“I want to produce movies that can inspire people, especially the youth, so that they can learn something from the films we make. Kaya ang target market namin talaga ay mga schools para mapanood ng maraming kabataan at ma-insipire namin sila.”
Roy C. Gomez, Executive Producer – RCG Entertainment Productions
After weeks of waiting since the launch of the film a few weeks ago, “The Special Gift” will have a premiere on September 24, 2023 (Sunday), in Trinoma Cinema, Screening Time: 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM and Gala at 7:00 PM, produced by RC Gomez Entertainment Productions. It is a story about a gifted child (played by 10-year-old Franchesko “Choco” Maafi), loved by his mother and siblings and admired by his teachers. However, the child longs for the affection of his father. Mike Lloren and Malou Canzana play the role of mom and dad, respectively. Lawrence Roxas writes and directs the inspiring film. This heartwarming movie takes us on an extraordinary journey, weaving a story of love, courage, and the power of self-acceptance, and be inspired as we delve deeper into the story and uncover the profound message it conveys.
According to production notes, Liam (Choco) is a problem child for his father, Daddy Fernan, but a gift for his mother. Nanay Raquel. He is dear to his sister Trishia (Romina Cauilan) but is somehow closer to his brother, Arko (Angelo Gomez). A grade 10 student under teachers Nico Ignacio (Migui Moreno) and Marga Castello (Ella Sheen), Liam doesn’t go along with other students who treat him as an outcast and bully him because of his unusual behavior – being anti-social, quiet, doing very good in academic areas and even in the arts.
At home, Liam often stays in his room doing drawings which he normally hides because his father disapproves of his children doing any art. Sometimes he doesn’t want to go to class or respond to anyone, and feels bored. Oftentimes, he feels intense in expressing his emotions, overly joyous and excited, and does things that don’t interest his father. And when his father confronts him, he becomes oppositional. Though his mother consoles him, he still feels alone.
In an instance at school, teacher Nico asks the students to make drawings to check who will represent the class in the school art contest. Liam didn’t show his drawing to anybody but instead threw it in the trash bin. When teacher Marga and Nico accidentally find the crumpled drawing in the trash can, to their surprise, it is the most creative and expressive drawing of all. They decided to choose Liam to represent the school in the inter-school art competition where he eventually won.
Fernan’s favorite son is Arko because he does so well in school and always follows his advice and orders. One afternoon, Fernan happens to see the band rehearsal in school. And to his surprise, he saw Arko performing as the drummer. He rushes to the stage, stops the performance, drags his son downstage, and orders him to stop such foolishness. Arko passively obeys his father’s demand.
Then one evening, Fernan gets angry with Liam when he finds out that his son is joining the art contest. Feeling hurt, Liam leaves the house. The family is so worried about Liam not coming home. They look for him everywhere – in the streets, the school, but they cannot find him. Until they see him in the park, looking intently at a mural. They call out his name but he never responds until he faints. They take them to the hospital as he is feverish.
Raquel blames Fernan . At this point, the father reveals to his family why has been so strict and more often hard on them, about his experiences with his disciplinarian father, Lolo Emil. The old man didn’t want him to pursue music and art because it wouldn’t bring him success.
A child psychologist tells them that Liam is potentially a special child and that he needs extra special attention at home and at school. The succeeding days become easier for Liam because his entire family and his school are starting to become understanding to him. During the school recognition day, Liam was awarded as the Most Outstanding Student for being academically exceptional and for bagging the gold prize in the inter-school art competition. When the principal hands him the medal, Liam instead puts it on his father’s neck as tears flow on Fernan’s face. Liam grabs the microphone and gives a short but deeply felt speech. As the family plays Scrabble, Fernan asks for forgiveness from them. They all give each other a loving hug.
Other members of the cast include BJ Forbes as Iman and Soliman Cruz as Lolo Emil. With its heartfelt theme, the movie reminds us of the power of love, the importance of self-acceptance, and the mystery that lies within us all. It encourages us to reflect on our own journeys and the impact we can have on our loved ones and the people around us.
