MANILA -- For eight years now, overseas Filipino worker Leo Selomenio has been giving up his precious day-off every weekend to organize events for his fellow domestic helpers in Hong Kong. From beauty contests to singing competitions and dance showdowns, “Daddy Leo” has been the go-to person for putting up a grandiose production.

“Even people from the consulate and from corporate sponsors come looking for me when they want to set up an event,” he said. “I’ve been so busy that I haven’t spent Christmas in the Philippines since I left two decades ago. But because of 'Sunday Beauty Queen,' I begged my employer to please let me take a holiday leave. I even cried just to convince them to let me go!”

Leo and fellow OFWs Hazel Perdido and Mylyn Jacobo, who were also featured in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, have spent the last five days making the rounds of theaters where "Sunday Beauty Queen" is shown. They would wait patiently in between screenings for an informal “meet and greet” with viewers – a surprise encounter typically marked by handshakes, warm hugs, and an endless volley of “Congratulations” and “Pinaiyak niyo ako! (You made me cry!)”

We sat with the tireless trio during one of those theater visits, excited to be able to tag along and watch the film with them as well. There was something odd, almost dreamlike about sitting in the cinema seeing real lives unfold on the widescreen while listening to the lively chatter of the very same people sitting next to you as they recalled off-camera moments while filming certain scenes.

REAL LIVES UNFOLD ONSCREEN

As the movie unfolded, we learned that one employer and two male acquaintances that had cameos in the film have passed away since shooting began four years ago.

“That one suffered a heart attack recently,” whispered Leo with a tinge of sadness when a friend’s smiling face appeared onscreen. “It’s nice to see him this way. It reminds me of happier times.”

In some portions, they couldn’t help but giggle, even cringe – as when Mylyn watched herself answer an interview question so fervidly that the host remarked in jest: “Huwag na itanong 'yan next time kasi nagagalit ang contestant! (Don’t ask that next time, it riles up the contestant!)

“It’s funny to watch it now on the screen,” she said amused, “but we do take these pageants seriously!”

Mylyn added that being part of "Sunday Beauty Queen" gave her self-confidence a much-needed boost. “Ang dami kong nakilala na very supportive. Nabigyan ako ng lakas ng loob na marami pa pala akong puwedeng marating (I met a lot of supportive people. I gathered the courage to pursue other things),” said the AB English graduate, revealing that after her last contract expired three months ago, she had come home to look for employment opportunities.

“Baka sa call center, hindi ko pa alam. Pero at least meron akong bagong options. (Maybe at a call center, I don’t really know. But at least I have new options.)”

On the other hand, the usually bubbly Hazel tried to hold back her tears as she relived the experience of watching her son graduate through the tiny screen of her mobile phone because her employers went abroad and she had to stay home to mind the dog.

“I didn’t want to cry when they were filming it but I couldn’t help it,” said the mother of three. “Even now, every time I see this part, may kurot sa puso. Mahirap talaga pero kinakaya para sa pamilya (There’s a pinch in my heart. It’s really difficult but we need to overcome for the sake of our families.)”

QUIET DIGNITY

What truly stands out in this documentary is the quiet dignity of its storytelling. While there are poignant, even painful moments that uncover the harsh realities our overseas workers face from day to day, there is no attempt to bleed those issues dry. In the starkness of the unfolding narrative, you realize that it is what it is -- and this is when you start reaching for the tissue. Your eyes start to well up because there is no other way to express your admiration for their courage, their tenacity, their tendency to expect the best and their belief in the power of good.

As the film came to a close, viewers spontaneously cheered and applauded in unison, not knowing that seated not too far away from them, three of the central characters embraced each other joyfully at the spur-of-the-moment accolade.

With a fresh and bright perspective, filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama exercised admirable restraint in her treatment, keeping the storyline simple and entertaining but at the same time, deeply moving and genuinely uplifting.

While it exposed many of the trials and abuses faced by our overseas workers, "Sunday Beauty Queen" chose to anchor itself on the redemptive values of malasakit, bayanihan, resiliency, and buoyant optimism that are so deeply rooted in the Filipino spirit -- the very same qualities that allowed its protagonists to push forward and rise above. There were no victims in this film, only victors.

Coming home to help promote "Sunday Beauty Queen" was truly an unforgettable experience for all three members of the cast.

“I still couldn’t believe any of it,” Leo enthused. “From the parade of stars to the theater tours, we’ve met so many people including big named celebrities who have been so kind to us, so supportive. I really feel that this is the reward for all the hard work we’ve put into our advocacy. Because the events we organize are not just for our own pleasure. We help entertain our fellow OFWs but at the same time, we raise funds for those who need financial assistance for medical or legal reasons. There is a bigger cause that inspires us to do what we do. Life is difficult for overseas workers but we choose to look at the bright side. When we are busy helping each other, we forget about our own problems.”

CHALLENGES AHEAD

Despite making history as the first documentary film to be part of the MMFF, keeping "Sunday Beauty Queen" in theaters has not been without its own challenges.

Threatened by poor audience turnout from day one, its producers have bravely waged a vibrant campaign on social media in the hope of sustaining presence in cinemas throughout the two-week festival.

As of this writing, the movie is still on 24 theaters in Metro Manila, plus two in Cebu, three in Davao and one in Iloilo.

“Hindi naman kami nangangarap na maging blockbuster,” said Leo. “Hindi naman kami kilalang tao. Kahit nga sa sarili naming probinsiya, hindi naman kami kilala. Sana lang, bilang mga OFWs, mabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na maibahagi ang mga kuwento namin. Na may saysay din naman kami bukod sa pagtatrabaho. (We never dreamed of being a blockbuster. We are not famous people. Even our own town mates don’t know us. But we hope that as OFWs, people will give us a chance to share our stories. That our lives also matter beyond the work that we do.)”