SANTI

This film Batch ‘81  was made to awaken the young society and the parents. There are hundreds of complaints about the victims of this fraternity issue but it seems the school per se is not quite sensitive even on most of the results is the death of a loved ones none other than very young students. As part of the status symbol of being part of a well-known fraternities is one of the main reasons why they cannot avoid it.

Sid Lucero, as one of the main characters in the film, is a student from one of the universities in the country, he was attracted by the prospects of joining the Alpha Kappa Omega, one of the school's most prominent Greek-letter organizations. He took a turn to consider a new direction in his life, as his mother planned for him to take up zoology and eventually continue to medical school.

Together with other six young students who wanted to be a member of this fraternity  he (Sid) voluntarily join the process of acceptance or the so called initiations or hazing.although initially they were fifteen applicants .Showing the numbers are quite giving an ideas that there are still eliminations process giving  the thoughts of how prestigious the group then.

The entire film will make you into a roller coaster emotions when the events become violent even the clenching of fists and grinning of teeth would  not be enough to express anger.

In the movie it is shown Sigma Omicron fratman as the opponent of the Alpha Kappa Omega who eventually Ronnie was killed.Revenge and fighting for brotherhood idealogy that was taught by an adult member.

This film was made by the director showing the poor relationships of a family. Parents are not on their top priority as to how to nurture their child or children.It was given in this movie that during that time the school has no ground to protect the student's welfare.The limitations of the parents on which is to ensure the safety of their children while they are inside of the premises.

If the father of one of the characters in the film was also present as an overseer more so that this parent is a subject of a disoriented family ties.The participation of an adult during the hazing is questionable at all instead of guiding them into a better disposition on how to accept one person into the idea of brotherhood unless they themselves suffered into the ordeal of their previous masters.

Mike De Leon wants to express his point on this movie about the government’s stand on this matter .Issues over  the power also has questions on how the authority can achieve by anybody who has the connections .An edge and an opportunity used by the higher authorities to manipulate youth  and teach them ideologies that this was part of good example of brotherhood. Part of the film shows bravely the lies of the government and how capable of doing ill things especially to the innocents , loyal and strong. It uncovered  the true face of the world where the powerful are the manipulators.Brutally murdered by being paddled and tortured that no parents of the victims could stand the ordeal .To those who survived the hazing on the movies it cannot comprehend the pains and traumas to their co-students who didn’t make it.And at the end of the the acceptance of  Lucero, Ledesma, Magtibay, Santi Santillan, and Ding Quintos - are officially welcomed into the fraternity. 

The director’s heart was clearly seen in every detail of this movie coming from a very tragic moment of their lives as a young and promising child who is just wanted to experience the belongingness as most of the fraternity are made into belief that brotherhood is the main source of being focus in the life of a student and until he graduated. The Batch ‘81 was a big boom to the hearts of all the victim’s parents after losing their child to this not so explained purpose of hazing that even death could attain the goals of making believe that it is just an accident and not intentionally by killing someone but to prove how far they can stand the demands of being a member of a prestigious group.And the role of the school shows that there is no weight to prevent this and why?

The content of this story stated that the parent's dreams for their child are undoubted shows their love and concern of their future who will be taken away not only to their child’s heart but also into their hearts as well. In the part of the young students, it was also shown that they still have the choices either to back out or to join and they can even tell their parents about it. But the sad and truth about it due to peer pressures and the eagerness to become a member as to fill in their ego and they always end up deciding to join and during the hazing moments, there are no chances for them to escape or to surrender.This is the tragic part of a fraternity legend no retreat no surrender because of the reality that is new members made it surpass the test. There is also seen in this movie that two of them Ronnie and Arnie Enriquez decided to leave but when their leader Vince found out Ronnie was tied in an electric chair in this scene the possibility of the chance to die was given as an example to every young student how come they still join and willingly submit themselves to the other senior member.

The scene took place in the basement and the presence of the electric chair made it clear that somebody from the authorities provide that thing to be used for tortures .

They are pressured and the truth of a matter the parents also need to be on guard to their children. Physical abuse and verbal abuse also took place while having hazing moments.Subsequently, even the government knew about it, there is no strong actions were taken. Thus it shows the bearing of the family also plays a very important role in how to avoid the children to involve themselves unless they were emotionally searching for acceptance too. Concerning this matter about family ties which play a vital role in pursuing the stop of this fraternity. The story also shows the values of the lives of the young ones who supposedly the a future of the next generation. In this film, it was not only the people who are involved in the fraternity but it was addressed the attention of the parents.

Here the application and the relation to Adverse Childhood Experiences had a great role in the importance of the children's upbringing.The environment where they grew up with, the influences of the people around them, the values, the reactions towards incidents and the realization of the things that should be involved with that might their life put  into danger.

The first hands-on that will remind their children what are the things that they should avoid outside their homes. Parents can teach them by giving quality time and effort on how to overcome peer pressure. The clarity of every boundary of the signs of danger that might take their life without realizing it.Experiences are the best teachers meaning if the youth have a good foundation at home and they are bonded with love and secured with the assurance of acceptance no matter what the consequences arose.

A very profound knowledge that should be dealt with, it is better to prevent than suffer irreversible consequences.

This is an encouragement to every Filipino family that children are the most fragile to handle but worth to nurture at an early age.Their experiences will lead them into a future that they will use on how to decide on the present situation that they are into. Parents cannot be on the 24/7 on guard their children but whatever inputs on their young minds they will use it the futures. They can handle things and decide properly especially during the hardest part of decision making. In line with this film the movie producer also had the sentiments because she experienced the traumas with his very own child .To end, the film elaborated on the truth behind the fraternity upon joining the organization and the question is, Is It worth fighting for? then a convincing eye-opener to all the parents and students.

