The humid Manila air buzzed with the steady hum of passengers and rolling suitcases inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Adrian Rivera and Jom leaned against a cold steel pillar near the arrivals gate, waiting. The afternoon sun streamed through the glass walls, casting long shadows on the tiled floor.
Lance and Kai were occupied elsewhere—Lance with finalizing contracts, and Kai coordinating digital schedules and equipment rentals—leaving Adrian and Jom to pick up the person who had been on Adrian's mind for weeks.
Jom grinned mischievously as he nudged Adrian's shoulder. "You know, man, you've been carrying that serious look since the festival. When was the last time you just relaxed? Maybe this trip will loosen you up."
Adrian exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Feels like I've been in 'go mode' nonstop. I'm glad you're here to keep things light."
Jom gave him a sly smile and suddenly switched to broken Tagalog, "Kamusta, kuya? Ready ka na ba sa bagong chapter?"
Adrian blinked, then laughed. "What was that? Trying to sound local?"
"Just keeping you on your toes," Jom said with a wink. "You're too stiff, bro. Let me handle the jokes."
As they chatted, a woman with pale blonde hair and striking blue eyes appeared in the crowd, scanning for familiar faces. Jom's grin grew wider.
"Dito siya!" he said excitedly, tapping Adrian. "That's her—the sister you told me about."
Adrian's heart skipped a beat. The years abroad had changed her, but those familiar eyes and confident stance still reminded him of home.
Ella Rivera stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Adrian's. A quiet smile played on her lips as they moved toward each other.
"Adrian," she said softly.
"Ella," he replied, pulling her into a brief, warm embrace.
Jom stepped back, watching with a grin. "Finally meet the mysterious sister! I've heard stories."
Ella laughed, a melodic sound that lifted the air. "Stories, huh? Hopefully, all good ones."
---
The drive back to Jom's condo was filled with lively conversation. Jom, as always, was animated—recounting the wild ride since Adrian had returned to the film scene.
"So, wait," Ella said, turning toward Adrian. "You just… woke up and decided to make movies? And people actually care?"
Adrian smiled wryly. "It's been a whirlwind, but I have good people with me."
Jom elbowed Adrian playfully. "Hey, I'm part of the team, too! The comic relief."
Ella shook her head, amused. "I can see that."
Curious, Adrian asked, "So, what have you been up to all these years?"
Ella hesitated before admitting, "I've been making music for fun mostly. Electronic, ambient stuff. Nothing professional."
The mention of music caught Adrian's attention. Quietly, he accessed his director system and pulled up her profile.
---
**\[SYSTEM PROFILE: ELLA RIVERA]**
**Age:** 22
**Role:** Musician / Composer (Hobbyist)
**Current Stats:**
* Music Composition: 78/100
* Creativity: 84/100
* Technical Skill: 72/100
* Stage Presence: 65/100
* Emotional Resonance: 80/100
**Overall Rating:** ★★★☆☆
**Potential:** 90/100
**Special Traits:**
✔ Unique style blending electronic and classical
✔ High adaptability
✔ Strong emotional intuition
**Career Projection:** High potential for film score composition or sound design. With proper mentoring, likely to break into the indie music scene or contribute significantly to film soundtracks.
---
Back at the condo, Ella eagerly pulled out her laptop and headphones. She invited Adrian, Jom, and Kai to listen as she played a series of her compositions—ethereal, haunting melodies interspersed with upbeat electronic rhythms. The music filled the room, creating a cinematic atmosphere that immediately resonated with Adrian.
"This… this is exactly the kind of tone I want for *City of Stars*," Adrian said, eyes gleaming.
Ella looked both surprised and shy. "Really? I thought it was just something I made for myself."
Jom clapped his hands. "Girl, you're selling yourself short."
Kai nodded in agreement. "This could really elevate the emotional scenes."
Adrian stepped forward, deciding to share the opportunity. "Ella, how would you feel about officially joining the project? I'd like you to compose some original music—and maybe write a song or two."
Ella's eyes widened. "Me? For a movie?"
Adrian smiled gently. "Yes. And I'll help guide you. I remember some of the style and themes the music should have."
He hesitated slightly but continued, "There are songs in the film that carry the story and emotions forward—love, hope, heartbreak. I can't explain everything yet, but I want you to capture that feeling."
Ella's enthusiasm grew. "I'm in. This is the break I've been waiting for."
---
The days that followed were a whirlwind of preparations. Lance finalized contracts with actors and crew. Kai organized schedules and started building the editing timeline. Jom secured props and equipment rentals. And Adrian worked closely with Ella, providing subtle guidance, sharing his vision for the soundtrack without revealing his deeper secret—his reborn knowledge of films that didn't exist in this world.
Late one evening, as they listened to a demo Ella had sent, Adrian smiled. "This… this is going to be special."
---
Finally, the day came when the entire cast and crew gathered in the rented studio space. The air buzzed with anticipation. Actors, extras, makeup artists, technicians, and assistants filled the room—everyone united by a single dream.
Adrian stood before them, heart pounding but steady.
"Thank you all for joining us on this journey," he began. "From auditions to preparations, you've been incredible. Today marks the official start of *City of Stars.*"
Murmurs of excitement rippled through the crowd.
"This film is more than just a story," Adrian continued. "It's about passion, dreams, and the light we carry inside. We have a tight schedule, a modest budget, but a big vision."
He looked at each face, his voice growing firmer. "We're going to create something beautiful. Something memorable."
The room erupted in applause.
Kai stepped forward, raising his hand. "Let's make this a film we're proud of."
Lance nodded. "We've got your back, boss."
Jom grinned from the side. "And don't forget, we'll keep the jokes coming."
Laughter filled the room.
Adrian's gaze settled on Ella, standing quietly near the back. She smiled back, clutching her notebook filled with song lyrics and melodies.
The stars were aligning, and *City of Stars* was ready to shine.(End chapter)