Thinking Out Loud: On Wenn Deramas vs Alfonso Martinez

I wonder If Alfonso Martinez's dad had not been the director of Rosario and a contender for the best Director tilt in the recently concluded MMFF, would he have the same rants towards the festival and to Direk Wenn Deramas?

The former child star, who played Tito Aga's silent pamangkin, blurted out in his Twitter page: "i am sorry, but how the f*** can a shallow, stupid and over milked movie win best director? Apparently to the magical MMFF grading system, the pinnacle of Philippine cinema is a brainless, rehashed, slapstick movie that would be the laughing stock of any filmfest outside the Phil!' OH WAIT! I guess the movie is successful after all.", which then earned an equally harsh reaction from Wenn Deramas, "Pagkatapos kong mabasa kanina ung tweet ng anak ni albert martinez, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na Pag aaralin ko ng husay ang mga anak ko sa paaralang Itinuturo ang PAGTANGGAP NG MALUWAG SA DIBDIB KAPAG NATATALO!!!," he posted.

He further added in his Facebook post:""IPAGPATAWAD NINYO FRIENDS NA HINDI KO MASUNOD ANG PAYONG DEADMAHIN, HWAG PATULAN, Kasi hindi naman kayo ang NILAIT ANG TRABAHO...TRABAHONG PINAGPUPUYATAN, PINAG IISIPAN, MARAMING UMAASANG TAO SA AKIN KAYA NAPAKA IMPORTANTE NG TRABAHONG ITO SAKIN!!! WALANG KARAPATAN ANG SINUMAN NA LAITIN ITO LALO PA'T WALA KANG ALAM!!!"

It was quite understable for Wenn Deramas to react that way. After all, like what he said, it was his work that was lambasted--not ours. A film that he has worked hard for, maybe gave their best, their time and their efforts so they may be able to come up with a funny and entertaining film catering to the humor and highly accepted by the Filipino masses. It was understandable. But if it was also the reason for questioning the way Alfonzo was raised and educated by his parents, then that's another story.

Alfonzo as I see it, is just another movie goer, trying to be a film critic, and just like everybody who had their share of opinions after watching the films of the festival, he was entitled to his opinion--regardless how he presents it. The sad thing is that, he happens to be the son of Albert who was a potential winner but was never even recognized, hence this being a sensation. And in this light, as I say, Alfonzo is just one of the many others who were disappointed, somehow, of the turn out of the festival. I myself included.

I would only deal with Rosario and Tanging Ina and try not to include the other festival films because (1) these two are the two being compared ib this issue and (2) I was only able to watch the two films plus Dalaw. It's unfair to compare with very little information much more when I did not even watch it. Rosario was based on a true story as told by Manny Pangilinan. It was about Rosario, a liberated woman who came from New York and was thriving in a society of then the conservative Philippines. She was a stark contrast of her environment and the people amidst her. It was a fresh story for most of us because previous period films about the Philippines that were produced mostly depicted how the women moved around back in the olden days--conservative and often passive.

Costumes and production design were well thought of. Even the locations that they chose were apt of the period that they were depicting. The characters attributes speak so much about their niches in the film-- Jennylyn in her russian red lippie, Isabel in her nude, almost bare make up look and who would dare smirk on Salvador Dali-ish mustache of Ipe? His character commands respect even if for the most part, I know , people watched the film got distracted.

Screenplay and script-wise, since the film was adapted, I can only guess which parts were tweaked just so it would be appealing and the development of the story would be achieved but the writers did a very good job. No character was gone to waste, except maybe for Rita Avila and her inconsistent and trying-hard-to-sound-Chinese accent, all of the characters were crucial to how Rosario was molded in the film/story. Jennylyn Mercado, in all fairness, gave justice to what the character was demanding. I really could not think of anyone would could have played the role other than her which saddens me after watching the film that she was not even, NOT even part of the nominees. Too bad, I was not able to watch Carla Abellana and Marian RIvera in their respective entries so I can very well understand why Jen was not even nominated, but then again, that's another blog post.

