Thursday, August 31, 2006

Episode 16.4

Rosamia leaves the Arguelles home after threatening Lavinia and warning her to stay away from Dorina.

Rita arrives at the door and asks Lavinia what's going on. Still upset, Lavinia says she doesn't know what Rosamia was raving about -- and that Rosamia just kept saying to stay away from Dorina and to stay away from her daughter.

Still confused, Lavinia picks up the tabloid that Rosamia brought with her from the floor. She stares at the photo of Dorina, and finally realizes... Dorina is Rosamia's daughter. She laughs and gleefully says she's got another bullet.

Dorina and the band finish rehearsals and are accosted by reporters as they are leaving. They ask Dorina about the rumors that she's a playgirl and that she's got three boyfriends at the same time. Dorina is dumbfounded and cannot think of anything to say in response.

At the Arguelles home, Lavinia is still amazed at the thought that Rosamia could be Dorina's mother. She says it shouldn't have been a surprise to her since they're both losers.

Gary and the band push their way through the crowd of reporters to escort Dorina out.

Lavinia calls Oscar and asks him to come to her house because she's got a new scoop for him. After Lavinia hangs up, Rita asks her to leave Dorina alone, to stop messing with her life. She asks Lavinia not to spread that news, since there's obviously a reason they wanted to keep it quiet.

Lavinia says there's no way she'll keep quiet after everything that they've gone through. She says she has lost respect for Dorina and it is difficult to regain that respect. Rita quietly tells Lavinia she should therefore not expect any respect from her either, before leaving to climb up the stairs.

Dorina is in a cab and the driver makes conversation, asking her if the rumors about her are true. She doesn't know what he's talking about, so he hands her a copy of the latest tabloid whose headline implies she's promiscuous.

As they pull up in front of her home, the cab driver remarks that there's a large crowd of reporters waiting for her. Dorina frantically asks him to back up the cab before the reporters can see them.

Rita gets on her cellphone and tries to call Dorina. As Dorina answers the phone, Lavinia comes up from behind and snatches Rita's cellphone out of her hand. Rita tries to get the cellphone back, but Lavinia slaps her and calls her a traitor.

Rita tells Lavinia she can't stop her from warning Dorina. Lavinia says her she just did. She points out that their land lines have long been disconnected, and warns Rita not to try leaving the house to warn Dorina. Because if she were to do that, Barbara would be left alone with Lavinia, and God only knows what would happen to Barbara then... and it would all be Rita's fault, whatever it is.

Rita tells Lavinia she's a monster. Lavinia brushes off the accusation and says that's nothing new. She already knows she's a monster. After all, it's like mother, like daughter. She says that's why she wouldn't be surprised if Rita were to become a monster as well.

Lavinia makes a show of brushing back Rita's hair and wiping away her sister's tears, then walks away smiling.

Dorina arrives at Oman's dorm and knocks frantically on his door.

Unknown to Dorina, Oman and Kylie are still out together. Kylie reveals to Oman that she and her boyfriend have finally broken things off.

Dorina cries as she realizes that Oman isn't there. She turns slowly to leave and finds Gary walking towards her. He says he knew he would find her there. Dorina is still crying and Gary wipes away her tears with his handkerchief.

Kylie tells Oman that she's completely fine with the break-up because she realized that she doesn't actually love her boyfriend. She didn't even cry or feel bad. Oman says that's good. Kylie takes a deep breath and reveals that actually has feelings for someone else, and admits that it's Oman.

Oman is shocked. She tells him not to feel pressured because she just wanted him to know. He's about to say more when out of the corner of his eye he sees the tabloid headlines a nearby vendor and walks over to pick up a copy. Kylie sees the headlines too.

Gary takes Dorina to a new house, where Nico is there waiting for them. Nico shares that Zossimo has learned from Rosamia that this latest tabloid attack is all Lavinia's doing.

Dorina tells Nico she can't go home with all the reporters camped out on her doorstep. Nico assures her that she can stay at this house for now, since no one knows that he owns the place.

Dorina asks -- how about Bencho? Gary assures her that Bencho will be fine as long as she stays inside at the house, and that Emilio and Rosamia will take care of her.

Nico then tells Dorina that Gary will stay with her while she's at this new house. He also says he brought a change of clothes for her so she won't have to go home. Dorina thanks him.

Nico leaves. Dorina tells Gary that they need to contact Adora so she won't worry. Gary says that if Adora has heard the news and is worrying, she'll be the one to call.

At the hospital, Adora is going through another series of scans. The doctor tells Minda that they'll know with this scan whether there's been an improvement with Adora's tumor. She asks Minda to turn off all electronic devices, including her cellphone. Minda shuts off her phone.

Oman and Kylie are now in a cab, and Oman is urging the driver to go faster. As they get out of the cab in front of Dorina's house, the reporters rush to him and start asking him how he feels about Dorina having other boyfriends aside from him.

Oman tells the reporters they don't know what they're talking about. The reporters ignore his statement and start asking who Kylie is. Oman quickly urges Kylie to get back into the cab and they drive off.

Lavinia opens the doors to her home to find Nico on her doorstep. With false sweetness, she asks him to what she owes this pleasure. He tells her to drop the act and asks her what her problem is. He tells her to stop attacking Dorina and using Dorina to regain her lost fame.

Lavinia reminds him that he was the first to use Dorina -- he used Dorina to attack her career, and used Dorina to make her jealous. So they're both just doing the same thing. She tells him he should look at himself before he judges her.

Nico tells Lavinia that he doesn't know her anymore. He says he has tried to blame everything that he could possibly think of for Lavinia's actions -- her career, even Larry -- but now it's apparent that Lavinia is the root of the problem.

Lavinia is hurt, but she tries her best to conceal it. She tells Nico that she's already tasted fame and success and she can't let it all go. It's all or nothing for her. Nico tells her to be careful what she wishes for because she may get it. He tells her he hopes it's all worth it, before turning to leave. Lavinia slams the door shut. Tears well in her eyes.

Emilio and Bencho look out the second floor window and see all the reporters. Bencho asks Emilio what's going on, if the reporters are mad at Dorina. Emilio assures Bencho that they're all just looking for Dorina because she's famous and they want to report on everything she's doing.

Bencho asks why Dorina hasn't come home yet. Emilio says Dorina went on vacation for a while, like Adora is on vacation now, and like Bencho was away on her camping trip. Rosamia arrives just then to say that she had such trouble getting into the house with all the reporters outside.

Emilio asks her where she's been. Before answering, Rosamia asks Bencho to get her something to drink. Once Bencho is out of the earshot, Rosamia tells Emilio that she went to confront Lavinia. Emilio is surprised but pleased. But Rosamia confesses that she may have made matters worse because of what she inadvertently let slip. She says she hopes Lavinia didn't realize the connection between her and Dorina. The two of them exchange worried looks.

Oscar arrives at the Arguelles home and asks Lavinia about her latest scoop. After Nico's visit, Lavinia is now unsure and says maybe it's better that she say nothing. Oscar says that if she has nothing then she's just wasting his time. When she stays quiet, he asks her if she's starting to feel guilty, and says now is not the time to be faint of heart. He assures her that she'll be back on top again if they keep up their attacks on Dorina.

Lavinia thinks for a moment, then finally says that she's already started this, so she might as well pursue it all the way to the end. Oscar approves of the decision and asks Lavinia what she needs of him. Lavinia tells him she wants solid evidence that Rosamia and the driver Emilio are the parents of Dorina Pineda. Oscar's face lights up.

Rosamia assures Dorina over the phone that Bencho is okay and still unaware of everything that's happening. Rosamia also says that Adora hasn't called, so perhaps the news hasn't reached them yet. Rosamia asks Dorina not to worry, that people will soon realize that these rumors in the papers are all lies.

At Zoni's office, Zossimo comes in to see Nico and says that one of the sponsors has backed out because of the scandal. He says it might be because her wholesome image has been tarnished by the rumors. Zossimo says he'll setup a meeting with the sponsors, but it's hard to say how that meeting will go.

At the hospital, Adora wakes up and asks Minda if Dorina has called. Minda realizes just then that she forgot to turn her cellphone back on after Adora's MRI. She turns on the phone and Dorina's many text messages start coming in. At Adora's urging, Minda tries to call Dorina, but Dorina's phone is out of reach.

At her temporary home, Dorina comes down the stairs the next day to find that Gary has prepared lunch. The TV is on in the dining room and Dorina asks if there has been news about her. He says it's still the same old news as yesterday.

On TV, Oscar Dimayuga is now being interviewed by a talk show host. The host asks Oscar if he has an axe to grind with Dorina for printing such an expose. Oscar says he has no problem with Dorina, that he only reports what Dorina is doing.

The host asks Oscar about his newest expose. Oscar is all too happy to explain. He says he now has evidence that Rosamia is married to a man named Emilio Suarez. The talk show host remarks that he wasn't aware that Rosamia was ever married. Oscar says it's no surprise that Rosamia kept it quiet because Emilio is a convicted drug pusher and had been jailed for 17 years.

Oscar goes on to say that Emilio is now out of jail and in fact is now working as the driver of Dorina Pineda. The talk show host remarks that the topic returns to Dorina once again. He tells Oscar there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's a good thing that Dorina is kind enough to help ex-convicts.

At the dining table, Gary asks Dorina if she knew that Emilio was an ex-convict. Dorina is still shocked and quickly shakes her head.

Oscar continues in his interview that Rosamia and Emilio had a baby girl. He showed the host the birth certificate. The talk show host asks where the child is now. Oscar explains that according to the police reports, Emilio had left his daughter with a flower vendor outside the club where he was arrested, and that the name of the club is Club 100.

Dorina suddenly recalls her earlier efforts to find her parents by posting a letter outside Club 100. She quickly puts the two facts together.

Gary sees Dorina's reaction to this revelation and asks her what's going on. Dorina shakily tells Gary that she's the one, she's the baby Emilio lost... which means Rosamia is her mother.

__

Tag: Summary

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Episode 16.2

Larry meets with the indie movie producer, and asks if there's any way they can continue making the movie. He promises that Lavinia will drop the prima donna act and will be completely professional. The producer reveals that he has found a silent investor, so work on the movie will continue.

Bencho insists that she saw Minda, prompting Dorina to call Adora's cellphone. The nurse answers when Adora is unable to take the call herself. Minda arrives just in time to take over the call and she manages to convince Dorina that Adora has fallen asleep from the spa treatment that they're getting.

Dorina asks Minda when they'll be back. She reminds Minda of her upcoming show and that she'd like Adora to be there. Minda promises to remind Adora.

Rosamia hears the tail end of Dorina's phone call and asks if Adora is always present at Dorina's shows. Dorina says yes and shares that they worked so hard for her success. She says that her career is the product of their sweat, tears, and prayers, so it is extremely important to them both.

Larry leads Lavinia to believe that he put up the additional funds to keep the indie movie production going. Lavinia is impressed and extremely grateful.

At Zoni's office, Zossimo tells Nico that he hears the indie movie producer found a silent investor. When Nico says nothing and does not even look surprised, Zossimo can only shake his head and say "I knew it." Nico finally admits that he still has feelings for Lavinia, but he promises Zossimo that this is the last time he will help her, and that there's no way he will reconcile with her. He gets up from his chair and invites Zossimo to go drinking.

Dorina is at home on the patio with Oman and Kylie. She looks over Oman's grades and is suitably impressed with his performance. Oman tells her he came by to invite Dorina and Bencho to go out tomorrow night to celebrate. Kylie says she can't join them because she has to go somewhere with her dad.

Rosamia watches Dorina with her friends from the doorway. Emilio approaches her. Rosamia tells him that Dorina is so happy, and that she does not have the heart to take this life and this world from her. She has decided not to reveal the truth to Dorina.

Oman and Kylie are about to leave Dorina's house. He reminds her of their celebration the next evening, then suddenly remembers that he left something inside and rushes back into the house to get it, leaving Kylie and Dorina at the door.

Kylie reminds Dorina that she didn't answer her question at the bar, and she asks once again if there's something between Dorina and Oman. Dorina says no. Kylie is relieved. Dorina asks if Oman is already courting her, and Kylie says no and that she doesn't even know if there's a chance of a relationship between her and Oman. She asks for Dorina's help, to fish for information. On the spot and with no easy way out, Dorina agrees to try.

At a nearby bar, Zossimo points out a couple of girls who appear to be interested in Nico. He remarks that he no longer sees the old 'playboy Nico' these days. Just then, Lavinia and Larry enter and Nico assures Zossimo that he's okay with it. But before long, Zossimo has to leave, saying he needs to hit the road for his Baguio trip.

Now alone at the bar, Nico orders a drink and glances over at Lavinia and Larry. When he sees them being sweet with each other, he quickly changes his order to a double.

Later that evening, Larry escorts Lavinia home and reminds her not to be late for her call time the next day. Lavinia assures him that she'll be professional. They share a good night kiss, which Lavinia ends by reminding Larry that she needs to go to bed early because of her call time the next day.

Dorina is turning off the lights in the living room when she hears a knock on the door. She opens the door to find an inebriated Nico standing there, a bit unsteady on his feet.

Rita enters Lavinia's bedroom to ask Lavinia for help in settling Barbara's mounting hospital, pharmacy, and rehabilitation bills. Lavinia says Barbara should have more than enough money to pay for everything herself.

Rita tells Lavinia that Barbara has no more money left, but this has no apparent effect on Lavinia. She informs Rita that she has no plans to help with the bills, and climbs into bed.

When Lavinia sees Rita still standing there, she tells Rita she can now leave and reminds her to be sure to close the door behind her. Rita has no choice but to leave. As the door closes behind Rita, Lavinia drops the act and looks concerned.

Nico apologizes for bothering Dorina. He says he didn't have anyone else to talk to, and reveals that he saw Larry and Lavinia together at a bar. He asks Dorina if she knew that he once proposed marriage to Lavinia, and that she turned him down. And now Larry and Lavinia are engaged.

Dorina says he must still love Lavinia if he is this bothered. Nico says he's being stupid, that of all the women he could possibly be crazy over, it would have to be Lavinia. He says he wishes love was like a computer -- and that you could just delete all the files when you no longer want it, so you can start fresh.

Dorina remarks that deep inside Lavinia is a good person. Nico asks her how she can say that, especially after being on the receiving end of Lavinia's attacks. Dorina says she remembers what Lavinia was like at the start of her career.

Nico says that was the Lavinia he fell in love with, but that Lavinia no longer exists. Fame has changed her. Dorina says maybe it's still possible for her to change back.

Nico tells Dorina that she's really still young, because she's still idealistic. He tells her Lavinia has tasted fame and success. She will never be content without it.

Dorina says Lavinia changed once. She can still change again. Nico disagrees.

He starts getting up from the couch to leave, but Dorina offers to let him spend the night in the house, since it looks like he's too drunk to drive properly. Nico accepts and promptly collapses onto the couch.

___

Tag: Summary

Episode 16.1

Oscar starts taking photos of the band as the alcohol in Dorina's spiked drink starts to take effect. The band plays spin the bottle and as a consequence for having the bottle point at her, Dorina gives Gary a quick kiss on the cheek. Oman and Kylie arrive just in time to see her kiss Gary. Oscar catches the kiss on camera.

Oman and Kylie join the band at the table and Oman grows increasingly bothered by Dorina acting all tipsy and so different from her usual prim and proper self.

Rosamia and Emilio reminisce about the good ol' days over their dinner at the Pineda home, laughing at fond memories.

At the bar, Oman asks Dorina why she keeps laughing when there's nothing funny. He asks her if she's drunk. Dorina denies being drunk. Oman grabs Dorina's empty glass from the table and sniffs it, then says the drink was obviously spiked. He looks at Gary as he asks who spiked the drink. Gary is offended by the subtle accusation.

Both guys rise to their feet, and the rest of the band stand up and manage to stop a fight from taking place. Oscar continues to take photos from the bar.

Rosamia and Emilio continue their trip down memory lane, and laugh about the time they ate out and Emilio ended up having to borrow P1.00 from Rosamia because he didn't have enough money to pay for their dinner. He laughs and says it was so embarrassing.

At the bar's ladies room, Brenda asks Dorina if she's okay after the singer throws up. Dorina looks shaky as she comes out of one of the cubicles. She admits that her drink was probably spiked but she also says she's sure that Gary wasn't the one who did it. Kylie says it might have been an honest mistake on the part of the bartender.

Oman knocks on the door from outside the ladies room and asks if they're okay. He says he's already contacted Emilio and asked him to pick up Dorina. He tells them he'll wait for them outside then leaves, obviously in a bad mood.

Brenda tells Dorina that Oman is just concerned, that's why he's acting like that. Dorina says half-sarcastically that's why Oman is her best friend. Brenda hesitates at first, but she finally asks Dorina if she and Oman are only friends. Brenda says she doesn't want to step on any toes and admits that she has feelings for Oman. Dorina barely conceals her dismay.

Oman is waiting outside the bar when Dorina goes to him and apologizes. When Oman asks why she's apologizing, Dorina says it's because Oman seems to be really angry at her. Oman tells her she doesn't even know what she's apologizing for -- how can that be a sincere apology?

Now upset, Dorina asks him why he's being so mean and crabby when she hasn't done anything wrong. She says she really doesn't know who spiked her drink and asks him why he doesn't believe her. She turns away and starts to cry.

Oman asks her to stop crying and to placate her, he says that he believes her. Dorina turns to him and asks if he has forgiven her. Oman says no, and Dorina hits him and turns away again. Half-smiling, Oman says he doesn't have to forgive her because she hasn't done anything wrong. He teases her for being such a crybaby. Now facing him again, Dorina says she doesn't like it when they fight.

Oman reminds her that they always fight which is okay since they always make up right away. The two of them hug each other and Oscar is there hiding around the corner to take incriminating photos.

After dinner, Emilio walks Rosamia to her bedroom. She says he didn't have to walk her to the door, as if it was a date. Emilio says if it were a real date, they'd share a good night kiss. Rosamia bids him good night, and what was meant to be a simple kiss on the cheek eventually turns into a real kiss.

Their kiss is interrupted by an incoming message on Emilio's phone. He checks it and tells Rosamia that Dorina is ready to come home. He asks Rosamia if she'd like to go with him, but Rosamia excuses herself, saying she's tired and would like to go to bed. She slips into the bedroom and quickly closes the door. Emilio leaves.

Lavinia is on location at the indie movie and asks the producer if they're ready to shoot her scene. He is surprised to find her not yet dressed for her scene. He asks her if she can wait in her standby area. She mocks his idea of a standby area and accuses him of being so cheap.

The producer patiently reminds her that she knew from the start that they're not a big production company. Lavinia says she knows that... and that's why she regrets agreeing to this project. She tells him she's tired and that she's leaving.

The producer tells her they're not yet done shooting everything that's been scheduled for the day. Lavinia says she doesn't care. The producer tells her they're so over budget already because of all the times she's walked off the set. She tells him that's not her problem and walks away. The director and producer can only watch as Lavinia gets into her van and it drives off.

At Larry's office, Larry reprimands her for walking off the set again. Lavinia says it's his fault for accepting this job when the producer is so cheap. Larry reminds her that she was the one who wanted this contract.

He also tells her that it's a good movie and that it will reinvent her. He asks her to bear with it, especially since she has no other projects -- no one else wants to work with her. Lavinia has no reply to that.

Back on the set of the indie movie, the director is in the process of setting up the next scene when the producer comes and says they might as well pack up because Lavinia has called in sick. He says they've really made a mistake in casting her, which is a shame since she's actually a good actress. She's just so difficult to work with and so unreliable.

The director says they should just recast the role, but the producer reveals that they've exhausted his funds, and that they can't afford to reshoot all the scenes they've already taken. As it is, they are at risk of shelving the project due to lack of funding.

The next day, Dorina is trying to call Adora on her cellphone but there's no answer. Rosamia asks her why she's calling. Dorina says she just wants to know when Adora will be back. Rosamia quietly asks Dorina if she's getting tired of her company. Dorina is quick to deny this and explains that Adora is the type of person who would get sick if she wasn't working, and that it's so unlike her to be gone this long.

Rosamia urges Dorina to let Adora be, and give her this opportunity to fully enjoy her break. She says that for all they know, Adora is out partying that's why she can't answer the phone. Dorina laughs at the thought.

In the hospital, Adora is being checked by the doctor. She is in terrible pain and she holds on tightly to a framed family photo as she lies face down on the bed.

Emilio, Rosamia, and Dorina are in the kitchen the next day. Dorina is preparing a sandwich. Rosamia reminds Emilio that Bencho will be returning home from her camping trip and that Emilio needs to pick her up from school.

Emilio says he's sure that Bencho will be hungry after the trip. He asks if a snack has been prepared.

Rosamia replies, saying that Dorina is preparing the snack. She asks Emilio to get it from the table and absentmindedly calls him "ling" (short for darling?). Both Dorina and Emilio pause and turn to look at Rosamia. She realizes her slip and quickly says -- see, Dorina is making Ma Ling (a brand of luncheon meat) sandwiches.

Dorina and Emilio exchange smiles but they wisely do not comment about Rosamia's lame excuse. With her back turned to them, Rosamia finds herself smiling as well.

The producer of the indie movie meets with Nico at a restaurant and shares his frustrations with Lavinia. He says that they really regret getting her. Nico says he's partly to blame since he recommended Lavinia. The producer says it's a shame because Lavinia is actually great in the movie role. Now as it is, they don't have enough funds to finish the project

Nico asks the producer if they can continue if they were to get another investor. The producer says yes, but wonders who would invest. Nico says he will.

Lavinia and Larry are watching an entertainment talk show and learn that there are now rumors that Lavinia's movie will be canceled. The talk show hosts remarks cattily that Lavinia might as well be called the "Cancellation Diva" since she canceled has her concert, then her shows in the past. And now her movie is at risk.

The talk show host says it's all apparently because of Lavinia's Diva Attitude. The hosts says Lavinia should be careful because she can quickly go from being the "Shining Star" to a "Falling Star" -- and the only possible ending they can expect from that will be a Canceled Career.

Larry turns off the TV then reveals to Lavinia that the indie movie producer has called and confirmed that the movie has been canceled. Lavinia is shocked. Larry tells her that the movie ran out of money because of her lack of professionalism. She denies being the problem and says the producer is just conveniently making her the scapegoat.

Larry doesn't buy the "I'm innocent" act and tells her this has to stop, that she should stop blaming other people for her faults. He tells her it's bad enough that he has trouble getting her projects, she has to go and mess up the projects that he manages to get. It's all over town already that she's difficult to work with. He tells her bluntly that her downfall may be just around the corner, and that it will be his downfall as well.

Lavinia becomes teary-eyed and says she's not a has-been and that she's not on her way down. Larry quietly tells her that if she doesn't change her attitude, that's where she's headed.

Bencho is in the van with Emilio on the way home from school. She excitedly talks about her camping experiences. As they drive down the street, Bencho notices one of the pedestrians and exclaims to Emilio that it's Aling Minda who is crossing the street.

Bencho tells Emilio that she thought Aling Minda was with Adora in Boracay. She wonders what Minda is doing in Manila. Emilio has no answer.

___

Tag: Summary

Friday, August 25, 2006

Episode 15.5

Rosamia is on the brink of telling Dorina the truth, but at the last moment, tears well in her eyes and she tells Dorina that she's giving these presents to her because she has grown to love Dorina like her own daughter -- which is why she no longer needs to keep those presents.

Dorina tells Rosamia that she shouldn't talk like that, because it sounds like Rosamia has given up hope of ever seeing her daughter again. Dorina asks Rosamia not to give up hope and to keep believing that the day will come when her family will be whole once again.

Rosamia says she truly does believe, which is why she no longer needs the presents. She tells Dorina that when she and her daughter are reunited, she will buy her daughter a new gift, to mark the start of their new life together.

Jack visits Rita and finds her hard at work doing the laundry. She apologizes for not having enough time to spend with him, and enumerates all the other chores she needs to finish. Jack offers to help, but Rita says it's okay, that the laundry won't take long.

Jack learns from her that Lavinia is out shooting a movie, leaving Rita to take care of things at home since Lavinia has fired the maids.

When Rita mentions she still needs to take care of Barbara, Jack asks her who's taking care of her. Rita almost cries but she manages to pretend that she's fine. She tells Jack she doesn't need someone to take care of her since she's not sick. Jack just quietly watches her. Emotions finally overwhelm Rita and she starts crying. Jack comforts her.

At the Zoni office, Jack tells Zossimo, Dorina, and Gary that Rita can't play with the band anymore because she has to take care of Barbara. Zossimo says he'll call his contacts and see if they can find another guitarist. He asks Jack to extend his regards to Rita the next time they see each other, then leaves to make his calls.

Dorina asks Jack if Rita needs any help. She says she actually wants to visit, but she doesn't know how Lavinia will react. Jack says it's probably better if Dorina doesn't visit, because that house is too depressing. He says it's no wonder Rita is also depressed.

Dorina tells Jack that Rita probably needs their company even more now, to cheer her up. Gary agrees and says they haven't even had a chance to celebrate their successful concert. Dorina says now might be a good time and Gary agrees. Dorina asks Gary if it will be alright for her to invite Oman. Gary says yes, although it's obvious that he's not thrilled at the prospect. Dorina urges Jack to call Rita and invite her.

At the Arguelles home, Rita tells Jack over the phone that she can't go with them because no one will be around to take care of Barbara. Lavinia walks into the living room just in time to overhear Rita telling Jack that they should push through even without her because they deserve to celebrate, especially Dorina.

Lavinia asks her what the call is about, if the band is going out drinking. Rita tells her not to worry, she's not going with them. Lavinia puts on an act and urges Rita to go ahead and join the band, and volunteers to take care of Barbara that evening.

Rita is thrilled and gets back on the phone to tell Jack that she can join them after all. She asks where they'll be at and repeats the name of the bar. Lavinia overhears. Rita tells Jack she'll meet them there before hanging up.

Rita thanks Lavinia again for letting her go, and even kisses her sister on the cheek. Lavinia tells Rita to make sure Dorina has a good time. Lavinia says she may be annoyed with Dorina, but she also feels sorry for the girl because she does nothing but work. Rita thanks her again and runs up the stairs to change.

Lavinia calls Oscar and tells him that Dorina will be at the Goblet Bar that night. She tells him she wants a photo of Dorina drunk, and orders him to make it happen.

Lavinia brings Barbara dinner in her mother's bedroom. She places the tray on Barbara's lap and pushes a spoon into Barbara's right hand. She tells her mother that she can feed herself, then starts to leave the bedroom. But Barbara manages to mumble and ask Lavinia for help. Lavinia isn't pleased with this, but she sits down and starts to prepare the food.

Barbara mumbles again to Lavinia, while looking at her earnestly. It sounds as if she's asking for Lavinia's forgiveness. Lavinia is disturbed and immediately stands up. She tells her mother that she should learn to eat on her own, then hurriedly leaves the bedroom.

Outside Barbara's bedroom, Lavinia starts to cry before she manages to compose herself. Barbara cries in her own bedroom as well.

At the Goblet Bar, Oscar is sitting at the bar watching the band celebrate. He asks the waiter what they're drinking and learns that it's all soft drinks and iced tea.

At home, Rosamia learns from Emilio that Dorina is out with her friends and will be calling when she's ready to be picked up. Rosamia is disappointed. She had apparently prepared a special dinner as a surprise for Dorina. Emilio suggests that she set aside the meal, because she can still serve it tomorrow.

Emilio is about to leave when Rosamia stops him and asks him to stay instead and join her for dinner, saying that the food won't taste as good if she serves it again the next day. Emilio is surprised, but he grabs the chance to spend time with Rosamia. He says he'll be back after he's had a chance to change his shirt.

At the bar, a waiter delivers a bottle of liquor to Dorina's table, saying it's a gift from a fan. Gary asks which fan, and the waiter turns around to check the bar, but finds Oscar gone. He says it was someone seated at the bar a while ago. Jack asks the waiter to point out the fan when he sees him so they have a chance to thank him.

Jack opens the bottle and starts shots of liquor around the table. Dorina turns down the liquor and says she'll stick to her iced tea. Oscar keeps a watchful eye from the sidelines.

Emilio and Rosamia prepare for their dinner separately. Emilio changes into a fresh shirt and Rosamia goes through the trouble of putting on makeup and brushing her hair. She stares at her reflection in the mirror and asks herself what she's doing. In another room, Emilio sprays on some cologne and at the same time tells himself not to hope too much.

They arrive at the dining table at the same time. Emilio pulls out Rosamia's chair for her then takes his own seat. They have a few awkward moments, but are soon settled down with food on their plates. Emilio tells Rosamia that it suits her to have her hair this way, that she looks lovelier. Rosamia thanks him and says he also looks quite handsome tonight.

Oscar returns to his seat at the bar, still waiting. Dorina asks a waiter for a refill on her iced tea. The waiter brings her nearly empty glass to the bar and places it on the bar counter for the bartender to refill. Oscar quickly pours a shot of liquor into Dorina's half-empty glass while the waiter and the bartender are distracted by other duties. The bartender eventually refills the glass and the waiter brings the spiked iced tea back to Dorina's table. Oscar watches expectantly.

Dorina sips from the glass and notices something different about her drink, but she doesn't complain. Oscar watches as Dorina continues to sip her drink.

___

Tag: Summary

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Episode 15.4

Rosamia tells Dorina she doesn't know how she feels about Emilio anymore because she has been so angry with him for 18 years. But her anger has been fading now that she is hopeful that she will be reunited with her daughter.

Rosamia tells Dorina her family will be whole once again, although she asks Dorina not to ask how she's sure. Dorina is thrilled, and asks Rosamia if that means Rosamia and Emilio will be reconciled. Rosamia laughs and asks Dorina if she's trying to play matchmaker again. Dorina laughs and says she just knows that Emilio truly loves Rosamia, and since Emilio is Rosamia's only love, she hopes the estranged couple will be together again one day.

Emilio walks into the living room just then. Rosamia immediately asks him how long he has been standing there. Emilio looks puzzled and says he just arrived. Rosamia asks him how much he overheard of her conversation with Dorina. Emilio says he didn't hear anything. Half-joking, he asks if they were talking about him. Rosamia is quick to say no.

Emilio tells them he's leaving the house because he needs to have the car vulcanized. As the turns away, Dorina and Rosamia share a guilty laugh, prompting Emilio to turn around and look at them. When Rosamia asks him what he's looking at, Emilio smiles broadly and says that he heard her laugh, and that it made him happy. Dorina and Emilio smile at each other before Emilio leaves.

Dorina teases Rosamia about the situation and Rosamia pretends to be unaffected by the prospect of being with Emilio again. But she cannot completely hide her smile.

Nico is in a meeting with an indie movie producer and director. The producer says that the professional fee isn't that large, but the material is fantastic and the director is being compared to the late Lino Brocka. He thinks the movie will be a worthy entry in foreign filmfests and would love for Dorina to be in it.

Nico says he agrees that it's a great script, and that he likes the director's other films, and even says the professional fee isn't the problem. He simply feels that Dorina is too young for the script that they've got. They ask him if there's a chance he will reconsider, but Nico says his decision is final.

The producer says he's eager to get Dorina because she's the hottest artist right now. Nico says there are a lot of other artists around, and that one artist actually came to mind while he was reading the script -- Lavinia Arguelles.

The director agrees that Lavinia is perfect for the role, but there's no way Lavinia would take it because the professional fee is too small. Nico tells them that if they truly want Lavinia, he can arrange for her to accept the role.

Lavinia is watching the entertainment news and learns that Nico met with one of the indie directors and that it looks like Dorina will soon be in the movies as well. Lavinia immediately calls Larry and asks him if he's heard about the role that's being offered to Dorina. She tells him that she wants that role and that Larry should steal it from Dorina.

In Nico's office, the indie producer is on the speakerphone thanking Nico for his help, because Larry has expressed interest in the role for Lavinia.

After Nico ends the call, Zossimo asks him if he choreographed the whole thing just so Lavinia will get the movie. Nico says he knows Larry and Lavinia -- that they always try to steal Dorina's projects, and obviously his ploy worked.

Zossimo asked him why he bothered. Nico says he felt sorry for Lavinia, and that he feels guilty for the state of Lavinia's career. Zossimo disagrees and says they only made Dorina popular; they didn't do anything to harm Lavinia.

Nico rationalizes that Dorina doesn't need the project anyway, so it's no loss to Zoni or Dorina. Zossimo tells Nico he's not fooling anyone. He didn't do this out of pity or guilt. Nico asks him what he means. Zossimo tells him that Nico is always aware of what's going on with Lavinia. And that whenever something goes wrong with Lavinia, he's always there to offer his support.

Nico defends his actions, saying he's still Lavinia's friend. Zossimo tells him it's more than friendship. He saw the look on Nico's face when Lavinia was with Larry. Nico asks him what he's implying. Zossimo tells Nico that he's still in love with Lavinia. Nico does not deny it.

In the hospital, Barbara is seated in a wheelchair and Rita is packing up their bags; they are checking out. Lavinia arrives and asks if they're ready to go. She tells them the car is waiting.

Rita tells her not to bother because they'll be taking a cab. Lavinia tells the orderly that she'll take care of wheeling her mother out of the hospital. After the orderly leaves, Lavinia says sharply to Rita that there's no need to be so melodramatic. They will get in her car and they will go home to Lavinia's house.

Rita asks her why bother? Just to put on another show for people? Lavinia smiles with false sweetness and says of course. She wouldn't want people to think that she has abandoned them. Lavinia tells Barbara to smile once they're outside because they're going to have their pictures taken.

Adora is in her own hospital room, feeling nauseated when her cellphone rings. It is Dorina. Adora puts up a good front and tells Dorina that she's just been eating, sleeping, and enjoying herself on her vacation. Dorina says they must be really having a great time because she hasn't even called. Adora apologizes and says the signal is usually weak and that it's lucky Dorina's call got through this time.

Adora asks Dorina how things are, and whether or not she's getting along well with Rosamia. Dorina says things are going great and that she and Rosamia are frequently chatting. Dorina asks Adora when they expect to be back. Adora says they're enjoying themselves so much that they might extend their vacation.

Adora then asks to talk to Emilio. Once Emilio is on the phone, Adora asks if Dorina is starting to notice anything. Emilio says no and asks her how she's doing. Adora says she's having a hard time but that she'll deal with it. Adora asks if Rosamia has told Dorina the truth. Emilio says no and that Rosamia is content with the way things are now. He thanks Adora for giving Rosamia a chance to grow closer to Dorina.

Adora says Dorina seems to be enjoying Rosamia's company, and that Dorina doesn't even seem to miss Adora. Emilio says that Dorina is just trying to put up a brave front but she really misses Adora.

Rosamia notices that Dorina is watching Emilio intently as he talks to Adora on the phone, and asks Dorina if she's worried about her mother. Dorina says yes, and that she's wondering why Emilio and Adora are talking for so long. What would be there to talk about? Rosamia says it might be things related to the restaurant. To distract Dorina, Rosamia says she thinks she and Dorina should go out tomorrow. Dorina is happy at the prospect and asks where they'll be going.

Rita, Lavinia, and Barbara arrive at Lavinia's home. Rita pushes the wheelchair into the foyer. Lavinia tells Rita that there are no more maids so they'll have to fend for themselves, then climbs up the stairs leaving her mother and sister in the living room.

Emilio, Rosamia, and Dorina go out together for dinner at one of the seaside picnic grounds along the bay. At one point, Emilio gives Rosamia his jacket when he notices that she's feeling cold. Dorina watches them with a smile on her face. When the meal is ready, they all eat together, and Rosamia enjoys this opportunity to fuss over Dorina.

At the end of the day, they return home and Emilio points out that one of the pineapples they bought is almost overripe. He turns to Rosamia and offers to prepare the fruit, and absentmindedly calls her by an endearment before he catches himself. Dorina teasingly asks him what he just called Rosamia, but Emilio evades answering the question and excuses himself. Rosamia makes her own escape up the stairs as well, leaving Dorina alone in the living room smiling to herself.

At Lavinia's house, Rita is doing her best to feed Barbara, while Lavinia eats her own meal at the other end of the table. Barbara is not interested in eating, but Rita keeps trying, saying Barbara won't get well if she doesn't eat. Lavinia cannot stand to watch them and she leaves the table.

Later that night, Emilio is drinking coffee in the kitchen when Rosamia enters and is surprised to see him. He asks Rosamia if she feels uneasy about him being there because he can leave. Rosamia says it's up to him, she doesn't mind.

Emilio asks her if she can forgive him now that she is reunited with her daughter. Rosamia tells him that time will come, before she leaves to returns upstairs.

Rosamia visits Dorina in her bedroom to find her daughter lying in bed but still awake. Dorina says she really enjoyed their outing. Rosamia tells her they can always do it again.

Rosamia is about to leave the bedroom when Dorina asks her if she would mind sleeping there with Dorina. Rosamia smiles sweetly and Dorina asks her if she is remembering her daughter. Rosamia says yes, that she feels like her daughter is right there with her.

The two of them crawl under the blankets and Dorina falls fast asleep. Rosamia savors the bittersweet moment.

On location at the shooting of the indie movie, the director is complaining that their lead artist is already two hours late. The producer says that Lavinia's RM says she's on her way. Just then, Lavinia arrives in her van and an excited crowd of fans cheer her as she steps out of the vehicle.

Lavinia tells the producer that the location of the shoot is so difficult to find, and that they've been going around in circles trying to look for the place. The producer placates her, saying that at least she's there now. He leads her to a nearby table under an umbrella and says that this is her standby area. Lavinia is horrified. She asks him if there's no airconditioning. He says he can give her electric fans and asks for her patience.

Oscar visits Lavinia at the set. Lavinia asks her make-up artist to step aside for a while so they can talk privately. She asks Oscar what's new. Oscar tells her Dorina is too wholesome and he can't find any dirt on her. Lavinia orders him to make something up, and tells him she doesn't want to put up with more projects like this one.

Dorina wakes up the next day to find herself alone in her bedroom. She is surprised to see a large pile of gift-wrapped presents laid out along the foot of the bed. Just then, Rosamia enters and Dorina asks her why all these gifts are there. Rosamia smiles and says she's giving these presents to Dorina.

Dorina is confused and reminds Rosamia that these are the gifts that she has set aside all these years for her missing daughter. Why would she be giving these gifts to Dorina?

Rosamia sits down on the bed and holds Dorina's hands. She stares at Dorina for a long moment, trying to find the right words.

___

Tag: Summary

Episode 15.3

Adora and Minda arrive at the hospital room. Adora brings out a framed family photo of herself and her two daughters and looks at it lovingly. Minda hugs her.

Dorina arrives at home in a cab to find Gary waiting beside his truck on her driveway. He tells her he's been trying to call her cellphone and she hasn't been answering. She says she forgot her cellphone at home and apologizes.

When Gary asks her if she's feeling okay, Dorina tells him she misses Adora because her mother is on vacation. Bencho is gone on a camping trip. And Oman is not at home, so she's feeling blue.

Gary asks her if that's really all that's bothering her. When Dorina doesn't answer, he assures her that he's always there for her whatever problems she may have. He places an arm around her and she leans her head on his shoulder.

Libby tells Larry that Lavinia's endorsers do not want to sign on as sponsors for Lavinia's concert. Despite La Calma's official story that Lavinia's concert was cancelled because of Barbara's stroke, there were enough people at the concert venue who know the truth and word has gotten around.

Lavinia puts on a show of fussing over Barbara in the hospital room while a nurse is checking on Barbara. But she drops the act as soon as the nurse leaves the room, and she tells Rita she's going home.

Barbara, still semi-paralyzed, mumbles incoherently from the bed. Although it takes several attempts, Rita finally understands that Barbara wants to talk to Lavinia about the night of her stroke. Rita tells Lavinia she thought her sister had not had a chance to talk to their mother.

Rita asks Lavinia what she did to their mother. Lavinia tries to deny any wrongdoing, but Rita says she'll learn the truth anyway so Lavinia might as well admit it. On the spot, Lavinia finally admits that she and her mother argued, but that it was Barbara who started the fight, and she only fought back.

Lavinia reminds Barbara that she's often told them that only the strong survive. She says it's not her fault if Barbara is a lot weaker than she expected.

Lavinia walks out of the room. Barbara keeps mumbling, trying to stop Lavinia from leaving, but the singer ignores her mother. Rita can only try to comfort Barbara.

Gary and Dorina finish dinner in the kitchen of the Pineda home and Gary insists on washing up since Dorina cooked dinner. Just then, there's a knock on the door and Dorina finds Rosamia outside with an overnight bag in her hands.

Rosamia reveals that Adora had asked her to stay with Dorina while she's away for a while. Dorina is surprised but happy with this arrangement.

At the hospital room, Adora asks Minda if Rosamia is already at the house. Minda asks if Adora has no plans of calling Dorina to talk to her. Adora says no, that she doesn't want to disturb the time that mother and daughter have together.

Minda asks her why she arranged to have Rosamia stay at the house, especially since it gives Rosamia a chance to tell Dorina the truth. Adora says Rosamia is Dorina's mother and that she has a right to tell Dorina.

Minda worries that Adora may go home to find Dorina and Rosamia gone. Adora says she's sure Dorina won't leave her. Minda asks her what happens if she's wrong. Adora says it will be okay, since she's done her part to reunite a family. She will have done something good. But it's apparent from the look on her face that the thought of losing Dorina truly pains her.

Dorina is in ber bedroom being tucked into bed by Rosamia. Dorina remarks that they shouldn't have asked Gary to leave so early, but Rosamia says that Dorina needs to rest because lack of sleep will be bad for her voice.

Dorina remarks that Rosamia is a lot stricter than Adora. They laugh and Dorina says that she's sure Rosamia would have been a wonderful mother to her missing daughter. Rosamia says she's sure her daughter would have been a good daughter, much like Dorina.

They bid each other goodnight, and Dorina turns in bed and closes her eyes. Rosamia caresses Dorina's hair as she watches her daughter fall asleep. She starts humming "Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan" like a lullaby. She is overcome by emotion by this opportunity to be near her daughter.

