Nando: Traumatized, his coping mechanism was keeping being optimism [The sound of the wind fades as Canessa

f the wind fades as Canessa stands up, looking out at the endless white
Susana: still in his right mind expanse of snow. His voice is low, filled with desperation.]
Canessa: worried to death Susana: Calm down, you all, I know that we are already in our third week being stuck
Carlitos: insane in here, but I know for sure in the 4th week they’ll come. So keep yourself together
guys.
Narrator:
Plane Crash* Canessa
*Everyone falls, and suddenly one of them wake up. Cannesa woke up. He looks (Quietly, staring out the cracked window)
around and realizing they have crashed”. Canessa shouted “ahhhhhh”. He suddenly Can’t you see? It’s all white, endless white. No sound. No movement. Just us.
proceed to look for others. He found Nando and Sussana, waking them up from their Nando
slumber. Then as they continue to look for others he found out that most of their (Softly, tending to Susana)
friends are dead. They know we’re out here…
Cannesa: Athena! Lyca! Wake up Bobbbbbyyyyy!!!1 Wake up! *looks at bobby in the Carlitos
stage (Bitterly)
*all of them crying hoding on to their friends hands Do they? We’re not even a speck out there. A dot lost in all this... nothing.
[He gestures out toward the window, his voice thick with frustration.]
Scene 1: "Cold and Hunger" 4th week my foot. You think they’ll find us in time? Or even remember we’re still
[The survivors are huddled inside the wreckage of the plane. The wind howls outside. breathing?
Canessa is rubbing his hands together to generate warmth. Carlitos sits against a Canessa
wall, staring into the distance, his breath visible in the cold air. Nando is tending to his (Turning away from the window, voice low)
injured sister, Susana, who shivers under a torn blanket. How long can we sit here waiting? Starving? It feels like we’re… disappearing.
(carlitos trying to kill himself but Susana stoped him) [The mood in the wreckage darkens. Canessa’s words sink in, and the bleak reality of
Susanna: WEeeeeehhh! Dai joubou des! their situation becomes inescapable.]
Carlitos: I’m tired! All my friends are dead! I feel like I am dead. Pagod na ako! Carlitos
Susana. PAGOD na PAGOD na ako (Looking down at the snow-covered bodies of their friends)
Susana: Pag sure oi! Pag sure diha ba. Sometimes acceptance is the answer. Accept your faith brother. They already forgot
Carlitos: Lagi Bai us. And we’re just sitting here, waiting for the same fate.
Susana: Kaya yan! Nakaya nga MAT70. We can do it Nando
Carlitos: *in disagreement (Looking up sharply)
Susana: I don’t want to be disappointed, you are better than this carlitos.. Don’t say that.
Understand!! You hear me. Do you hear me! Carlitos
Carlitos: aye aye captain. ohhhh *spongebob theme* Wrong song guys…. (Quietly, yet with weight)
*Crying… I miss spongebob, and Patrick. * Laughing Why not? You see a way out of this? Do you?
Susanna: I know you are on your edge! Keep yourself together carlitos [Nando opens his mouth, but no words come out. The silence grows heavier.
* Canessa Grabing the knife, tucking it in his pants. Canessa shifts uncomfortably, staring out again.]
Carlitos Canessa
(Sarcastically) (Speaking to no one in particular)
Well, at least we’ve got front-row seats to the worst snowstorm in history. Isang I thought we’d be saved by now. I thought the skies would bring us hope. But all I can
mountain dew lang akin? see is snow. Nothing but empty skies.
Nando [He stands, walking slowly toward the window, as if looking out one last time.]
(Sighs, shaking his head) [The weight of his words lingers in the cold air. The others look at him, sharing the
I’d settle for a glass of water that isn’t frozen. same unspoken fear. Slowly, Canessa’s voice begins to tremble, turning into the
Canessa beginning of the song. His eyes remain fixed on the snow outside as the haunting first
(Glancing at the others) notes of “Empty Skies” echo through the silence.]
We’re down to scraps. Maybe a few more bites, and then… that’s it. Carlitos
Carlitos (Singing softly, almost like a whisper)
(With a smirk) There was a time when life was bright,
Well, if this is the last supper, I want Double cheese burger, with vanilla at the top . And the days were warm,
Susana, Cracking jokes surely fill our stomachs. And the world forgiving…
Carlitos [The others lower their heads]
(Shrugging)
Jokes won’t, but neither will sitting here will snap us back to eudamonia. I’m just Song Begins: "Empty Skies"
keeping myself sane.. Reference: Les Misérables (2012) - I Dreamed A Dream Scene
Canessa Carlitos:
(Looking out through the cracked window, his voice low) (Verse 1)
Don’t you hear it? Planes. Rescue coming. But it’s all in my head, I keep hearing There was a time when life was bright,
things. I don’t know if we can keep hoping. And the days were warm,
Nando And the world forgiving.
(Determined) There was a time when skies were clear,
They’ll come. It’s just taking time. When hope was near,
Carlitos And life worth living.
(Sarcastic) I thought that rescue soon would come,
They’re probably just stuck in traffic on the way to the middle of the Andes. But now I see the night’s too long…
Susana
(Speaking weakly, but softly smiling) (Verse 2)
Stop it, Carlitos. If I weren’t stuck here, I’d slap you. I dreamed of home beneath the sun,
Carlitos Where I was safe and never frozen.
(Grinning slightly) I dreamed that I could live again,
Go slap me Susana, Slap me That we would find the path unbroken.
Canessa But now the cold is all we know,
(Looking at Nando, voice breaking) And time is just a thing we borrow.
How long do you think we can last like this? I never knew such endless snow,
Nando Or how we’d starve for one tomorrow.
We’ll last. We must.
[Silence falls over the group. The wind seems to grow even louder. Carlitos’s eyes (Chorus)
drift toward the bodies of their fallen friends, but he quickly looks away, biting his lip.] But the hunger takes its toll,
Carlitos As we shiver, weak and hollow.
(Quietly) And our hope begins to fade,
What if… they’ve given up on us? No! they have given up on us. Please great being of Like shadows in the empty skies…
the universe, if they have given up on us. Take meeeeee
[Canessa and Nando look at him, the silence between them growing heavier.] (Verse 3)
Nando I dreamed I’d see my mother’s face,
(Softly, almost to himself) And hold her close,
They’ll come. They must. Right? *Doubt And hear her laughter.
But here we wait in endless pain, [Canessa grits his teeth, his face tight with pain. Blood seeps from his leg, which is
No morning light, twisted at an odd angle.]
