Time Stands Still (Red Turnip Theater)

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Sarah (Ana Abad Santos) returns home after waking up from several weeks of coma caused by a roadside bombing in Iraq which almost took her life. James (Nonie Buencamino), her live-in partner of eight years, is excited for them to start anew, far from the dangers of covering a war that has brought about irrevocable pain and loss to everyone involved. As a journalist, his objective is to make the world aware of such occurrences through words, which are supplemented by the vivid photos she takes as an award-winning photographer. The accident has put some things into perspective for them, including some sort of semi-retirement as well as their stance on their relationship as a couple. He is willing to give up his passion for a life of convenience back in the States. She, on the contrary, misses field work so much despite her near death experience. One of them has got to give at some point, but perhaps some opposing fundamental beliefs in life are just not meant to be reconciled.

Cock (Red Turnip Theater)

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John (Topper Fabregas) has not been a very faithful partner. His infidelity starts off on the daily commute where he exchanges glances with a girl, whose name is not mentioned so we will just call her W (Jenny Jamora). Soon, the two of them are sleeping together, not just once, not just twice. This does not sit well with John’s boyfriend, whose name is not mentioned either so we will just call him M (Niccolo Manahan). Unable to decide which one to choose even after weighing the various pros and cons, John gets a suggestion from M, which is for all three of them to meet. He says he would even prepare dinner. M also invites his father (Audie Gemora) who has been supportive of the gay couple’s relationship in spite of his initial reluctance to it. As John’s white lies begin to surface amidst the confrontation, he is forced not just by circumstance, but also by the other three characters to make up his mind, which he simply could not come to accomplish. Perhaps his question sums it all up best: can’t he just have both?