I-Witness: ‘Remember Me,’ dokumentaryo ni Sandra Aguinaldo (full episode)

Summary

The video script follows the emotional journey of Maymay, a 17-year-old Filipino-Korean girl longing to reunite with her estranged father, Mr. Kim, after years of separation. Raised in the Philippines, Maymay learns about her father’s worsening health and, with the help of organizations and family, prepares to visit him in Korea. The story reflects her struggles, the love of her parents, and her hopes of reconnecting despite the challenges. It highlights themes of family, cultural identity, and the emotional reunion between father and daughter after a long absence.

Takeaways

• 💌 The father in the script expresses his deep longing to meet his daughter, Maymay, after many years of being separated.
• 👩‍👧 Maymay is a 17-year-old Korean-Filipino currently studying civil engineering in her first year of college. She has not seen her father since she was 11 years old.
• 😢 Maymay's father, Mr. Kim, had to return to Korea after suffering from health issues during his stay in the Philippines. Maymay’s mother works abroad as a cleaner.
• 💔 Despite the separation, Mr. Kim remained connected with Maymay by sending her allowance and staying in touch through letters and phone calls.
• 🏥 Mr. Kim’s health condition has worsened over time, and he is currently confined in a health facility in Korea, which worries Maymay.
• 📝 The Copino Children Association, founded by a Korean and his Filipina wife, helps children like Maymay reconnect with their Korean fathers and assists in the visa application process.
• 💬 Maymay’s father struggles with his memory and health but remains resilient in his desire to meet and reconnect with his daughter.
• 👨‍👧 The reunion between Maymay and her father is emotional, with Maymay finally expressing her love and appreciation in person, something she had only dreamed of.
• 🇰🇷 The script highlights the challenges faced by many Filipino-Korean children (Copino) who wish to reunite with their estranged fathers in Korea.
• 🤝 Through the support of various organizations and communities, some children like Maymay are given the opportunity to see their fathers again and reconnect with their Korean heritage.

Q & A

Who is Maymay, and what is her background?

Maymay is a 17-year-old Filipino-Korean studying civil engineering. She is a 'Daddy's girl' who was separated from her father, Mr. Kim, when she was 11. Her father had to return to Korea due to health issues, and she has not seen him for six years.

What is Maymay's relationship with her father, Mr. Kim?

Maymay has a deep emotional bond with her father, despite being separated for many years. She recalls fond memories of him being attentive and loving. Their relationship remained strong, even though her father has been living in Korea while she stayed in the Philippines.

Why was Maymay's father, Mr. Kim, living in Korea, and what was his condition?

Mr. Kim returned to Korea due to a health condition, including a possible stroke. He has been confined to a health facility for several years, which has caused Maymay to worry about his well-being.

What is Maymay's main concern regarding her father?

Maymay is concerned about her father's health and the fact that he is living alone in Korea. She wants to visit him and spend time with him as he is growing older, and she fears she might lose the opportunity to reconnect with him.

What steps has Maymay taken to reunite with her father?

Maymay, with the help of the Copino Children Association, began the process of obtaining a Korean visa to visit her father in Korea. She eventually received the visa and made arrangements to meet him after six years of separation.

What emotional moments occur when Maymay finally meets her father after six years?

When Maymay meets her father, she finds him in a wheelchair. Despite his frail condition, they share an emotional reunion, with Maymay expressing her love for him. Mr. Kim also reassures her that he is happy to see her and loves her very much.

What challenges does Maymay face in reuniting with her father?

Maymay faces financial and logistical challenges in staying connected with her father in Korea. Her father's memory is fading, and his health is declining, making their time together more urgent and precious.

What role does the Copino Children Association play in Maymay's story?

The Copino Children Association helps Maymay and other Filipino-Korean children reunite with their Korean fathers. They provide assistance in obtaining visas and navigating the legal processes to reconnect families.

What are Maymay's future plans after reuniting with her father?

Maymay plans to return to the Philippines to continue her studies but intends to save money to visit her father regularly. She is also considering her father's suggestion that she become a teacher.

What broader issues does the documentary highlight regarding Filipino-Korean children like Maymay?

The documentary sheds light on the struggles of children born to Filipino mothers and Korean fathers, often left behind when their fathers return to Korea. It highlights the emotional and financial challenges of maintaining connections and the legal hurdles involved in obtaining recognition and citizenship.