EVERYTHING STAYS | a Fil-Am short film about leaving family behind

[@JustineAprilJ]

"Don't we make you happy?" Signature toxic Filipino culture right thurrr Planning to move out within the next year. My family's like this, only much smaller. Happy ish on the outside, secretly dysfunctional and lots of emotional manipulation on the inside. Wish me luck.

[@shojikagami3336]

Good job and good luck

[@letechnicaljames]

Emotional manipulation... I felt that.

[@555kaiz]

This is really true, as a Filipino, I love my family but there are limits to things man...... like dude we can still be all together but also its part of life that we all have to move but that doesn't mean that we can be apart...... family will always be part of our memories....no matter what.

[@555kaiz]

@The Devil is Giratina yeah I get that, but the way she said that to him and basically let the group know with practically doing the whole being shunned feel to it.....that's shitty dude.

[@evanflredondo]

It’s very worth it. It sets you on your own path at your own pace. In my experience, my family tends to hold me back, which isn’t always a bad thing. I did learn some harsh lessons on the way, but I wouldn’t have learned them any other way. Once you build the life you wanted for yourself, you may end up being the one that set the bar for the rest of your family.

[@robertyearling2170]

Im Filipino but I'm with Dave on this one. If he wants to go to school in a different state then that's cool. He's not forsaken his family. Plus being in the house with many people like in the Philippines is not practical. Dave has his own life to live too. His mom would be proud going to school.

[@tdot8146]

I feel like this hits home for a lot of us Asian Americans here. The family dynamics of Asian Americans is a unique one and I felt this to my core.

[@itsJeaaan1]

Immediately clicked after seeing Fil-Am in the title 🇵🇭🙈

[@ChelyAmour]

Agreed!! Here for more Fil-Am representation in these Asian Am communities

[@tasnimjackson5709]

This is terribly underwatched. The writing, acting, cinematography...this was so good. I'm not Asian, and I haven't really had direct experiences like what was portrayed. But I still felt like I fully understood the family and the emotions behind their story. Well done!

[@jasn010]

yeah i feel like youtube algorithm isnt showing wongfu stuff. I am a subscriber but I didnt even see this in my feed.

[@enak0e]

I can't quite place how many different ways this film was relatable to my life experience. Especially as a Fil-Can myself, that fight between the expected familial obligation vs. who you want to be breaks my heart. I'm still crying as I write this comment. Well done.

[@maxwelltaylor1360]

Unsupportive, emotionally manipulative Asian family. This is way too real and relatable. Such a great short film

[@Spitty95]

Paused a minute and half in to say that's one of the best opening shots I've seen in my life

[@mariechaekyung3]

This is relatable. I got married young in my early 20s. For a Filipino family, that is very young. I encountered a lot of comments from my family basically trying to discourage me or re-think my decision. I've always felt like I had so much input from family and I felt paralyzed trying to make my own decisions for fear of what they'll say or think. I've since learned to stand my ground respectfully. I still love my family and they're important to me, but there's also boundaries to be placed. I have other Filipino friends going through similar things and have asked me how I've made it through to the other side. Consistency, persistence, and just being confident in your own decision. Remember that you are an individual with your own goals and wants in life. You cannot be one big group doing everything and anything together. You need that space and time to develop yourself and learn who you are. Sooner or later your parents and family will come around and get used to your decisions. This is not to advocate decisions that are morally and ethically wrong, but decisions such as going away for college, who to date, who to marry, etc.

[@AsiatiqueMedia]

Yo that opening scene was GREAT! Have never seen anything like that before

[@robinsarah113]

Thank you for presenting something so cinematically and beautifully that a lot of us Filipino and Asian Americans are going through. It’s something I feel like we all relate to but are too scared to speak up on it/does not really come up as a topic of conversation because of the guilt and the taboo-ness surrounding the leaving of the family! Just because we leave, does not mean we do not love/are not grateful for what our family has done. I hope our culture and our families know this and it’s our responsibility to generate more honest and open conversation about it with our own families! Hoping that everyone going through a similar situation can get through it peacefully 🥰

[@ileestrate6486]

Soooo relatable. From Midwest to California as well. Left 3 years ago, climbed in my career, bought a house and now in the process of moving my siblings and parents in. “…you can always take them with you…”

[@harmoniaSINGS05]

I lived in Indianapolis during my adolescence and the shots of the Midwest hit home to me. I agree, the opening shot and the children playing on 4th of July got me emotional AF.

