Free to Love is a 1981 romantic-drama film directed and written for the screen by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, based on a story by Toto Belano. The film is one of more than a dozen that features Cherie Gil and Rosemarie Gil, who are daughter and mother in real life.
Rosa, a hostess, is strict with her daughter Wendy, especially regarding her boyfriend Gary. Her strictness stems from deep wounds: Rosa and Wendy were abandoned by her husband Fernando, who married another woman to obtain a green card. Rosa’s only wish is for Wendy to finish college, work in America, and exact revenge on Fernando.
One night, Rosa feared that bar owner Brando no longer pimped her to clients. She confronted him, leading to a heated quarrel that ended with Rosa being thrown out. In despair, she swallowed a large number of sleeping pills. Wendy found her in time and rushed her to the hospital. Wendy promised her mother she would do everything to prevent such an attempt again. Instead of staying with Gary, Wendy decided to go to America to find her father. Before leaving, she gave herself to Gary.
In America, Wendy was warmly welcomed by her colleagues, which gave her peace of mind. She wrote to Rosa, expressing doubts about the obsessive plan to take revenge on Fernando. Rosa's reply pushed Wendy to make a telephone call to her father.
They reunited, and Fernando introduced Wendy to his new family—his wife Mildred and half-sister Cathy. Their first meeting was cordial, but tension arose when Fernando agreed to Wendy's request to live with them. Cathy welcomed her, but Mildred resented Wendy’s efforts to fit in.
Meanwhile, Cathy became pregnant by her boyfriend Bernard, but refused to marry him. She moved in with Bernard, leaving Wendy alone in the shared room at Fernando's house. Mildred grew angrier when Wendy asserted her right to stay. Mildred poisoned Cathy's mind against Wendy, and when Cathy returned, Mildred accompanied her to drive Wendy out. A commotion ensued, causing Cathy to miscarry. On that Fourth of July, Fernando disowned Wendy.
Wendy found another place to stay and eventually entered into a relationship with Bernard. But when Mildred and Cathy discovered them, Wendy was consumed by guilt. She attempted suicide, but Bernard stopped her. In the end, Wendy left America, as Bernard could not give up his dreams there.
Back in the Philippines, Wendy met Gary and confessed she was pregnant with Bernard's child—a relationship that began as revenge but turned into genuine affection. Wracked with guilt, she nearly sought an abortion, but Gary stopped her. Gary took responsibility, and Wendy once again faced her mother, whose heart softened upon seeing her grandchild.
In the final scene, Bernard arrived and learned the truth: he was the child's real father. Wendy allowed him to see their child. In a quiet moment of acceptance, Bernard said goodbye. A handshake between Bernard and Gary appeared to symbolize reconciliation and closure, while Wendy looked on.
MAIN CAST
Cherie Gil ... Wendy
Rosemarie Gil ... Rosa
Joe Fabregas ... Gary
Ernie Garcia ... Bernard
Deanna Galang ... Cathy
Andy Poe ... Fernando
Pacita Arana ... Mildred
SELECTED CREW
Direction and Screenplay ... Emmanuel H. Borlaza
Story ... Toto Belano
Cinematography ... Ben L. Lobo
Editing ... Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao
Musical Direction ... Idan Cortez
Executive Producer ... Espiridion Laxa
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