice and remembers that she has a gift for Cruzita. Esperanza gives Bella a colorful ball and again, Marimar gets a flashback. The one of her own ball that looks a bit similar to the one she is holding. Her ball had been rolling and a man picked it up. She couldn't see the man's face though. Esperanza pulls Bella back to earth and Bella explains, "Wala po, may naalala lang po ako pero malabo po sa isipan ko." (It's nothing. I remembered something but it is vague in my mind.)

Sergio visits Kim who is now recuperating in her suite after having her stomach pumped in the hospital. He sits on her bed and asks her how she is. Kim doesn't beat around the bush. She says, "alam mo kung anong kailangan ko Sergio, pero ayaw mong ibigay sa akin." (You know what I want Sergio but you refuse to give it to me.)

Sergio reasons, "Sorry kung iniiwasan kita pero di mo naman dapat ginawa iyon." (I'm sorry if I'm avoiding you but you didn't have to do that.)

Kim tells him it's not all about him. She divulges that she's an orphan. Her parents kept on travelling a lot leaving her alone. One time they got sick in India and returned home cold corpses. She cries that she didn't even have the chance to properly say goodbye to her parents. She continues her story to her ex-husband who ran off with his secretary leaving her. They got married yesterday, thus the suicide attempt. Kim laments, "Lahat na lang iniiwan ako." (Everyone seems to leave be.) This has led her to be quite traumatized at being left all alone.

Sergio now feels sorry for Kim. He tells her, "I'm sorry. Dami mo palang pinagdadaanan." (You're going through a lot.)

The party is in full swing at the Aldama mansion. Many of Gustavo's friends and business associates have come to wish him well and welcome his long lost daughter. When some guests inquire when they will see her, Gustavo asks Esperanza to check on Natalia.

Outside in the darkest part of the garden, Natalia meets a man who gives her a cell phone. "Sigurado ka bang gagana ito?" Natalia asks her contact who assures her that any key she presses on the phone will trigger the bomb, "Yes maam, kahit anong pindutin mo sa cell phone, sasabog." Natalia smiles to herself as she thinks, "Tingnan natin kung makakaligtas ka pa Marimar." (Let's see if you are going to survive this, Marimar.) She gives the man his money and instructs him to set-up the bomb near the bodega. She tells him to leave after the explosion and not before that to make sure that everything works.

Meantime Antonio is in the office and walks in on Kim's to ask for some signatures. Antonio asks his employer how she is and she replies that is OK. He tells her that both he and Sergio were quite worried about her last night and she confides to Antonio that what she did last night was all an act. "Emote lang yong kagabi. Ginawa ko lang iyon para makuha ang atensiyon ni Sergio." (I just did it to get Sergio's attention.)

Antonio was surprised at her revelations. He asks, "Ibig sabihin, hindi talaga kayo magpapakamatay?" (Does this mean you weren't really planning to kill yourself?)

Kim replies, "No way. That's not my style. I love myself so much. Ginawa ko lang yon para makuha ang pansin ni Sergio." (I only did that to get Sergio to focus on me.)

Antonio asks , "Nakuha mo nga ba?" (and did you get it?) as Kim's phone rings. She happily shows Antonio who it was who's calling her, "Well si Sergio ang tumatawag, so I guess it worked, right?" (Sergio's calling.)

Gustavo talks to his guests about how he spent years of his life and his fortune for this day to come and he proudly presents his daughter, "Mga kaibigan ipinakikilala ko sa inyo ang nag-iisang heredera ng Aldama, ang aking anak na si Natalia." (Friends, I'd like to introduce to you the sole heir of the Aldamas, my daughter, Natalia.) Natalia greets the guests acting so sweet and agreeable to everyone. Marimar looks on and in her head she is saying how pretty Natalia looks. How lucky she is to have Gustavo for a father. As Natalia is introduced by Gustavo to everyone around, Marimar carrying a tray of wine walks over. Suddenly, Natalia side-steps to trip her and the glasses full of red wine topple over the tray and spill on Natalia's clothes, the glasses breaking as they fell in the floor.

Surprisingly, Natalia keeps her cool and doesn't even break a high note. She jokes that this gives her a chance to have a costume change and try another outfit. Gustavo was a bit embarrassed at how clumsy Bella had been. He calls Esperanza to oversee the clearing and cleaning up of the mess. Marimar apologises and Natalia asks the maid to accompany her and help her get changed.

Marimar continues to apologize to Natalia in her room as she tries to wipe off the stain of the red wine. Natalia says it’s quite difficult to remove the stain and they'd need some soda. She orders Marimar to go to the bodega and get some.

On her way out of the house to the bodega, Marimar overhears a couple of guests talking about Gustavo's daughter named Marimar. She was surprised to hear her name getting mixed up with Gustavo's and Natalia's thinking it strange that they should call her Gustavo's daughter or calling Natalia, Marimar.

Meantime, Natalia in a new outfit comes down to guests already seated around the dining table. She sits next to Gustavo and when Esperanza asks where Bella is, she says she'd sent Bella off minutes ago. She invites the guests to pray.

Marimar still ponders with Fulgoso what she overheard. Fulgoso smells something and tries to warn Marimar not to go near it but she keeps on walking.

While saying their prayers, Natalia get the cell phone and hits the OK button. Marimar who was walking on the path towards the bodega does not see the blinking lights of the activated bomb. It explodes just a she was passing by it.

Everyone in the house heard the explosion as they were about to begin dinner.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Marimar Episode 44

Marimar Episode 44 – The one where Marimar learns to write

Gustavo arrives with Natalia pretending to be his long, lost daughter – Marimar. Marimar sees her and stops herself from being seen by Natalia as she is afraid the former will reveal her true identity. Fulgoso even asks “Hindi ba natin siya babatiin?” (Aren’t we greeting her?) as Gustavo introduces Natalia to her aunt Esperanza. Natalia embraces her aunt and the still doubtful Esperanza asks Gustavo, “Paano mo siya nakita?” (How did you find her?)

The scene cuts to Renato and Angelika’s suite. Angelika had been thrown by Renato’s brute strength into a corner where she was able to grab a gun from a cupboard. She is now pointing the gun at Renato who becomes all the more manic in his rage asking his wife, “Kaya mo akong patayin?” as he breaks a mirror. He then grabs the biggest chuck that is shaped like a knife and lunges at his wife. He easily overpowers Angelika and takes the gun away from her. Renato grabs her face and aims the mirror shard at her.

Meantime Sergio who called Kim for a date is lying on his hotel bed as Kim comes in with a bottle of vodka. She can see that Sergio is already drunk and comments, “Mukhang nagsimula ka na without me.” (Looks like you’ve started without me). Sergio looks at her with drunken eyes and says, “Pwede ka pa naman humabol.” (You can still catch up.) Smiling down at Sergio, Kim removes her robe to reveal a very sexy and short nightgown as she tells him, “Now the real party begins.”

Back at San Martin dela Costa, Renato strangles Angelika who is wide-eyed with fear. He shouts at her, “Are you challenging me?” while the woman tries to pacify the man by asking, “Renato, di ba mahal mo ako?” (Renato, don’t you love me?) But Renato remains angry and tells Angelika, “Ang hirap mong mahalin, napakasinungaling mo!” (It’s so hard to love you; you’re such a liar!) Just then he cuts Angelika’s face with the shard.

