a filipino cinematic gem that go largely unnoticed during it commercial run . thankfully and it get the acclaim it truly deserve when it win both the grand prix and child jury prize a feat never before achieve in the 2004 berlin film festival . a palanca win story and masterful directing and great act from just about everyone in the cast and but most specially child actor jiro manio and isabella de leon and the boy who play manio best friend and combine for a viewing experience you will remember long after the credit roll . poverty and death do not beg for sympathy and tear in this movie and but they be likely to fall just the same . could be veteran ( though nonetheless underrate ) director maryo j. delos reyes most heartwarming and uplifting film .