MAESTRO: Episode 1
Episode Title: The Flores and Valdez
Written by: Rico Marcelo
Preview of Murder of Two Girls
Scene 1
EXT. VALDEZ ARTS HIGH SCHOOL STAIRCASE - NIGHT
The rain pours relentlessly, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Sofia Flores, drenched in blood, lies sprawled on the middle of the staircase, pleading for help.
SOFIA (struggling to breathe): Help, please help me, I don't want to die.
ACTION DESCRIPTION: A figure descends the staircase, approaching Sofia. Clad in a black cloak, their face obscured, they hold a trophy. Sofia looks up, desperately reaching out for help.
SOFIA (struggling to breathe): Please help me, Sir, I don't want to die.
ACTION DESCRIPTION: The cloaked figure sits down and raises the trophy, striking Sofia three times with brutal force. Blood splatters.
[LIGHTNING FLASH]
ACTION DESCRIPTION: A woman's scream echoes from the building, causing the cloaked figure to turn their head.
Scene 2
INT. VALDEZ ARTS HIGH SCHOOL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Juliana Reyes, a young student, is being strangled by a figure in a black jacket and mask.
[LIGHTNING FLASH][THUNDER]
Juliana fights back, but her attacker is relentless. She manages to kick him off, escaping, but he gives chase. Juliana runs up the stairs, tears streaming down her face, the black-jacketed figure in hot pursuit. They reach the rooftop, and Juliana stumbles, falling to the ground.
JULIANA (sobbing): [RAIN][LIGHTNING][THUNDER]
The masked figure catches up, slowly approaching Juliana, who backs away in fear.
JULIANA (sobbing): Please don't kill me.
The black-jacketed figure continues to advance, and Juliana, desperate, runs. She is caught, her hair grabbed, and then thrown forcefully towards the edge of the rooftop. She falls.
[Slow Motion]
Juliana crashes through the glass roof of the school lobby, landing on the statue of the school founder. Blood splatters everywhere.
Let's Begin the Story
Scene 1
EXT. PALAUIG, ZAMBALES - DAY
The beautiful scenery of Palauig, Zambales, is shown. The sounds of birds, cars, and people fill the air.
Scene 2
INT. EDWARD FLORES' HOUSE - DAY
Edward Flores, a high school teacher and single father, sits at the breakfast table with his mother, Cielo. His daughter, Sofia Flores, a high school student with a passion for piano, is still in her room.
CIELO: Your daughter is in her room, practicing. She's determined to get into the Arts High School for the music program.
Edward glances towards Sofia's room.
Scene 3
INT. SOFIA'S ROOM - DAY
Sofia plays the violin, her fingers dancing across the strings. She is playing Caprice No. 24. Edward watches, impressed by her talent.
EDWARD (smiling): Anak.
SOFIA: Pa.
Edward approaches Sofia.
EDWARD: You really want to study at the Arts High School?
SOFIA: Yes, Pa. I love playing music.
Edward smiles.
SOFIA: Why are you looking at me like that? Am I not good?
EDWARD (laughing): Of course you're good. You get it from me.
They laugh together.
SOFIA: You know, Pa, I have a dream.
EDWARD: What is it, Anak?
SOFIA: I want to draw. But I couldn't achieve it.
EDWARD: A long story.
Edward looks at the clock.
EDWARD: I'll tell you later if we don't want to be late.
SOFIA: Pa, come on.
Scene 4
INT. VALDEZ MANSION - DAY
The Valdez mansion is a breathtaking sight, filled with luxurious furniture and classical decor. Numerous servants and staff attend to the family.
Scene 5
EXT. VALDEZ POBLACION STREET - DAY
Senior Ignacio Valdez, the founder of several of the largest companies in the Philippines and a former president, rides in a luxurious car with his two children, Hernalyn and Benedict, who is currently running for president.
SR. IGNACIO: How's your campaign going, Benedict?
BENEDICT: It's going well, Papa. I'm still the strongest candidate.
Benedict glances at Hernalyn.
SR. IGNACIO: Hernalyn, you're the most famous in the family. Why don't you endorse your brother?
HERNALYN: It seems he doesn't need it, Papa. As he said, he's the strongest. Let's see if he wins in a landslide in the upcoming election.
Scene 6
INT. VALDEZ MANSION - DAY
The mansion's staff is busy with their tasks when the head worker arrives.
HEAD WORKER: Senior is arriving. Let's greet him.
Scene 7
EXT. VALDEZ MANSION - DAY
The mansion staff lines up as the Valdezes' cars arrive. Senior Ignacio, Hernalyn, and Benedict step out of their vehicles. The staff greets them.
Scene 8
INT. VALDEZ MANSION - DAY
The Valdezes enter the mansion, greeted by the staff.
STAFF: Welcome back, Senior.
SR. IGNACIO: Thank you. Get back to your work.
The staff disperses.
HERNALYN: Do you always have to receive greetings from our staff, even with your terrible attitude?
SR. IGNACIO: Of course. I pay them and feed them, so they should show me respect. Now, go rest.