Kakabakabakaba is a musical comedy romantic film produced in 1980 Mike de Leon as a director. 

The story are about  two couples Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong the other couples are Jay Ilagan and Charo Santos who found themselves in conflict with the foreign commercial giants that control the Philippine economy, the Japanese and the Chinese. Also in this film, religious issues are involved and that is the Catholic Church which has great influence in the country. The film shows on the Philippine economy and society as some evil-minded used their powers for their greediness and had an illegal activity cast in Apo hiking portrayed as main villains.

The first part of the story is one the reality of being a handler of illegal drugs without knowing that you are caring for the substance especially via airport and that what happened to Christopher de Leon since the money involved with are tremendously high even at the expense of the life of the courier. The funny moments on how to take back the drugs under his possessions are the most dangerous while it was made in a comedy genre.The director’s ideas were simply hiding the reality but exposed the tactics and strategy of those who are involved with the drug businesses.

The not so good to tell the authority because the lives of the people around the courier will be at stake and the possibility of being killed is a truth. This part of the story was a strike to warn the people who are into a traveling mode of life and at the same time alarmed the government that this is existing and happenings.A wistful of information about the dealers, courier, and the buyers are tackled into this comedy film. There are claims of marking your steps away from this bad and illegal business. Though it brought out the main objective of this movie still the need for the cooperation of the people in the society were also impacted.

Johnny and Melanie (Charo Santos) with their friends Jay Ilaga and Sandy Andolng on the event of being young and feel free they were involved in a non-music playing, opium-containing cassette tape. The highlights of the movie when they have to face to face between the Japanese Yakuza played by Johnny Delgado and the Chinese Mafia which eventually they all tried to escape and hide away from the church. Though there are some points that it seems that religious things were not that much accepted by some people.

The point was shown that the Filipinos are helpless when they became the victims especially if its drug issues then. It also tackles that it seems that the Catholic Church was dragged to these movies and yet the intentions were not as clearly stated then .but as everybody knows Filipinos are known for being religious.

.Johnny also found out that the priest and the nuns are fakes on this part of the movie elaborates that even in a religious organization can be used by these people making up or cover themselves into a spiritual thing on which the Filipinos are into high respect.

The movies again show the impact of the reality when it comes to the major problems during that Era- drug-related the most and the hardest to deal with. The target of these problems is the youth who are the main victims and most of them died at an early age. There are scenes about partying and having fun with friends that might put the lives in danger.The plot of the movie emphasizes the two cultural joints Japanese and Chinese, though it sounds so offensive it has to be tackled because the results of the drugs are heinous crimes like rape, murders, and other evil things. The part that speaks about imperialism and religion is the choice of the director’s stand. Also, the hidden mask of the religious group was shown on this film in the scene where the nuns are wearing a party dress under their religious clothes are made struck into one's mind but it is a reality though.

After three decades the realities of this film are still important and have connections to the present situation. Undeniably the guts and the will power of the director Mike de Leon has substantiated the grounds of being the focus of the objectives of the movie.

The whole point of the story is to make a move on how to unleash the people who are involved with the drug syndicate businesses even though it is very hard to fight back. Strong willed and fearlessly this film was made pointing the setback of being passive. The objective of the movie is a continuous  legacy of a direction towards changes though it may take too long but the goal is to educate each and everyone especially the youth. That legacy is already seen today in the present times .It was not lost the essence and the heart of the director’s effort back then. Seems that was made just like yesterday and the impact are still going on and on

The frames of this story are clearly seen from afar and the contents are remarkably genious.

Film Language

Robedillo, Jeremy

MM23 S.Y. 2019-2020

     In the Era of 70's one of the most recognizable directors in the Philippine is Lino Brocka who expressed a very strong love for the country.And one of the Filipino films that impacted the lives of each and every one. Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila in the Claws of Neon), Brocka's most work which landed in some international critics' lists as one of the most important films ever made. The courage and his determination were undoubtedly surfaced based on the subject and the objectives of the story. 

    Very much acclaimed and deservingly noted in everyone's heart. Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag is an awakening and powerful film. Based on the plot, derived from a serial published in a local magazine, collaborated by screenwriter Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr. The objectives can easily be seen in on the main characters Julio Madiaga (Bembol Roco) being purposefully driven by his urge to find his one true love Ligaya Paraiso (Hilda Koronel), one of the characters of a Filipino being naive and strong-willed, Julio went to Manila from his province where he grew up to rescue Ligaya . Lino Brocka used these two main characters as the subjects of his thoughts about the present situation of the Philippines, Manila as the capital and known for many promises, with its injustices hidden by affluence and commercialism as paraded by the several high-rise buildings and the neon lights that enhance every business. Julio Madiaga Orpheus' wife is LigayaParaiso Julio, a fisherman from the province travels to Manila to look for Ligaya, who was swooned by a certain Mrs. Cruz (Juling Bagalbago) from the province to work and supposedly study in Manila. Unfortunately, Ligaya became a prostitute. She was forcibly raped by a Chinese merchant who trapped her and threatens her every time she attempted to escape and only to find herself helpless and tortured.She also thinks about the plight of her child if she will be caught.

     On the part of Julio finally, he saw Mrs. Cruz after months of searching and looking for his beloved Ligaya. Throughout his journey, his money runs out and was forced to look for work and landed in a construction site and was involved in the troubles of the common laborer. Injustices in laborers like how the foreman would exploit them by lending them their own money, using and taking advantage of a portion of their wages to money-making schemes (bogus). Julio befriends Atong (Lou Salvador), one of the laborers welcome Julio to his house in the slums area where he could live since he has no place to stay.