[@edbrann5768]

Awesome cinematography. This is an outstanding production.

[@jacquelynchin5513]

This film really said "i will come at you and your entire existence"

[@MikeBSalazar]

Feels man. Last six months of high school I spent a lot of time with a girlfriend more than brother and other close friends before leaving for nursing school in the Philippines (I’m from NJ). Girl isnt in my life anymore but I’m blessed to retain the relationships I have with my family and friends despite the poor internet connection and not so regular communication.

[@Mouie00000]

Hello ! I'm about to move out to college in a week. I could relate to this movie a lot, and it made me feel better knowing that other people went through the same sadness as my family and I. Thank you so much for this very well made movie ! I wish you the best from France !

[@tumbleweed9977]

One of the most realistic depictions I have seen. Great job with this short film. There are definitely some Asian nuances but I think a lot of people of all different cultures can relate to this story. The age old question: What you want, what your family wants, and what happens when it does not perfectly align.

[@midorchimidorchi8104]

Never have I ever sobbed so much while watching a short film. This hit so close and so hard to home.

[@VictoriaDoose]

This is so well done. So so well done. Everyone in it felt so natural and authentic, the cinematography was beautiful, and even the emotionally fraught moments conveyed so much with body language and movement more than dialogue. I was in awe the whole time.

[@jennifernguyen9517]

Wow, this was a tear jerker- very relatable and well directed. The subtle moments caught said a thousand things. One of my favorite shorts so far, thank you for sharing!

[@Wongsquared]

Damn that was absolutely beautiful. That ending scene and the looks the siblings gave eachother were perfect. It's subtle, yet clear and it really makes you feel what they feel. Even if you've never been in this situation it pulls on the heartstrings for a memory you never had.

[@labellavlogs]

Beautifully done video. Hits home a lot. This is definitely why I’ve been following wongfu every since. Great job guys.

[@anneminette]

Wow! This was filmed in my hometown!! As soon as I saw Deri Delite, I knew it’s Aurora! Cool! 🇵🇭

[@pimsinghatiraj74]

OMG! I saw this at a Chicago film fest! So exciting that it's made its way to Wong Fu!

[@CampGravatt123]

This acting is really great from Sophia, the main guy, and the gf- they killed it fr! Edit bc I just got to the gma part and my allergies decided to kick in I guess😢

[@Takara8tt]

I was late to watch this, but wowww…this was beautifully filmed and written. My heart broke for Gabe so badly…that’s how I know y’all knocked it out off the park. My hearttttttttttttttttttttttttt 💔

[@robd92]

This made me teary. I call my grandma mama, too. Haven't seen her in years 'cause of covid and its a bit risky to visit her because of her age (she's 92) and health.

[@johnnoahhoomanawanui7785]

The creative use of the 4th entwined with Victor’s path of choice, along w/ the etymology of names such as Victor & Nicole. While others address her as Nikki only his grandmother (whose memory is corrected but w/in whose Wisdom opens Victor’s eyes) calls her Nicole. Intentional or not, the gift of the cooking utensil is used as a double edged sword is also clever. To prune/sever/cut certain parts in order to grow as well as to cut/clear a path toward a new journey or path less travelled. ___ On a personal note, as one of twelve siblings w/ numerous nephews & nieces when iWent away for school before mobile phones & digital cameras. As the first to attend college & graduate far away fr home, iAm thankful iHad handwritten letters, photos & memories!💖

[@nicholasgequillana2368]

I am not going to lie. This feels like me right now. I have been away from home for a couple of years now but I feel like this a lot ever since I moved to my new city. Great video!