We flash back to Natalia’s earlier encounter with the private investigator we now know as Sanchez. He is asking her how she came by with Marimar’s necklace. I remember when Nicandro stole it from Marimar and handed it to Angelika, she threw it away calling is a cheap fake. Someone did pick it up. The hands where those of a man so I suspect Choi picked it up to return it to Marimar later but maybe Natalia, who seems to have killed Choi took it and claimed it for herself.

Natalia has heard of Senor Gustavo Aldama, she knows that he is a very rich man; a multi-billionaire. She insists that she is the Marimar Sanchez has been looking for but the private investigator told her outright that he had checked on her background already and knows that she is not Marimar. Natalia then brokers a deal with Sanchez telling him no one needs to know and he can divide the profit between them. The PI gives in and even fills-in Natalia on some crucial details that she needs to know if she is to successfully pull off being Marimar. She also hires a fake set of parents who will corroborate with her story that they had picked her off the shore near San Martin dela Costa after an aircraft crashed nearby those many years ago. She holds the necklace already, the one thing Gustavo recognizes as his gift for his daughter.

The next scene is the meeting between Gustavo and Natalia a.k.a. the Marimar impostor. Gustavo was quite cautious as he is afraid to be disappointed. Natalia pretending to be sweet and modest claims, “Naiintindihan ko po kung ayaw ninyong maniwala sa akin. Pero meron po akong isang bagay na pinanghahawakan na magpapatunay kung sino talaga ako.” (I understand if you do not believe me but I have one thing that will certainly prove her identity.) Then she shows her necklace that Gustavo had given Marimar when she was only seven years old and all reservations melted away as Gustavo rushed to embrace his daughter. Well, at least the one he thinks is his daughter as Natalia returns his embrace calling him “Papa.”

Natalia then asks Gustavo a favor. He tells her anything she wants, she will get. She requests Gustavo to call her Natalia as it had been the name her parents gave her and one that she had gotten used to. Gustavo of course agrees and tells her how happy he is to have finally found her.

Back at the Aldama mansion, the real Marimar whom everyone knows to be Bella is still hiding, afraid for Natalia to see her with Fulgoso also crouching beside her. She tells her loyal mutt, “Talaga bang hindi ko na matatakasan ang mga ala-ala ng Villa Santibanez? ni Sergio?” (Could I not really escape the memories of Villa Santibanez or of Sergio’s?) She asks Fulgoso what is she to do. What if Natalia tells everyone about her true identity? What is she to do if they found out she’s been lying to them about herself. Her fear that Gustavo and the strict Esperanza would most certainly throw her out for fooling them.

Back to Sergio’s room and sexy Kim who joins Sergio in bed saying, “Sobra akong nataranta nang tinawagan mo ako, ayan tuloy, di ako nakapagbihis. Pero ikaw, over dressed. Bawasan kaya natin?” (I got so flustered when you called me up for a date that I forgot to dress! But you look so overdressed. Why don’t we remove some of your clothes?)

Sergio bluntly asks Kim, “Ano ba ang gusto mo, Kim?” (What do you want, Kim?)

Kim replied as bluntly, “Ang katawan mo.” (Your body.)

Sergio is in doubt that this is all she wants so he pushes further, “No strings attached? No feelings involved?” and Kim replies, “Oo.” (Yes)

Sergio then tells her the obvious, “Pero hindi ikaw ang mahal ko.” (But you are not the woman I love.)

Kim tells him that they will do this, “just for fun.”

Natalia is trying to get familiar with her new, rich surroundings when she came across a familiar and hated face; that of Marimar’s. Marimar is quick to greet her and adds she didn’t expect to see her so quickly. She tells Natalia that she left Villa Santibanez and is now here in Manila and serving the Aldama mansion as a maid. She quickly informed Natalia that she changed her name from Marimar to Bella and hope she will use her new name from now on. At first, Natalia was worried that the real Marimar is also in the Aldama mansion and she would get caught by pretending to be a fake one but she felt so relieved that Marimar has quite stupidly changed her name which costs a billion in fortune! She pretends to be friendly with Marimar telling her that they should really start anew with their chosen lives.

Sergio admits to Kim that he cannot betray Marimar even if it’s just for fun. Kim is now furious and shouts at Sergio asking the young man why he asked her to come at all. Kim reasons that she wants to help Sergio forget about Marimar just as she needs him to help her forget about her ex-husband. Sergio remains unresponsive and she screams at him in desperation, “You can’t forget dahil kay Marimar lang umiikot ang mundo mo!” (Your world only revolves around Marimar).

Still greeting one another, Marimar congratulates Natalia for finally finding her lost father. She adds that Senor Gustavo is a very kind and compassionate man. She is truly lucky to have him as her father. Then Marimar takes her leave telling Natalia that she has to go and finish her chores. When Marimar leaves, Natalia’s face changes from a smiling sweet facade to the real one – full of anger and hated. She exclaims, of all the houses to be in, Marimar is in the same house as she is in! She is glad about her decision to ask Gustavo to call her Natalia. Of Marimar she talks out loud to her ghost of an ‘ate’ (older sister) “hindi siya makaka-eksena dito ng matagal dahil titiyakin kong maiksi lang ang role niya dito.” (She will not have a chance to have a long exposure here as I will make sure her role is cut short.) She also decides that she will force Gustavo to give her access to all her inheritance so she can get her hands on his fortune.

Just then Esperanza walks in and overhears a bit of Natalia’s monologue. She asks her niece why she is only calling her father Gustavo instead of Papa. The older woman also asks her who she is talking to. Now, more than ever, Esperanza is quite suspicious of Natalia and whether she is indeed the real thing. Natalia quickly changes to total sweetness as she explains to her aunt that she is just practising calling Gustavo, Papa and that she is still in the process of getting used to it that’s why she was talking aloud to herself.

In private, Esperanza talks to Gustavo about her reservations. She isn’t sure why Natalia would insist to be called such instead of Marimar. She says it doesn’t make sense. But to all her arguments, Gustavo has a counter-argument proving to her that her cousin has accepted Natalia to be his missing daughter. He has bought it all: hook, line and sinker.

It’s the next day and Sergio with Antonio are going to the hotel’s restaurant to eat. Sergio is asking Antonio about their shipments. However Antonio changes the subject to Kim who is very sexy and very visible in the pool area. Antonio tells his pall, “Pare naman, she deserves better treatment that this.” Sergio agrees that yes, Kim is very kind and has done so many things for him but he maintains, “Mas maganda nang iwas-pusoy” (Better to avoid being in trouble). When Antonio asks him how long he is able to fend off her advances, he honestly tells his friend, “Hanggang kaya ko.” (For as long as I can). He then asks Antonio that it would be better if they transfer to another place for their meal.

As they walk out, Kim tries to call Sergio but he knows she is the one calling so he ignores the phone. Kim is obviously not happy that the handsome racer is giving her the cold shoulder.
Marimar is in the kitchen washing dishes when Esperanza walks in clearly in a hurry as she tells Marimar to get a pen and paper and write down what she is going to tell her. She explains that Gustavo wants her to cook ‘paella’ and she must go and buy the ingredients immediately. She checks the refrigerator to see what else they should buy from the grocery store and she decides that they should shop for a week’s worth of groceries and supplies. She keeps talking as she calls out things that they need to buy: guisantes (green peas), milk, 3 kilos of shrimps, tahong (mussels), tomato paste....when she notices that Bella is just sitting there, staring at the paper and crying.

Esperanza flares up, demanding why Bella is not writing down anything she is telling her, “Anong iniiyak-iyak mo diyan? Magsusulat ka lang, ano ba ang problema?” (What are you crying about? I just asked you to write things down. What is the problem?)

Marimar admits to her strict lady boss, “Ngayon lang po kasi ako natututong magbasa at magsulat. Sana po Maam Esperanza, huwag po kayong magalit sa akin.” (It is only now that I am learning to read and write. I hope Maam Esperanza that you would not get upset with me.)

Esperanza anger thaws into compassion as she sits and takes the pen and paper from Bella. She writes down some letters and asks Marimar to copy them. Marimar tries to write as Esperanza has shown her. She looks with pity at the young woman who grew up illiterate. She tells her “Huwag kang magmadali. Kaya mo yan. Huwag masyadong manggigil.” (Don’t rush it. You can do it. Don’t get too eager.) She tries to encourage her as Bella does her best. Esperanza is now truly feeling sorry for Marimar and has turned out to be a patient teacher in this scene.

Still at the Aldama home, Natalia and Gustavo had just returned from a shopping spree. Natalia exclaims, “Hay, ang sarap pala talaga mag-shopping, Papa!” (It is truly a wonderful experience, shopping is.) Gustavo is happy that his daughter had a nice time but he complains that shopping can get too tiresome. Natalia is oblivious to the fact that her father is a sick man and continues to inspect the clothes and shoes she purchased. She tells Gustavo that she’s excited to try on all her purchases.

Marimar sees the happy father and daughter scene in the living room and she hesitates in approaching Senor Gustavo. She tells Fulgoso that she doesn’t want to disturb them as they are so caught up in their happiness. Fulgoso doesn’t like the way Natalia seems to be taking advantage of her father’s fortunes as he comments, “Abusado. Tingnan mo lang o, inubos nya ang laman ng tindahan!” (What an opportunist! Look at how she seems to have bought all the store was selling.)

Back at the villa, Monica sees Angelika’s cuts and bruises and is alarmed at how her friend looks. She offers to take her to the hospital but Angelika declines telling Monica that she doesn’t want people to know how she and Renato had a row again. Besides San Martin dela Costa being such a small town would definitely feast on this juicy bit of gossip should she expose herself by coming to the hospital.

Marimar continues to stare at Natalia ang Gustavo and tells Fulgoso that she envies them. “Anong kaya ang pakiramdam ng may isang ama? Mula nung mawala ako, hindi na nila ako hinanap.” (What does it feel to have a father? Since I got lost, it seems that they never came looking for me.)

Angelika tells Monica that she really wants to leave Renato. But Monica tells her that Renato may kill her is she ever left him. Angelika agrees with her friend’s conclusion and confesses that since she had been a little girl, she wanted to escape the poverty-stricken world she had been born into. Angelika claims, “Ginawa ko lahat, ginamit ko katawan ko maka-alis lang sa papag.” (I did all, used my body to escape poverty.) She admits she still needs Renato’s money and power so she can get Sergio back. But she is also certain that money alone is not enough to make her happy.

We are in Natalia’s room at the Aldama mansion and with her are Flor and Marimar. She is angry at Flor for ruining a delicate blouse by ironing it. Marimar tries to defend Flor stating that it was an accident. Still upset, Natalia tells Flor that it is an expensive blouse and perhaps she would do well to have the price taken off her salary. Just then Esperanza enters and tells Natalia to calm down. She tells the young woman that they do not deduct from their helper’s salary. She adds, “damit lang ito, mapapalitan ito. Ang mga katulong na mapagkakatiwalaan, mahirap hanapin.” (It’s only clothes, easily replaced. Trustworthy maids are harder to find). Esperanza adds a bit of history for Natalia. The elder woman tells her niece that she should be compassionate towards household helpers and adds, “Hindi mo naaalala, o hindi mo alam?....katulong din dati ang ina mo.” (Don’t you remember or perhaps you simply do not know? Your mother used to be a maid.)

This fizzles Natalia’s anger and arrogance. She fears that Esperanza will catch her in her lies. Esperanza further doubts Natalia as had she been the real Marimar, she would have remembered her mother’s sad plight at the Aldama’s old home as surely, her own mother, Lupita would have told her that story – which led for her to know and fall in love with her father.

Marimar, the real one, who is Bella to all at the Aldama house is busy practising her writing skills. Esperanza walks in the kitchen to find her diligently writing and admires how she is quite keen to learn. Marimar feels encouraged by the elder woman’s kindness and admits she didn’t want Esperanza to get disappointed with her as she had kindly taught her how to write. She promised next time she would ask for her to write down a list, she would definitely be able to do it.

Their happy atmosphere got disturbed by an angry Gustavo demanding Marimar and Flor to explain their actions, of ruining Natalia’s blouse. Esperanza tells Gustavo that he has it all wrong, that it was Natalia who started shouting at the two. Natalia makes a scene by walking out and Gustavo, quite upset about how everyone seems to be treating her daughter poorly tells Esperanza that Natalia is his daughter. Marimar tries to defend Esperanza and Flor but Gustavo shouts at her too, “Huwag kang makikisali sa usapan!” (Don’t interrupt the conversations of your betters!) Marimar gives a start, shocked at the harsh words of the always kind and soft-spoken man. Esperanza tries to explain to Gustavo what really happened but he is already convinced that Natalia is right and the three are just treating her poorly.

Flor is in Marimar’s room as they gossip about how evil Natalia is. Marimar is taking Cruzita out for a walk and opens the door when she sees Natalia who seems to have been eavesdropping on their conversation. Natalia asks about Marimar’s baby telling her how cute she it but Marimar, now wary of Natalia doesn’t let her touch Cruzita.

Sergio and Antonio are dining (again!) together and the former wonders about Kim whom he hasn’t seen all day. Antonio teases him, “Ano ka ba?” (What’s with you?” Implying that when Kim is very visible, he ignores her and now that she has made herself scare, he asks about her. Just then, a hotel staff approaches their table and asks for their help to open Miss Kim Chan’s suite. She says that their staff have been knocking on her door the whole day but she seems to not hear them. Alarmed, both men go with the hotel staff to Kim’s suite.

Natalia brings Gustavo and Esperanza to her room showing her father and aunt what a mess Flor and Bella had done to show their dislike of her. This makes Gustavo all the more convinced that they are not being nice to his beloved daughter.

Marimar is unaware that Natalia is blaming her for ruining her bedroom and things. She is happily talking to Cruzita as she gets ready for work. She tells her daughter to be good and asks Fulgoso to look after Cruzita while she’s at work. Fulgoso assures Marimar that “uncle Fulgoso” will look after baby Cruzita well. Marimar leaves and Natalia arrives. She walks inside Marimar’s room and declares, “Di ba nya naisip na delikado iwanan ang bata mag-isa? Paano kung mahulog ka jan?” (Doesn’t she know better than to leave a baby alone? What if she fell?”

Natalia looks crazy enough as she slowly tips the crib, humming and laughing as she tips it even lower. Fulgoso barks at her as Cruzita begins to cry.

Just then, Marimar walks in and shouts “Huwag! Anong ginagawa mo sa anak ko!” (No! What are you doing to my baby?”