    There's significantly a comparison that Lino Brocka derives from this film about the plight of the Filipino as a laborer and unjustified practices by the employer. Atong's fate is tragic. He was killed and his sister ended up work as a prostitute in a bar, and his bedridden father brought about of being paralyzed was burn to death when the slums area suspiciously catches fire during the Christmas season. Another of Julio's companions in the construction site became employed in an advertising company because of his eagerness to being a working student. In the event of the story, each character shows the different lives of the Filipino, how the ways of surviving poverty, unemployment, unjustly crimes and the means of living into one of the victimizers in this urban called hell.

     Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag had different episodes that were justifiably served. On one of the episodes, Julio is enticed to become a street hustler in exchange for quick cash. Used his body and swallowed his pride, dignity, manhood and allured by the promises of a bright future by the neon lights as everyone landed in the city. This film comes from reality based on the situations living in Manila. Every detail will make you feel the pain and agony being betrayed and it will uncover the leash of the abusers. It will cross the mind of the viewer the question that "where on earth do these people existed and never been caught ". Being a patriot or a hero won't be able to find a solution to change the situation.One might think the film is worth to watch and will leave a mark that opened the eyes that living under a depressed state and became a victim is a choice. Though the film is subjected to how badly wounded the characters are and is, still it showed the reality of the choices of every Filipino. The big mark is not only the effect but the cause of all the chaos, it is not where sweat, blood, and tears are within commerce, and those who are ignorant enough to get enchanted by its grandiose promises are oppressed and forever trapped in its clutches but the reality that mongers, infiltrators, syndicate and power hungered people are do existed and should not blame the choices of the Filipino only. It is an open invitation to all Filipinos that it is high time to fight their rights and start living under the truth.

    At the end of the story, Julio was caught in the dead-end street nowhere to go and decided he kill himself before the gangster ready to beat him up to death. That is the actual state of a scenario feeling being trapped and nowhere to go...do, we fight or plight. Lino Brocka ended the story this way to show from Julio's plight is inevitable because of his choice, it was based on emotions and not in convictions. 

    The director of this film perfectly given the choices for every Filipino, "Are we going to stand, or are we going to run?

    Ligaya Paraiso is our very own country the Philippines, it is a place to live (Ligaya) peacefully and honorably (Paraiso) by its countrymen the Filipinos. 

    Hence, in the event of searching, longing and being discontented on its own given opportunities there are some Filipinos who were willingly overcome by their greediness and selfish ambitions. 

    Historically speaking, it has something related in the past that our country was once slaved and abused by foreigners and infiltrators.Their teachings, customs, and traditions were passed from ages to ages.The motives and attitudes were also influenced by them.

    Colonization, it was brought about as part of future modernization but there are hidden agenda.

    In history, only educated Filipinos were given a chance to mingled and be part of the changes and eventually they were being used and abused too.

    Ligaya Paraiso represents innocence and vulnerability in the attacks of the enemies. 

    Her plight and being traumatized by the attackers is the exact reaction and state of being threatened.The feeling of being paralyzed of fears of the antagonist. Our country once was happy and free became slaved and trapped by the evil ones. 

     Unfortunately, there are some Filipinos were convinced and controlled by them. The purity that once was the main characteristic of a Filipino was taken away by the opportunist. 

     The cry of Ligaya Paraiso is the cry of our countrymen, her undying love for her child is the symbol of the undying love to the next generation. 

    The broken pieces of her soul shout out the agonies and the uncertainty over the future. 

    What strikes in the mind of Ligaya Paraiso is to stay where she was trapped unknowingly that she was slowly losing her dignity and right to withstands the possible solution until he Met again Julio Madiaga, who intentionally and purposefully driven by his will.

    His character in the film signifies that there are Filipinos who were willingly loose their very own life to fight what they think is right. In his journey also shows the possibility of being swayed by emotions in searching justice and truth.

    Driven by emotions per se is not only the solution. It can be done most recognizably. This film was one good example of opening the eyes of the Filipinos and to let them think what are the better ways to fight for their rights and start living in under the truth. 

    Though Julio who was having thoughts on how to help Ligaya, still his focus eventually went into a mess by clinging into his emotions and that is exactly some Filipino just wanted to get even and their focus of having a good stand and dignity was beginning to be driven away. 

    Finally, all the details of this film can be seen into ones stand and conviction using the art of film making to ensure the welfare of his countrymen in the future, the voice of the next generation, his attributes that made the present Ligaya and Julio today was once fought by his and through his masterpiece- film making a strong and loud medium. 

    Similarly Speaking, INSIANG another film directed by him.

    This was produced during Martial law. It was also temporarily banned because it contradicted the propaganda of Ms. Imelda Marcos. 

    It shows that this film elaborates again on the situations of every Filipino family and plight on how to combat it against the evil one.

     Insiang was produced in 1976 violent-drama footages that mostly shows the plight of filipino women on the hands of their attackers.The story was situated in the slums of Tondo, Manila, the film stars Hilda Koronel as a hardworking daughter who mainly just want to help her always complaining mother (Mona Lisa whose involved with a much-younger lover (Ruel Vernal) who eventually raped her. As part of her plan to her who sought a lover but also left her without reason (Rez Cortez), Insiang felt betrayed and wanted to seek revenge. 

    The story evolved about a young girl who grew in the slums. It shows the reasons why the violence occurred due to overcrowded neighborhoods; the absence of human dignity due to poor social environment and the need for change. Relatively speaking its attributed as part of the consequences of being rape and to revenge in end.