No sweet hereafter. Susana
The winds are harsh, the nights too long, (Looking at the leg, horrified)
And we are left to face the silence. Oh no... Oh no. It’s bad, isn’t it?
Oh, how I thought that we were strong, Nando
But now there’s only our defiance. (Panic in his voice)
he’s bleeding.
(Chorus) Carlitos
Now the storm is all I see, (Shaking, looking at the others)
And the avalanche is falling. What do we do? We can’t—we don’t have anything to help him!
Our dreams are buried with the snow, [A heavy silence falls over them. The realization of how dire things have become sinks
Just ghosts beneath these empty skies… in deeper now. The avalanche might have passed, but Canessa’s injury is serious.]
Nando
(Bridge) (Trying to stay calm, but his voice shakes)
There was a dream of open fields, We’ll... we’ll figure it out. We have to.
Of warmth and love, of days so gentle. Canessa: Don’t worry guys, it’s only a minor injury.
But now we fight just to survive, [Nando, Canessa, Carlitos, and a few others sit quietly, trying to conserve energy.
And every breath is sentimental. Canessa winces from his injured leg, his face pale. The last remnants of food are
We must escape, or else we die, gone.]
But we are lost beneath these empty skies.
Scene 2: "The Decision"
(Final Chorus) Nando
The snow, it falls, and time slips by, (Quiet, but firm)
The nights grow cold, the winds grow colder. We can’t keep sitting here. We need torniquet. Or... something.
We look for stars that never shine, [Canessa, wincing from his injury, looks up slowly.]
Just shadows in the empty skies… Canessa
(Weakly)
(Outro) We’ve searched everywhere. There’s nothing left. Just... flesh and bones.
The world forgot that we are here, Susana
But still we fight, despite our fears… (Desperately)
Underneath these empty skies… We can’t give up. There has to be something we missed. Somewhere in the wreckage,
--end of song- something. Anything.
Nando
[The survivors have just finished singing “Empty Skies.” The last note of the song (Slowly nodding, standing up despite his exhaustion)
lingers in the cold, quiet air. Canessa lowers his head as the final words leave his lips, Then let’s go check again. We can’t just wait for death. Come on, Carlitos.
but before anyone can respond, Carlitos looks up sharply, his eyes wide with alarm.] [Nando and Carlitos move to the back of the plane, pushing debris aside, searching
Susana: for anything. Canessa watches them, his face tight with pain.]
(Loud, urgent) (Calling over his shoulder)
Wait—look! We’ll find something. Even if it’s just a crumb. I refute this.
[The group turns to where Carlitos is pointing, their eyes widening in shock as they [The others watch with silent hope as Carlitos and Nando dig through the wreckage,
see snow shifting high above them on the mountainside.] their movements slow and shaky. Nando pulls at a piece of torn metal, revealing what
Susana seems like an old, broken storage compartment.]
(Shouting now, frantic) Nando
An avalanche! It’s coming—quick, guys, get inside! MOVE! (Excitedly)
[The sound of snow rumbling from the distance grows louder. Panic spreads across Wait—here! This looks like... a compartment. Maybe there’s something left inside!
the group. Nando grabs Susana by the arm as they all scramble, stumbling over the Carlitos
uneven snow, racing toward the wreckage.] (Frantic)
Nando Open it! Hurry!
(Grabbing Susana, voice full of urgency) [They pry open the compartment, their breaths visible in the freezing air. Carlitos’
Run! We need to get inside—NOW! hands shake as he pulls out a bundle of wires and broken equipment. He stops,
[They rush through the snow, slipping and struggling as the rumble of the avalanche holding something in his hands.]
gets louder and closer. Canessa lags slightly behind, the cold sapping his energy, but Carlitos
he pushes forward with everything he has left.] (Surprised)
Susana It’s... a radio! A freaking radio! We can call for help!
(Screaming) [The other survivors’ heads snap up, hope flooding their faces for the first time in days.
It’s coming too fast! They scramble to their feet, gathering around Carlitos and Nando.]
[Nando, Susana, and Carlitos make it to the wreckage just as the avalanche begins
to thunder down the mountain. They dive into the fuselage, pulling Susana in behind
them.]
Nando Nando
(Breathless, shouting) (Desperately inspecting the radio, excitement building)
Where’s Canessa?! It looks damaged... but we might be able to fix it. If we can get this working, we could—
[They turn around just in time to see Canessa, still a few paces behind, moving as fast finally—they’ll know we’re still alive!
as he can.] [The group exchanges look, hope flickering in their tired eyes. Nando fiddles with the
[But before he can make it to the wreckage, the avalanche strikes. A wave of snow radio, connecting wires and adjusting knobs. Canessa watches closely, leaning
slams into Canessa, knocking him off his feet. He disappears under a rush of white, forward despite his pain.]
tumbling down the slope.] Carlitos
Nando (Anxiously)
(Screaming) Come on... come on...
Canessa!!! [The radio crackles to life, static filling the silence. For a moment, there’s a collective
Susana: gasp of relief. The survivors’ inch closer, eagerly waiting for a voice on the other end.]
(Frantically) Nando
No, no, no—he’s down! (Grinning, hopeful)
[Nando rushes forward, barely managing to grab Canessa’s arm as the snow There! It’s on! Now, if we can just...
continues to fall. With a desperate pull, he drags Canessa toward the wreckage, [He presses down on the microphone, but there’s only silence. Nando tries again,
barely getting him inside as the avalanche crashes over them.] pressing harder. Nothing.]
[The survivors sit in the wreckage, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. It’s only then Nando
that they realize Canessa has been hurt. His face is pale, and he’s clutching his leg in (Frustrated)
pain.] It’s not... the microphone’s busted. It’s completely shattered.
Nando [The air grows still. Hope starts to drain from their faces. Carlitos slams his fist against
(Gasping, kneeling beside him) the broken equipment, his voice filled with desperation.]
Canessa... Are you okay? Carlitos
(Shouting)
No! No, no, no! This was our chance! We have no choice. We’re starving, freezing... I can feel my body giving up. Every
[A long, heavy silence follows. The flickering fire crackles softly in the background as breath I take feels like my last. If we don’t act now... we’re dead. (gesturing toward the
the group slumps back, the weight of hopelessness settling in once again. Nando’s bodies) They’re gone, but we’re still here.