Benedict and Sr. Ignacio leave.
HERNALYN: I'll be leaving later. (She looks at them.) I have a meeting with my business partner.
Benedict and Sr. Ignacio nod and Hernalyn leaves.
BENEDICT: I'm going to rest, Papa.
SR. IGNACIO: Wait.
Benedict turns around.
SR. IGNACIO: Do you know what your sister is planning?
BENEDICT: No, Papa.
Benedict leaves.
Scene 9
INT. PIANO ROOM - DAY
A young student plays the piano, performing La Campanella. Her teacher is impressed.
JULIANA: Mr. Alvarez, I'm getting better.
MR. ALVAREZ: Yes, I'm sure your father will be pleased. Play it again.
JULIANA (smiling): Okay.
Juliana continues to play.
Scene 10
INT. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Benny Reyes, the new director of Valdez Arts High School, walks around his spacious office.
SHAINA: Wow.
BENNY: Hey, Shaina, come in.
SHAINA: From teacher to principal, and now the new director. You really are different when you own the place.
BENNY: Hey, it's not like that.
They both laugh.
SHAINA: I regret letting you go when we were in high school.
BENNY: Don't regret it. You have a husband now.
SHAINA: Yeah, but wait.
BENNY: What?
SHAINA: Did you receive the list of new violin students who will be taking the exam?
BENNY: Yes, but I haven't checked it yet.
Benny picks up the list.
SHAINA: You should prioritize the student with an outstanding performance.
BENNY: Who is it? Sofia Flores?
SHAINA: Yes. I heard her father is a teacher too.
BENNY: Really? What kind of teacher?
SHAINA: A science teacher.
STAFF: Sir, you're in charge of your books now.
BENNY: Yes, I'll take care of it.
BENNY: Let's go.
Benny and Shaina leave.
Scene 11
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Benny and Shaina walk towards Benny's former office.
PHONE RINGING
BENNY: I'll answer this call.
SHAINA: Sure, I'll go ahead.
Shaina leaves.
Scene 12
EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY
Benny answers the call.
HERNALYN (calling): Hello.
Scene 13
INT. CAR - DAY
Hernalyn is in her car, talking to Benny.
HERNALYN: Can you come to Papa's birthday next week?
EXT. ROOFTOP - CONTINUES
BENNY: I don't know yet.
INT. CAR - CONTINUES
HERNALYN: You have to come. Everyone will be there.
EXT. ROOFTOP - CONTINUES
BENNY: And then what will happen? We'll all fight again.
INT. CAR - CONTINUES
HERNALYN: Let's see.
The call ends.
INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY
Shaina walks around Benny's former office, which was previously the principal's office. She stops at the table.
SHAINA: Why wouldn't he want the next principal to use this?
Shaina looks around and notices something on the bookshelf. She approaches it and sees a fingerprint on a bookcase. She reaches out to touch it.
BENNY: Shaina.
SHAINA (startled): Ay! (She closes her eyes.)
Shaina covers the fingerprint.
BENNY: Are you okay?
Shaina opens her eyes and looks at Benny.
SHAINA: Yes, I'm fine.
BENNY: Let's go to lunch.
SHAINA: Sure, I'll just grab my bag.
Shaina leaves, and Benny watches her go. He then looks at the bookshelf with a frown.
Scene 14
EXT. MALACAĂ‘ANG PALACE - DAY
Hernalyn's car arrives at Malacañang, and her staff opens the door for her. She walks inside.
Scene 15
INT. MALACAĂ‘ANG CORRIDOR - DAY
Hernalyn walks towards the President's office.
Scene 16
INT. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT - DAY
President Reynaldo Valdez Dela Cruz and Vice President Arthuro Pineda are talking with Presidential candidate Aljun Valdez Dela Cruz and Vice Presidential candidate Marie Pineda.
REYNALDO: How's the campaign going, Aljun?
ALJUN: It's not good, Dad. My talented cousin is in the lead.
REYNALDO: Don't worry. (He takes a sip of tea.) Hernalyn's support is on your side.
ALJUN: How can you be sure?
REYNALDO: She supported your uncle and me before.
ARTHUR: That's right. Your father. They don't get along, and Hernalyn is just a child out of wedlock.
A PSG officer approaches them.
PSG: Mr. President, Ms. Hernalyn, Chairwoman of the Prime Wave Group, is here.
Hernalyn enters the office and greets them.
HERNALYN: Good morning, Mr. President and Mr. Vice President.
REYNALDO: Have a seat.
Hernalyn sits down.
REYNALDO: What's on the agenda today?
HERNALYN: It's possible that my brother could win the upcoming election.
REYNALDO: Is there no other way?
HERNALYN: There is, if we can find evidence that he was involved in the death of President Montenegro.
ALJUN: How can you be sure that Benedict was involved in the death of President Montenegro?
Hernalyn turns to Aljun.
HERNALYN: I don't need to answer that question. I'm sure.
ALJUN: Okay, let's find the evidence.
