In a flashback to his childhood, a young Alex, then known as Takeru, asked his mother, "Are we going to the Philippines for good? Will Daddy come too?" Gently comforting him, Zen, his mother, whispered, "No, Takeru, he left and won't be with us. It's just the two of us now." Alex was left shattered by his father's sudden departure. Isao had been his guiding light, his source of inspiration and strength. Zen made the painful choice to leave Japan and return to her homeland, she can't live in Japan without Isao. Upon their return to her native land, Alex's mother changes his name from Takeru to Alex, and she puts it on his late registered birth certificate, so he is a Filipino by birth. She decided to change his name to Alex Gomez, combining her family name. Despite being raised in a Filipino environment, Alex remained fluent in Japanese thanks to his mother's unwavering dedication. She maintained conversing with him in Japanese daily, ensuring that he maintained a strong connection to his heritage. The melodic flow of the language echoed through their home, a constant reminder of the bond they shared. Their life in the Philippines was far from easy. After residing with their aunt for a brief period, they moved into a modest home that Alex's mother had managed to purchase. However, their tranquil life took a turbulent turn when his mother married her high school classmate, Nando. Zen and Nando had two young boys, Brian and Aldrin, who brought joy and laughter into their household. Alex welcomed Brian and Aldrin with open arms, treating them as his real brothers. Despite the initial harmony, Nando's descent into alcohol addiction and gambling turned him into a cruel and hostile figure, often berating Alex for his Japanese roots. Growing up, Alex found solace in his hidden talent for singing. His melodic voice remained a secret, known only to himself as he sang in solitude. Unbeknownst to his mother, Alex harbored dreams of pursuing his passion in Japan, the land of his father.
One day, with resolve in his voice, Alex approached his mother, expressing his desire to seek out his real father in Japan, and there only then, Zen told him that his father was dead. Alex was devastated when he found out. When Alex grew up, he asked his mother if he wanted to go back to Japan, but Zen cautioned him about the challenges of obtaining a visa and the financial burden of such a journey. "But Mom, I will not go as a tourist. I will apply as a talent; I will work in a club there." His youthful confidence clashed with Zen's worried tone as she reminded him of his unfinished college education. "You are so young, you haven't finished your college yet," Zen said, her voice tinged with maternal concern. "Mom, I'm 19 already, and besides, you can't afford to continue my college, right? I need to do this, Mom, no worries,"
Alex insisted, his voice filled with a sense of resolve that belied his tender age. The weight of their challenging circumstances seemed to hang heavily in the air, pressing down on both mother and son. A flicker of uncertainty passed over Zen's face. "But we're here in the province, there's no agency here?" she questioned, a note of helplessness creeping into her voice. Alex's determination only grew stronger as he declared, "I will go to Manila, I will find an agency, I will try to find a good agency mom." Alex continued. "Once I get there, I can help my brothers to send them to private school," Alex added. The air was charged with a mix of emotions - determination, worry, and a mother's love. "But Alex, I can't let you go," Zen uttered softly, her heart torn between wanting to protect her son and understanding his longing for a brighter future. Alex's eyes softened as he reached out to his mother, holding her in a heartfelt embrace. "Mom, I love you and my brothers, but I don't want to be here anymore because of Tito Nando. He is cruel to me. I need to find my own future, to help you, Mom. Our life here is so hard. I will go to Japan, Mom," Alex's voice was filled with a mix of determination. With a heavy heart, Zen reached into her purse and handed Alex 3 thousand pesos, a small token of support for his journey. "Don't tell Nando that I gave you this money, okay?" she whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. The weight of his impending journey hung heavy as his mother whispered a heartfelt blessing, her voice laced with both pride and apprehension. With nothing but a little money in his pocket and the unwavering love of his family in his heart, Alex set off on a path unknown, a journey that would test his mettle and fortitude in ways he had never imagined. As he turned to leave, his two younger brothers, Brian and Aldrin, appeared before him, their faces a mix of confusion and sorrow.
Tears welled up in their young eyes as they clung to Alex, unwilling to let him go. Brian, 12 years old and wise beyond his years, spoke in a trembling voice, "Please don't leave, we need you." Aldrin, a mere 10 years old but with a depth of emotion that belied his age, added, "We'll miss you so much." But Alex, with a gentle smile on his lips and a reassuring glint in his eyes, knelt down to their level. "I have to do this to help our mom," he said softly, squeezing their hands in a gesture of comfort. "I promise I will come back. Just wait for me here, okay?"