hands fall limp over the radio as he stares at the broken microphone.] (The others stiffen, the reality of Nando’s words settling in. Susana closes her eyes,
Nando shaking her head in disbelief.)
(Murmuring) Nando... that’s—
We were so close... Nando: (cutting him off)
[Suddenly, Carlitos looks up, his face pale.] It’s survival, Canessa! Look at us! We’re hanging on by a thread. We’ve done
Carlitos everything we can. If we don’t... if we don’t use what’s left... we’re finished.
(Shocked, as if he just remembered) Susana: (voice trembling)
Wait... I heard something else. On the static. You’re talking about eating them... our friends... our people.
[Nando looks up, confused.] Carlitos: (laughing darkly)
Nando The dead can’t complain, Susana. They’re already gone. Maybe Nando’s right...
(Skeptical) maybe this is the only way. The irony, huh? We’ve been declared dead already... so
What do you mean? why not?
Carlitos Susana: (angry now, looking between Nando and Carlitos)
(Whispering) You’ve lost your minds. Don’t you hear yourselves? This... this is insane!
I think... I think I heard them talking. About us. Nando:
[The group stares at him, tension rising. Carlitos fumbles with the radio again, No. What’s insane is sitting here, doing nothing, waiting to die when we have a way
adjusting the knobs, until faint voices crackle through the static. They all lean in, out!
straining to hear.] Susana: (eyes wide, horrified)
Voice on Radio A way out? You’re talking about cannibalism, Nando. You’re not even seeing the line
(Faint, distorted) anymore. You’re crossing it... no, you’re obliterating it!
...rescue efforts have been called off... no signs of survivors... all presumed dead. Nando: (desperate, pleading)
[The survivors freeze. The words echo in the wreckage, heavier than the snow outside. It’s not a line. It’s survival. We’ve been abandoned, Susana. No one is coming for us.
The group sits in stunned silence, the truth sinking in: they’ve been declared dead.] And I’m not ready to die... not yet.
Susana (A heavy silence fills the air. The group stares at Nando, shocked by his words.
(Weakly, barely audible) Susana’s breathing quickens as she glares at him.)
Dead...? They think... we’re dead? Susana:
Nando So... what’s next, Nando? When there’s nothing left... when we’ve eaten them all...
(Stammering) would you eat Canessa?
No... no, that can’t be right. They can’t... they wouldn’t just give up on us. Nando: (defensively)
[The survivors’ hope crumbles. Their faces are gaunt, eyes hollow as the reality of their We’re not going to reach that point. We won’t—
situation takes hold.] Susana: (interrupting, voice rising)
Carlitos: Oi !!! OI!!!! How can you know that?! You’re already losing yourself. What happens when you’ve
I deserve an explanation!! I deserve an acceptable reason crossed this line, and then another? When does it end?
Nando:
Song: “If I Die Here” It ends when we live. When we’re out of here. When we’re rescued.
Reference: “If I Die Young” By The Band Perry (Canessa, who has been silent, looks down, guilt etched into his face. He knows
Nando’s words have truth, but Susana’s emotional plea pulls at him.)
Nando (Softly, almost speaking to himself): Canessa: (quietly)
If I die here, bury me in snow, We must do anything to survive, but this isn’t what I imagined. This isn’t what any of us
Lay me down where the cold winds blow. wanted.
Sink me in silence at dawn, (Nando stands up, his movements shaky but determined. He walks over to one of the
Send me away with the fight I once held strong. bodies, eyes wide and resolute.)
Oh-oh, oh-oh… Nando:
I’m not asking for permission anymore.
(Pauses, looking at the others, his voice growing with quiet resolve.) (Without warning, Nando cuts a piece of flesh from one of the bodies. The others
watch in horrified silence. Susana gasps, turning away, while Carlitos stares in
Lord, make me a memory, I’ll shine down for my mother, disbelief.)
She’ll know I fought to end, when she stands under my colors Carlitos: (whispering)
Oh, and life’s not what you think it ought to be, no— He’s really doing it.
It’s cold and gray, as we think for survival (Nando brings the flesh to his mouth, trembling. He hesitates for a moment, then takes
The sharp edge of this long night, a bite. The others watch in stunned silence. As Nando swallows, a visible sense of
But I’ll hold on with all my might. relief washes over him.)
Nando: (softly)
We’re still alive... we can still make it.
(Takes a deep breath, his voice trembling but firm.) (The others sit in stunned silence. Canessa looks at the bodies, torn between his guilt
and his will to survive.)
If I die here, bury me in snow, Carlitos: (sarcastically)
Lay me down where the cold winds blow. Well... if we’re doing this... might as well join the feast.
Sink me in silence at dawn, (He grabs a piece, holding it hesitantly. Susana turns away, tears streaming down her
Send me away with the fight I once held strong. face.)
Oh-oh, oh-oh… Susana: (brokenly)
We’ve become monsters... all of us.
---End of Song--- (As Carlitos takes a bite, Canessa watches, still torn. Finally, after a long pause, he
reaches out and grabs a piece of flesh.)
Nando:
(Breathing heavily, determined) Song: "Yes and No"
They think we’re dead. But we’re not. We’re still here. We’re still alive. (A lyrical exchange between Nando and Susana debating cannibalism. Nando argues
Canessa from a utilitarian perspective, focusing on the greater good of survival, while Susana
(Nodding, weak but resolute) holds firm to natural law, arguing that the intrinsic morality of their actions matters
Then we must find a way out of this. We can’t stay like this forever. most.)
Carlitos: (with a bitter chuckle) Reference: The other side- The greatest Showman
Stay? There’s nowhere left to go, Canessa. Nowhere at all. We’re just waiting... like
the snow’s burying us alive. Nando:
Nando: (staring blankly at the fallen bodies near them) Right here, right now
It doesn’t have to be like this. I’m laying this all out
(The others turn to look at Nando, sensing a shift in his tone. His eyes are hollow, but We can’t just sit and starve
there’s a sharp edge in his gaze.) While hope is fading
Susana: (weakly) You run from me
What are you saying, Nando? Don’t... don’t start. But this is what we need
Nando: Survival’s what it costs, the choice is breaking
So weigh the principle, against the logical,
It’s not about right, it’s survival, Nando:
You can stay and suffer slow, with your rules to guide you so, Oh, damn, I know it’s hard to try,
Or take this step, and see! But we’re going to the other side

