TAGLINE

A Filipino American family sits down for breakfast when the news hits home.

SYNOPSIS

A Filipino American family sits down for breakfast on a Saturday morning during the COVID-19 pandemic. After breakfast, Jose, the father, goes to the grocery store and becomes a victim of racial violence.

CHARACTERS

RUTH BAUTISTA (30s, Filipino American) is the mother.
JOSE BAUTISTA (30s, Filipino American) is the father.
MICHAEL (8, Filipino American) is the son.
ISABEL (5, Filipino American) is the daughter.
ROSITA (50s, Filipino/African American) is a neighbor.
POLICE OFFICER (white male)
MORNING NEWS (a broadcaster reporting on the morning news)

 

A SATURDAY MORNING IN THE BAY

SCENE ONE.

[It’s Saturday morning in San Jose, California. The date is September 2020.]

[RUTH BAUTISTA (30s, Filipino American, mother) fries scrambled eggs and spam in the kitchen.]

[The local news plays as Ruth cooks.]

MORNING NEWS
President Trump held a re-election rally at the Dream City Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma reassuring the American people COVID-19, which has now killed 200,000 Americans, is well under control. He drew cheers from the packed congregation when he referred to the virus as Kung Flu. It’s true that China failed to contain the virus and is now trying to escape responsibility by blaming its spread on American soldiers.

[Ruth mutes the TV with a remote.]

RUTH
What an idiot president we have. [Calling.] Jose, Michael, and Isabel come and eat. I made breakfast. [She waits, but there is no response. She calls again.] Jose, get the kids and come eat. [She waits, but there’s still no response. She calls again.] Your spam and eggs are getting cold.

[A commotion is heard in the background. JOSE BAUTISTA (30s, Filipino American, father) comes in with MICHAEL (8, Filipino American, son) and ISABEL (5, Filipino American, daughter).]

[Michael and Isabel sit down at the dining table. Michael plays a game on his smartphone. Isabel looks over his shoulder and tries to watch the game.]

MICHAEL
[To Isabel.] Stop bothering me.

ISABEL
I just want to see.

[Michael extends a hand with his index finger sticking out.]

MICHAEL
Pull my finger.

[Isabel pulls Michael’s finger. Michael makes a fart sound.]

MICHAEL
What do you call a cheese that’s not yours?

ISABEL
Not my cheese…

MICHAEL
Nacho cheese! You were close. You can watch my game.

[Isabel watches Michael’s game.]

[In the kitchen, Jose gives Ruth a kiss on the cheek.]

RUTH
I knew the spam would get you.

JOSE
You got me, not the spam.

RUTH
It’s the spam.

[Ruth wheezes. She backs away from Jose and calms her breathing.]

JOSE
Your asthma is acting up again. Take it easy. Don’t work too hard.

RUTH
It’s the air. It’s hard to breathe.

JOSE
These damned wildfires. I wish they would stop. [Looks out a kitchen window.] The sky is dark. It looks like the apocalypse. [Beat.] Do you think we should build an underground shelter like in the movie Blast from the Past?

RUTH
These are wildfires, not a nuclear threat.

JOSE
You just never know…

RUTH
Will you stop being silly? [Beat.] Bring the spam, eggs, and rice to the kids. There’s already orange juice on the table.

JOSE
Yes, ma’am.

[Jose brings the food to the kids.]

JOSE
Put the phone away, Michael. It’s time to eat.

[Michael puts his smartphone aside. Jose and Michael eat. Ruth joins them.]

[Isabel zooms to the kitchen and comes back to Ruth with a pill bottle.]

RUTH
Thanks for my medicine, sweetie. You take care of mommy.

[Ruth places rice, eggs, and spam on Isabel’s plate and serves everyone orange juice. Everyone eats, except for Ruth who drinks green tea.]

RUTH
I love Saturday mornings. We can hang out without daddy having to leave for work and without having to rush you two to school. [To the kids.] How’s the spam and eggs?

JOSE, MICHAEL, AND ISABEL
Good.

RUTH
[To Jose.] I was talking to the kids. But I suppose that includes you.

JOSE
That may be true, but I pay the bills.

RUTH
And that’s why I love you.

JOSE
Ouch, the truth comes out. [Beat.] Aren’t you eating?

RUTH
No, my stomach feels queasy.

JOSE
I’ll go to Vietnam Town and get your favorite Pho. That’ll make you feel better.

RUTH
Oh, no need. I’ll be fine. The air is too smoky outside. It’s not safe.

JOSE
Nonsense. It’ll make you feel better. Besides, I’m the man of the house. I make the decisions around here.

RUTH
Uh-huh.

MICHAEL
Knock knock, Isabel.

ISABEL
Who’s there?

MICHAEL
Jollibee.

ISABEL
Jollibee, who?

MICHAEL
[Sings this like Magic!’s Rude song.] Why you Jollibee so rude? Don’t you know I’m human, too.

ISABEL
That’s cheesy.

MICHAEL
Nacho cheesy!

JOSE
It’s cheesy funny. Good one, son.

[There’s a knock on the door.]

JOSE
That’s a real knock, Ruth.