With bittersweet farewells and promises of reunion hanging in the air, Alex embraced his mother and brothers one last time before resolutely turning away, his steps taking him further and further from the comforting embrace of home. And as he journeyed into the unknown, a flicker of hope burned bright in his heart, fueled by the unwavering love and support of his family that would guide him through whatever trials lay ahead.
In the bustling streets of the crowded city of Manila, Alex ventured forth, intent on finding an agency that could facilitate his return to Japan. As he navigated through the crowded area, a mix of trepidation and excitement filled his heart, for this journey symbolized not just a quest for his father but also a path to self-discovery and independence. In the heart of the city, amidst rushing people and honking vehicles, Alex found himself standing near a newspaper stand. He observed the hustle and bustle around him. He purchased a newspaper and sifted through the classified ads to find an agency that can hire for Japan. His eyes landed on an intriguing advertisement for a talent agency called Rokumeikan Agency. Drawn to the potential opportunities, Alex immediately pays them a visit. Boarding a jeepney, he navigated through the labyrinthine streets of the city until he reached the agency's doorstep. As he stepped into the lobby of the Agency, he was met by a gracious female clerk. Her eyes widened at the sight of Alex, who exuded a natural charisma with his chiseled features and magnetic aura. "Are you applying for a talent?" she inquired, her voice tinged with awe at his presence.
With a charming smile, Alex expressed his interest in applying as a singer. However, his enthusiasm was met with a disheartening revelation. The clerk explained that currently, only women were being hired, as Japanese promoters were specifically seeking female talents. "I'm sorry, but they can't earn as much with male performers," she lamented, her regret palpable as she acknowledged the wasted potential in Alex's undeniable charm. Despite the clerk's genuine flattery and sympathy, the reality of the situation weighed heavily on Alex. As the sun began its descent, signaling the end of the working day, Alex found himself without a plan for accommodation.
The looming darkness and closed office doors forced him to seek refuge in a modest, budget hotel for the night. Days have passed and he is running out of money, he still can't find an agency that can hire men. Alex walks in the crowded area in Manila, hopeless to find an agency. While walking, he felt exhausted as he went to a mini store, he ordered water, while drinking he saw Leo holding a guitar and he was also drinking water, he also looked tired and his face was somber. Leo glanced at him, "Hi," he smiled. Alex smiled back. "It's a hot afternoon," Alex remarked, breaking the tranquil atmosphere Leo had created with his music. Leo looked up with a smile, his eyes reflecting the warmth of the sun. "Oh yes, I'm killing time before my gig starts in about an hour." Alex couldn't help but inquire, "Oh, so you're a guitarist?" Leo nodded, his fingers deftly plucking the strings of his guitar. "Yes, I'm from the province, trying to find opportunities here in the city."
Alex nodded in understanding. "I'm also from a province," he shared, a sense of camaraderie blossoming between them. "Really? I thought you were a foreigner, like from an Asian country," Leo observed. Shaking his head, Alex explained, "No, I'm just half Japanese, but I grew up here in the Philippines in the province since I was seven." Leo grinned. "I knew it, you didn't look like a typical Filipino." Engaged in conversation, Alex revealed that he was in the city to seek out an agency that could help him fulfill his dream of going to Japan, but his journey had been fraught with obstacles, particularly the limited opportunities for male talents. With a tinge of despair in his voice, Alex sighed, "It's hard to find an agency that's looking for male talents. I've been rejected by five agencies already." Alex sighed. Leo's eyes sparkled as he exclaimed, "Why don't you come with me? I know of an agency that is currently in need of male talents for Japan. In fact, I have an audition scheduled there tomorrow." Surprised by this unexpected moment, Alex's face lit up with hope. "Really? That's fantastic news!" He said with a big smile, "If it's okay if I will join you?" Alex asked him. "Of course, come with me tomorrow," Leo happily said. Introductions were made, and Alex and Leo exchanged smiles as they forged a newfound friendship amidst the sweltering heat of the afternoon. "I'm Alex," he said with a warm smile. "I'm Leonardo, Leo for short," Leo replied, his eyes brimming with optimism for their shared future endeavors. Leo asked Alex to come watch him play with a band that had asked him to fill in as their guitarist for a few nights. They stood outside the small restaurant. Leo, adjusting the strap of his guitar case. The night was cool and the gentle hum of the city surrounded them. As they entered the dimly lit restaurant, the sound of chatter and clinking glasses filled the air. Alex looked around and noticed the band setting up on a small stage in the corner. He turned to Leo with curiosity in his eyes. "Are they your group band?" Alex asked. Leo shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, they just needed a guitarist for a few nights.