(Susana breathes deeply, trembling. After a moment, her hand reaches for the flesh.
Susana: She closes her eyes, her voice broken but resigned.)
No, I don’t wanna give away what makes us human in this fray,
Cause it’s more than our needs! Susana:
i won’t forsake the law inside, If this is what it takes to stay alive,
No matter how we justify! Then we’ve already lost inside...
‘Cause you can do what you do, but I won’t lose what’s me,
Stay in the cage or you’ll finally take the key, Nando & Susana (together):
Oh, damn! Can’t you see we’ll lose our mind? ‘Cause if we do, we’re goin’ to the other side,
I can’t choose to cross the line! We’re going to the other side...
--End Song--
Nando: Scene 3: "The Guilt and Longing"
Okay, my friend, I can see what you mean, Setting: Days have passed
I hate to tell you this, the world’s not so clean,
We’re here, in this snow,
Canessa
I think I’m good to go, (Canessa sits alone, legs drawn up to his chest. His face is blank, but his
Cause its quite okay the life you say I’m trapped in eyes are haunted. Slowly, he begins to speak, his voice hollow.)
Now I admire you, but it’s not enough, What have we become?
We’ve got to act before we’ve had too much, (Pauses, swallowing hard.)
The greatest good is staying alive, not dying free to see! We have no choice. It was either eat or die.
Utilitarian—it’s plain to see, (closes his eyes, shaking his head)
Nando
Susana:
Don’t you know that I’m okay with a death that keeps my soul in place? We made it through another day. That’s what matters. We’re still here. I had
The law’s in my heart, it’s not for you to decide, to make that choice... I had to.
don’t need to see the other side! (pauses, glancing at the others)
So go and do what you must, But sometimes, late at night, I wonder... did we cross a line? Did I?
expecting me to give up! (He rubs his hands together, the cold sinking into his bones.)
living in pain, but I won’t die insane! It’s all for you, For Mama, for Papa... for home. But what will they see when
Oh, damn! You’re losing humanity! we come back? What if there’s nothing left of us but guilt and hunger?
I won’t be dragged down that far! Carlitos
(Carlitos is sitting off to the side, biting his lip, trying to suppress a bitter
Nando: laugh. He shakes his head and speaks more to himself than to anyone else.)
Is this really how you’d choose to spend your days? Dark humor. It’s all I’ve got left, right? I mean, what else can you do when
Starving, shivering, wasting away? you’re eating your friends to stay alive? Crack a joke or two, pretend it’s
Susana:
just... another bad day.
If I go down that road, we’re dead in more than flesh, (He pauses, looking around at the others, the laughter dying in his throat.)
We’ll be monsters, Nando—don’t make this mess! But it’s not funny anymore, is it? I keep thinking about home... my dad, my
sister. They’d laugh with me. We’d sit around the table and everything would
be fine. I wonder if they’ll even recognize me when—_
Nando:
But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little, (his voice drops)
Just let me give you the freedom to choose, If I make it back.
the way to live, and the way to break free,
Take your walls and start ‘em breaking, Song: "The Change"
Now that a deal that seems worth taking Reference: “The Scientist” By Coldplay
But I guess I’ll leave that up to you
[Verse 1]
Susana:
It’s intriguing, but the cost’s too great to take it! Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
What’s left of us, once we’ve made it? I never thought I'd fall this far
I had to find you, tell you I need you
But wonder who we really are
Nando: Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions
Fair enough, you want to stick to your rules, No, let’s go back to the start
But what’s the point if we’re frozen fools? Runnin' in circles, bound by survival
Susana: Losing ourselves in the dark
I wasn’t born to follow that easy line,
Morality’s more than just surviving in time! [Chorus]
Nobody said it was easy
Nando:
Then die holding on, while the rest of us fight, It’s such a shame for us to change
I’ll do what it takes to live through the night! Nobody said it was easy
(A sudden silence falls as Nando grabs a piece of flesh and takes a bite. The tension No one ever said it would tear us apart
peaks as everyone stares. Susana is trembling, tears in her eyes.)
Oh, take me back to the start
Nando:
Don’t you wanna get away from the grip of death every single day? [Verse 2]
We’re not just machines, I was just guessing, in shock and in hunger
We fight to make our lives survive,
It’s time to take the other side! Picking our choices apart
Questions of morals, reason and instinct
Susana: Don’t seem to heal what I’ve scarred
But this is more than I can bear, I’ll lose the part of me that’s fair,
Yet something in me cries, I don’t want to say goodbye! And tell me you see me, tell me and ask me
Oh, and I rush to the start
Runnin' in circles, driven by shadows
Haunted by what we’ve become

