HACIENDA
by Rodney Dakita Garcia
(A Musical Tribute to the spirit of EDSA)

CAPTAIN ODEL AND KRISTINE

Only Kristine and her fiance Capt. Odel remain. They have not seen each other for over a year. Odel was fighting in the Muslim war in the south, while Kristine was finishing her graduate studies in California. Odel says he has an envelop that gives him orders to arrest the leaders of the insurrection. He is in a rush to join his men, but Kristine asks Odel for more time together.

IT'S THE RIGHT TIME
I felt it in the air the other day, and I know why
Do not be surprised, by the music in my eyes
My feelings show, my heart is warm
And I caress the sky
Even now I feel like I can fly
It's the right time, you and I
And the sunshine, we'll receive from above
The best time, to believe in love

Odel:I have dreamed about our day
so many times before
Kristine: thought that I have used up all my prayers

Odel: Now each and every moment I love you more and more
Kristine: we discover there's so much to share

Odel:I feel your hand in mine and I know
Everything is fine
Suddenly I see all I can do

Kristine: Seasons change but really everything remains the same
Love and only love can make us new

(Odel joins)
It's the right time, you and I
And the sunshine, we'll receive from above
(Odel and Kristine approach the bench and sit looking intently at each other while they sing)
The best time, to believe
The best time to believe
The best time to believe in love.

Kristine: When I think of what can be in store for us, I have so much hope.
Odel: Hope?
Kristine: Yes hope --hope to build our lives around. We'll get that track of land in Antipolo with a rock garden full of flowers -- I can teach for awhile at the university. (Odel turns away.) What's wrong?
Odel: You've really been away much too long. Open your eyes, Kristine. The world really is collapsing around us. Tanks, armored carriers and soldiers -- my men and I are getting ready to launch an assault on the camps -- do you realize that? You had better tell your father to evacuate the restaurant.

Kristine: Papa is going through with the party tonight.

Odel: Party? Tonight? But that's crazy!

Kristine: Papa says the rebellion won't last very long. Mang Domeng is preparing a special number for us tonight. And Eric will be there also.

Odel: Don't go to the party, Kristine.

Kristine: But Papa is giving it for us, you know. It's for our engagement --

Odel: But how can I announce our engagement at a time like this. There is war in the air. (Mario comes running.)

Mario: Sir, the trouble at the camps --it's getting worse. The General and Colonel Santamaria are waiting for you!

Odel: I'll be there. (Mario leaves.) Kristine, the future is too uncertain. I am unsure -

Kristine: You have always been sure of yourself and of everything you believed in, Odel. And now you're unsure -- of us?

Odel: No, I'm unsure of this country. What I am sure of is that you must go away, go back abroad --to California. (Kristine is taken aback). There is little hope for us here -- you and your father are in danger here -- go ahead abroad and I'll follow if I cannot help restore some order in this God-forsaken country -- -- this is the only way to have hope for us. I too would like to see reform, but not this way. If not, then rebellions, treason, coup attempts, these will become a pattern -- a way of life -- mark my words.

Kristine: You --how -how can you have me leave the country now - -now of all times --I can't go --I have to be here with you
--whatever happens...

Odel: Whatever happens? Kristine, now I know we're not ready to get engaged --not yet -- I thought you wanted a future for us.

Kristine: But I do --
Odel: I'm sorry, I must go --
(Odel is half way to the exit when Kristine calls out)

Kristine: Please come to the club tonight. Let's talk about this, we have a whole life together here, Odel, there's so much I want to tell you, so much hope. (She offers him a flower, the last one, but he refuses to accept it.)

Odel: I must go --I cannot promise to be there tonight.

Kristine: But --where are you going --

Odel: Back to the troops, I have committed a breach of duty by seeing you --

Kristine: You and your duty!
(Odel dashes out. )

Rodney Dakita Garcia
copyright 1991

EXCERPTS:
Martial Law Begins | Fourteen Years Later | Rest on Me | Captain Odel and Kristine | Where are You | Bayani's Hacienda