At this critical moment, a messenger from Manila arrives breathlessly. He announces a stunning development:
The friars and soldiers are thrown into confusion. The friar tries to rally them, but the soldiers drop their weapons. The power of Spain has vanished overnight. Miguel, humiliated and powerless, slinks away. With the Spanish authorities gone, Tenyong and Julia rush into each other’s arms. They are finally free to love without fear of oppression. Julia touches the scar on Tenyong’s arm – his physical wound – and weeps with joy. walang sugat ni severino reyes full story
Lucas and the town’s friar pressure Julia into accepting Miguel’s proposal. Julia, believing Tenyong is dead and feeling utterly hopeless, and fearing for her family’s safety, gives in to the forced betrothal. The engagement party is a somber affair. Miguel gloats, while Julia weeps silently. Only her mother, Celia, and her friend, Pepay, express outrage, but they are powerless. The final act takes place on Julia and Miguel’s wedding night. Julia is in her bridal chamber, consumed by despair. Miguel enters, drunk with power and lust, demanding that she submit to him. He tears away her mourning veil and mocks her memory of Tenyong. At this critical moment, a messenger from Manila