[Chorus]
Nobody said it was easy
It’s such a shame for us to change
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would tear us apart
Oh, take me back to the start

[Instrumental]

---End of Song---

Scene 4: "The Escape"

Carlito
We can't keep sitting here, staring at our shoes. I say we make a break for it.
Who knows? Maybe we'll find a five-star resort just over the ridge.
Nando
Carlito’s right... We’ve been waiting for rescue, but no one’s coming. If we
don’t try to get out of here ourselves, this mountain will bury us all.
Canessa
It’s suicide out there, Nando. Have you seen the storms? This adaptation echoes Nando’s inner conflict and fierce will to survive, fitting
Susana
(shivering, her voice faint but resolute): the tone of the scene’s harsh realities. Let me know if you’d like any further
You can't climb those peaks... not in this condition. And what if—what if you adjustments.
get lost? No one survives out there.
Nando (kneeling by his sister, gently placing a hand on her arm): The story is about a group of plane crash survivors stranded in a
Susana, we can't just sit here waiting to die. If I don’t go... if we don’t try, then snowy, desolate location, battling extreme cold, hunger, and hopelessness.
what hope do we have? As they face the reality of being declared dead by rescuers, they grapple with
Carlito (smirking, but his eyes are serious): despair, fear, and moral dilemmas. One of the main conflicts arises when, on
Besides, sitting here, we’re already dead. I’d rather freeze out there with
some dignity than rot here, slowly turning into a snow statue. the edge of starvation, some of them consider cannibalism as a means to
Canessa (deeply conflicted): survive, leading to a tense debate between survival instincts and moral
We’ve been through so much already. I can’t lose anyone else. You’re not boundaries. The survivors hold onto hope through song, humor, and dreams
strong enough for this, not in this weather... of rescue, but the harsh conditions and ethical choices weigh heavily on
them. In the end, some decide to venture out in a final attempt to escape,
Nando (interrupting, firm): symbolizing resilience and the will to live despite the odds.
We’ve survived this long by doing what we thought was impossible. Why stop
now? If we don’t go... there won’t be anything left of us to save."
(Silence hangs heavy for a moment. The survivors exchange looks, their How does utilitarian theory work in this story?
faces torn between fear and hope. Carlito stands, brushing off the snow that In this story, utilitarian theory is applied through the ethical
clings to his clothes.) dilemma of survival cannibalism. Utilitarianism, which advocates for actions
Carlito (with a shrug): that maximize overall happiness or minimize suffering, is evident in Nando’s
Look, we’re not saying we’ll make it. But at least we’ll try. Better than waiting argument that eating the bodies of the deceased is necessary for the group’s
for the cold to finish us off. You can stay if you want, but I’m done playing the survival. He believes this act, though morally distressing, is justified because
waiting game.
it enables the survivors to live longer and possibly be rescued, thus
Nando (stepping forward, addressing the group):
We’re all we have left. No one’s coming for us anymore. It’s up to us now. If preserving the greatest number of lives.
we don’t try to find help... we’ll die here."
(A murmur rises among the survivors. They’re exhausted, emotionally Nando’s perspective is that the choice to consume the dead
drained, but Carlito and Nando’s determination seems to stir something aligns with utilitarian principles because it focuses on the practical outcome
inside them.) —surviving at any cost. He views this as a logical necessity that outweighs
Susana (quietly, her eyes filled with fear): the moral objections of those, like Susana, who fear they’ll lose their
Promise me... you’ll come back.
humanity. This creates a conflict where characters must weigh the
Nando (softly):
I promise, I’ll come back. consequences of preserving life against the intrinsic moral values they hold,
(Canessa, still torn, finally stands. He looks at Nando and Carlito, then revealing how utilitarianism can clash with personal ethical beliefs when
sighs.) applied in extreme circumstances.
Canessa (resigned but supportive):
Alright. But please be careful. How does eating human produce happiness or pleasure? Happiness and
(The air grows still as Carlito and Nando prepare to leave. The group pleasure are the main goal of human according to Hedonism right? That is
watches them, their emotions a mixture of fear, sadness, and reluctant
utilitarianism, right?
hope.)
You're correct that hedonism is a branch of moral philosophy that
Song: “My Heart Will Go On” By Celine Dion aligns with the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the highest
goals, and this does connect to certain aspects of utilitarian thought.
---End of Song and Story--- However, utilitarianism, especially as developed by philosophers like Jeremy
Bentham and John Stuart Mill, is not strictly hedonistic. Instead, it focuses on
achieving "the greatest good for the greatest number," which can mean
minimizing suffering rather than directly creating pleasure.
 means of survival, they begin sliding down a moral slope, potentially
In the story, the act of eating human flesh does not produce pleasure or rationalizing further harm or morally compromising choices because survival
traditional happiness. Rather, it represents a desperate means of minimizing takes precedence.
suffering and extending survival. For the survivors, continuing to live—
avoiding the extreme pain of starvation and the despair of giving up—
becomes a form of "utility," or practical benefit. So, in utilitarian terms, the 4. Short-term vs. Long-term Consequences: Utilitarianism sometimes fails to
decision isn't about immediate happiness or pleasure but about preserving consider the long-term psychological or emotional consequences of a choice,
life and reducing harm, even if it involves violating deeply held moral and focusing instead on immediate practical benefits. In the story, cannibalism
emotional values. may help the survivors stay alive short-term, but it risks causing lasting
trauma, guilt, and even loss of self-identity, which could lead to severe
Thus, while hedonism might link utilitarianism to pleasure as a primary goal, psychological suffering if they are rescued.
in this story, utilitarian thinking is applied in a more survival-based context. In essence, utilitarianism’s error in the story lies in its potential to devalue the
The survivors use it to justify extreme actions by focusing on the potential intrinsic humanity, dignity, and moral values of the survivors in favor of sheer
