Mammoth starring Gael Garcia Bernal

I can finally cross out this movie on my “to watch list.” A friend suggested it about two years ago and I either keep forgetting about it or not getting around to watching it. Thanks to Netflix, I was about to watch it last night with subtitles (important if you don’t know tagalog!)

Short synopsis of the film from IMDB: While on a trip to Thailand, a successful American businessman tries to radically change his life. Back in New York, his wife and daughter find their relationship with their live-in Filipino maid changing around them. At the same time, in the Philippines, the maid’s family struggles to deal with her absence.

This film really hits home for me because I’ve personally grew up with a filipino maid my whole life. Edna began working for our family since a few years before I was born until I was around 15 years old. Nila, who is Edna’s sister in law then took over and has been with us since. Although my parents were more involved in my life as compared to the film, I still spent more of my time with Edna when I was younger.

Having spoken to others here in the US about the concept of a live-in Filipino maid, I can see the pros and cons of both sides. I wouldn’t change anything if I had the choice but I can never thank Edna and Nila enough for everything they’ve done, and all the things I do they have to put up with.

Eventually we all have to find a job, friends and family have always said “what’s important about a job is that you enjoy it.” Do the thousands of Filipinos in HK enjoy what they do? How often do they get up in the morning and wish they were with their family?

I can’t answer those questions, but I can only imagine their despair being away from their families. I apologize for ever treating Edna and Nila for anything less than they deserve. If there’s anyone besides God and my family that knows me from the inside out, they would be first on the list.

There goes my thoughts and rant for the day.

Gots to go!