[@AlanChikinChow]

GO COLE NICOLE & SARI!!!!!!! 😍😍😍

[@wongfupro]

😍

[@RibbidyJamGames]

Nikki,Sophie and Gabe really did an amazing job on acting there characters. Really felt for each of them

[@kimjulzillahful]

It never fails. I cry every single time I watch your videos. 😭

[@duskshadow25]

It doesn't make sense to me that if Gab is going to a college he wants to go and pursue his own happiness but his family doesn't support that? You can't expect someone to stay with you because YOU want them to always be there 24/7. Not only is that selfish, but it's also very unsupportive and not understanding. If you actually care about their happiness, you should be supporting that person's decision and their dreams and goals in life. Most of all, give them the opportunity to discover and explore what more life has to offer, instead of just wanting them to stay in one place forever. The world is big out there. Every person you encounter has a story to tell. Just like certain places has limited access to a specific field, there are other places that are good for a particular field, you know? For example, if you grew up in a small town and want to pursue in music, but your home town doesn't really offer the growth you needed, then it makes sense to move to a bigger city for more growth and opportunities. We all have to leave our family one day. Ultimately, we are not going to live with them forever, because we all have our life to live. Just like when a bird grows old enough, that bird is going to eventually have to spread their wings and fly away and live their own life. We can't expect that bird to live as a kid forever. This is a natural way of life, and this is what makes life both beautiful and sad at the same time. A person only grows at their best when he is out of his comfort zone. If you're comfortable with where you're and not willing to go out of your comfort zone, then you are not really growing.

[@mariechaekyung3]

Well said!

[@jordannyboy4116]

The beginning starts off soo strong to the point that I'm scared of watching the rest because of its accuracy

[@fluffyandfez]

damn this hits, thank you for this gift. (I recently lost my dad, and the feelings of family obligation weigh heavy on me too)

[@DC-sr7gu]

you guys make amazing videos. so thankful to have a channel like this. i agree this hits home alot!!!

[@miXwui]

Thanks y'all for sharing such a beautiful message. I resonated with it and ugly cried, haha. I'm grateful Wong Fu is still putting out such wonderful shorts

[@michellehsieh246]

WOO MIDWEST REPRESENT!!!

[@CobaltOnly1]

But who ever is reading this Im literally going to be putting my whole soul into this writing….. I can relate to this film a lot a lot. I’m not going to lie I’m still going through this time to time. My dad wants to me to go to the military and I was suppose to leave right after I graduated high school but what made me stayed is my family and my best friends. I felt like the bonds and the memories that we made here is not going to be where ever I’m at. Don’t get me wrong starting a new chapter for my life is a good thing but starting all over, making new friends is mentally exhausting. Mentally I just don’t feel like trusting new people nor making new friends and that’s just me. It’s true, you can take the memories w/ you but once you leave, you start to naturally disconnect with your friends/families.

[@filipinaaa]

i love this film.

[@jesscastaneda2006]

Wow that is such a powerful moving short film thank you so much for making it

[@sokhaychan7200]

It has been three years since my last visit home back on 2019. And well, it is time to visit home again.

[@shenadigans_]

Beautifully done! 💛 Totally relatable for sure

[@blackdawg7361]

"It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" -- Boyz II Men (~ 1991) 😭 Mom: "You can always take them with you if that's where you want to be." 😇

[@TheHost345]

Being indifferent to the new girl/guy in the group. That's definitely Filipino lol

[@LovelyMavi]

is there a possibility of having a closed caption on for this film? I want to watch and understand what's going on as I am deaf.

[@wongfupro]

Captions have been added! 🤓

[@Crushest]

Love these short films! Very relatable on the manipulative family, at the moment some can't see beyond their own self reasoning. Hopefully that changed with time for the director. The scene with Mama was beautiful. Certainly emotions were stirred.

[@kylerpolson4811]

I love Sari from A.P. Bio!!!

[@hatenotlove]

Ahhh the feels! And when run river north comes on at the end

[@chelseaanne007]

Can there be a pt2 to this teleserye? I want to officially know what he says~

[@thekristineway]

this made me cry so much😭😭

[@Flellz]

That was amazing. Well done!!

[@wawawho18_adventures]

this is a big family woooooooooooo

[@wishxjapxdrama]

ahhhh run river north !! Love the story how I relate it so much 💛 I am still battling the decision of leaving home or not 😅

[@mallickpriyanshu]

❤️

[@kuroikittykat]

So relatable. Family baggage.