future benefit (rescue) rather than immediate comfort or joy. survival. This clash between practical benefit and ethical integrity exposes a
fundamental limitation: sometimes, what seems useful or beneficial in a crisis
can ultimately damage the very aspects of human experience that make life
meaningful.
What do you mean by form of utility?
In utilitarian philosophy, "utility" generally refers to the overall well-being,
benefit, or satisfaction derived from an action. It's a measure of how much an In our era, errors in utilitarian thinking often arise in areas where the focus on
action contributes to the greater good by maximizing positive outcomes maximizing societal benefit conflicts with individual rights, ethical integrity, or
(such as happiness, pleasure, or survival) and minimizing negative outcomes long-term well-being. Some key areas include:
(like pain, suffering, or death).
1. Data Privacy and Surveillance: Utilitarian reasoning can justify large-scale
In the story, "utility" isn't about pleasure but survival. The survivors see eating data collection and surveillance by arguing it enhances security or
the deceased as a means to an end: it helps them live longer and retain convenience for the majority. Governments and tech companies may collect
hope for eventual rescue, thereby serving a "useful" purpose. Here, utility personal data to improve public safety, but this approach risks violating
takes the form of extending life and reducing suffering from starvation, which individual privacy and undermining trust. The focus on societal benefits often
they believe outweighs the moral discomfort of cannibalism. disregards the rights of individuals, leading to a loss of autonomy and
potential misuse of information.
So, when I refer to "a form of utility" in this context, I mean that the survivors
consider the action beneficial (or "useful") not because it brings pleasure but
because it prevents death, aligns with their will to survive, and potentially 2. Public Health Decisions: During events like pandemics, utilitarianism is
increases their chances of rescue. This practical benefit is, for them, a form often used to justify restrictions, mandates, and resource allocation to
of utility that justifies the difficult choice. maximize public health benefits. However, such measures can inadvertently
harm specific groups, particularly marginalized or vulnerable populations,
who might lack access to resources. In some cases, utilitarian decisions may
Where does the error in utilitarianism arises? favor economic productivity over individual health, as seen in policies that
prioritize "herd immunity" or essential work, potentially putting people at
Errors in utilitarianism often arise when the focus on achieving "the greatest unnecessary risk.
good for the greatest number" leads to morally questionable or dehumanizing
decisions, particularly when individual rights or intrinsic moral values are 3. Environmental Policy: Utilitarian approaches sometimes justify policies
sacrificed. Here are some key issues where utilitarianism can run into that aim to maximize economic growth at the expense of environmental
problems: health. This focus on short-term benefits can lead to exploitation of natural
resources, pollution, and biodiversity loss, disregarding the long-term
1. Sacrifice of Individual Rights: In prioritizing outcomes over principles, impacts on the environment and future generations. For instance, justifying
utilitarianism can justify actions that violate individual rights or moral deforestation for immediate economic gain overlooks the irreversible
boundaries. In the story, this error is evident when Nando proposes ecological damage and loss of indigenous livelihoods.
cannibalism to save the group, which conflicts with Susana’s sense of
morality and dignity. Utilitarian reasoning justifies this action based on its
outcome (prolonged survival), but it ignores the personal and psychological 4. Medical Ethics and Resource Allocation: In healthcare, utilitarian thinking
cost to each survivor. can justify allocating limited resources—such as ICU beds, transplants, or
experimental treatments—to patients who have the best chances of recovery
or the greatest societal impact. This may maximize outcomes statistically but
2. Reduction of Complex Human Values: Utilitarianism tends to reduce can also lead to difficult ethical decisions where some individuals are denied
complex human experiences and values to a single measure of "utility." In treatment based on age, disability, or social status, raising questions about
life-threatening situations, like the one faced by the survivors, this reduction fairness and equal treatment.
oversimplifies decisions that involve deeply personal values, such as respect
for the dead. The theory might see cannibalism as practical, yet it overlooks
the psychological trauma and moral erosion that come with it. 5. Workplace Efficiency and Automation: In corporate environments,
utilitarian logic often prioritizes productivity and profit maximization,
3. Justifying Harmful Actions: A utilitarian approach can lead to ethically sometimes at the cost of employees’ well-being. Automation and gig-
troubling decisions by justifying harmful actions for the "greater good." In economy models might benefit shareholders and consumers with lower
extreme cases, utilitarianism can normalize harm if it appears to maximize prices and higher output, but they can also result in job loss, decreased job
the overall benefit. For instance, once the survivors adopt cannibalism as a
security, and worker exploitation, as employees are treated as means to an preserving their humanity and moral integrity holds equal or greater value.
end rather than valued individuals. This highlights a central problem with utilitarianism—it assumes that the
"greatest good" is easily identifiable and universally shared, when in reality,
people may have deeply personal and diverse definitions of what is good or
6. Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Bias: Utilitarianism is often applied in meaningful.
AI and algorithmic decision-making, where outcomes are optimized for
efficiency or predictive accuracy. However, biases in data and algorithms can To summarize, the important matters to understand about utilitarianism in this
lead to unfair or harmful outcomes for certain groups, as algorithms may story include:
reinforce existing inequalities in criminal justice, hiring, or lending practices.
The focus on optimizing outcomes for the "majority" can unintentionally harm The clash between survival and morality: Utilitarianism may justify morally
minority populations or individuals who deviate from the algorithm's "norm." questionable actions if they lead to survival, forcing characters to sacrifice
personal ethics.