Their regular guitarist is out of town, and once he's back, I'm out of a gig," he explained with a shrug. Alex nodded understandingly. "Oh, but that's fine. You have an audition for Japan tomorrow," he said, trying to lift Leo's spirits. Leo's expression darkened slightly. "It's uncertain," he admitted. "Getting hired for the audition is tough. There will be so many talented guys vying for a few spots, thousands. The Japanese promoter will only select a few." Alex patted Leo on the shoulder reassuringly. "But who knows, right? We might just be what they're looking for." Alex replied. "I've been auditioning in that agency for three years now, but I'm always rejected, if you only knew how much I wanted to go to Japan," Leo said, feeling desperate. "Oh that's hard," Alex sighed. And he looks deeply to Alex. "But for you, in your charm like that, I bet they will not reject you," Leo said.
Before Alex could respond, one of the band members approached Leo, a look of worry etched on his face. "We have to start in 10 minutes, but the new drummer hasn't arrived yet," he said, his tone tinged with frustration. Leo's anxiety levels rose as the minutes ticked by, and there was still no sign of the drummer. Ten minutes passed, and the manager of the restaurant made the tough call to cancel their performance. The band's leader, already on edge, was visibly upset and made the impulsive decision. "Sorry Leo, you must go now, our guitarist will return tomorrow, and I will also replace the drummer," their leader said as he stepped away. Leo felt a wave of sadness wash over him. Uncertainty loomed ahead. Alex stood by his side, offering comfort and support. They left the restaurant, dejected, and stepped out into the night. As they walked outside, a frantic figure approached them, clutching drumsticks and a drum bag. Leo stepped forward to stop the newcomer. "Are you the drummer?" he inquired. Breathless and apologetic, the drummer explained, "Yes, I'm so sorry for being late. There was an emergency at home, I needed to get inside. I'm terribly late," he said, looking anxious. Leo gently informed him that the show had been canceled. The drummer's shoulders sagged in defeat. Leo, with a kind smile, extended an invitation. "Why don't you join us for the audition in Japan tomorrow? The Japanese promoters are also looking for a talented drummer like you." The drummer's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? It's been my dream to go to Japan," he exclaimed gratefully. Leo encouraged him. "Come with us tomorrow. Let's give it our best shot. Who knows, we might just get hired," he said optimistically. As they discussed plans for the audition, the drummer voiced his concern, "Are we going to audition as a group?" Leo, with a grin, replied, "Of course. My buddy here is charismatic. The promoter won't be able to resist." The drummer felt a glimmer of hope in his heart when he saw how handsome Alex is. "Unless they only hire him, then the two of us will be out," Leo added, his tone tinged with worry. Alex chimed in, "No, we audition as a group. We share the same dream of making it to Japan together."
The trio exchanged smiles, a newfound sense of friendships blooming between them. "Anyway, my name is Mel," the drummer introduced himself. "I'm Leo," Leo replied warmly. "And I'm Alex," Alex added, sealing their bond as they faced the uncertain yet promising future ahead. Next day, Alex arrived at the meeting place 30 minutes before the agreed time, his heart pounding with excitement. He stood there, checking his watch frequently, eager to meet up with Mel and Leo. As they arrived, the joy on their faces mirrored his own, a mix of nerves and anticipation in their eyes. Leo, always the optimist, was the first to break the silence, his words filled with hope and enthusiasm. "Let's go, guys," he said, leading the way towards the Tohoku International Agency. For Alex, finally finding an agency that was actively looking for male talent filled a newfound sense of optimism.
He couldn't believe it. Walking into the agency's lobby, they were greeted by the sight of numerous male talents queuing outside the audition room. Alex felt a surge of hope as he realized that this agency was hiring male talent. Gratitude filled him, directed towards Leo for introducing them to this opportunity. Inside, the narrow corridors echoed with the nervous shuffling of feet and hushed whispers of anticipation. The hectic scene was presided over by a gay clerk named Gabriel, a man whose effervescent personality and meticulous attention to detail made him a crucial cog in the audition process. Dressed in a crisp shirt and tie, his stylish glasses perched on his nose, Gabriel was the gatekeeper to the realm of opportunity that lay beyond the audition room's doors. As he deftly juggled paperwork and ushered talents to their respective audition slots, Leo greeted him, but because of his busyness, he ignored him. Despite Gabriel's initial brush-off, Leo persisted, "Hi Sir, we're here to audition," Leo persisted. "What is your name?" he finally asked. "My name is Leonardo Bascon," he smiled nervously. With a sigh, Gabriel glanced at the notebook hanging from his neck, scanning through the list of registered names. Puzzled, he couldn't find Leo's name. "But your name wasn't here," he stated. "But I registered a few months ago, I've waited for months to come here," Leo stated. "You can come back next year, we only have one day auditioning for male talents this year," the clerk said. They felt a pang of desperation at the thought of missing this opportunity. Leo's desperation mingled with disappointment as he tried to explain his situation to the busy clerk, but Gabriel's hands were tied. "I'm so sorry, the promoter's time was limited, leaving no room for spontaneous additions to the audition roster, look, thousands were queuing," Gabriel sternly said. Alex and Mel exchanged worried glances, feeling the tension in the air thickening. With a flicker of determination, Alex decided to step in, his presence commanding attention. "Sir, give us a chance," Alex chimed in, his eyes locking with Gabriel's. When Gabriel turned his gaze to Alex, Gabriel's gaze was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
The spark of recognition flickered in his eyes; he couldn't help but be drawn to Alex's charisma and chiseled features. "You will audition too?" Gabriel asked, a glimmer kindling in his eyes. "Yes, we are a band," he answered. "Come with me, I'll lead you to the line," Gabriel's lips curved into a warm smile, a kindness reflected in his eyes as he made a decision that would alter the course of their day. He decided to bend the rules when he saw Alex. "The three of us," Alex insisted. "Okay then," Gabriel replied. Their smiles lit up the room. As they joined the queue, the weight of the moment hung in the air, each step bringing them closer to their dreams. The audition room loomed ahead, a gateway to possibilities and opportunities waiting to be seized. Hours passed as they waited anxiously. Finally, Gabriel went inside the audition room to observe. Seeing the Japanese promoter still struggling to find suitable talent before his departure.
"I give up, I will go now, I will be late in my flight," the promoter said. Gabriel intervened, informing him about the last group waiting to audition. But the promoter was very disappointed and he wanted to go, but Gabriel asked him to take a look. Initially reluctant, the promoter decided to give them a chance, albeit with a time constraint due to his impending flight. Gabriel immediately informed them, "You will enter one by one, not as a group," Leo and Mel exchanged knowing glances; their hearts heavy with the weight of past failures. The room had been a revolving door of young, talented individuals, each departing with a crestfallen look etched upon their faces. Only Alex seemed to possess an aura of potential brilliance that set him apart. Leo, with a tinge of resignation in his voice, murmured, "I hope even if Alex will go through." But Alex stood firm. "No, I will not be going without the two of you," he reassured Leo and Mel, his voice a comforting presence amidst the storm of uncertainty. Gabriel's voice cut through the heavy atmosphere, signaling Mel first to step inside. The room fell into a hushed silence as Alex and Leo waited outside, their hearts beating in rhythm with their shared apprehension. Minutes felt like eternity as they yearned for Mel's success, but as he emerged with a crestfallen expression, their hopes shattered. "Oh, I'm sorry, man," Gabriel's voice carried a weight of sympathy, whose eyes reflected a deep well of disappointment. Alex and Leo, standing on the sidelines, shared in Mel's sadness, their own nerves fraying at the edges. Leo, next in line, entered the audition room with quivering nerves. Alex and Mel waited outside, their silent prayers echoing through the walls. The room seemed to hold its breath as Leo faced the daunting task ahead. However, fate dealt a cruel blow as Leo too faced rejection, leaving a bitter taste of defeat in the air. Now, it was Alex's turn. Gabriel's voice, tinged with a hint of desperation, urged the promoter to give one last chance. The promoter, his patience wearing thin, grumbled, "Hurry up, I'm sick and tired," his voice heavy with exhaustion. As Alex strode into the room, a sudden shift in energy filled the air. The promoter's eyes widened in disbelief, a glimmer of recognition sparking in his gaze. Without a word spoken of Alex's talent, the promoter made a snap decision and offered him a spot, a rare occurrence in the harsh world of auditions. In a brave act of solidarity, Alex, with conviction in his voice, asked for his friends to join him. The promoter hesitated, but Alex's resolve was unyielding. "I will not go without them," he declared, his loyalty unwavering. Gabriel, taken aback by Alex's bold decision, "You don't need to do that, think of your own future, that promoter will not allow that," Gabriel cautioned him. But Alex's heart was set, his mind made up. "Leo led me here. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here today," Alex stated with unwavering certainty. In a surprising twist, Alex spoke to the promoter in fluent Japanese. "Watashino tomodachi ni issho janai to watashi wa ikimasen, onegaishimasu!" Alex pleaded in a mix of determination and respect. The promoter, touched by Alex's words and mesmerized by his command of the language, relented