I recently had the opportunity to watch the movie Meet, Greet & Bye in a cinema in Belgium. At first, I hesitated to go because it was a Sunday evening. Yet something inside me guided me there, and I now understand it was for a reason. I am still searching for the right words to express how deeply this film touched me. The emotional connections among the characters were profoundly moving. The story illuminated challenges that resonate strongly with Filipino families.
Every family carries both silent and visible wounds. In the film, the mother had stage 4 cancer but kept it from her children. They only learned the truth when she collapsed during her daughter’s graduation. The eldest son, the family’s breadwinner, returned from the United States, while the middle brother struggled with feelings of being overlooked. He had dreams of his own, but had to set them aside because his older brother went abroad first.
I did not anticipate how deeply this movie would open me emotionally. It held space for feelings that are often difficult to face. The film offered a doorway for these emotions to emerge gradually and safely. In a gentle and beautiful way, it allowed the characters’ experiences to mirror my own. That moment felt sacred, and I embraced it fully.
There was something magical about the film. Was it the emotional connection among family members? The sincerity of the acting? The balance of drama with light-hearted humor? I recognized parts of myself in the story. I, too, have carried silent wounds. Yet these wounds are healing now because I understand them as past trauma I am ready to release. Often, silence is mistaken for strength. It signals that everything is fine on the outside, even when it is not. Many of us, especially Filipinos, display resilience outwardly, but deep down, we long for care and acknowledgment.
I have learned to carry my energy and release my emotions without unnecessary drama. Emotions are stored energy seeking alignment with the mind. We all long for small gestures of care without needing to ask for them, but to receive them, we must first lower our defenses. Often, others read our outward composure and assume we are fine.
This film also reminded me of the preciousness of life. While optimism and strength are central to Filipino culture, we must also allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Suppressed emotions do not disappear; they accumulate within the body. Learning to voice our feelings and honor them is essential for true healing. Reflecting on this, I treasure the trips I have taken to the Philippines with my mother. Those moments mattered more to me than getting my driver’s license or my own place at the time. Deep down, my soul was drawn back each time, reminding me to reconnect with my Filipino roots.
The movie mirrored my own potential. I now recognize that I can cultivate deep emotional connections with those around me and my future clients. I no longer need to suppress this energy. I understand where my mother came from; she had to grow up quickly. I am in a better place than she was, yet I am determined to break the cycle of generational trauma. Living abroad, it is easy to forget how much we have. Visiting the Philippines always brings joy and pride. I deeply respect the OFWs who work tirelessly to provide for their families. Yet the presence and attention of family often matter more than material support, a truth frequently underestimated.
The film also highlights the importance of compassion and understanding. Blaming one another only deepens wounds. Listening, meeting each other halfway, and showing empathy are essential. When a family member is ill, material possessions lose their significance. Love and unity must come first. Healing takes time, and everyone moves at their own pace. Some may never see beyond their trauma, and that is part of the human experience.
Finally, the movie reminds us to pay attention to energy. Some words are too difficult to express verbally and must be felt with the heart. Understanding energy allows us to navigate relationships more effectively. No wound is too deep to heal if we allow unconditional love to lead. Opening ourselves to this energy aligns us with who we truly are. When we do this, life begins to fall into place naturally. If we are willing to dive deep and commit to our personal growth, the possibilities are limitless.
This film was more than a story; it was a lesson. It taught me the value of emotional honesty, vulnerability, and presence. It reminded me that love, understanding, and compassion are far more powerful than anger or resentment. Most importantly, it encouraged me to embrace my own energy, honor my feelings, and allow life to unfold with grace.
by Gresson Peiffer