On the other hand, the well lauded Tanging Ina could not boast much about what I have mentioned. They live in the 'Now' so the things they wore and the location they moved around were nothign pectacular. They, again, depicted the usual Filipino family--forgetting the fact that Ina was once the President of the Republic, but their kapitbahay would barge into their house shouting at the top of their lungs asking for the money that one of her kids owe from them just like any other family in their neighborhood.

What was the 'major major' part for? And I understand that this is a Major comedy film, how on earth can three exact look alike of your 3 dead husbands would end up in a cemetery all at the same time while she was paying respect to the tombs of her husbands? And how did the doctor explain the diagnosis in the end? How did she tell the family that Ina was not dying? I wan't quite listening (or maybe I was already asleep).It is indeed true, that it is more tasking to make people laugh than to make them cry. But getting the viewers laugh and entertained does not automatically equates to cinematic artistry same as the top grosser may not be the film with the highest quality in terms of it's artistic value.

I was entertained by Tanging Ina--it was undeniable. But long after I went out of the cinema, this is one film I would simply categorize as a comedy film. Soon, when I will try to recall it, I would only look back and see it as just another comedy film--I would even probably forget the story. But then again, that's just me. I recognize the efforts of the people behind Tanging Ina. I don't think there was any single movie in the festival who did not give their best, or at least did not shed sweat and missed their night sleep just so they will be able to meet deadlines. The time and effort should be a given fact, and therefore should not hold arguments anymore. What we are looking for is artistry and craft in cinema-- which sadly lacks in this festival year after year.

I wouldn't dare figure out what's wrong because this is going to be a loooooong battle of culture and would root from years ago if we are to understand the Filipino's appreciation of cinema. It would be a futile attempt. But I believe, with the advent of modern technology and more skilled people emerging, we can slowly revolutionize the Filipino concept of good film and excellent directors--afterall, at a certain point, these two are one and the same.

Albert Martinez is among them, among the many other filmmakers who dare to let out quality before profits. To tell a story, to create a film because you have something to say not only to sell to the world, because you wanted to trigger from he depths of the emotions of these thinking animals what their history, their artistry has to offer. And to testify that, they can, only if they believe.

Alfonzo is just another critic. And should never be sorry for being true to his taste. For being a bold and daring as the child in the emperor's parade. He has nothing to be sorry for. Neither his family because a real educated man, thinks and speaks out.

But then again, this is just my opinion.

and I will never say sorry for being real.

Disney Politics

I've been thinking about this in the past how influential Tinkerbell was to the Disneyworld (if there was such thing as politics in this imperialist force :) ). Notice that since she herself cannot be considered a Disney Princess and join the gang where Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White et al belong-- Disney then created a clique where she could perfectly fit-- Disney's FAIRIES.

I don't remember these guys exist when i was in grade school. :)

But then again, I can only guess.

On Death and Still Giving Thanks

I received a message from one of my bestfriends back in grade school asking everyone to pray for his dad who was then in a critical condition in the hospital. Being a non-practicing Catholic, I pray a lot but I don't usually attend masses, but that Sunday I received the sms, I went with Mitchi to Greenbelt to hear mass and I specifically included that in my short list of prayers. 


Although we rarely had chance to talk to my friend's dad back in grade school when we usually hang out in their home, he was generally warm and polite in entertaining his house guest. My friend's mom was more into the talking part, which I guess is what was always the case. Ok I digress.


Finally, Thursday night, my friend sent another SMS this time thanking everyone who offered their prayers for his dad:


"Guys tnx for all the prayers my dad is now resting in heaven.Thanks for all the support lets just continue praying for the repose of his soul."


When I started reading his message, my heart was glad knowing that our prayers did miracles and kept him ok. But it didn't. Probably because it was his time to go. He was 71. 


I admire my friend's ability to keep himself from wallowing in self-pity and drama from each angle possible. And being able to trust that the prayers offered for his dad was to ease up the pain. But of course, I can only guess.


I just came from the wake and went home around 2am. I saw the family's grief but at the same time strength and being able to maintain a positive and happy environment. Maybe because their dad had a well-lived life. 


But then again, I can only guess.