    A very gross scene as an introduction was done in a slaughterhouse killing violently pigs, 

    The process was quite normal showing how almost brutally killed and pushed into big boiling water while hearing the groaning of the pigs, the cutting, poaching the ribs, head cutting and limbs chopping. The sound and movements of the poachers that could give you goosebumps and almost felt like vomiting. 

    The blood oozing from limbs to limbs showing the carcasses of the pigs, hanged and swung from end to end, leaving no space to stop and pause to check if anyone was misplaced or still moving. As if no mercy at all since it was an Animal then.

    The areas chosen by the director were depressed, misplaced and taunted that could emphasize the present situations of the country back then. Poverty was the number one issue during the '70s, especially those who live in the slums areas of Tondo Manila which a place that is commonly feared for. Uncontrolled growth of the population and unemployment rate rose up. 

     Lino Brocka’s 1976 Insiang, a woman who came from a very poor family that made her decision to work hard but still it's not enough. A Picture of an environment of destitution and abused by attackers and left her thought that revenge is an answer. On which she can only struggle violently, and vainly. The film was an expression of Lino Brocka’s sentiment to every poor Filipinos, he portraits the everyday walks of life in certain depressed areas. 

    Certainly, the roots of her misery extend all the way home, where her mother, Tonia (Mona Lisa), bitter about her husband’s departure, kicks her financially strapped in-laws to the curb so she might have her young lover, Dado (Ruel Vernal), move in, before proceeding to badger her daughter into a Machiavellian rage. Beset by maternal resentment, Bebot’s love-’em-and-leave-’em callousness, and Dado’s perverse tendencies, Insiang plots her revenge, with Brocka expertly dramatizing the (understandable, if not prudent) reasons for each character’s behavior.

     Representation of urban poverty, the film explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and despair.

     The film was a typical plot about a victim and the revenge that leads to destructive effects on both parties. The mother and daughter relationship was crushed after the incident in which the daughter was blamed to protect the existing relationship of her mother's lover. And this leads to the distraught feeling of the victim. In order fulfilled to revenge, Insiang made a drastic move by attracting her rapist to gain his attention and pretends that she wants to have a relationship but to make an act of successful revenge towards her former lover Bebot(Rez Cortex) who was killed by her assailant. To have all her revenge her rapist was caught by her mother and tragically killed in front of her daughter only to be put behind bars for her misdeeds.

     During the time that her mother was killing her rapist, she just stood up and watch him killed violently. This shows that her anger that brought her into the moment without thinking that in the end, her very own mother will suffer the consequences that she planned.

    In the last part of the film where she visited her mother, she was rejected when she started showing that she is trying to let her mother know that all she wants is her love and affection.

    This story was existed before and as high as the number one case of rape and lead to murder. Especially in very poor areas where there is no protection for women and children. They are always the target and became a victim.The sad part of it that justice more often than not was not given.  

     Lino Brocka made this film as an awakening about the present situation of the Philippines that justice is not always served and the family ties are becoming weak because of high unemployment rates, poverty escalated and there are no programs yet to enhance the life of the Filipinos especially the children.There are no laws that will protect children and women. 

    The government is deaf in does of the victims. During that era, a million of cases of rape and murders are never heard and were not given a chance to be solved at all.

    Insiang is a symbol of how women are so weak and fragile during those times but were not given importance. Their rights against violence and abusive situations that sometimes after being a victim to worsen their situations became a prostitute and all the more exploited.

    In this film family, ties and values were also tackled.In the event of having a family the Filipino culture of being dependent even after marriage is far beyond issues. Married children are still clinging to their parents and the worst their needs were still a responsibility given by their parents even it is hard for them to do so.

    Unemployment is the number of problems that the government cannot solve by that time due to Avery low foreign investors who can tie up in the government and also 8t is not yet the priority of the government. 

   The effect of this problem is the high rate of crimes is everywhere and mot of the time it occurred in the depressed areas like the slums. Men are becoming violent into their wives, they become a problem in the family and society. The Director's mindset about the negligence of the government is seen in the entire story these were shown in the different characters the reactions and conversations contents where drastically proved the condition of the hearts of every Filipino family who are presently suffering.

   This gives the person after watching the film thought of how he or she can contribute to help the change in society. The center of it that becoming a victim and the plan to avoid it can be done by the help of not a person only but the whole unit and that is the family.

   Filipinos are family-centered and their values are important on how their role in the society that can make a difference. Instead of revenge, it can be undone by the proper collaboration from the people who have power and control on the government program and the priority would be canter in the family needs of every Filipino. The culture and traditions of the Filipino are originally strong by its spiritual conviction and strong values about the family. Lack of education areas the main reason for making a family strong and ready to have a family. The top priority of the government is not just to tackle every detail of the problems but the cause of it. The program base and facing reality are the most effective solutions.

    After what happened in the life of Insiang the problem was not solved through her revenge but the worst of it all the more it did not solve but rather it aggravated the situation. Being imprisoned and being desolatedare not the end of the story at all.

   It's was an open-ended question on the mind of a viewer but by these points were justifiably brought out by the director's mindset that was perfectly raised in the eyes of every Filipino may it be individually impacted or as the whole family.

   The whole story has made up a very good declaration based on the reality of what was happening in the country. It is also a declaration that the Filipino has an entire choice on how to combat the existing problems not only by sulking and fell on the trap of self-pity. That there are a thousand ways to fight poverty, crimes and most of all to bring back the government as the main source of a helping hand to everyone.

As Philippine cinema celebrates its 100th year anniversary, more and more diverse films are emerging in our local industry. Let us take a look at three films from this year's Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino and see how our movies have been performing so far.