RUTH
Yes, I know.

[Ruth goes to the door, peeks on the peephole, and opens it. ROSITA (50s, a Filipino/African American neighbor wearing a mask) enters with a bag of apples.]

ROSITA
Hi Ading, how are you? We have so many apples. Our tree is bountiful. I brought some for you and the family.

RUTH
[Takes the bag of apples.] Thank you, Manang Rosita. We’re having breakfast. Do you want to eat with us?

ROSITA
Oh no, it’s okay. Your Manong and I just ate.

JOSE
Please join us, Manang. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you.

ROSITA
I know. This lockdown is keeping us all at home.

RUTH
Please stay, even for just a little while.

ROSITA
Oh, sige. I do miss you all. But I’ll just socially distance myself, okay? Don’t be offended.

RUTH
It’s okay. I would put my mask on but I’m having a hard time breathing today.

JOSE
Oh Manang, we’re not sick. But do what makes you feel comfortable.

[Rosita sits with the family but slightly physically distances herself. Ruth starts to make Rosita a plate of spam, eggs, and rice, but Rosita shakes her head. She keeps her mask on.]

ROSITA
No need, Ading.

RUTH
Are you sure?

ROSITA
Yes. [Beat.] Oh my god, did you hear about the Chinese grandmother they robbed and set on fire in Chinatown? Be careful. They’re attacking all Asians. They don’t even know how to tell us apart if we’re Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, or whatever. To them we’re all the same. Not that I wish harm on the Chinese. I’m just saying America doesn’t care to know who we are. To them we’re just the enemy.

RUTH
[To Jose.] That’s why I’m telling you not to go out. It’s safer to stay home.

JOSE
Relax. Those people are targeting Asian immigrants and the elderly and women who are vulnerable. I’m strong and I’m an American. I speak perfect English. They’re not going to mess with me. Besides, the police are probably on high alert.

ROSITA
I don’t rely on the police. Just last month, someone tried to break into the house when I was home alone. I reported it but they didn’t even investigate. I had to tell your Manong to call and speak to them. And each time your Manong and I drive to LA, we’re always stopped by the police like we’re criminals. It’s unreal.

JOSE
I’m sorry, Manang. If someone tries to break in again, call me, okay?

ROSITA
Oh yeah, you are a veteran. You served in the Air Force. [To Ruth.] Jose’s even decorated, no? Didn’t the military give him a Medal of Honor for the rescue mission he served in Afghanistan?

RUTH
[To Rosita.] Be careful. You’re going to make his head big.

JOSE
[To Ruth.] You crushed any chances of that, honey.

RUTH
It’s my job to keep you in place.

MICHAEL
A boy in my class called me Kung Flu.

RUTH
What?!?! Why didn’t you tell me?

MICHAEL
I just told you.

RUTH
Oh my god, I’m going to speak with the principal.

MICHAEL
No, Mommy. I don’t want my classmates to hate me.

JOSE
Michael is right, Ruth. Don’t embarrass him by talking to the school. [To Michael.] Were you sick that day? Maybe they thought you had the flu. Sometimes kids don’t know what they’re saying. Don’t take it too personally.

RUTH
[To Michael.] Kung Flu is like a racial slur. I will not tolerate them calling Michael that.

ISABEL
They’re bullying Michael, Daddy.

JOSE
No, they’re not, Isabel. Maybe they’re giving your brother a hard time but it’s not bullying. Boys play rough, that’s all. [To Ruth.] Kung Flu isn’t a racial slur. It’s more like a pun. The president is just taking a jab at the Chinese. Don’t take it so seriously.

ROSITA
When they attacked the Chinese grandmother, they called her Kung Flu. Even if it’s a pun like you say, it’s killing people. You know, this is how racial violence is justified. It begins with calling us names to dehumanize us. Then, when they don’t see us as people anymore, they think it’s okay to kill us.

ISABEL
That’s terrible, Auntie.

ROSITA
I know, Isabel. But don’t be scared. I just want to tell you the truth.

RUTH
Manang Rosita is right, Jose. We need to take action. [To Michael.] I’ll protect you, sweetie. Things will get worse if we don’t say anything.

[Michael looks scared.]

JOSE
You two, stop scaring the kids. Michael looks terrified. He doesn’t want his classmates to hate him. Ruth, just let it go, please.

[Ruth doesn’t know what to do. She turns to Michael.]

RUTH
Do you want me to talk to the school, Michael? I will if you want me to.

MICHAEL
It’s okay, Mommy. I’ll be okay.

ISABEL
You should talk to the school, Mommy.

MICHAEL
Shut up, Isabel.

RUTH
[To Michael.] I’ll let it go this time. But promise you’ll tell me if it happens again.

MICHAEL
Yes, I will.

RUTH
Are you sure?

MICHAEL
I said yes.

ISABEL
I’ll always be your friend, Michael.

MICHAEL
Thanks, Isabel.

RUTH
[To Michael and Isabel.] This is why you both need to work hard in school so you can have a good job and make a living. America thinks of us as foreigners. I don’t know if this country will ever see us as Americans.

MICHAEL
But I was born here. I don’t know any other home.