[@He.theGoat]

This is so good

[@shojikagami3336]

Great film indeed

[@angelotigol7734]

Gabriel's family minus Lola were so cold to Nikki.

[@OfficialCrystalSings]

Well if this doesn’t describe my life, I don’t know what does.

[@BloodiedJZ28]

I don't want to dissuade anyone from education but realize that nowadays traditional college is becoming less and less important while also becoming more and more of a burden, of course for some professions college is necessary, but alot of the time there are other paths you can take to get to your goal.

[@LouIse-ey7uq]

That dude is wearing “Iloilo” shirt. Cool, cool, cool

[@deepa6340]

This was excellent. ♡♡♡♡

[@chrisleefox6420]

I understand where guy is coming from, I have to live my life too. How they treat him is selfish, you can tell they don't even like he's girlfriend. But if shoe was on the other foot would they not do the same thing?

[@Kevin-zl3ci]

Clicked faster than Usains bolt running record

[@salazarf2]

Dain it took you 9 seconds. Boi you slow

[@tamvu2229]

Bawling

[@AttyDara]

If they use Kuya or Ate.. that would be more of a Fil drama 😊

[@Jasmine-fu7qr]

The opening scene is a nightmare for me. I have to brush alone it groses me out

[@SueStarks]

Was this filmed in NY?I thought I heard Oswego during the shopping scene.. This has a Woodside Queens vibe..Too bad my family isn't close

[@SueStarks]

I don't see lumpia or palabok in this but it's well done

[@FiishLin]

I kinda understand how Nicky felt. Not with his family though. With his friends. 😬

[@yofoxjoke]

why would they leave after hugging their grandma and not staying with her till the end? grandma looked way too energetic to be lying on the bed

[@Mstrickster2]

I felt so angry on Gabe's behalf midway through the film

[@noesuarez7940]

que los recuerdos no me pesen, que me impulsen😢

[@datruthmeowa5349]

wait a minute where nigahiga???/

[@letechnicaljames]

Aye I'm filipino

[@cuyaCT]

i think there’s a very compelling idea of wanting to stay when you need to leave, but i think the melodrama kind of drowned it out, in a very forced unnatural way.

[@MeggyPeggy]

🇵🇭

[@davidparnell1903]

Hi

[@meng5495]

So they brush their teeth and don’t wash their toothbrush or rinse

[@losangelos2]

I don't think this is an Asian theme exclusively. I know a lot of moms in other races who also guilt their kids into not leaving the family behind.

[@shadowblade19]

Jesus, mom and dad needs a chastity belt.

[@lamingtond]

wait so you don't need to rinse your mouth after you brush your teeth ??

[@cookiesrock1999]

Actually youre not supposed to wash your mouth out, you basically dont allow the toothpaste to do its job and kill bacteria.. you wait at least 30 minutes after brushing your teeth before drinking or eating :) have a lovely day dont wash your mouth out with water after you brush :)

[@BhoshuaBHOSH]

I fell asleep mid way through what does the ending mean

[@roye6961]

4/10 for the effort

[@sudiptochakma3351]

I missed old wongfu direction and script style

[@saininj]

The old stuff are definitely classics, but I'm glad they're giving new voices a chance to show their stuff. Representation is important.

[@sudiptochakma3351]

@@saininj if they change their style that means they are not wongfu anymore.

[@ChelyAmour]

They’re not changing it they’re highlighting other creators lol. They still do their own scripted stuff

[@jaocb178]

@@sudiptochakma3351 well this isn't even wong fu. This is wong fu sharing the work of others.

[@mcCIDcombo]

@@sudiptochakma3351 It's so strange to read that this isn't "wong fu's style," when it is wong fu themselves presenting this content. It was uploaded here, and showcases are part of the channel's direction, so this IS wong fu style.

[@07minsung]

All the Wong Fu videos are only all about sadness and touching. I am sick and tired of these stuff..

[@saininj]

Sadly, that's real life. 😢

[@mr.q337]

Then you haven't seen hundreds of comedy bit they made???

[@vivibanh7010]

Moving to the other side of the country in a few weeks 🥲 felt this