Marimar who is holding a feather duster rushes towards Cruzita. She grabs her baby securely to her bosom as she lashes at Natalia hitting her continuously with her feather duster. Gustavo hearing the commotion enters the room and sees Bella hitting Natalia.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Marimar Episode 43

Marimar Episode 43 – The one where Natalia becomes a Marimar impostor

Doctor Rodriguez arrives at the Santibanez Resort but not on a social call to Angelika. He is there to wheedle more money out of Angelika’s purse in exchange for his silence in their once-successful conspiracy. But Angelika doesn’t have the money yet exclaiming, “Doc masyado kayong impatient!” (You’re too impatient) with his initial visit being only the day before. She cannot possibly come up with 1 million pesos in that span of time.

The gambling doctor tells her that should he approach Renato with some information, like the truth about her pregnancy, for sure Renato would be able to come up with the required amount. Angelika asks for a week to maneuver and the doctor agrees telling her, “O sige hanggang Biyernes na lang ha. Kung hindi, pasensiyahan na lang tayo.” (OK until Friday, if not then just forgive me.) He also reminds her not to slap him this time or else things could get really complicated. “At huwag mo na akong sasampalin kung ayaw mong magkabuhul-buhol tayo pareho.”

Marimar seems to be on a break from her chores and takes time to play with Cruzita as Fulgoso looks on. They are by the front steps of the Aldama mansion. Marimar exclaims how Cruzita is such a happy child; a joy to her mother. The cute baby smiles at her mother. Just then, Senor Gustavo arrives and is happy to find the baby awake. Most of the time she is asleep, he says. “Mabuti naman at nadatnan kong gising, madalas kasing tulog.” Marimar agrees that Cruzita is “takaw-tulog” (hungry for sleep) most times and also Fulgoso who exclaims that those are the only things the baby seems to know how to do. “Dios mio eh wala naman ibang alam gawin yang si Cruzita kung kumain at matulog.”

The elderly man asks his maid if he can carry Cruzita and Marimar gives him the little girl who giggles and smiles at Gustavo as if on cue, prompting laughter from the mother. He introduces himself to Cruzita as grandfather Gustavo and asks the permission of Marimar whether it is OK for her daughter to call him that. Marimar of course can only agree at the kind gesture. “Hello Cruzita. Siguro nagtataka ka kung sino ako no? Ako ang lolo Gustavo mo.” He asks Marimar whether she has any difficulty in caring for her daughter. Marimar replies that Cruzita is a good baby and seems to know that she is alone in raising her so she doesn’t cause her any more troubles.

Sergio and Kim are in their place of business going over some details. Sergio declares, “Finishing touches na lang, ready na” and Kim adds that perhaps in a few more weeks they would be able to open their business. Sergio thanks the rich divorcee for giving him a chance to manage the business and Kim tells him that all he has to do is make sure their business is doing well and that would be more than enough payment for all the favors that she has done for him. Sergio promises to work hard , “tutal binuhos ko na rin naman lahat ng oras at atensiyon ko dito. Sisiguraduhin ko maayos lahat.” Kim agrees by telling the young racer that she has all the faith in him and asks him not to use up all his time and energies into their business. “Leave some for me,” she suggestively declares. Sergio tries to change the subject by checking whether they need to change the business name. Kim naughtily steers it back to her loaded double entendres by suggesting, “Moving On.”
The playful baby loves the attention the adults are giving her as they continue to coo and play with her. Meanwhile Gustavo notices how she seems to be getting bigger for her clothes. He offers to buy her some new one, telling Marimar to accompany him to mall later that day but Marimar quickly declines his kind proposal telling her employer that her friend Innocencia had just bought Cruzita some new clothes and that should be more than enough for now.

Gustavo observes that she is quick to deny help from him when it had been another person, they would have grabbed at the opportunity. Marimar replies that she already owes him a lot and she doesn’t want to abuse his kindness. “Tunay po kasi ang pagmamalasakit ninyo sa aming mag-ina. Ayaw ko naman pong abusuhin and kabaitan ninyo.” She adds that besides, she would want for Cruzita to grow up like she did. “Gusto ko po lumaki siya na hindi umaasa sa mga materyal na bagay.” She may have been poor and barely had life’s necessities but she wants her daughter to learn to value other things like having a good character and principles than wanting material things. Gustavo tells her that she is truly quite admirable. “Habang nakikilala kita ng matagal, lalo mo akong pinapahanga sa iyo. May prinsipyo ka pero nasa lugar.” Marimar a.k.a. Bella has integrity and principles declares Gustavo Aldama.

Suddenly he remembers his lost daughter and asks how she is, whether she turned out to be with good attitudes and values. He tells Marimar that from what he recalls about her when they were together many years ago, she was also a happy child but easily cries at the slightest bit of sorrow. She was loving, respectful and beautiful. Fulgoso butts in that Gustavo’s daughter is very much like Marimar after all “Masayahin pero iyakin; mabait, magalang pero selosa at maganda!”

Angelika and the doctor/gambler/blackmailer walk towards the main entrance of the resort as they agree on Friday being the date of exchange. Again the doctor warns Angelika to make good on her promise or else he will be forced to tell Renato the truth. Unfortunately, Renato overheard his name and demands both to tell him which truth is it that he needs to find out about?

Back at the Aldama mansion, Marimar is giving Gustavo his medications and has even added a glass of milk for her kind master to help in speeding his road to recovery. She tells Gustavo that Esperanza had explained all his medications to her and she took note of each one. Gustavo jokes that there is a lot of them and Marimar assures him that she knows them all and the times which he needs to take them. Gustavo thanks Marimar for her care and adds that with her looking after him, he is surely on the mend “Kung ganyan ba kabuti at kagaling ang mag-aalaga sa akin, siguradong gagaling agad ako.” Just then his phone rings and he answers the call. It is from the man he hired as private investigator, Sanchez. It seems he found a good lead towards finding his long, lost daughter. Sanchez tells Gustavo about the necklace and this discovery excites the rich man who believes that he finally found his daughter, “Diyos ko, magkikita na kami ng anak ko.”

In another part of San Martin dela Costa, Renato demands the truth from his wife and the mysterious doctor. At first both have been caught unawares but Angelika quickly gains her wits about her introducing Richard to Dr. Rodriguez asking him whether he remembers the good doctor. Richard recognizes him as the one who helped Angelika when she had her fall and lost their baby. Angelika lies, telling Renato that she asked the doctor to come over as she wants to get pregnant again and the reason why they seem to be hiding it is because she wanted to surprise Renato. The doctor support her tale even advising her to come to the hospital for a series of tests and thus they managed to convince Renato and pacify him.

Gustavo excitedly updates his cousin, Esperanza about Sanchez’ findings but Esperanza in her pragmatic view of the world warns him from getting his hopes up only to be disappointed. He mentions the necklace but still she insists to a little caution as that finding the necklace does not equate to finding his daughter. He reminds Gustavo about his weak heart and a frustrated blow may bring about a relapse in his fragile condition. “Tandaan mo ang lagay ng puso mo.” But Gustavo is convinced he has found his daughter and that he is right to suspect she would be somewhere in San Martin dela Costa after all.