JOSE
[To Michael.] You’re an American. [To Michael and Isabel.] Both of you are.

RUTH
They need to hear the truth that this country isn’t fair to Asians or any people of color.

JOSE
The truth is they’re Americans. Period. Oh, lighten up. This is all probably a misunderstanding. There’s nothing to worry about. It’s Saturday morning. Let’s just have fun. [Beat.] In fact, I think I’ll head out now. I’ll buy groceries and get you some Pho. You’ll like that, right?

RUTH
Don’t go out. We have enough food to last until tomorrow.

JOSE
I’d rather get it done now so I don’t have to go tomorrow. I can spend my Sunday sleeping.

RUTH
I don’t want you to go.

JOSE
Ruth, you’re being crazy.

RUTH
Okay, fine. Just hurry up.

ROSITA
Oo nga, Jose. Be careful. If Ruth loses you, no one will pay the bills.

RUTH
[To Jose.] You know I can’t work because of my asthma.

JOSE
Nothing’s going to happen to me. [To Ruth and Rosita.] Oh my god, you’re both driving me crazy.

[Jose gets up and kisses Ruth on the cheek.]

JOSE
I’ll be back before you know it.

[Jose grabs his keys from the counter and leaves.]

ROSITA
[To Ruth.] Your husband takes care of you.

RUTH
I guess he does.

MICHAEL
I’m done eating, Mommy. Can I watch TV?

RUTH
Yes, you can.

[Michael goes to the living room and watches TV.]

ISABEL
Mommy, can we make apple lumpia since Auntie Rosita brought apples?

RUTH
Yes, that’s a great idea. [To Rosita.] Do you want to stay and make apple lumpia with us, Manang? You can bring some home.

ROSITA
Yes, Ading. That sounds like fun. And I’m sure your Manong will like some, too.

[Michael turns up the TV volume with a remote. Everyone freezes as the morning news plays.]

MORNING NEWS
The Asian American community is reporting about one hundred attacks per day. They’re calling the attacks racially motivated hate crimes and part of an ongoing historical pattern. It is unclear if the attacks are rooted in bias and can be classified as hate crimes.

SCENE TWO.

[Ruth, Isabel, and Rosita make apple lumpias on the dining table. They place a spoonful of apple filling on a lumpia wrapper and fold it into what looks like a spring roll. They put finished rolls on a rectangular pan.]

[Michael sits in front of the television. A cartoon plays on screen but he’s busy playing a game on his smartphone.]

RUTH
Michael, come here and help us make lumpia.

MICHAEL
No, thank you.

RUTH
I wasn’t asking, Michael.

[Michael walks to the dining room.]

MICHAEL
Can I just watch you make lumpia while I play a game?

ISABEL
How are you going to watch us make lumpia if you play a game?

MICHAEL
Be quiet, Isabel.

RUTH
Your sister has a point. And you’re always on your phone. Please put your phone away and help us make lumpia. [A beat, Michael doesn’t respond.] Pretty please?

MICHAEL
Yes…

[Michael puts his phone aside. He goes to the kitchen to wash his hands and comes back to make apple lumpias.]

RUTH
[To Michael and Isabel.] Wrapping lumpia used to be our family tradition when I was growing up in the Philippines. I’m happy to pass it on to you.

ISABEL
I like these more than the meat lumpia.

MICHAEL
Me, too.

RUTH
It’s nice to see you agree on something. But well, this is mommy’s original recipe so I’m not surprised. Haha.

ROSITA
This is relaxing, Ading. I miss doing this with my kids. They’re old now and don’t even have time for cooking! They just order take out.

RUTH
Oh, I know. If I weren’t a stay at home mom, I don’t know if I would cook. It’s time consuming.

ROSITA
It’s not like before when cooking is all I did. Now I have Facebook and all kinds of movies and things to watch on Netflix. It’s never ending.

RUTH
Jose should be home by now. What’s taking him…

[There’s a loud knock at the door. Ruth goes to the door, peeks at the peephole, and opens it. A Police Officer (white male) wearing a mask comes in.]

POLICE OFFICER
Are you Ruth Bautista?

RUTH
Yes…

POLICE OFFICER
Ma’am, I’m sorry to inform you… Your husband is dead.

[A moment while this lands in the room like a dream or a nightmare.]

RUTH
What… What do you mean… He was just… No, he’s coming home any minute now. He just went to the store.

[Rosita and Michael’s smartphones ding. They watch a video showing a visual of…]

POLICE OFFICER
He was attacked coming out of the grocery store by a group of teenagers. Three teenagers came out of their vehicle and slammed him to the ground. His head hit a brick. The impact was too hard.

RUTH
They got him.

ROSITA
Ruth, you need to see this…

RUTH
Because he’s Asian.

POLICE OFFICER
He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

SMARTPHONES
[The teenagers’ voices are heard in synchronous tone.] Go back to China!

MICHAEL
Daddy…

[Isabel starts to cry. Ruth walks back to the dining table and collapses on a chair. She wheezes.]

[Everyone freezes as the smartphones continue to say…]

SMARTPHONES
Go back to China! Go back to China! Go back to China!

END OF PLAY.