Unknown to Rosamia, Emilio is standing at the doorway of Dorina's bedroom, watching his wife and daughter together, silent tears streaming down his face.

Adora prays in her hospital bed, telling God she works hard at putting up a brave front, but in reality she's so afraid. She pleads for His mercy and His healing. She says God is her only hope. She wants to live, to be with her children.

The next day, Lavinia looks over the hospital bill in Barbara's room and remarks to Rita that the amount owed is getting quite large and asks how they intend to settle the bill. Rita asks her if she has no plans to help. Lavinia feigns surprise and says she thought they were both completely independent now and that they don't need her.

Rita tells her that now is the time for them to be united. Lavinia remarks that they pick a convenient time to befriend her -- when they're in need. Lavinia tells her they might as well tell her that they're interested only in her money.

Rita tells her it's not money that they need, rather it's Lavinia's support and love as a daughter that's needed. Lavinia scoffs at the notion of love and says that Barbara has turned her into stone. And a stone does not love. Lavinia leaves the room, leaving Rita alone to worry while Barbara sleeps.

Emilio turns away from the bedroom door and hurriedly wipes away his tears when Rosamia comes out of the bedroom. She asks him if he has no plans to go home.

Emilio explains that Adora asked him to stay at the house while she's away so that they're not just two women alone at home. Rosamia accepts the explanation, then asks him why he's looking at her like that.

Emilio explains that he saw the way Rosamia with Dorina earlier, and it was just like old times. He says it looked like they were a family again. Rosamia quietly but angrily says that they only seem like a family -- it's only an illusion, and that's what makes it painful. She walks away.

The next day, Nico arrives at Dorina's house to see her. Dorina hesitates a moment before appearing in the living room. Nico learns from her that Rosamia is staying with Dorina while Adora is away on vacation.

Nico tells her he thinks they need to talk about their relationship. He hesitates a bit then says that Dorina is important to him, and that she's not difficult to love. Dorina carefully responds that Nico is also important to her, and that she sees him as an older brother. Nico is surprised, but he's relieved and says that this is good, because he considers her as a sister. He's happy that they think and feel the same way.

Nico then excuses himself, saying he needs to meet some indie producers who want to get Dorina as an artist and that he needs to review the script. When Dorina stands up and makes no move to go with him, he asks her if she's going to walk him to the door.

As they walk towards the door, Nico places an arm around Dorina's shoulder companionably. He tells her that if he likes the script, they'll accept the job. Dorina agrees. Just before leaving, Nico asks Dorina to extend his regards to Rosamia. Dorina slowly closes behind him.

Larry informs Lavinia that he and Libby have tried everything but no one wants to get Lavinia. She tells him it's unacceptable. Larry suggests that they wait for the negative publicity to pass while they figure out how to repackage her. He thinks she needs to reinvent herself with a new image.

Lavinia says she refuses to hide like someone who's been defeated. She says she refuses to be defeated by an uneducated, good-for-nothing, sampaguita vendor and that Dorina is beneath her.

Larry says there's nothing they can do right now. Lavinia says he may want to cower and hide, but she will stop at nothing until she brings Dorina down. They were able to destroy Rosamia before, and she can destroy Dorina now. She walks out of Larry's office.

Dorina turns away from the door after Nico leaves and starts crying when Rosamia appears in the living room. Rosamia hugs her to comfort her.

After she has calmed down, Dorina tells Rosamia that she thought Nico was the one she would love for the rest of her life, but it turns out he doesn't love her in that way. She says it's painful, and that it's only now that she realizes this is what love is like. She says she doesn't want to love anymore.

Rosamia says Dorina only feels that way because she was hurt, and that she'll change her mind one day. Dorina stubbornly says she won't change her mind anymore.

Rosamia asks about Gary and Oman, since the two of them are courting her. Dorina says they've both tired of waiting for her. Rosamia disagrees and says they're always there, waiting for her. It's just that she's been so focused on Nico lately that she doesn't realize it. Rosamia encourages Dorina to give them a chance.

Dorina says she's not ready. Rosamia says it's only natural since Dorina is still young, and she still has much to go through. But Rosamia also explains that love is hit or miss -- you can fall in love again, or you can get hurt again. That's just the way it is.

Dorina asks Rosamia how you can know who you're truly meant to be with. Rosamia says when it's there, you'll know. Dorina asks if that's how it was with her. She asks how long it took before Rosamia found Emilio.

Rosamia admits that Emilio is her first and last love. Dorina asks her if that means Emilio is her only love, and whether or not Rosamia still loves him. Rosamia has no answer.

___

Tag: Summary

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Episode 15.2

Bencho and Dorina are talking at home. Bencho is excited about her upcoming camping trip. Just then, Adora appears in the living room with a bandana over her head, claiming it's a new fashion statement. She says she's willing to put up with the heat for the sake of beauty, before going into the kitchen.

Larry draws back the drapes in Lavinia's bedroom as Lavinia wakes up the next day. When she asks after Nico, he tells her Nico left the night before and that he stayed the night. Lavinia thanks him. Larry tells her he'd do anything for her because he loves her.

Adora reads a glowing review of Dorina's concert: "But the best part of the concert was when Dorina sang her single with no less than Ms. Rosamia herself. It was truly a heart-warming performance." Bencho reads another review: "Dorina is a force to be reckoned with."

Bencho congratulates Dorina for beating Lavinia, but Dorina says it was only because of Barbara's illness that Lavinia had to cancel her concert.

Lavinia is besieged with with questions from reporters as she arrives at the hospital with Larry. They are relentless with their questions, forcing Larry to cut off the ambush interview.

When Lavinia insists on learning when her concert will be rescheduled, Larry tells her the truth: her sponsors have all pulled out because she's no longer reliable and she's no longer the old Lavinia. Lavinia tells him he's got money and he can sponsor her concert all by himself. Larry reveals that he hasn't yet recovered the money that he spent on her concert, and he has no idea if he'll be able to get a loan because he's really buried in debt.

Lavinia is shocked. She asks him if this means the end of La Calma, the end of her career? She tearfully tells him that he has to do something because she couldn't handle it if she can no longer sing because her career is all she has left. Larry apologizes and assures her that he'll take care of her.

The doctor tells Adora that her prognosis looks good because the chemotherapy is progressing well and that they need to move to the next stage and administer more aggressive therapy. She tells Adora that they need to admit her to the hospital and that an outpatient arrangement will not be good enough because her immune system will be weakened by the treatment.

Later at the dinner table, Bencho says she's excited about her upcoming camping trip. Dorina notices that Adora is not eating enough and remarks that Adora's bandana looks so hot and suggests that Adora remove it. Adora gives in and removes the bandana, but she obviously has no appetite.

In the hospital, Rita reads the 23rd Psalm to an unconscious Barbara, prompting Lavinia to remark that Rita is just wasting her time. Rita tries to explain that coma patients can sometimes hear. Lavinia tells her that if she's hoping that Barbara will hear and be converted, then she's truly wasting her time.

Just then, Barbara awakens from her coma and moans. Rita excitedly runs out of the room to call a doctor, leaving Lavinia alone in the room with Barbara. With difficulty, Barbara raises a hand towards Lavinia, hoping the singer will come near her. But Lavinia only remarks that the old saying is true -- ang masamang damo mahirap mamatay, before she walks out of the hospital room leaving Barbara alone.

Adora visits Rosamia and asks her for a favor -- she explains that she and Minda will be vacationing for a while and she requests that Rosamia stay with Dorina while she's away. Adora tells Rosamia that this is her chance to act as a parent to Dorina.

Larry and Lavinia see reporters on their way out of the hospital, and Lavinia shares the "good news" that Barbara is now awake. When she's asked if this means that she'll be returning to work soon, Lavinia says she doesn't want to think about that yet because right now she just wants to spend time with her mother. She and Larry leave.

Oman visits the Pineda home and finds Dorina putting the finishing touches on a chocolate cake. When he tries to get a piece, Dorina stops him and he realizes right away that the cake is for Nico. Dorina says that it's just her way of thanking Nico for everything he's done.

Just then, Adora walks into the kitchen and tells Dorina that she will follow her daughter's suggestion about going on vacation for a while with Minda. Dorina is happy to hear this news and approves of the decision. When Dorina asks, Adora says they'll be going to Boracay.

Dorina brings her cake to Nico's office where he and Zossimo are meeting. Nico informs Dorina that her CD sales have doubled since her concert so he and Zossimo are planning to start work on her next CD.

She presents her cake to Nico and belatedly remembers to include Zossimo. She apologizes for the appearance of the cake, saying that she made it herself. Nico assures her that the cake looks great and that he likes chocolate.

Oman and Lolo are trying to review for Oman's upcoming exam at school but Oman is distracted. Lolo realizes that Oman is thinking about Dorina again, and Oman reveals that Dorina's mind is often on someone else, not on him. Lolo tells him it's just as well that he knows the situation.

Dorina leaves Nico and Zossimo's office. Nico remarks that Dorina is sweet and that she even made the cake. Zossimo smothers a laugh and says it's only natural, after all Dorina has a crush on Nico, and she's hoping Nico also likes her. Nico looks puzzled.

Oman shares with Lolo that his life revolves around Dorina, that even his return to school was all for Dorina. Oman asks Lolo what he will do if Dorina is no longer there. Lolo tells him to live for himself. He tells Oman -- Move on, kid!

In the hallway, Dorina meets a Zoni staffer who tells her that one of her sponsors left her a gift basket and that it's in Nico's office. Dorina retraces her steps back to Nico's office. Outside his office door, she stops because she overhears Nico asking Zossimo if he thinks she is hoping for something to happen.

Zossimo says yes, and that it's obvious. He further asks Nico what he's doing -- whether or not he's courting her. Nico responds that he's just trying to be a good manager and a friend. Zossimo says incredulously -- a friend? You're giving her flowers. You go all out to take care of her. At one point she was your date, right? That means you're courting her.

Nico says he didn't realize that it looks like he's leading her on. Zossimo is quick to clarify his position, saying he thinks Dorina is great -- kind, talented, thoughtful, and whoever she marries will be one lucky guy. Nico says he knows that much, and admits that Dorina is very special to him, which is why the last thing he wants is for her to get hurt. He says -- I love Dorina... she's the sister I never had.

Dorina is crushed to hear this. She stands outside Nico's office for a moment, taking in this news. Finally, she turns and slowly walks away from Nico's office.

Bencho leaves for her camping trip, with a lot of last minute instructions from Adora. Adora then makes her own goodbyes to Dorina for her own "vacation," prompting Dorina to repeat the litany of last-minute reminders to her mother. Adora plays along and says "yes" dutifully, but she soon remarks that Dorina doesn't look happy after returning from her visit to Nico's office.

Adora asks if Nico didn't like the cake. Dorina says her visit went well, and that she just knows she'll miss Adora while she's vacationing. Adora says she'll also miss Dorina, since this is the first time they've been apart in such a long time.

After a final hug goodbye, Adora and Minda climb into the van and Emilio drives them away as Dorina waves goodbye. Alone now, Dorina enters her empty house and closes the front doors. In her head, she can still hear Nico saying he loves her like the sister he never had.

Dorina goes to visit Oman, hoping to find someone to talk to. She is immediately accosted by former neighbors who all eagerly greet her. They tell her that Oman is rarely home these days, since he started studying. Dorina says she'll wait for him. The neighbors seize the opportunity to gather around to take photos with Dorina while she's waiting.

In the meantime, Oman is still in school, where he seems to be doing extremely well and spends most of his time hanging out with Kylie. It looks like Oman has taken Lolo's advice to heart and now he's focusing his attention on Kylie.

Adora and Minda check into the hospital for Adora's treatments.

Dorina continues to wait for Oman to return, but by nightfall he still hasn't come home. Dejected, Dorina finally leaves without seeing Oman.

___

Tag: Summary

Monday, August 21, 2006

Episode 15.1

Oman learns from Dorina that Barbara's condition has not changed, that Rita cried through the night, and that Jack stayed with her. Lavinia didn't cry at all, and Dorina speculates that the reality of the situation hasn't hit her yet.

Larry blames Libby for not doing enough to stop the tabloid reporters from printing negative articles about Lavinia's failed concert. He tells her to fix the situation.

Nico toys with the idea of visiting Barbara at the hospital as a way to show support for Lavinia. He also rationalizes the idea by saying Rita is their talent and they've had dealings with Barbara. Zossimo tells him that the decision is up to Nico, but he advises against the visit, saying Larry may not like it.

Rosamia is at home, feeling restless, eager to tell Dorina the truth about her parents. She recalls all the events that led to their present, and leaves her home intent on telling Dorina the truth.

Nico goes to Lavinia's home to leave her flowers. Inside her home, Lavinia flies into a furious rage when she sees tabloid headlines calling her concert a flop. Nico hears the sound of breaking glass inside Lavinia's home and rushes inside to find Lavinia ripping the tabloids to shreds on the floor. He tries to comfort her, even though she blames him for everything.

Oman accompanies Bencho with a guitar as the child performs a short song for Dorina. Adora and Minda arrive home from the hospital just then, with Adora looking exhausted from her chemotherapy.

Adora excuses herself to go upstairs with Minda. Dorina notices that Adora is not feeling too well and follows her mother up the stairs in time to catch Adora vomiting into the sink. Minda quickly makes up an excuse about Adora having eaten something that disagrees with her.

Dorina wants to ask more questions, but the doorbell rings and Minda asks her to answer it. Dorina goes down and opens the door to find Rosamia, who says she has something important to tell Dorina.

Oman and Bencho excuse themselves from the living room so Rosamia and Dorina can talk. Rosamia broaches the subject by saying she has learned something important about her missing daughter. Before she can say more, Adora comes down the stairs and immediately, Dorina is concerned.

Rosamia grows dejected as she hears Dorina fussing over Adora, saying that her mother is the most important thing in the world to her. Rosamia quickly makes her goodbyes, saying she forgot an important appointment. On her way out, she takes one last look back and sees Dorina fussing over Adora.

Rosamia encounters Emilio on the driveway. She tells Emilio that Dorina loves her mother so much, and that it should have been her. She starts crying and Emilio tries to comfort her.

Dorina tells Adora that stress must be causing her illness because she's been working too hard. Dorina asks Adora to take it easy with her work, after all, Dorina is earning a decent income now. She suggests that Adora and Minda take a break, maybe a vacation for a while.

When Dorina and Bencho leave the bedroom, Minda advises Adora to tell her children the truth, because it's getting harder to conceal the symptoms of her illness. But Adora stubbornly refuses to let the children worry.

Lavinia is lying in bed in her bedroom, with Nico sitting next to her. She seems groggy and she tearfully asks him if he's happy because he has achieved his objective of ruining her career. He quietly tells her he's sorry, then stands up to make a phone call on his cellphone. He tells Larry that he's at Lavinia's home and that Lavinia needs him there.

Dorina signs the delivery slip for a new bouquet of white roses just as Oman is leaving her house. She opens the card and reads: To my special girl. Much love, Nico. Oman isn't too happy to see yet more flowers for Dorina.

She debates as to how she should go about thanking Nico for the flowers and as she mumbles to herself, Oman watches her and becomes increasingly impatient. He finally leaves. Dorina is too happy to be bothered by his rude behavior.

Emilio and Rosamia are together by the bay. He tells her that Dorina has a different world now, a different name, a different family. They cannot afford to shatter her world. Rosamia asks if they should be content with just being spectators, because they remain outside Dorina's world.

Emilio says it should be enough that they see their daughter everyday. With him as Dorina's driver, and Rosamia as a dear friend. Rosamia says it's not enough for her, because Dorina does not recognize her as her mother. She says she doesn't know how much longer she can bear this.

Larry arrives at Lavinia's home and finds Nico in the living room. Nico tells Larry that Lavinia is upstairs and that he gave her some sleeping pills so she can rest. He tells Larry to go to her because she needs him. Larry goes upstairs.

Adora gives Bencho permission to join her 5-day camping trip, much to Bencho's excitment. When Bencho leaves the bedroom, Adora starts to brush her hair and becomes alarmed when large chunks of hair start to come off her head.

___

Tag: Summary

Friday, August 18, 2006

Episode 14.5

Dorina's concert begins. She performs "Felt So Right" to the applause and enjoyment of her audience. Adora, Oman, and Bencho are seated in front.

As Dorina sings, Rosamia tearfully makes her way into the audience and Emilio follows her. Emilio quietly tells her that he cannot bear for Dorina to lose everything she has worked so hard for. He tells Rosamia to look at the audience, at all the people who admire their daughter. He says he doesn't want them to wreck her future. Rosamia tells him that she's still Dorina's mother, and that they had no right to keep Dorina away from her. She leaves him and walks to the seat that Dorina has reserved for her in the front row and sits down, still crying.

Onstage, Rita notices the empty seat that is reserved for her mother. As Dorina and the band perform, she continues to search the audience for Barbara.

The audience applauds wildly as Dorina's first song ends.

Barbara is rushed by paramedics into the emergency room. The doctor orders a CT scan and labwork. The paramedics say it looks like she had a stroke.

In her dressing room, Lavinia is practically wailing as she frantically asks Larry why there are so few people in the audience. She refuses to go out on stage and perform. Larry becomes upset and asks what he is supposed to tell the people who arrived? Lavinia says he can tell them she got sick, or that she had an accident, or that she committed suicide. She doesn't care! She just refuses to face that near-empty audience because it's simply too embarrassing.

Larry angrily tells her he has shelled out so much money to organize the concert. He can't afford to cancel the show. What about the sponsors? What about the people who came all the way to the convert venue?

Lavinia asks -- what about me?! She is frantic and panicking. She says she doesn't want people to say that her concert flopped and that she's now a has-been. She says she couldn't bear it.

Just then, Libby enters the dressing room and Lavinia angrily turns on her and says Libby should not bother them now. Libby apologizes for the interruption, but says that it's important. She tells Lavinia that Barbara has suffered a stroke at the entrance of the concert venue.

At Dorina's concert, she thanks the audience for their continuous support. She says the evening would not have been a success without them. She thanks her fans for their loyalty and for staying with her from the release of her first single.

Larry appears on the empty stage at Lavinia's concert. There are only a handful of people in the audience. He announces that the show has been cancelled because Lavinia's mother suffered a major stroke and Lavinia needs to be with her. The dozen or so people in the audience boo him. Larry asks for their support and apologizes before walking off the stage. Jay and Chris are just as unhappy with the way things have turned out.

Lavinia arrives at the hospital and asks the doctor how her mother is. The doctor says that Barbara is still unconscious and that her condition is unstable.

Dorina introduces her final song for the concert by inviting Rosamia to come up on stage. She acknowledges Rosamia as the composer of the song she is about to sing, which is also the first single she recorded. Rosamia at first hesitates but she cannot bear to disappoint Dorina. She joins her daughter onstage.

Rosamia fights back tears as she and Dorina perform "Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan" together. Adora and Emilio are moved to tears as they watch mother and daughter perform such a meaningful song together.

Lavinia enters Barbara's hospital room to find her mother connected to various medical equipment, including a respirator. Barbara is unconscious.

The audience rises to their feet in a standing ovation at the end of the duet. Rosamia starts to speak -- she says she'd like to tell Dorina in front of everyone... her voice trails off as she looks out to the crowd and sees Emilio in the audience. Dorina prompts her, and Rosamia continues: Congratulations. You deserve all the great things you have accomplished. Nobody deserves it more than you. We all love you so much. The two women hug each other.

Lavinia cries as she watches Barbara lie motionless on the hospital bed.

Backstage at Dorina's concert, Rosamia waits for Dorina to appear after the concert, hoping to talk to her, but reporters immediately flock around Dorina before Rosamia can reach her. Behind Dorina, Zossimo receives a call on his cellphone, and he moves away from the crowd to answer it.

The reporters ask Dorina how she feels now that she has proven that she's more popular than Lavinia. Dorina downplays the comparison, and says just because her concert was successful it doesn't mean that she's more popular. When another reporter asks when Dorina's next concert will be, Nico says they'll decide after they've had a chance to celebrate.

Rosamia sees all the reporters and moves a safe distance away from them. Emilio walks up behind her and asks Rosamia if she has told Dorina the truth.

The male members of the band are in good spirits when Zossimo walks up to them looking worried. Gary asks him when they will be celebrating. Zossimo tells them the celebration may be postponed. Apparently, Lavinia has canceled her concert. Jack says that gives them all the more reason to celebrate, because it means they won. Zossimo does not respond to that statement. He merely asks them where Rita is, and learns that she's in the dressing room.

Just then, Rita appears in the hallway with her guitar and asks if any of them have seen Barbara. She says she can't reach her mother, and that Barbara had been planning to watch their concert. The guys are fall silent, prompting her to ask what's wrong. Zossimo quietly tells her that Libby called and that Barbara has suffered a stroke. Rita is shocked and doesn't know what to say.

Emilio says to Rosamia that like him, she cannot figure out how to tell Dorina the truth either. Rosamia admits that this is the wrong place and the wrong time. But she guarantees to Emilio that she will still reveal the truth to Dorina.

Emilio asks her if she realizes what she's saying. After all, she knows what the world is like. Once people know the truth, what happened to Rosamia can just as easily happen to Dorina. What will people say when they learn that Dorina's father is an ex-convict and that her mother is a drunk whose life is ruined?

She angrily tells him that her life was ruined because he lost their child. But now she's been found. She still holds it against him that he has hidden the truth from her all this time, and from Dorina. But she tells him that things will change soon, because Dorina will soon know the truth.

Emilio tells her that he will not try to stop her. He only asks that Rosamia think of what's best for Dorina. Think of everything that she will lose, everything that she has worked so hard for, think of her future. Can Rosamia truly bear to take that away from her own child?

Rosamia has no answer. She walks away from Emilio and encounters Adora and Bencho further down the corridor. The two women look at each other for a moment, but there's nothing more to say. Rosamia finally leaves the concert venue.

Lavinia leaves Barbara's hospital room. In the hallway, she sees Jack and Rita running in. Rita immediately asks her how Barbara is. Lavinia goes on the offensive, asking Rita how their concert can be more important, how she could wait until they finished the concert before showing up at the hospital.

Rita explains that that she didn't know, that Lavinia didn't call her right away. She asks Lavinia what she did to Barbara. Lavinia is shocked by the accusation. Rita says she knows Barbara went to see Lavinia, that Barbara had her attack in front of Lavinia's concert venue. Lavinia lies and says that she never got to see Barbara, that Barbara had her attack before they got a chance to talk.

At the entrance to Lavinia's concert venue, Larry informs reporters that Lavinia is now at the hospital, that she rushed there as soon as she heard the news about her mother. The reporters are skeptical. They ask if something really happened, or if this is just an excuse to cancel the concert because so few people came. Larry says they would not invent such a crisis. A reporter remarks that they can't deny that only a few people came to Lavinia's concert, unlike Dorina's.

Larry says that's not true. He lies and claims that they canceled Lavinia's concert earlier -- and that's the reason why only a few people came. He says those who came probably did not know it had already been canceled. He dares them to go to the hospital to verify his statement. He tells them they'll find Lavinia's mother in critical condition in the hospital.

Another reporter asks him what will happen now that Lavinia's career and popularity appears to be fading fast. Larry does not answer. He just pushes his way through the reporters and leaves.

Dorina is thrilled that her concert is over and enters her dressing room. Nico follows behind her with a large bouquet of white roses. She is surprised when he presents the flowers and reminds him that he just gave her a rose earlier. Nico smiles and says that if it were in his power to shower her with flowers every day, he would do it. She smiles and thanks him for the bouquet. He tells her that he's so proud of her and hugs her.

Just then, Oman barges into the dressing room with Kylie, causing Dorina and Nico to break the hug. Oman tries to leave the room when he sees Nico, but Dorina insists that they come in. Nico excuses himself. Kylie and Oman congratulate her. Dorina tells Oman he had her worried for a moment because she thought he wouldn't be attending the concert. Oman tells her there's no way he'd miss her concert since he's her number one fan. Kylie disagrees, claiming that she's Dorina's number one fan. Dorina laughs as the two of them continue to bicker.

Kylie notices the bouquet of white roses and asks Dorina if her boyfriend gave her the flowers. Oman's expression changes. Kylie tells Dorina that white roses mean eternal love and that whoever gave her that bouquet considers her very special. Oman is disturbed by this and starts to make his excuses to leave. Dorina invites them to join the victory party, but Oman insists that they need to go, since Kylie has a curfew. Dorina's smile fades as she notices Oman holding Kylie's hand. She accepts Oman's excuse about having an exam the next day and watches as Kylie and Oman leave together, still holding hands.

After they leave, Dorina sits back down in her chair, looking dejected and feeling more than a little jealous.

The next day, Dorina is at home in the kitchen trying to bake a cake when Bencho comes in and says she wasn't able to get Adora's signature on a permission slip for a 5-day school camping trip in Laguna with the girl scouts. Dorina tells her she'll try calling Adora on her cellphone.

After getting no answer, she tells Bencho that Adora is not answering the call, and speculates that it must really be noisy in Quiapo for Adora not to hear the call.

Unknown to her, Adora is back in the hospital with Minda for her next round of chemotherapy, and is too weak to answer the phone.

___

Tag: Summary

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Episode 14.4

When Oscar says that it's too much of a coincidence that Dorina's driver is married to Rosamia, Lavinia dismisses it. She says she doesn't care about Rosamia. She tells Oscar to focus on Dorina, after all that's what she's paying him for.

Backstage before the concert, Adora asks Dorina if she needs anything. Dorina asks if Adora was able to talk to Oman. Adora says she didn't see Oman personally when she dropped off his tickets, so she doesn't even know if he will be coming.

Dorina changes the subject and says that she reserved a front row seat for Adora. Just then, a staffer comes in and tells Dorina that it's time to rehearse. Dorina is about to leave the dressing room when Rosamia comes in. Behind her, Emilio also enters, carrying Dorina's bag. Dorina greets Rosamia then leaves for rehearsals. Rosamia sees Emilio in the dressing room and excuses herself and leaves the room as well.

Adora comes out of the dressing room and sees people running back and forth down the corridors. Rosamia approaches her and tells her that this kind of chaos is normal just before a show. It may look like they don't have a handle on what's going on, but everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing.

Adora asks Rosamia if she misses singing. Rosamia says it's been a long time and she does miss it. Adora says if they had the money, they would probably have watched all of Rosamia's concerts. But back then, there wasn't enough to cover their expenses. But whenever they had enough to spare, they would buy Rosamia's tapes.

Emilio appears in the corridor carrying more of Dorina's things and he looks worried as he sees Adora and Rosamia talking.

Dorina is dressed in her gown siiting in her dressing room when Nico knocks on the door and comes in. He asks her how she's doing. She says she's praying that everything goes well with the concert. He tells her he's sure it will go well.

Dorina tells him she doesn't know how she can possibly thank him. Nico says he should be the one thanking her, after all she's done for him. Dorina is surprised and asks what she has done. Nico says little does she know.

He presents her with a white rose, saying he saw it and it reminded him of her. He tells her she's like the rose -- beautiful, simple, innocent-looking, but with strength. Dorina smiles, she doesn't quite know what to say.

He congratulates her, saying she's now a big star. He kisses her lightly on the cheek and wishes her luck, telling her to "break a leg" before he leaves the dressing room.

Backstage at her own concert venue, Lavinia asks Larry what the audience lines are like. Larry tells her there are a lot of people and that they're all clamoring to get in. Lavinia looks relieved and excuses herself to get dressed.

Libby asks Larry why he lied to Lavinia, especially since he can't hide the truth once Lavinia steps on stage and sees there are hardly any people in the audience.

Adora asks if Rosamia would like to sing again. Rosamia says it's hard to say never, but for now, she's content with the way her life is. She may not be rich, but she's happier. Adora asks if it's because of Dorina that Rosamia is happier?

Rosamia says that Dorina really changed her life, gave her life purpose. Dorina taught her to trust again. She says she finds it hard to disappoint Dorina, that Dorina makes her want to be a better person.

Emilio steps closer to the two women, as Adora says to Rosamia she has something to tell her. Just then, a staffer comes up to Adora and says Zossimo is looking for Rosamia. Rosamia rushes off with the staffer before Adora can say more.

Emilio walks up to Adora and asks if she was able to tell Rosamia the truth. Adora says no, but she says she feels really sorry for Rosamia. Emilio says he really wants to tell her but doesn't know how to start.

Lavinia is now dressed in her gown in her dressing room when Barbara enters. The two women glare at each other. Lavinia asks her what she's doing. Barbara says she just stopped by for the heck of it. Lavinia says she knows why Barbara came -- to watch the concert. She tauntingly says that she still has extra tickets at the balcony -- where the fans are.

Barbara says she has no wish to watch Lavinia's concert. She's more interested in watching her daughter Rita perform at Dorina's concert. After all, Dorina's concert is sure to be better.

Lavinia tells her it's only natural she will prefer Dorina's concert, after all she has no taste. She's already heard about Barbara's new unfashionable and talentless talent. She tells Barbara she thought her mother was intent on wrecking her career. If that's true, why get someone like that talent?

Barbara says that her new talent and Lavinia are alike -- unfashionable and without distinction. Lavinia becomes upset and tells Barbara she has some gall talking to her like that, especially since it's her income that's feeding Barbara.

Barbara reminds her that circumstances have changed and Lavinia can no longer make that accusation. In response, Lavinia says that she's already spoken to a lawyer because she intends to reclaim everything that Barbara stole from her.

Now angry, Barbara tells Lavinia that she's the one who has some nerve and that her heart is harder than a stone. Lavinia tells her that's what Barbara has drummed into her ever since she was young. Barbara has always told her to become harder, to become a fighter. Barbara was the one who molded Lavinia. She tells Barbara that she's a monster, just like Barbara.

Barbara tries to hit her, but Lavinia stops her and reminds Barbara that she can no longer hurt her. Barbara asks her what she's going to do. Lavinia immediately calls for guards and asks them to evict Barbara from the premises.

Barbara struggles against the guards and hurls invectives at Lavinia, saying that the day will soon come when Lavinia will once again be nothing and nobody, and that Barbara will see to it that this happens. The guards escort Barbara out of the concert venue.

In the dressing room, Larry tells Lavinia that Barbara has been escorted out. He apologizes and says the PA didn't know that she and Barbara were estranged and so the guards let Barbara in.

Larry asks her if she's okay. Lavinia shakes off her anger and says she's long past caring about her mother. Lavinia gets up and tries to leave the dressing room but Larry stops her. She insists that she wants to see the crowd and leaves the dressing room before Larry can prevent her.

Lavinia peeks past the curtains and sees the empty concert hall. Tears well in her eyes as she walks slowly back to her dressing room.

The band arrives at Dorina's concert venue; Zossimo is escorting them in. Rosamia tells Adora that it's almost time to start and tells her they should go sit in their seats.

Adora tells Rosamia she needs to tell her something. Rosamia asks if they can talk after the show. She says it's important that when the curtains open, Adora is already seated in front so that she's the first thing that Dorina sees. She says that's important for singers -- to feel the support of their mother.

Adora stops Rosamia and tells her -- "That's you." Rosamia is confused. Adora tells Rosamia that she's Dorina's mother. That Dorina is the missing daughter she's been searching for all this time.

Rosamia loses her smile and asks Adora if she's okay, if she's joking. Emilio walks up behind Adora as Adora says -- I'm Doris. I'm the one Emilio left your baby with in front of Club 100.

Tears well in Rosamia's eyes. She looks at Emilio for confirmation and he tells her that it's true. Dorina is Emilia Rose.

Rosamia cries as she takes in the news. Emilio tells her that he started looking for Doris as soon as he was released from jail. And Doris turned out to be Adora. Rosamia stares at Adora for a long moment, and Adora tries to comfort her.

But Rosamia is angry -- she asks them how they could have hidden the truth from her when they've known for so long. Emilio tries to explain and Rosamia slaps him. Rosamia starts sobbing and Emilio can only hold her as Adora looks on, crying as well.

A guard approaches Barbara as she stands outside the concert hall staring at Lavinia's poster. He urges her to go in because the concert is about to start. Barbara furiously tells the guard that there's no way she will be watching Lavinia's concert because she would rather be at Dorina's concert. After all, Lavinia has no talent and she only became famous because Barbara made it happen. She is still yelling at the guard when she suddenly clutches at her chest in sudden pain, and slowly falls to the ground and loses consciousness. The guard rushes to help her and shouts for a doctor.

Dorina's concert is about to start. As she exits her dressing room, she can hear the sound of Rosamia sobbing in the corridor. Curious, she turns the corner and finds Rosamia in Emilio's arms and Adora standing nearby watching them. She asks Adora what's wrong. Adora immediately wipes her tears. Dorina tells them that the concert is about to start and asks why they're still all standing there.

Adora hugs her tightly. Rosamia forces herself to stop crying and can only stare longingly at Dorina with tearful eyes. Dorina approaches her and thanks her and says she wouldn't be able to do all this without her. Rosamia hugs Dorina tightly as Adora looks away. Dorina smiles, unaware that she's in her real mother's arms.

Zossimo appears in a rush, saying Dorina has to get on stage right away. Rosamia tries to say more to Dorina, but she has to leave. Rosamia watches as Dorina and Zossimo walk towards the stage entrance.

Emilio approaches Rosamia and tries to talk to her, but Rosamia only turns away and walks down one of the corridors. Emilio follows her. Now alone, Adora leans weakly against the wall, her face still wet with tears.

____

Tag: Summary

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Episode 14.3

Adora and Minda are in a hospital room. Adora is lying in bed with an IV drip, feeling nauseated. Minda wipes her brow and comforts Adora as she throws up. It is her first round of chemotherapy.

Barbara is being interviewed by Cristy Fermin. She is tearful as she says she cannot understand how events have led to this. She says Lavinia threw her and Rita out of the house. Cristy asks how this happened. Barbara says it started with just small things. She said as a mother, it was her duty to reprimand Lavinia whenever she was doing something wrong. Cristy agrees that parents have to do painful things for their children. Barbara agrees and tearfully says Lavinia doesn't understand and rejects her guidance, that Lavinia says things like she's the Sensational Diva and can't be treated like that.

Lavinia walks onstage unannounced, and Barbara is caught by surprise. Someone hands Lavinia a microphone and after hesitating for a moment, she sits down next to Barbara begs for her forgiveness. Lavinia admits that she and Barbara had a falling out. Lavinia weeps as she says she's the one humbling herself and asking for Barbara's forgiveness.

Cristy asks Barbara for her response, especially since Lavinia is the one who made the first move. Barbara has no choice but to publicly accept Lavinia's apology. As the two women hug, Barbara quietly whispers to Lavinia that she's two-faced and a hypocrite. As the two women portray a touching picture of reconciliation, Cristy addresses the viewers and wraps up the segment.

At the hospital, the doctor tells Zossimo that Dorina has bronchitis, and that he gave her antihistamines to stop her attack. He says the drug has sedative properties, so she can rest, and Dorina is understandably groggy.

Just then, Minda pushes Adora on a wheelchair past the foot of Dorina's bed and Dorina tries to call for her mother, but they do not hear her. Zossimo hears Dorina mumbling, but he does not understand what she's saying, and he does not see Adora or Minda.

Lavinia and Barbara leave the studio after the interview and photographers immediately ask them for a photo together. The two women pose with false sweetness. After the reporters leave, Lavinia asks Barbara to stop trying to damage her image because no matter what she does, Lavinia will still find a way to work it to her advantage. Barbara says she only played along with Lavinia because she didn't want to damage her own image. But it is only a matter of time before people learn the truth about her. Barbara leaves.

Reporters immediately flock around Lavinia and ask her about her concert preparations. Lavinia smiles and says she's excited and she's sure that everyone will enjoy the concert. They ask why she chose to schedule her concert to go up against Dorina's concert. Lavinia says she and Larry didn't know that Dorina's concert was also scheduled on that day until it was too late.

Reporters then ask what happened to Dorina earlier -- did she have an asthma attack? Lavinia says she doesn't know because she hasn't had a chance to talk to Dorina yet. One reporter asks if it's possible Dorina left because Lavinia was outshining her onstage. Lavinia laughs and coyly says those were the reporters words, not hers.

At the hospital, Dorina is still mumbling for Adora, but Zossimo misunderstands. He assures her that he'll get in touch with Adora and starts making calls on his cellphone. Dorina is too groggy to explain.

In her own hospital room, Adora tells the doctor that she feels ill. The doctor explains that it's an expected effect of the chemotherapy.

Dorina finally becomes lucid enough and Zossimo asks her how she's doing. She says she's fine and sits up on the bed. She tells him that she saw her mother earlier and that Adora looked ill.

In her hospital room, Adora is dressed in street clothes and is telling the doctor she wants to go home because no one will look after her children. Meanwhile Zossimo and Dorina are walking down the hospital corridor, because Dorina is still insisting she saw Adora.

Dorina finally gives up but just then, Minda and Adora leave their hospital room and Dorina spots them in the hospital corridor. She immediately rushes to her mother's side.

Dorina asks Adora what happened. Thinking quickly, Minda says she had a check-up and she asked Adora to accompany her. Dorina insists that it was Adora she saw in the wheelchair earlier. Adora and Minda continue to deny it. Zossimo says it's possible she didn't see correctly because she was still under the effects of the drug.

Hearing this, Adora immediately asks why Dorina needed to be in the hospital for treatment. Zossimo explains that Dorina had bronchitis and had to be brought to the hospital. He says he sent text messages to Adora but she didn't answer. Adora makes up the excuse that she had run out of load credits and couldn't respond. Dorina is still confused because she's sure it was Adora she saw. She continues to ask Adora about it as they all go home.

Rita is sitting in the living room of Lavinia's home when Lavinia enters. Lavinia asks her what she's doing there. Rita asks Lavinia to patch things up with Barbara, because she's the one who is getting caught in the middle. Lavinia scoffs and says Rita lives with Barbara and plays in Dorina's band, so it's obvious she's no longer in the middle -- she's already chosen a side. Rita tries to explain but Lavinia says it doesn't matter. Even if they all gang up on her, she will still win in the end. She orders Rita to leave her home and make sure to leave the house keys on the table on her way out.

Larry is reading a tabloid article about Dorina's illness in his office when Libby enters with bad news -- Lavinia's ticket sales are not good. And the rumour mill has it that Dorina's tickets are selling well, although it's not yet sold out. Larry says he hopes it's true that Dorina won't be able to push through with her concert so people will flock to Lavinia.

At Nico's office, Zossimo and Nico try to talk Dorina out of pushing through with the concert, and even ask her to stop rehearsals for a while. Dorina insists that she can handle it. After her disastrous duet with Lavinia, she's certain Lavinia thinks she's afraid of her. She wants to show Lavinia that she's not afraid. And pushing through with the concert will be her way of showing it.

In the kitchen of the Pineda home, Adora asks Emilio if he has told Rosamia the truth about Dorina. Emilio says no. Adora says she's running out of time and she feels like she won't last much longer. Emilio says what she feels is just temporary, an effect of the chemotherapy. But Adora says it's important that Rosamia learns the truth soon. If Emilio cannot tell Rosamia, Adora may tell Rosamia herself.

At the condo, Barbara is still angry and asks Rita for ideas for how to further damage Lavinia's image. Rita tries to pacify her, but Barbara says maybe she can reveal to the public what Lavinia has been doing to Dorina. Rita asks Barbara to stop the conniving, after all Lavinia is still her daughter. Barbara angrily says Lavinia doesn't treat her like a mother, so as far as she's concerned, there's just two of them in the family. She encourages Rita to continue playing in Dorina's band until they figure out a better way to get back at Lavinia. Rita is unhappy.

At Rosamia's house, Dorina presents Rosamia with tickets to her concert and tells her that she has reserved seats on the front row next to Adora. She also tells Rosamia that if Rosamia is still uneasy about Emilio, she will look for another driver. Rosamia tells her it's not necessary and assures her that she'll be at the concert, much to Dorina's delight. They affectionately bid each other goodbye before Dorina leaves.

Lavinia enters Larry's office and asks if it's true that her concert tickets are not selling. Larry confirms it and says that they didn't have enough time to promote the concert. Lavinia tells him to make the concert free -- a gift for her fans. Larry says he can't do that, he'll lose money. Lavinia says she doesn't care. She insists that he do this because she cannot lose to Dorina.

Zossimo relays the bad news to the band -- Lavinia's concert is now free and that unfortunately, they can't afford to make their own concert free. Rita says they shouldn't try to do that anyway because Lavinia will accuse them of copying her. Nico says he's confident that their concert will still be successful, despite this new development.

Talk show hosts speculate about the upcoming concerts and state that Lavinia's camp has announced that they're confident their venue will be packed. The other host says it's to be expected since Lavinia's concert will be free. The first host then says that the real question is whether or not Dorina will be attending Lavinia's concert -- after all, she used to be one of Lavinia's biggest fans.

Preparations are underway for Lavinia's concert. Libby works with backup dancers and choreographers at the concert venue while Larry sits in on Lavinia's rehearsals.

In the meantime, preparations are also underway for Dorina's concert, which will be pushing through, much to the delight of her fans. Reporters are predicting that her concert will be a hit. Dorina continues to rehearse under Zossimo's watchful eye. Nico is interviewed by reporters and he says both he and Zossimo are confident that Dorina's fans are solidly behind her and that they will support the concert.

Finally, the day of the concerts arrive. Larry and Lavinia are seated inside her concert venue and she asks him if there are a lot of people outside. Larry tells her that people normally arrive around an hour before the show, and asks her to relax. He offers to get her something to drink and she asks for water.

After Larry leaves, Oscar rushes in to sit beside her and announces that he's learned Emilio's wife is Rosamia. Lavinia is surprised, but she quickly asks him what the significance is -- after all, she's not interested in Rosamia since the older singer is not a threat. Oscar says this information may not have anything to do with Dorina, but it can't be a coincidence that Dorina's driver is the husband of Rosamia, who happens to be very close to Dorina now. He says there may be something of interest there.

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Tag: Summary