Marimar visits Innocencia and her mother again and while eating, the two friends gossip about Marimar’s bosses. Marimar updated her friend about Gustavo being all excited at maybe finally finding his daughter. Innocencia exclaims how lucky the girl would be being suddenly rich, “instant heredera na siya,” and practically an instant heiress. She wonders how she will be like in terms of attitude and disposition. Marimar assures Innocencia that she would be very good as Don Gustavo is a very kind and compassionate man.

In the racing business, Sergio orders 10 computers and will be delivered the next day. He talks to the staff and a couple ask him if Miss Kim is his girlfriend. He tells them that he is a married man, showing his ring, saying that he is loyal to his wife. He confirms that he and Kim are business partners and are only friends. When they ask him where his wife is; he tells them to “go back to your work” and leaves.

Still at Innocencia’s Marimar appears to be quite sad. Innocencia asks her why and she tells her that she remembers her lolo Pancho and lola Cruz advising her to go and look for her own parents. She laments that fact that at her current state, she does not have the means to find them nor does she know where to start having no memory of them. When Innocencia hears this, she tells Marimar that perhaps she has amnesia. She tells Marimar that sometimes, people with amnesia get back their memories. Marimar tells her she has no such recollections only lola Cruz giving her a necklace that had her name on it. She said when the elderly couple found her, she was wearing that necklace. Innocencia asks where it is but Marimar tells her it had been stolen. Innocencia feels sorry for her as they could have used that necklace to begin their search for her parents.

While Sergio is talking with their staff, Kim is at the parking lot smoking and Antonio reminds her that she should be there with Sergio so she too can meet with their employees. Kim seems to be happy leaving everything up to Sergio and here Antonio gets an epiphany. He tells Kim this – that she did all this not really to have any business venture but more to for the sole purpose of winning over Sergio. She confesses, “I’m doing all this for Sergio.” Antonio warns her that her gamble may not pay off asking her, “Paano kung mabigo ka?” She confidently tells Antonio a fact. “Alam mo ba kung bakit mayaman ako, Antonio? Hindi ako sumusugal sa isang bagay na hindi ako sigurado.” She doesn’t gamble on things she isn’t certain of winning. It will take time but she is sure, she will win Sergio’s heart. Especially now that her only rival are fond memories.

Marimar is getting Cruzita ready for bed but the little one is not sleepy yet. She asks her baby if she’d want Marimar to sing her a lullabye. She hums a tune and it brings back memories of her lolo Pancho and and lola Cruz. They were by the beach sitting on their small boat. Marimar asks her grandparents is she has a nice singing voice. Lolo Pancho tells her she sings like a frog, “boses palaka” and she tells on him to her grandmother who defends her, telling her that she does have the voice on an angel, an angel who had swallowed a frog! “boses anghel na nakakain ng palaka” She pretends to be angry as the old couple laugh. Then she asks Cruz if she will be a good mother. Her grandmother exclaims that she is too young to worry about such things. When she meets the man she will love and have children, then she will know it, instinctively.

Marimar stops humming and tells Cruzita she will never know her father. But she assures her that she will always be by her daughter’s side. The cute baby seems to listen attentively.

Sergio is busy at work. Antonio finds him in his office and says, “hindi pa nga nagsisimula ang trabaho, workaholic ka na diyan” the haven’t opened for business yet and already he is a workaholic. Sergio explains he is doing the liquidation of their finances so he can show Kim where her money is going. He fears as confirmed by Antonio that Kim has fallen for him. He exclaims, “Life could be so much easier kung natuturuan lang ang puso kong kalimutan si Marimar.” If he could only forget his wife....Antonio asks what witchcraft Marimar had used to have such a hold on him, “Ano bang gayuma ang ginamit ni Marimar sa iyo?”

Renato is at their suite as he dines and drinks alone. He is brooding over something and looks quite sad. Angelika comes down and tries to charm her way into her husband’s good graces. He asks her what she wants and she inquires whether he is tired. He admits he is and she acts quite disappointed telling him she is ready for some night of passion, “Sayang ready pa naman akong makipagpuyatan sa iyo.” But Renato knows her well. He bluntly asks her how much is it this time, “Magkano kailangan mo?”

Gustavo is headed for San Martin dela Costa to meet with Sanchez who will take him to his daughter. Esperanza asks why he has to travel at night when it would have been safer to travel in daylight but he cannot be deterred any longer. Marimar, Esperanza and several maids see him off, wishing him good luck and a safe trip.

Angelika sits on her husband’s lap explaining that she wanted to start a small business so she is able to keep herself busy as well as help in making some income for them. She tells him she only needs a small capital, about 1 million. Renato thinks about it and agrees. Angelika is happy and tells her husband that she loves him.

Flor is busy in a room full of clothes and shoes. They belong to Esperanza and when Marimar comes in, she calls the young woman to come and help her. The informant of Esperanza seems to be kinder to her now, even talking to her in a chummy way. She asks Marimar if she likes shoes and Marimar tells her that she used to run around barefoot in the island and only started wearing shoes when.....Flashback to Sergio giving Marimar her very first pair of shoes. She wanted to return it having no money to pay for it but Sergio tells her it is a gift, from him. Flor calls Marimar back to earth and tells her most of the shoes they are stowing away are worth several thousands of pesos. Marimar is distracted, in her mind she asks herself that after all this time, why is it that she cannot seem to forget about Sergio.

Meantime Sergio is in a coffee shop alone as he stares into his laptop. He smiles at himself and we see that he is staring at the screen showing pictures of him and Marimar during their time at the resort.

A few miles away Marimar who is now carrying Cruzita is also remembering happier times with Sergio.

Sergio couldn’t help but laugh when he sees a picture that reminded him of a particularly funny incident. Marimar kisses her daughter and sees Sergio’s face in her small face. Sergio sighs as he closes his laptop. He thinks for a while then gets his cell phone. He calls Kim and sets-up a date later that evening.

Flor and Marimar are gossiping about Gustavo’s daughter. Flor wonders how she would look like. Marimar tells her for sure she will be beautiful as Senor Gustavo is quite handsome and his wife, whom she had seen in one of the pictures, looks beautiful as well.

Angelika hands the money to Dr. Rodriguez and he assures her that her secret is safe. “ang sikreto mo, manananatiling sikreto.” The doctor leaves and Angelika tells him never to show his face again.

The doctor and his male companion leave with the doctor acting so jolly. Renato catches the doctor and his companion on their way out. He tells him “Mukhang masaya ka, para kang nanalo ng isang milyon. Sige bilanging mo, bilanging mo ang pera ko.” looks like you’re happy, like winning a million pesos. He takes them aside declaring that the good doctor has a long story to tell him.

Esperanza is on the phone with Gustavo and we can her from the other line the excitement that he is coming home with his daughter. Even the usually dour Esperanza couldn’t help but be happy for him and tells him to be careful on their way back home. She calls Marimar and orders her to prepare the guest room. Make sure it is clean and has all the things their guest might need. She calls Flor to help Marimar on this task.

Renato arrives in their suite and without any discussion hits his wife with a hard slap on the face. “Niloloko mo talaga ako!” Shouting at Angelika for tricking him over and over again. Now he knows that she just pretended to be pregnant and he hits her again and again. Angelika tries to explain but he shouts at her, “Sinungaling ka, wala kang kwentang tao! Napakasinungaling mo. Ginamit mo ako para mawala si Marimar dito, para ano? Para makita mo si Sergio?” His wife used him to get rid of Marimar so she can have Sergio to herself. He is enraged and continues to beat her. He threw her by a corner and she is able to get hold of a gun. She holds it firm, pointing at Renato. He stops short.