      From young love and pursuing your passion; being in love in an open relationship; and a story about life and death; these are the main themes in the three movies we have watched from this year's Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

      First is LSS or Last Song Syndrome is  directed by Jade Castro. LSS is about the story of two young adults named Sarah and Zak. Sara, played by Gabbi Garcia, is a struggling musician trying to have a successful career and at the same time making ends meet and trying to send her brother to college. Sarah is able to inspire the audience by being able to speak her mind and be firm about what she really wants in life. She would never sacrifice her dreams, her own happiness, or her sanity in order to stay in a relationship. Her story gives the audience an idea of what we should realize and that there are certain things that matter more than love.

      Zak on the other hand, played by Khalil Ramos, is a web designer with a single mom, who appears to have issues with his dad and is in love with his best friend for many years but cannot seem to confess it to her. Zak can be described as a typical torpe. Zak give the audience a deeper meaning of how we look for love; commitment not rushed. Because of his uncontrollable feelings to her, it gave this immaturity and unwillingness to settle or express how he feels, he is in turn causing women to engage in questionable behavior. Most of us spend at least some time doing things we love. It may just not be feasible or possible to do it for a living for Zak, but he can still find the joy and passion in the times when he does those things. And many of us spend a lot of time doing things we don't necessarily love most of the time but know they're useful in some way. It may take time and effort to work through these issues, but giving the family this priority can be one of the most important steps he takes to strengthen his family.

      Zak and Sarah meets in a point to point bus in the middle of the EDSA traffic through their love for music. Though it appears that Zak and Sarah may have been brought together by fate, they actually in most parts of the movie, they were actually in separate situations and are dealing with their own individual paths after their meeting in the bus. This is a great feature of this film because even if it appears that this film maybe about love, it actually shows that life is not always about that and that romance is only part of our life and the way we lead and live our lives should not be entirely shaped or run by that one magical moment when we meet someone. The film’s catch would be that each character is so relatable that even if romance comes along the way, the responsibility the character has for their family and being able to prioritize what really matters on top of their own dreams is one thing inspiring. The character of Sarah is someone who is positive, a fighter, a responsible sister who can sacrifice her innermost longingness for her siblings. On the other hand the way how Zak perceive love is not rushed as how he would pleased but shows a different side of it, ideally directs to commitment. Contradictory to what the world sees how to pacify self by rushing things in accordance to one’s desires, the two character was able to see the beauty of love in a way by not neglecting their own commitments and responsibilities in the family and in other aspects of life.  As how destined it may seem their meeting up again gives a stronger impact to the audience as how they were able to handle the romance, enjoying oneself without compromising and neglecting the reality of their lives. 

Though there are parts when the characters are singing, the movie is not really a musical but the way how the songs are induced in parts of the movie makes creates an interesting flow for the story to run. This was made possible by using songs of the band Ben&Ben.

      Director Jade Castro relate us in our realities in life. Having that feeling inside, growing and learning, it leads, and it’s done so effectively and tremendously because there’s a connection and relation to it, which lifts the film’s genuine intention. Once you do find love you will realize that even though it is great, it is not all that it's cracked up to be. We will realize how important we are in our relationships and in this life such as focusing on ourselves, where the only things we have to compromise are ones we want. He created a film that gives a fresh, inspiring and feel good vibe to the audience where they will not be overwhelmed by cheesy cliche story about love but just the right combinations of an inspiring life story of two young individuals who have different passions in life and just somehow met along the way towards their own goals. A refreshing and pure view of love that makes it even lovely as the two characters find themselves as individual beings having the drive to take their own ways and journey and having been rewarded with meeting up again and as if they had been taking the road together from the first time they met. 

      From a young and fresh film, let us move on to a movie with a more mature storyline with the movie Open. Open is a movie produced by the newly established and self-proclaimed auteur-driven production Black Sheep who is actually a division of ABS CBN's Star Cinema.

      Open tells the story of long term couple Ethan and Rome who has been together for 14 years, who decided to pursue an open relationship to bring the spark back in their relationship as initiated by Ethan. In this part, we can see how the couple is struggling despite their long term relationship out of wedlock. Rome is somewhat expectant of a commitment only she is hopeful for. In contrast with the first movie LSS, Open depicts couple who are dependent to one another wherein Rome puts all her world to Ethan. Ethan on the other hand seemed to be distant in the commitment and find himself seeking of more gist in the relationship. However, as boldly portrayed by JC Santos, his fulfillment in finding the excitement in the relationship is driven by lust and temporary self gratification.  Hence, Ethan suggested an Open relationship to Rome, after finding out that his best friend and his girlfriend are in an open relationship even though they are actually engaged to be married. Rome, with all her intentions to keep the 14 year relationship go on agreed with all trust to Ethan. There is only one catch in Ethan and Rome's agreement, they cannot sleep with people that they already know, they must do it with total strangers. Ethan broke this rule and slept with his much older and attractive boss whilst Rome still appears to be uncomfortable with their new setting. Instead of focusing on seeing other guys, Rome started to do the things that she loves such as painting. Hence the loyalty of Rome is clearly defined, her love is driven only with her eyes on Ethan.

Soon enough, she finds out about what Ethan did and eventually decided to break up with Ethan and take up a job offer in Singapore. The film ends in Rome walking away from a regretful and crying Ethan. 