Psychological costs: Practical choices made for survival often carry

In these scenarios, utilitarianism may create a disconnect between achieving emotional and moral burdens that utilitarian reasoning tends to overlook.
societal benefits and preserving individual rights, dignity, or long-term
sustainability. The error in modern utilitarian thinking is often in the Moral erosion: Utilitarian logic can lead to a gradual erosion of boundaries,
assumption that what benefits the majority in the short term is always the where justifying one extreme action opens the door to others.
best or most ethical choice, sometimes overlooking the essential human
values that sustain a fair and just society. Individual rights vs. collective benefit: Utilitarianism can pressure individuals
to act against their conscience for a perceived greater good, sometimes at
the cost of personal dignity.

What important matter should I know about this story regarding Ambiguity of "greatest good": What constitutes the greatest good is not
utilitarianism? always clear or universal, and utilitarianism can oversimplify complex moral
The essential takeaway about utilitarianism in this story is its ethical issues by ignoring these nuances.
complexity, particularly when applied to extreme situations. Here are the
most important points to understand:
These aspects reveal both the power and limitations of utilitarianism,
1. Survival vs. Morality: Utilitarianism prioritizes the outcome (survival) over especially in situations where practical benefits come at high moral and
the moral process. In the story, the survivors consider cannibalism not personal costs.
because it’s morally acceptable, but because it may allow them to survive
until rescue. This highlights how utilitarianism, in extreme cases, can push In our current era, understanding the limitations of utilitarianism is crucial
individuals to justify actions that conflict with deeply held ethical beliefs. because similar ethical tensions emerge across various domains, where
"greater good" objectives often come into conflict with personal rights, ethical
values, or long-term well-being. Here’s how these lessons apply today:
2. Psychological and Moral Costs: Although utilitarianism seeks to maximize
benefits, it often fails to account for the emotional and psychological toll of 1. Individual Rights vs. Societal Benefit: Many modern policies and
difficult choices. The survivors experience intense guilt and inner conflict technologies use a utilitarian approach, favoring outcomes that benefit the
over cannibalism, which impacts their mental well-being. This reveals a key majority. For example, public health decisions during a pandemic might
limitation in utilitarian reasoning: while an action may appear beneficial on a prioritize collective immunity, potentially restricting personal freedoms or
surface level, it can cause lasting harm to one’s sense of self and moral infringing on privacy (e.g., vaccine mandates, contact tracing). While these
integrity. measures aim to reduce harm for the majority, they can also force people to
make sacrifices they may not personally agree with, raising ethical concerns
about autonomy and individual rights.
3. The Slippery Slope of Moral Justification: Once utilitarian logic justifies one
extreme action, it can be easier to justify others. In the story, the initial choice
to consume human flesh may lead to a breakdown of other ethical 2. Psychological and Social Costs of “Greater Good” Policies: Just as the
boundaries, creating a "slippery slope." Utilitarianism can sometimes survivors in the story endure emotional trauma from their choices, modern
overlook how small ethical concessions accumulate, potentially leading utilitarian approaches often fail to address the psychological impacts of
individuals to compromise values that were once inviolable. policies designed for the "greater good." For example, extensive surveillance
intended to improve security can lead to a feeling of constant monitoring,
which affects people's mental health, sense of autonomy, and trust in
4. Individual Rights vs. Collective Good: Utilitarianism can create tension institutions. Similarly, environmental policies that displace vulnerable
between respecting individual rights and achieving the "greater good." For communities for the sake of conservation can cause lasting social and
instance, some characters resist cannibalism because it feels morally wrong, psychological harm to those affected.
yet utilitarian reasoning may pressure them to go against their conscience.
This tension is a reminder that utilitarianism can risk dehumanizing people,
reducing them to instruments for achieving an outcome rather than 3. Short-term Benefits vs. Long-term Consequences: In our era, many
respecting their individuality. policies are made with short-term benefits in mind but fail to consider the
longer-term costs to society or the environment. For instance, prioritizing
economic growth over environmental health might yield immediate prosperity
5. This ambiguity reveals a fundamental challenge in utilitarian reasoning: but can lead to climate change and biodiversity loss, ultimately harming
defining the "greatest good" can be subjective and vary significantly from future generations. The story’s lesson about focusing on survival at any cost
person to person. For Nando, survival is the ultimate good, while for Susana,
resonates here, cautioning us that what seems beneficial now may bring However, the psychological and emotional costs (trauma, guilt) are also
unintended consequences later. certain, as the act contradicts their morals and values.

4. Technology and Moral Boundaries: Modern advancements like artificial

intelligence, genetic engineering, and automation raise ethical questions 4. Propinquity (how soon the pleasure/pain will occur):
reminiscent of the story’s "slippery slope" effect. For example, using AI for
predictive policing may appear to improve safety but risks reinforcing biases The physical relief from hunger would be immediate, as it provides calories
and infringing on personal freedoms. Similarly, genetic engineering for they need to survive.
medical advancements can lead to ethical dilemmas about altering human
genetics for "greater good" purposes, risking gradual erosion of moral The psychological consequences, such as guilt, may start immediately as
boundaries regarding human life and individuality. well but will likely worsen over time.

5. Economic Utilitarianism and Exploitation: Corporations often use utilitarian

reasoning to maximize productivity and profit, which can lead to exploiting 5. Fecundity (the likelihood of the pleasure leading to more pleasure or pain
workers, especially in low-income sectors or developing countries. Practices leading to more pain):
such as long working hours, low wages, and lack of job security are justified
as beneficial to shareholders or society at large but come at the cost of The initial relief from starvation could lead to continued survival, which may
employees’ well-being. This mirrors the ethical challenge in the story, where create hope and motivation for rescue.
the "good" for some may involve harm to others.
However, this choice might lead to further moral compromises (slippery
slope) if they later decide to justify more extreme actions, possibly causing
6. Ambiguity of "Greatest Good" in a Diverse Society: Modern societies are psychological distress and fractured relationships within the group.
diverse and pluralistic, making it difficult to define a "greatest good" that
applies universally. What one group considers beneficial may conflict with
another's values or well-being
6. Purity (the likelihood of the pleasure not being followed by pain or vice
versa):
Applying the felicific calculus by Jeremy Bentham
Certainly! Jeremy Bentham’s felicific calculus is a method he developed to This act is not "pure" in Bentham’s terms, as the immediate survival benefit is
measure the moral worth of an action by evaluating its potential to produce tainted by the lasting pain of trauma and guilt, suggesting the pleasure (if
pleasure or pain. It involves analyzing various aspects (intensity, duration, any) is heavily mixed with significant pain.
certainty, etc.) to determine whether the action maximizes happiness for the
greatest number.

To apply it to the survivors’ decision to engage in cannibalism for survival, we 7. Extent (the number of people affected):
would assess each aspect of the calculus as follows:
All survivors would be affected by this decision, either directly by participating
1. Intensity: in cannibalism or indirectly by witnessing it. The extent is therefore high, as
the entire group will face both physical survival benefits and psychological
The potential intensity of the physical pleasure is low, as eating human flesh suffering.
would likely be revolting and traumatic rather than enjoyable.