MARIE: I'll take care of finding that evidence. Just make sure I win.
HERNALYN: Don't worry. You'll win.
HERNALYN: It'll be easy if you can convince your brother that you're on his side. But it's not that easy to gain his trust.
ALJUN: What if he doesn't gain the trust of that person?
HERNALYN: We're not starting with your brother.
ARTHUR: Sabrina, the one they say will be the First Lady.
HERNALYN: Whoever Sabrina trusts, your brother trusts. Am I right, Mr. President?
REYNALDO: Exactly.
Hernalyn and President Reynaldo exchange glances.
Scene 17
INT. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NIGHT
[AIRPLANE SOUND][ANNOUNCER VOICE]
Sabrina Reyes Valdez, Benedict's wife, walks with her children, Camille and Rafael Valdez. Their staff carries their luggage.
Sabrina takes out her phone while walking and calls Benedict.
[PHONE RINGING]
Scene 18
INT. CAR - NIGHT
[PHONE RINGING]
Benedict's phone rings. He picks it up and answers.
BENEDICT: Hello, hon.
INT. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NIGHT
SABRINA: Honey, we're at the airport. We're on our way home.
EXT. AIRPORT EXIT DOOR - NIGHT
As they exit the airport, their staff opens the car door for them, and they get in.
INT. CAR - CONTINUES
BENEDICT: Okay, see you at home. Papa prepared dinner.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
SABRINA: Okay, hon. See you.
Scene 19
INT. EDWARD FLORES' HOUSE - NIGHT
[La Campanella playing][Violin version]
Sofia plays her violin, and her grandmother, Cielo, smiles happily.
[Music Continues]
Sofia plays with passion, feeling the music.
[Music Continues]
When she finishes, Cielo claps, and Sofia smiles.
SOFIA: Was I good, Lola?
CIELO: You were amazing.
Sofia hugs her grandmother.
EDWARD (knocking): Anak, have you been there for a while?
SOFIA: Yes, Pa.
EDWARD: I was watching my talented daughter.
Edward kisses Sofia on the forehead.
EDWARD: I have a gift for you.
SOFIA: What is it, Pa?
Edward gives Sofia a paper bag. She opens it, revealing a dress.
SOFIA: Wow!
Edward walks to the side and puts down his bag.
EDWARD: Wear this for your audition tomorrow, Anak. I'll be watching you.
SOFIA: Really, Pa?
EDWARD: Of course.
Sofia hugs her father.
SOFIA: Thank you, Pa. I love you.
EDWARD: Mmm, my daughter.
Scene 20
INT. VALDEZ MANSION LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
[Clair de lune playing][Piano version]
Juliana plays the piano, and her grandfather is delighted.
[Music Continues]
Juliana finishes playing, and her grandfather claps enthusiastically.
JULIANA: Did I pass, Lolo?
SR. IGNACIO: Yes, my dear. You did great.
Hernalyn arrives.
SR. IGNACIO: Oh, your mother is here.
JULIANA: Hi, Mom.
Juliana kisses her mother.
Hernalyn approaches Sr. Ignacio and kisses him.
HERNALYN: I have something for you, Juliana.
JULIANA: What is it, Mom?
Hernalyn gives Juliana a paper bag.
HERNALYN: Open it.
Juliana takes the bag and opens it.
JULIANA: Wow, it's beautiful. Thank you, Mommy.
HERNALYN: You're welcome.
Benny arrives.
JULIANA: Hi, Pa.
Juliana approaches Benny and kisses him.
JULIANA: Will you be there for my performance test tomorrow?
BENNY: Of course, to support my baby girl.
JULIANA: Thank you, Pa.
Juliana hugs Benny. Benny, Hernalyn, and Sr. Ignacio exchange glances.
SR. IGNACIO: The students from the State are arriving soon. We can talk later.
BENNY: Okay.
SR. IGNACIO: Follow me.
Sr. Ignacio leaves, and Benny follows him.
Scene 21
INT. SR. IGNACIO'S STUDY ROOM - NIGHT
The two discuss Benny's new position at the Arts High School.
SR. IGNACIO: I put you in this position because I want my grandchildren to be world-class talents. You can do it, right?
BENNY: Yes, Papa. It depends on their talent.
SR. IGNACIO: Talent, hahaha. Is talent even important anymore? I know that with money, you can do anything. What can you do? If it weren't for my daughter, you'd be living on the streets right now.
Sr. Ignacio approaches Benny and places a hand on his shoulder.
SR. IGNACIO: You and your father could be the same, trash. So, you'll do whatever I tell you to do if you don't want to lose the family you cherish.
A maid knocks on the door.
SR. IGNACIO: Come in.
MAID ELAISA: Senior, Sir Benedict and Ma'am Sabrina are arriving.
Benny and Sr. Ignacio exchange glances.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
They all welcome Benedict's family back from their trip abroad.
SR. IGNACIO: Welcome back.
They all embrace.
SABRINA: Bless you, Grandpa.
CAMILLE: Bless you.
RAFAEL: Bless you.
Scene 22
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT