Saagar Kote
’18th Rose’ is set in 2004 and follows the intertwined lives of two high school students, Rose and Jordan, as they navigate personal struggles and form an unexpected connection. Rose, from Romblon, dreams of celebrating her 18th birthday with a traditional Philippine debut, a dance ceremony marking her entry into adulthood. Meanwhile, Jordan is new to the area and desperate to reconnect with his estranged father in the US. Their paths converge when they strike a deal in which Rose agrees to help Jordan contact his father in exchange for money to buy the dress for her debut.
As Rose’s ambition meets Jordan’s sense of uncertainty, they face profound experiences that might shift their views on life. Within the story, Green Skies, a computer shop and internet hub, plays a pivotal role in determining the character arcs of both Rose and Jordan as they experience the ups and downs of school life and friendship. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Green Skies Computer Shop Becomes a Zone of Conflict and Reconciliation Between Rose and Jordan
Green Skies Computer Shop (GSCS) is a fictional internet center that serves a wide range of local customers. It is owned by Rose’s uncle, named Chito, but Rose is the one who manages it. Initially, due to the friction between herself and Jordan, Rose refuses to let him use the facilities of the internet center. Later, when Rose learns that Jordan is desperately looking for a computer to check if there are any emails from his estranged father, she lets him use a computer at GSCS. The internet center is more than just a location in the film, but a space where some of the most important moments of the narrative unfold. GSCS is also a portrayal of social realities before the era of smartphones and fast internet.
It serves as a place where local people of Romblon try to stay connected with the outside world, with the limited technology available to them. GSCS is also a place where Rose and Jordan build their friendship. The internet center assumes special significance in Jordan’s life because his entire future with his estranged father relies on emails. The shop is also located at a unique spot by the beach, an unlikely space for such an establishment. GSCS also helps people find love and connection with individuals living abroad. One of the examples in the film is that of a local woman who connects with a man from the US through online chat and gets into a romantic relationship with him later. GSCS is also a reminder of simpler times, when the internet was not easily accessible to people at large.
It adds to the grounded nature of the movie while also dealing with the complexities of the customers, who have their own issues to handle. The shop also reflects the sense of independence and entrepreneurial skills that Rose possesses. Despite her young age, she manages the computer center and all her customers with efficiency. The shop is also a commentary on humble efforts from those belonging to middle-class families to earn money. Essentially, GSCS is an extension of Rose and Jordan’s journey.
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