EXT. INTRAMUROS ENTRANCE - DAY

The car arrives at the gate checkpoint. Fernando rolls down his window. A JAPANESE SOLDIER comes and motions him to get out of the car.

INT. DE VEGA CAR

Beatriz taps her husband's arm, eyes the soldier, vexed.

BEATRICE:     (in Spanish)    [This is getting to be annoying. Fernando, let me handle this.]

Beatriz, finger wagging, talks to the soldier in flawless Nipongo. The authority in her voice makes even Fernando and Victoria turn to her.

BEATRICE:     [I'm Beatriz De Vega, friend of General Mitsuo Harada. Let us pass right now or I'll make sure that you'll take this up with him.]

The soldier is taken aback, moves a step backward with a quick bow. You don't mess with this woman. He gives the order to let the car pass.

The car moves through the checkpoint, passing the calesa's cochero and his passengers, now all standing in single file as a soldier interrogates them. Victoria turns in her seat to see what will happen.

Her POV: The soldier slaps the cochero several times. Another soldier comes and hits the cochero's back with his rifle. The cochero falls to the ground, receiving punches and kicks from the soldiers.

BACK TO SCENE

As the car moves away, Victoria, lips pursed, continues to witness the cruel scene.

EXT. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, INTRAMUROS - DAY

We see the imposing facade of the baroque marvel that is San Agustin Church. The car of the De Vegas pulls up in front of the church.

HOLLYWOOD VERSION