yup, this is Philippines submission to Oscar 2009. 

One of those films whereby patience pays off. 
The first two third may just looks like a tribute to the simple life in Cuyo, Palawan. It also helps preserve the "dying" language of Cuyonon. 
The last one third (i.e., what i like) finally pieces everything together. A well written script with meaning (abt humanity) and subtleties ... 

it can be quite touching at the end ... 

PS: there was a Q&A at the end with the director ...