I, too, have a mother who once worked abroad for about 12 years. Imagine – my mother was not with us during Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions. My only brother Ayan and I grew up with our father’s and grandmother’s guidance. When it was time for our mom to retire and return home, she was shocked to see that I had become boyish. Not a week would pass without us quarreling. I would easily get angry and I would ask her why she wanted to change me when she did not know anything about me. I know there were nights when she would cry on my father’s shoulders to tell him about her troubles with me. That’s why I initially did not want to watch Anak because I did not want to feel guilty after possibly watching scenes that would remind me of my mother’s true-to-life experiences. However, I seemed destined to watch Anak.
I know for sure that the eyes of many OFWs’ children will be opened when they watch this movie. Like me, they may realize the heart-breaking experiences of our mother when she was away from us. My brother and I realized how much our mother sacrificed while she was away from us. There have been times when I have been so unfair to my mother but deep inside I was only longing for her love and attention. I now understand why she had to leave us – she sacrificed her own life (just as our father also did by taking care of us when our mother was not around). When my mother was still abroad we were showered with the things we wanted. Now that she is with us, it is inevitable that she cannot do the same. But that’s just fine with us because what matters most is that our family is now complete.
I want to recommend Anak to all families out there with parents who are working abroad. And I want to take advantage of this chance to tell my mom, "I love you and I am sorry."