AllMovie

Emerging filmmaker Adolfo Alix, Jr. turns his lens on the slums of Manila to follow the story of a fourteen year-old percussionist who dreams of procuring a proper drum-kit and starting a band. Adolescent musician Jason (Jiro Manio) has spent his entire childhood in the slums, and he realizes that in this neighborhood of thieves to own something of value is to become a target. Meanwhile, Jason's brother Billy has just gotten his girlfriend pregnant, a revelation that coincides with the announcement that they are about to get yet another sibling. Assembled with the restless rhythm of a drum solo, this largely monochromatic tale contrasts the hopelessness of a child's grim reality against the inspiring nature of hopes and dreams.