Trama

Wild bachelor Ray Ray Dominguez dreams of nothing more than a carefree life of indulgence in Miami, but his plans are abruptly changed when he becomes the legal guardian of his sister's six children.

It was a bachelor's life for hard-working and fun-loving Ray Ray Domingguez who dreams of leaving the barrio for a more carefree existence in Miami. That's until one day when everything changed - and he became a reluctant "Tio Papi" to his sister's six children ages 6 to 16. Now in charge of raising this energetic (and expensive)clan, Ray Ray must make important decisions on what life is really all about. Combining heart-warming drama with light hearted comedy, "Tio Papi", directed by Fro Rojas from the original screenplay by Joey Dedio and Brian Herskowitz, is an upbeat story of life's unexpected surprises and ultimately what matters the most -- the love of family.—Anonymous

It was a bachelor's life for hard-working and fun-loving Ray Ray Dominguez who dreams of leaving the barrio for a more carefree existence in Miami. That's until one day when everything changed - and he became a reluctant "Tio Papi" to his sister's six children ages six to 16. Now, in charge of raising this energetic (and expensive) clan, Ray Ray must make important decisions on what life really is all about. Combining heart-warming drama with light-hearted comedy, "TIO PAPI," directed by Fro Rojas from the original screenplay by Joey Dedio and Brian Herskowitz, is an upbeat story of life's unexpected surprises and ultimately what matters the most -- the love of family.—Anonymous

Ray Ray is a bachelor who has held the same job in New York City for 22 years, with no problems according to his understanding boss Wilson, though he is frequently late paying the patient Gilly the rent on his apartment, and a little irresponsible. He likes hanging out with the guys and living his own life, with nothing to keep him tied down. Eventually, his dream is to move to Miami.

Ray Ray's sister Daniela and her husband Raul are very happy. They have six kids and although they are having some financial trouble, they are determined and they will make it. Then Raul and Daniela are killed.

The six kids show up at Ray Ray's door with Elizabeth Warden, a child services worker. Ray Ray's situation is not ideal, but he is the only family they have, for now. Eventually, Elizabeth hopes to find homes for all the kids, but of course it is unlikely one family will take all of them. And the teenagers will be harder to place.

Manny is the oldest and he is bitter over the situation. Vanessa is also a teenager and seems to be coping better. Angelo and Angela are in the middle and somewhat mischievous. The younger kids are really sad and want their parents. Lola and Nico are the youngest, and Nico won't talk and gets upset easily.

As one might expect, things get hectic. The kids can't move back into their old house because their parents couldn't pay the mortgage. The younger kids are out of control (not really), and Ray Ray is unprepared when Elizabeth makes a surprise visit and sees how bad things are. Ray Ray begs for a chance and she reluctantly gives him one. With the help of friends including Cheeky, a potential romantic partner, Ray Ray intends to make things work.

Cheeky isn't interested in Ray Ray in that way. And besides, she has a good teaching job in Miami lined up and just weeks to go before she has to move. But she will help out, for the kids.

These are good kids. Knowing they have to behave and help out to make everything work, they all pitch in and work together. Manny isn't as cooperative, but he eventually comes around.

The family has comic adventures, and sad moments, and touching moments. The kids go to new schools, and Vanessa finds a potential boyfriend in the fine upstanding Brandon, who plays basketball. Manny joins the team.

The family needs a miracle, and they get one. Though it's not a miracle from the right source. There are moral decisions to be made. Detective Johnson gets involved with this, and she is really nice.

And a judge must make the decision about whether Ray Ray gets to keep the kids. Elizabeth is not on Ray Ray's side, and her lawyer is nothing short of a villain. Though Ray Ray has his own determined lawyer in Marsha. And something happens that puts the whole plan in jeopardy.