      In the beginning of the film you can see that Rome and Ethan's relationship goes way back since they were really young so they have really grown very comfortable with each other. However, you will notice how Ethan tends be controlling over Rome and appear to be possessive and insensitive of Rome's feelings. This can be seen at the part when they were having dinner and Rome discussed about her job offer in Singapore and also during the moment he brought up the idea of open relationship. All throughout the film, Ethan's character really seemed unlikeable and at times irksome because of how greedy, clueless and controlling he became over his relationship with Rome. Rome on the other hand, is much more understanding and has patience over Ethan. But her flaw in the beginning was she was too sheltered and dependent on Ethan and she has hew world wrapped out around Ethan that she kind of lets him decide and not let her voice and how she feels be heard especially when she agreed to the open relationship even if she clearly is not comfortable with it. But what is great about the characters is the shift or development in their attitudes. The open relationship magnified the greediness of Ethan in the beginning then later on showed that he was actually the one who became frail when he realized his mistake and his girlfriend's worth. Rome suddenly opened herself to a new possibility and start to work on her real passion again while his boyfriend enjoyed temporary pleasure. In the end the open relationship both taught them of the importance of self-worth, trust, and feeling secure in one's relationship.

      Another noticeable feature of the film besides the story is its aesthetic and overall look. The film is produced by Black Sheep and so far, we have noticed something common in the romantic films that Black Sheep has produced so far; they all have this warm hue aesthetic look. Black Sheep claims to be a production that offers something different to millennials besides the cliched mainstream movies we normally watch in the past. Open offers an insight on the pros and cons of being in an open relationship. But in this films it only briefly showed the pros side with Ethan's best friend Archie and it did not really show how their relationship worked out contrary to Ethan and Rome which is understandable since this is Rome and Ethan's story. Also, the writers were able to show through the story one thing that a lot of people in relationships forget, that there are two people in it and they are not acting as one. Basically, it is the importance of individuality despite of relationships we are in. Rome, being wrapped up in Ethan in the beginning, realized her self-worth and thought that her opinions and voice also needs to be heard that is why in the end she expressed to Ethan what she really wants and how she really feels and then left and pursued what she loves and left the toxic relationship.

      Besides that, the mood, lighting, and occasional zoom ins in the characters faces during intense scenes of the film also created added feel for the audience. A notable part was at the ending scene when Rome cried and walked away from Ethan and finally realizing her self-worth.

The actors were also effective in portraying their roles. Anyone who watches the movie can feel like they are in Rome’s shoes who has experienced the downside of being stuck in a situation. 

  It is good to know that the idea of an open relationship is unusual and even more, should I say daring to be released in the cinemas. But the director has his own way of defining relationship in a diverging society where love, commitment, relationships are getting more complicated. Yet, the balance of how the director handles open relationship with its cons and pros is clearly seen. Somewhat, the outcome is also boldy depicted, hurtful but real as how it would end for the two. The concept of an open relationship may be new to many audience or even unreal for the older viewers but the feelings as a result of this is so relatable that even if it is not labeled as an open relationship we can see how hurting it is for two people who desires contentment and happiness in relationship from something that is not even tangible, the search for it becomes so selfish that it ended up losing instead of gaining. What is even more hurtful is not being able to recognize the people who really truly loves usl neglecting them trying to find something more from other things or people we may think would fulfill us but losing the people who truly loves us. As for Rome, she discovers that there is more outside of her relationship, as if she comes out from the cave and discover her worth as an individual and a human being an idea suitable to uplift women’s capability to shine on their own beauty.

      Finally, let us move on with a much deeper story about life and death. Its complexities, and the realizations of an aging lady in the character of Lola Igna.

 Directed by Eduardo Roy Jr. is Lola Igna. Lola Igna, played by veteran actress Angie Ferro, tells the story of a 118 year old woman living in the rice fields of a rural barrio who suddenly became a somewhat local celebrity when her granddaughter and the local mayor suddenly tells her that she might potentially be the world’s oldest living grandmother. With this in mind, people around her does everything to keep her on her feet alive and kicking to seek after the possibility of receiving an award and annual benefits if so happen her life goes beyond the record. The contrast of contentment in life and greediness by the “director-as-author”  Roy, as what we can define auteur theory, has been depicted clearly in the story as how lola Igna prepares herself to the next life while the others expectantly awaits for another year to add to her life.  Because of this, people started to go and visit the quiet and sleepy barrio to witness Lola Igna and have her interview or a picture with her. Another contrast is shown here; the simplicity of life Lola Inga is enjoying in the dirt of her field while the technological life the so called “selfie” generation is now living who captures her as a subject.

 Among the local tourists flocking to the lola’s small hut house is apparently her great great grandson Tim who is an aspiring vlogger. Tim decided to live with his great great grandmother and record his moments with her. We can see how the director was able to combine the contrasts of simplicity of old life to the technological advancement of the present generation and the gap between the two generations, in the person of Tim, thus, being able to remove the wall between two opposite characters. As a result and soon enough, the two started to get closer and start bonding together. Roy, wittingly advanced the movie with its ideas of the theme without disregarding the heart in it and the values of family in the Philippine culture depicted in Philippine cinemas. 

It may have started with the realization of  lola Igna, people of her age would finally think of; death nearing. It was one ordinary night, lola suddenly wakes up and noticed a shadowy figure in the rice fields, she went to the fields and sees her dead husband Carias and all the other dead loved ones she knows. The director was bale knot only to inculcate the values of traditional Filipino family but the culture of old beliefs we still have nowadays. In this scene, Lola Igna took this vision as a sign that Carias and the others are trying to tell her that her death is upon her. With the thought of death nearing, the next succeeding days, lola begins preparing for her death staring with her ‘kabaong’ and asked Tim to help her do so. 

The story of Lola Igna explores the complexities of life, death, aging and abandonment. As a 118 year old grandmother living alone in the rice fields, lola seemed to be doing okay on her own but soon after the unexpected death of Mang Gusting, whom she actually help delivered when she was a midwife, she pours her heart out at the wake and expresses how she feels abandoned by the people she knew and that made it clear that life seems odd for a certain purpose. Roy was able to depict the reality of an old aged person’s developmental stage as how Erick Erickson presented it; Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Somehow,  Lola Igna’s contentment in life and how she fiercely lives it despite all the hardships she encountered her in her youth created a contend and mature character in her yet the realization of fear of the present life she is having started not being able to recognize the people in the town, began pushing her to face the end. 

The end of the story may have given the viewers their own conclusion when in a seemingly quiet but meaningful scene of Lola Igna cradling a baby upon helping a mother give birth to a new life. She gives a meaningful look at the camera expressing fright and exhaustion. Alook that might give an ending to continue or not? To give up or to give in?  Like anybody else, when one seems to retire but have no choice but to live on, the sight Lola igna gives in the part of this film is deep. Indeed, the movie Lola Igna is one wittingly and heart melting depictions of life’s complexities, divergence and realizations one must give credits to.

The Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino to include these three movies;  LSS  Last Song Syndrome is  directed by Jade Castro, Open produced by self-proclaimed auteur-driven production Black Sheep, and Lola Igna directed by Eduardo Roy Jr.  gives the Philippine Cinema a different face; daring, unusual, yet meaty and sensible. Beyond the simplicity of its production, the auteur inspired movies has gotten its way to the next level of portraying themes that tend to break the usual flow in the Philippine cinematic world. Refreshing, bold, and direct, each movie has its own light to depict so relatable to the present, humanely with the emotions and touching and moving through its values for realization of the audience. 

It is agreeable that the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino is achieving its mission that is to recognize Filipino artistry in films, to promote our country and its talents globally, to protect our film cultural heritage and to empower Filipino through film development and education. Indeed the evolution of the norm in Philippine cinema has gone to another level focusing on the value and the quality of its content rather than just being entertaining. The paving of its way to attract young artists in film making is recognizable as to see such young artists stepping forward to showcase their talents and skills. It is also obvious that such theme arose from the perspective of the younger generations, the so-called, the “millennials”. With the changing worldview in the aspects of love, relationships, commitments, life, death and more, these film artists never fail to uncover the reality of each aspect brokennes, failure, acceptance, responsibility and more. Though it catches the younger viewers interest it still depict the values and the consequences of the story characters choices and never fails to depict the picture of life in the real world. Such as with LSS perception of romance and responsibility, on which took the romance in a different light to consider the responsibility in the family the character has. It is also relatable and funny in a way when the first meeting happened in the middle of a traffic in Edsa, which obviously everyone can relate. As with Open, it can be observed its view of commitment and love where the pros and cons of Open relationship is highlighted and even more the consequences of losing someone as a consequence of the characters’ choices. Though heartbreaking on the side of Rome, hope is still elicited when she finds herself moving on to something that would uplift her self worth and abilities as an independent woman, contradicting to what  Ethan ended up after his search for his own desires in lust with somebody else, a message more suitable to those in their marrying age. And lastly, as with Lola Igna’s view of life and complexities of death. It is also recognizable how the two generations symbolized in the character of Tim and Lola Igna can be joint and how the relationship between the family is depicted. Though in seemingly slow and light pictures, scenes such a how lola Igna stares to the coffin for herself and the scene she looked at the camera portrays a lot of emotions, realizations oozing in such simple scenarios.    Issues that are presented in a simple but detailed way, values that had not gone overlooked and the relatability of each story to the lives of each Filipino that gives each other more weight. 

The aim of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilino in the reservation of our own culture and values is also seen in these three movies. From the setting, the characters, to cultures and beliefs depicted in each. In the cinematic world where superheroes gains much attention to viewers young and old, the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino has paved way to its own definition of filmmaking. Experimental as how it seems, yet the aim of delivering quality filipino movies beyond just the purpose of entertainment is still being achieved.  Meaty, as how it can be described the wittiness of each film makers is outstanding plus the craft of each actors and actresses.  In the movie LSS, the aim to promote talents and skills is clearly seen where the involvement of Ben and Ben is recognizable. The movie itself did not just showcase the talent of the film makers, and of the actors but of the new generation of Filipinos in the world of Filipino Music. In the movie Open, it portrays the mentality of our country men finding opportunity abroad such as in OFW. however the idea of an open relationship is unusual in a Filipno setting, yet the values of what love really means is still preserved. In the case of Lola Igna, we can see the face of poverty perfectly played in the role of Lola Igna. from the past she had in her youth, to the details of her usual lifestyle in the present  and the realization of death derived from Filipino beliefs, this movie is a packaged of a glimpse of our culture and hardships as Filipinos.  

In the idea of auteur-theory, it is obvious that Filipino films nowadays has truly evolved from a usual flow of cinematic aspects to a more diverse kind. The idea of the auteur theory can be clearly observed in each story as how the author-director turns to life the script into motion pictures. The director achieved its role as a powerful creative source to deliver the message of the film in different angles achieving its goals capturing the audience with the content, especially the reflection of the lives, culture, and values of Filipinos, relatable in almost all areas and not on the idea of entertainment alone. 

Film Language Robedillo, Jeremy  MM23 S.Y. 2019-2020

    The story was about a girl named Insiang, a stunning beauty whose boyfriend has one thing on his mind: deflowering her and proving his manhood. Being open and linving in the disturbing streets of a Filipino slum and not heading anywhere. Going through the film, it is a desperate idealism and subsequent disillusionment are seen as two sides of the same coin. Our government as a provider of goods and services should disclose and immediate solution to collective action problems, the medium through which citizens create public goods that benefit everyone, but that is also subject to free-rider problems without some collective compulsion. 

    Director Lino Brocka gave the audience a finding no solace in others — or, rather, ultimately facing an indifferent justice system. In a good profounding relationship, both partners are encouraged to grow and change for the better. We have one life to live – we should explore it to the fullest. But, Insiang gave herself in return. Where there’s poverty, there’s a lack of education, joblessness, and poor health. The key to destroying the top effects of poverty and violence is to attack the causes. The movie illustrated the reality of the Philippines is facing before and even until now. These varieties of increasing problems of our cities stretch across the nation affecting almost half of the country’s population. Its effects reach deeper. And it is widely believed to cause violence. 

    The Insiang movie showed how despite improving standards of living for some, the gaping disparity between rich and poor seems starker in Manila than in other developing countries; perhaps because it’s one of the world’s most densely populated cities. There’s never enough red tape everywhere we go. 

     Dado’s perverse tendencies, Insiang plots her revenge, with Brocka expertly dramatizing the reasons for each character’s behavior. The reality that sexual exploitation has found fertile grounds in both the lack of understanding and the culture of silence that permeate sensitive issues like this can create a lot of misinterpretations. Director Lino Brocka gave the audience a bit of primitive advice to our fellow women and the disregarded cases of rape that we should equip the youth with the knowledge and power, so they can protect themselves and their peers from abuse and disadvantage.

     Understanding how emotions and thoughts influence behavior is important for people who have intense emotions and are often ruled by Insiang. Insiang’s purpose of revenge is in preventing certain hostile actions or the threat of revenge that ensures people do not hurt her in the future. But sometimes people act revengefully when no good can come of their actions, other than to inflict suffering on others. Knowledge about emotions and the thoughts that strengthen or soften those emotions can help people develop ways to better manage their actions in the Philippine’s system. Our everyday lives often include small acts of retaliation such as a desire to repair that pain and improve our mood may be one of the things that motivate us to seek revenge.

Film Language

Robedillo, Jeremy

MMA23 S.Y. 2019-2020

      The film was a very tragic and heavily laced film for me, it followed the journey of young student Sid Lucero (Mark Gil), from seemingly an inexperienced beginner to the leader of the frat. Along the way, each strike of a hitting him, each dignity-crushing act of subservience, each death of a comrade would serve only to push forward as being part of the frat. He gave me the feeling of a person’s behavior can be misleading. We need to be clear though this does not make them a misleading person. Rather we are born with a defense mechanism not to show any kind of weakness, mental or otherwise.

       Crime levels decrease quickly when a dictatorship arises in society. As Sid goes deeper in the film, it gave us the ideas on how fraternity works such as the severe physical, mental—and even fatal—initiation rites they undergo in the name of the fraternity’s promise of brotherhood. Although crime levels typically rise in a dictatorship because there are different laws passed, sometimes at a whim by the leader. The film gave a huge impact when it comes to the forefront of the fraternity’s name now takes greater significance. As the film portrays the psyche of men it also illustrated that men join fraternities to exercise dominance, power, and control over other men rather than seeking brotherhood.       

       It was in this scene where Martial Law was mentioned once throughout the film, it was very shocking for me knowing that Mike De Leon was able to produce this kind of film especially it attacks the Marcos followers and such. So many young promising men had been put to waste. So many dreams had been shattered and many families had been broken. The fraternity system has become a big black hole that sucks these young promising men to their graves. By offering underage students access to alcohol, fraternities promote illegal drinking, which often leads to hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning or alcohol-induced injuries will often cause him to sacrifice his grades to put the fraternity first. Education for me makes us capable of interpreting things, among other things. It is not just about lessons in textbooks. It is about the lessons of life. Some college students can find it hard to juggle classes and fraternity responsibilities with their authoritarian regimes. 

      Moreover, the film lives in crushing poverty, increasingly lack basic provisions, and at any given moment face the possibility of instant or agonizing death, largely at the hands of their government which is the strategy of co-opting the leadership of a launching organization by buying its loyalty. 

Film Language

Robedillo, Jeremy

MM23 S.Y. 2019-2020

    Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag tackles different social issues prevalent and still relevant in our country. Julio Madiaga is an outgoing person and is well known to be hardworking, with the ability to work well with others whatever be race, ethnicity, or gender orientation. He goes to the city to look for his lost love, Ligaya Paraiso. He has one big adventure after another before he finds Ligaya, a very challenging one.

   While he was finding Ligaya, he learned about the systems in Manila. This film is a story that signifies a lot of angles on the lives of many Filipinos who experience a bad flight from trying to change their status of being poor or wants to have a good condition in life. Ligaya Paraiso left for Manila due to the family persistent, followed her and there where it started all the trials, hardship and near-death experience.

    The story symbolized in the person of Ligaya Paraiso, the fight of women during those eras, where the parents had so much control over their children especially their daughters which among the Filipinos had no right to speak up their mind. Like in the past where our very own country was captive by foreigners who wanted to take over our freedom. The story also symbolized in the person of Julio Madiaga the flight of our countrymen who tried to work with different companies but end up abused and used by some greedy and gang up by some notorious men. It was seen also in this movie silent expressions were some rich people or people with connections in the past were abusing their powers and can flee as a murderer if you have influence and connections.

    Ligaya Paraiso was the country's vulnerability to our countrymen for those who have hidden agendas or bad intentions. Being naive and innocent were the ultimate victims of these heartless people. Julio Madiaga was the hero of this movie since he offered his life by taking vengeance due to the death of Ligaya, he had risked his own life for he knows he can't have justice for his girlfriend. It was a loss of fight and a chance to have a peaceful life in the end as if there is only a one-sided system.