The intensity of the pain is high—both emotional (trauma and guilt from
cannibalism) and physical (from the harsh, cold environment and starvation if
they do not eat). Final Analysis Using the Felicific Calculus: Using Bentham’s calculus, the
decision’s moral worth is low despite the survival benefit. Although the action
could extend their lives, the severe, lasting psychological consequences
diminish the overall happiness it could bring. The calculation reveals that
2. Duration: while the action may have practical survival benefits, it is fraught with intense
and prolonged psychological pain, affecting all survivors and potentially
The duration of the physical nourishment would be short-lived; the food undermining their mental well-being and sense of humanity.
would provide some energy but not much lasting satisfaction.
Therefore, while utilitarian in nature, the felicific calculus suggests this action
The psychological pain from this decision, however, would likely endure, may not truly maximize happiness for the survivors, given the high moral and
possibly affecting survivors for years, particularly if they are rescued. emotional costs involved.

3. Certainty:
Yes! Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one
The physical benefit (sustenance) is fairly certain—they will gain energy from that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of
eating flesh, which could prolong life. people. It was primarily developed by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and
John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Key Principles of Utilitarianism pinakamataas na moral na aksyon, ayon sa utilitarianism, ay ang maghanap
1. Consequentialism: The morality of an action depends solely on its ng paraan upang makatulong sa iba kaysa ituon ang pansin sa sariling
outcomes or consequences. kaligayahan.
[Link] Happiness Principle: An action is right if it promotes the greatest
happiness for the greatest number. Happiness is often defined as pleasure Ipinapakita nito kung paanong ang utilitarianism ay maaaring maging
and the absence of pain. “demanding” dahil hinihikayat nito na lagi nating unahin ang kabutihan ng iba
3. Impartiality: Every person’s happiness counts equally, so no one's well- kahit minsan ay nangangailangan ito ng malaking sakripisyo.
being is more important than another's.
4. Hedonic Calculus: Bentham proposed a method to calculate the utility of
an action by assessing factors like intensity, duration, certainty, and extent of Example: telling the truth despite harmful consequences
pleasure or pain produced.
Imagine a scenario where a doctor must inform a patient about a terminal
Types of Utilitarianism illness. The doctor knows that telling the truth could cause the patient severe
[Link] Utilitarianism: Assesses each individual action for its utility, so each emotional distress and even lead to negative outcomes, like a quicker
decision is based on whether it will produce the most good in that particular decline in health due to shock or anxiety. However, the doctor feels morally
situation. obligated to tell the truth because honesty is a core principle in natural law;
[Link] Utilitarianism: Suggests we follow rules that generally maximize telling the truth respects the dignity and rational nature of the patient.
happiness for everyone. It focuses on rules that tend to produce positive
outcomes rather than individual acts. In natural law: telling the truth is morally right because it respects the intrinsic
dignity of the person and fulfills a fundamental moral precept of honesty, with
Criticisms of Utilitarianism Aquinas would argue aligns with our rational nature. According to natural law,
1. Demandingness: Utilitarianism can be overly demanding, as it often truthfulness is inherently good and respects the moral order, regardless of
requires people to act selflessly for the greater good. the potential consequences.
2. Justice and Rights: It may justify actions that are intuitively wrong if they
maximize overall happiness (e.g., punishing an innocent person to prevent In utilitarianism: telling the truth could be considered morally wrong if it leads
social unrest). to more harm than good. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness and
3. Measurement Problems: Quantifying happiness or pleasure, especially minimizing suffering. If the distress from the truth would harm the patient’s
across different people, can be challenging or subjective. well-being more than a compassionate, less direct approach, a utilitarian
would argue that withholding or softening the truth might be the better
Utilitarianism is highly influential, particularly in areas like policy-making, choice.
economics, and ethics in technology. However, debates continue about
whether it sufficiently captures all aspects of moral life, such as individual Key contrast
rights and justice.
Natural law evaluates the act based on the moral value of truth-telling itself,
Sa utilitarianism, sinasabing tama ang isang aksyon kung ito ay as it fulfills a rational principle inherent to human nature. Utilitarianism,
makakapagdulot ng pinakamaraming kaligayahan o kabutihan sa however, evaluates the action solely by its consequences, and if telling the
pinakamaraming tao. Dahil dito, maaaring magmukhang truth leads to greater harm, it would be considered morally wrong in that
napaka-“demanding” ng utilitarianism dahil hinihingi nito na ang bawat tao ay framework.
gumawa ng mga aksyon na palaging magpapabuti sa kabuuan, kahit na
mahirap o hindi komportable ito para sa kanila.

Halimbawa ng Pagiging “Demanding” ng Utilitarianism

Isipin mo na mayroon kang malaking halaga ng pera na maaaring gamitin

para sa sarili mong mga pangangailangan o mga nais mo, gaya ng pagbili ng
bagong gadget o pamumuhay nang komportable. Pero ayon sa utilitarianism,
mas makabubuti kung gagamitin mo ang perang iyon para makatulong sa
iba—tulad ng pag-donate sa mga charity o pagbibigay ng suporta sa mga
taong higit na nangangailangan.

Kahit na hindi obligasyon ng isang tao na gawin ito, sa ilalim ng utilitarianism,

ang pinakamoral na gawin ay ang paggamit ng pera sa paraang makakabuti
sa mas maraming tao. Kaya, sa teoryang ito, tila may tungkulin ka na lagi na
lang isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng iba sa lahat ng oras. Ito ay maaaring
maging labis-labis para sa isang tao dahil nangangailangan ito ng maraming
sakripisyo at oras na parang hindi na inaalala ang sariling interes o
kasiyahan.

Isa pang Halimbawa

Halimbawa, kung ikaw ay nagpaplano ng isang bakasyon para

makapagpahinga, ngunit nalaman mo na may komunidad na
nangangailangan ng boluntaryong tulong, ayon sa utilitarianism, mas tama
na i-cancel mo ang iyong bakasyon para doon magbigay ng oras. Bagaman
ang bakasyon ay para sa iyong personal na kapakanan at pahinga, ang