"Ikigai: Buhay ng Buhay Ko" is the Holy Wednesday episode of the 2019 edition of the annual drama anthology Eat Bulaga's Lenten Special. It aired on 17 April 2019 with a total runtime of 111 minutes.
Each year, the anthology replaces the noontime show's regular programming in observance of the solemnity of Holy Week. Standalone episodes of short dramas are shown from Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, with each episode having different characters, story, and director. A total of three Lenten episodes were produced and released for the 2019 edition.[1]
The 2019 production coincided with the 40th anniversary celebration of the noontime show. Hence, the three offerings were shot in three culturally distinct locations to make the stories more memorable and more exciting. "Ikigai" was entirely filmed in Ōita, Japan.[2]
Directed by Ricky Davao, "Ikigai" follows a dying father who travels across oceans to search for and to make amends with his long-lost daughter. Along the way, he develops unlikely friendships and finds a new purpose in life.[3]
The episode is top-billed by Jose Manalo, Vic Sotto, and Ryzza Mae Dizon. Supporting cast includes Pauleen Luna, Allan K, Jimmy Santos, Luane Dy, Sheryl Ichikawa, and Hype Kang Bata Ka! 2018 grand finalist Zianne Angierein Garcia.
Plot
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Danny arrives at Tonio's house.
Newly-arrived Danny (Jose Manalo) walks around a town in Japan when he bumps into Tonio (Vic Sotto), a Filipino local who offers to help him find his homestay. Danny acts irritated and snobbishly declines the offer.
Later that night, Danny arrives at his lodge which turned out to be Tonio's house. Despite their unpleasant meeting earlier, Tonio tries to remain positive and hospitable to Danny, even offering to tour his unfriendly guest around the town. Danny refuses and claims that sightseeing is not the purpose of his trip to Japan. He opens his wallet and reveals a picture of his daughter whom he has been tracking down to meet.
Days later, Danny comes across Tonio who is spending some time with his child friend Shyla Mae (Ryzza Mae Dizon). He realizes that the little child is his daughter, but keeps mum and decides not to reveal himself. To further confirm the child's identity, he asks Tonio more information about the child and her mother.
Danny is later forced to reveal that he is Shyla Mae's long-lost father after Tonio accidentally discovers the child's picture inside his wallet. Danny recalls that he ran away a long time ago after finding out that his ex-girlfriend was pregnant. He returned this time to apologize and make up for lost time. Thanks to Tonio, Danny gradually becomes closer to his daughter.
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Danny, Tonio, and Shyla Mae spend time together.
Shyla Mae's mother finds out about Danny's return and immediately puts a halt to their meetings. Danny reveals to Tonio that he has cancer, but makes him promise not to inform his ex-girlfriend and daughter about his disease. With Tonio's help, Danny finally gets a chance to have a sit-down meeting with Shyla Mae and her mother. Hearing Danny's meaningful apology, Shyla Mae's mother allows him to spend time with their daughter.
Later, Shyla Mae becomes curious of his father's prescription bottle. After an online search, she discovers that Danny's medication is meant for cancer. Danny apologizes to his daughter for keeping it a secret and promises to look for the best doctor to prolong his life so they can be with each other longer.
Longing for his deceased wife, Tonio suffers a fatal heart attack. Together, Danny and Shyla Mae commemorate his memory years later.
Cast
Main cast
- Vic Sotto as Tonio Suarez
- Jose Manalo as Danilo "Danny" Espinoza
- Ryzza Mae Dizon as Shyla Mae
Supporting cast
- Pauleen Luna as Lynette
- Allan K as Madam Ely
- Jimmy Santos as Jim
- Luane Dy as Anne
Also starring
- Sheryl Ichikawa as Angela
- Zianne Angierein Garcia as Shi-shi
- Grace Kudo as flower farm staff
- Marie Okubo as flower farm staff
- Sugi Imai as flower farm staff
- Takahashi Suneo as taxi driver
- Kenneth Bernardino as kabuki
- Rolly Umali as kabuki
- Yen Kunihiro as castle ruin rescuer
- Lyn Fajardo as castle ruin rescuer
Trivia
- The word "ikigai" is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being". The word refers to having a meaningful direction or purpose in life, constituting the sense of one's life being made worthwhile, with actions taken toward achieving one's ikigai resulting in satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life.
- The castle ruins near the end of the episode is the Oka Castle which sits on the hills of Taketa, Ōita. Other locations featured are the Okubo flower farm, Kuju Skiing Resort, and the Kokonoe Suspension Bridge.
- "Ikigai" was re-aired on Holy Wednesday, 8 April 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in Eat Bulaga! being unable to produce new content for the 2020 Holy Week, the three episodes of the 2019 edition were replayed instead.[4]
Full episode
References
- ↑ WATCH: 'Eat Bulaga' Lenten Special 2019 teaser, 13 April 2019, GMA News.
- ↑ LOOK: 'Eat Bulaga' stars travel to Japan to shoot Lenten drama special, 28 March 2019, GMA News.
- ↑ WATCH: Pauleen Luna and Luane Dy assure viewers will relate to EB Lenten Special "Ikigai", 13 April 2019, GMA News.
- ↑ GMA suspends production of entertainment shows; to air ‘pre-taped’ episodes, 14 March 2020, Philippine Daily Inquirer.