Gustavo has arrived and everyone in the mansion is excited. Who is this daughter that he has found? Marimar sees Natalia in a girly dress looking very happy as she walks beside an equally jubilant Gustavo.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Marimar Episode 42

Marimar Episode 42 - The one where Corazon and Natalia Meet

Sergio comes and plays with baby Cruzita. When he asks Innocencia who's the mother, she tells him that he doesn't know her. She's a friend of hers. Sergio admires how pretty the baby looks. Innocencia tells him Cruzita has her father's eyes but her mother's nose and lips. Sergio couldn't explain how he likes the baby he had just met. He seems to be unable to take his eyes off the baby, getting intrigued by the second.

Meantime Fifi and Fulgoso have some time alone together. Fifi is glad that Fulgoso hasn't forgotten about her adding, "Kala ko kinalimutan mo na me." He exclaims that it's only been a day since their last meeting! Fulgoso promised his lady-love that if he comes by some fortune he will buy himself a cell phone so he can call her every time he wants to. Fifi reminds him that even if he has a cell phone but if didn't have one; they still wouldn't be able to communicate so Fifi asks Fulgoso to buy one for her too. She describes what she wants "Gusto ko may 3G at 2 mega-pixels na camera." Fulgoso moans how his girlfriend can be such a materialistic mutt. He accuses her of being a "ma-dog-as na babae" (madugas meaning a bit of a hustler) to this Fifi denies she isn't one as she truly loves Fulgoso but right now she hates him for even thinking about her in that way. Fifi walks away leaving Fulgoso to whine about her having this tendency of always walking out on him.

Gustavo is looking for Flor but Bella tells him that she'd been sent by Esperanza on an errand. When she asks if she can help, Gustavo says he's looking for something but he notices Marimar's bruises on her arm. He is suddenly worried about the young maidservant but Marimar remains silent.

Renato is talking to Angelika who is riddled with bruises from her last treachery of her husband. He is detailing the many patrons who have booked in their resort: a doctor's conference, a wedding and notes that since Sergio left, business seems to have picked up. Renato even dares to point that it seems Sergio is the jinx in their business and with him gone; business is bound to get better. He asks his sulking wife whether she is happy. Angelika replies plainly that she is but for a different reason, "Alam mo sa totoo lang, masaya ko...dahil ginawa mong punching bag ang mukha ko!" telling Renato that she is happy he made a punching bag out of her face.

Renato is unaffected by his wife's drama-queen stance telling her she has no once to blame but herself for whatever pain she is suffering. He tells her that she had it coming for sneaking away and running after Sergio while he'd been away.

Sergio asks Innocencia if he could carry the baby to which she obliges the young man who once had been a big crush of hers when he was her boss. He tells Innocencia that it is the first time he is holding a small child. He exclaims that she is very small and asks how old the infant is. Innocencia tells him just a little over three months.

Sergio likes Cruzita so much that he even kids Innocencia that he's now taking the baby home. The baby doesn't seem to mind, and in fact Cruzita even seems to be enjoying the attentions of this stranger. She isn't crying and is happy being in Sergio's arms. Innocencia tells Sergio he can't take the baby; her mother will be upset.

In the Aldama mansion, Gustavo is still asking Bella the truth about her bruise. She defends that she easily gets bruised and this one is no exception. She bumped herself somewhere and is not a big deal. She assures Gustavo that this is normal and there is nothing to be worried about. Unknown to them, Esperanza is eavesdropping on their conversation.

Back at the resort, Renato gives his wife a set of jewelry as a peace-offering. He puts the ring on her fingers as he tells her she has beautiful hands, hands that deserve nice and expensive things. Angelika's mood seems to have gotten better after receiving her latest gift. Renato is intent with his message to his wife. He tells her, "I hope this serves as a lesson to you," referring to the beating she received from him. Renato tells Angelika a warning, "Kung mabait ka sa akin, dadalhin kita sa langit. Pero kung masama ka sa akin, ihahatid kita sa impyerno." he is good to those who are good to him but a terrible enemy to those who aren't. Angelika hides her fear by thanking her husband for his latest offerings of diamond encrusted baubles.

Sergio returns the baby to Innocencia but not before kissing the little one in her tummy. He also gives her his calling card. He tells her to contact him if she ever needs a job or for anything. With a wave to Cruzita Sergio goes to his car. After a safe distance where Sergio wouldn't overhear anything, Innocencia tells Cruzita that the man who was just playing with and holding her was her father.

In Marimar's quarters, Cruzita is safely in her crib as Marimar inspects the bruises that Gustavo earlier noticed. Esperanza walks in her room and Marimar asks if she needs anything. Esperanza asks her directly why she didn't tell on her when Gustavo asked about her bruises. "Bakit hindi ka nagsumbong kay Gustavo nung tinanong ka nya tungkol sa mga pasa mo kanina? Bakit hindi mo sinabi na ako ang may kagagawan niyan?"

Marimar replies that she doesn’t want Esperanza and Gustavo to fight about her. She doesn't want to cause any troubles between them. She tells Esperanza that she is here to work and earn her keep in an honest way. "Wala po akong intensiyong pag-awayin kayo ni Senor Gustavo. Sa maniwala kayo't hindi, nandito po ako para magtrabaho."

Still suspicious, Esperanza takes a step further and tells Bella that perhaps the young woman is also trying to win her over so she can pursue her plan of wheedling money and whatever else from Gustavo. "Baka naman gusto mong mahulog ang loob ko, para magawa mo ang plano mo na mahuthotan si Gustavo?"

Marimar denies her claim telling her truthfully that when Esperanza hurt her, all she wanted to do was pack up and leave. When Esperanza asked her why she didn't, Marimar tells the stern woman that she has nowhere to go and no means to support her child. She chose to stay for the sake of Cruzita so she can give her a better future, a chance in getting an education. Marimar declares, "Handa akong magtiyaga, handa akong magtiis, handa akong magpakahirap alang-alang sa kaya,” she is will to do everything, to undergo anything, to face all the odds for her daughter's sake.

Somewhere in Manila, Sergio and Antonio talk about Innocencia. Sergio updates his friend about his unexpected encounter with his ex-secretary and his fondness of the little baby she has with her. Sergio says that something has changed in Innocencia, a pity since she used to be quite pretty, intelligent, loyal and full of confidence. He adds that in fact, Marimar used to be so jealous of Innocencia. Antonio teases Sergio that perhaps the reason why Marimar had been jealous of his ex-secretary was that he did have an affair with her, "Pinagseselosan? Knowing you pare, eh baka naman naging girlfriend mo iyon."

Sergio denies it stating that he is quite loyal much to the surprise and disbelief of Antonio, "Loyal, ikaw? Sergio?" But Sergio continues to talk about Marimar. How she is a bit childish and thus quite possessive. He tells Antonio how she used to be quite suspicious of anyone who tries to be close to Sergio, anyone, especially women who try to get close to him, she is easily jealous of them. Antonio says that perhaps Marimar didn't have anything else to do but keep a watch on Sergio. Sergio explains that Marimar's world only revolved around him. "Sa akin kasi umiikot ang mundo niya eh."

The handsome racer dreams out loud to his attentive friend telling him that had they had any children, Marimar would have surely poured out all her love and attention on their child. "Naisip ko nga, siguro kung nagka-anak kami dati, malamang dun nya naibuhos lahat ng pagmamahal at atensiyon nya sa akin." He regrets not having any child with her. He says that if they are still together now, Marimar would surely be pregnant or already they would have a child. He likes the fact that his wife had wanted to have a lot of children, as many as the crabs on the island according to Marimar! "Nakakapanghinayang. Siguro ngayon, kung magkasama kami, sigurado buntis na siya o hindi kaya may panganay na kami. Gusto pa man din niyang magka-anak. Yung marami ha. Yung maraming-maraming anak. Kasing dami daw ng mga talangka sa isla. Ang dami non."

Antonio observes his friend closely and says that Marimar had truly loved him for wanting that many children and that he truly does still love Marimar by the way he talks about her. "Mahal na mahal ka niya...at mahal na mahal mo pa rin siya."

Esperanza seems to have softened a bit in her treatment of Bella, in the least she is not shouting at her anymore. She asks the young mother about her husband. "Wala ka bang asawa para tulungan ka sa pagpapalaki ng batang iyan?" Marimar replies that Cruzita is all she has and that she alone is responsible in raising her. "Wala po, tanging ako lang po ang bumubuhay kay Cruzita." She wants to be able to provide for her and not let her grow up naive and ignorant like her. She wants her daughter to get an education. "Lumaki man akong mangmang, sisiguraduhin kong mabigyan siya ng magandang kinabukasan. Hindi siya lalaki na walang pinag-aralan katulad ko."

The older woman tries to tell Bella how expensive it is to send a child to school. "Isa ka lang katulong. Hindi sapat ang sahod mo para magpalaki ng isang bata." She advises the young maid to think about other options: like giving up her daughter for adoption. Many couples with more money can raise her and give her a better future. "Bakit hindi mo na lang siya ipa-ampon? Maraming mayayaman diyan na walang anak."

But Marimar is firm in her resolve not to part from her daughter. She tells Esperanza that she will never give her child away as she knows how hard it is to grow up without any parents. "Kahit kailan hindi ko ipapamigay ang anak ko. Wala na nga siyang ama tapos pati ako mawawala pa sa kanya? Kaya sisguraduhin ko na mapalaki ko siya ng maayos kahit mag-isa lang ako. Bibigyan ko siya ng magandang kinabukasan. Alam ko kung gaano kahirap na walang magulang sa tabi." Esperanza looks on at Marimar who is putting Cruzita to sleep, and it seems the younger woman has earned some positive points for her integrity and honesty.

Innocencia visits Bella in the mansion and tells her about her encounter with Sergio. Marimar asks what Innocencia told him; whether she divulged that Innocencia and her have any contact. While once her face would light up at the mention of Sergio's name, now a crease and a dark cloud marks it as she asks, "Anong sinabi mo sa kanya? Sinabi mo ba na nagkikita tayong dalawa?"

Innocencia assures her that she gave nothing away even the true identity of Cruzita and her parentage. "Hindi wala akong sinabi tungkol sa iyo. Nagtanong nga siya sa akin kung sino ang mga magulang ni Cruzita eh, hindi ko nga pinagtapat sa kanya ang totoo na siya ang...siya ang ama non." Marimar is glad and tells Innocencia that she did the right thing. Sergio must never know that Cruzita is his daughter.

Innocencia tries to argue and says, "Pero Marimar...” to which Marimar corrects her that her name is Bella. Innocencia hands her Sergio's calling card as she reminds her friend that being the father, Sergio has a right to know about his child. "May karapatan si Sergio sa anak niya. Anak niya si Cruzita, Marimar."

Marimar is now quite angered and declares that Sergio lost his right when he decided to abandon her and their daughter. "Karapatan? Simula nang iwanan niya ako, wala na siyang karapatan sa aming mag-ina. At hindi kailangan ni Cruzita ng amang katulad niya. Hindi siya makikilala ng anak ko dahil wala na siyang puwang sa puso naming mag-ina." Marimar tears the card into pieces telling her friend that Cruzita doesn't need a father like Sergio.

At the Villa Santibanez, Monica helps Angelika as she tries to walk and sit in the lobby. The now talking Diego exclaims how extravagant Renato is when it comes to giving gifts to his wife. Angelika states that he should give her expensive gifts because he beat her hard. In fact whatever she got does not completely compensate for all the pain she has gone through. "Talagang dapat galante dahil galante din siyang mambugbog no? Kulang pa nga yan sa dinanas ko sa kanya."

Monica reminds her friend that it was her fault after all. "Eh loka girl ka naman kasi no." She asks Angelika why she can't just stick to Renato when he has everything a woman could want: power, wealth, good looks and brains. Angelika tells her that it is Sergio she wants and not the older Santibanez. When Diego butts in on their conversation asking her, if she loves Sergio, why marry Renato? "Bakit si Senor Renato ang pinakasalan nyo?" Angelika snaps at her bodyguard reminding him of his place. "Kaibigan ba kita? Bakit nakikisali ka sa usapan namin ni Monica?" (Indeed, I liked him better when he was the silent, brooding type too Anj.)

Monica tells Diego to make himself scare for a while as Angelika is on the warpath. "Diego babe iwan mo na muna kami ni Angelika ha? Init ng ulo ng lola mo. Sige na, love you." She then asks why Angelika is so harsh with her man but her friend is serious when she declares she is no longer happy in her marriage. She is not happy with Renato. "Monica, hindi na ako masaya kay Renato. Gusto ko na siyang iwan." She wants to leave Renato.

Gustavo calls Bella who is tending the garden. He gives her some books to help her learn to read. "Galing ako sa bookstore, eto binili ko para sa iyo, mga libro. Para mahasa ka sa pagbabasa." At first, Marimar declines them but her kind employer insists that she take it otherwise he will feel bad so she accepts and thanks him for his kindness. "Naku Senor wag na lang po naku hindi ko po matatanggap iyan, Nakakahiya naman po sa inyo."

Gustavo explains that he likes helping people like Bella, those people who want to improve their lot in life. Quite admirable. "Pag hindi mo tinanggap ito magtatampo na ako sa iyo. Sige na. Alam mo natutuwa ako sa mga taong katulad mo. Nagsusumikap para magkaroon ng magandang bukas. Kahanga-hanga ka." Bella tells her father that she is lucky to have him as her employer as he is very compassionate and kind to everyone, helping them without expecting for anything in return. "Ay senor kayo nga po ang kahanga-hanga. Tumutulong kayo sa kapwa nyo na wala kayong hinihinging kapalit. Napakabuti nyo po. Pagpalain po kayo ng Diyos." She shows her books to Fulgoso and the mutt asks whether the kind gentleman sa some books for him too, "Senor papaano naman ako? Wala ba kayong biniling libro para sa akin? Basta meron akong nabasa dati na 'Run, Bantay, Run!'" Marimar thanks Gustavo and promises to learn to read and when she does, she will read to Cruzita everyday.

Meanwhile Monica is shocked about her friend's revelations telling her that what she wants to do is like committing suicide as well as saying goodbye to the good life that she now enjoys. "Gaga ka ba? Alam mo pag ginawa mo yon, para ka na ring nagpaalam sa mga luho at bisyo mo no?" But Angelika tells her plainly that she knew what that move would result to. That's why she's still Renato's wife because she is afraid of what Renato might do. He certainly wouldn't want her to leave him and make him look like a fool among his peers. For sure, he'd rather kill her than have any other man have her. "Alam kong hindi siya papayag na iwan ko siya at magmukhang tanga sa lahat ng tao. Mas gugustuhin pa niyang mamatay ako kaysa mapunta ako sa ibang lalaki."

Monica advises her not to do anything that would cause Renato to be angry with her again. She fears that maybe next time Angelika will get more than just bruises and bumps...something worse than what he gave her the last time. Just then, Perfecta announces some visitors for Angelika. It is none other than the doctor she once paid off to lie to everyone that she lost her baby when she staged her fall to blame Marimar.

The doctor asks whether she still remembers him and she clearly admits that she does, "Oo, ikaw yung sugarol na doktor hindi ba?" confirming that her visitor is indeed the gambling doctor she once conspired with.

Marimar sits on the steps of the Aldama mansion with Cruzita. She seems to have finished her chores and she shows her daughter her new books from Gustavo. She opens a page that shows a picture of a beach. She tells Cruzita about her childhood, how she grew up in an island and how she and Fulgoso used to play by the shore. "Anak tingnan mo o, eto yung dagat! Alam mo ba dati nakatira ang nanay sa isla tapos naglalaro kami ni Fulgoso sa dalampasigan." Fulgoso agrees with Marimar's account and how he used to catch crabs. Speaking of crabs, Fulgoso realizes it has been quite sometime when he last ate them and he almost barks when he discovers that he missed eating them! "Dios mio, hindi ako makapaniwala, nami-miss ko ang lasa ng talangka!"

Marimar continues reminiscing and telling Cruzita about her childhood. She tells her daughter that she is a good oarswoman as she was taught well by Lolo Pancho. She adds that she is also a good swimmer as she was taught well by Lola Cruz. Fulgoso adds that he too is quite good, "Ako eh expert sa langoy aso," in swimming doggie-style.

Marimar says her life then was simple but it didn't have many problems. Fulgoso adds that things changed when she got married. It even changed Fulgoso's life as he met Fifi whom he loves. Marimar admits that San Martin dela Costa may have given her so much pain but it also gave her friends like Padre Porres, Choi, Natalia and Corazon.

Speaking of the kind cook, Corazon, she is now a fishmonger who is calling to all customers to buy her fish. She haggles with a buyer but she is distracted when she sees a familiar face. Corazon screams in delight her name, "Uy Natalia!" and asks her to come closer.

The gambling doctor demands for more money from Angelika stating he put his profession and credibility on the line when he agreed to connive with her. He asks for half a million pesos to guarantee that he remains silent about their past treachery against Angelika's husband. "Dahil sa akin, naloko mo ang asawa mo. Napapaniwala mong buntis ka at nakunan. Ano kaya ang masasabi niya kung malaman nyang isa lang palang malaking kasinungalingan ang lahat nang ito?" Angelika is upset at how the doctor is now trying to frame her and slaps him across the cheeks. Instead of backing out, the doctor only raised his asking price to 1 million. Angelika wants to slap him again but Monica stopped her fearing that another slap may take the asking price half a million higher.

Natalie was surprised to learn that Corazon has resigned from the resort too. Natalia tells her that she is now working as a waitress in a canteen. Corazon asks about Choi and got a chill at Natalia's reply that the young man is now at peace. "Huling balita ko sa kanya, nalagay na sa tahimik ang buhay niya." It is possible that she herself killed Choi. Corazon can only exclaim, "Oh my gosh, he's dead?!"

Monica assists Angelika to lounge by the pool as they discuss the recent visitor and his demands. Angelika cannot touch her bank account as that is closely monitored by Renato. Monica suggests that Angelika sell some of her jewelries to come up with the money. She agrees that is one way to go but she's got to have some excuse about their disappearance. Angelika says she will tell Renato that Monica stole them. Monica quickly tells Angelika not to do that in fear that Renato may send her to jail, just as he did to Marimar not so long ago.

Gustavo asks Esperanza about a private tutor that he wants to hire. Esperanza is surprised that Gustavo seeks a tutor but he explains that it is not for him but for Bella. Esperanza still does not understand his feelings toward Bella. She knows how helpful Gustavo is. She just doesn't get the special treatment he is extending towards their latest servant girl.

Meanwhile, Marimar a.k.a. Bella is visiting Innocencia and her mother with Cruzita and the ever loyal Fulgoso. She bought food and they are about to eat. Innocencia's mother is happy that they didn't forget about them as she missed baby Cruzita so much. Marimar hands her some cash but she declines at first stating that the younger woman needs it for her child. However Marimar insists saying that it is not even enough for the kindness they have given her. "Naku sige po kunin nyo na po para naman makatulong ako sa inyo kahit papaano." She accepts and thanks Marimar for her help.

Gustavo tells his cousin how peaceful he feels when he is with Bella. She is a very good child and not opportunistic like many. She also reminds him of his daughter. "Sinabi ko naman sa iyo noon pa, magaan talaga ang loob ko kay Bella. Tuwing nakakasama ko siya, para bang may nararamdaman akong kapayapaan sa puso ko. Mabait si Bella, hindi mapagsamantala. Hindi abusado. Tiwung nakikita ko si Bella, naaalala ko ang anak ko. Iniisip ko kung nasaan na nga ba si Marimar."

Innocencia asks Marimar whether Esperanza is still a witch and she tells her friend that she doesn't mind Esperanza so much because Senor Gustavo's kindness more than makes up for her wickedness. She shows them the books Gustavo bought for her and asks Innocencia is she could help her and teach her to read. Innocencia tells Marimar that she would be happy to help her, "Pagtitiyagaan kitang turuan pero magtitiyaga ka ring matuto," so long as she would be willing to learn.

Gustavo wonders what fate had befallen his daughter. "Ano kaya ang naging kapalaran niya?" Did people raise her well? Were they good towards her? "May mga kumupkop ba sa kanya? Mababait ba sila?" He prays that for each person he has shown kindness, his daughter also get the same in return. "Palagi kong pinapanalangin na sa bawat taong tinutulungan ko, may mga tao ring tumutulong sa anak ko."

A man approaches Corazon who is shouting in her stall, "Come on everybody magbili na ng fish! Fresh na fresh ito, just like me!" and asks her if she can answer some queries that he has. Corazon clarifies that he just wants to ask questions and not buy her fish. When the man said yes, she apologizes but it is better if he asks someone else as she is trying to find customers who will buy her fish. "Ay I'm sorry, hindi pwede dito ang question and answer portion, sagabal yan sa negosyo eh," as she points to where the man can ask others instead of her. The man moves to the next available person who happens to be Natalia.

He asks Natalia whether she knew someone with the name of Marimar as she shows her a picture of a child, the young Marimar. It is quite an unusual name but the man is surprised when she admits she knows one person with that name. When Natalia asks the man why he is looking for her, he says that he cannot divulge the reason but only said that this Marimar had been missing for the past 12 years. Natalia asks whether the Marimar he seeks had a necklace. The man is surprised that she knew about something so few people knew. His surprise is even doubled when Natalia raised her hand showing the necklace and asking whether it is that particular necklace. The man exclaims, "Saan mo nakuha ang kwintas na iyan?" demanding from where Natalia got the necklace.

Next: Gustavo thinks Natalia is his long lost daughter, bummer.