Informal settlers AKA "squatters" have been a longtime issue here in the Philippines. They are mostly people from the province who came to the metro in search of a "better life." They think Manila is this one pot of gold at the end of the rainbow where they can find jobs, earn a decent, if not better, amount of money and fulfill their dreams. But most of the time, that's not what happens.
Recently, there was another demolition in Makati, specifically in Guatemala Street. And just like every other informal settlements demolition that happens in Manila, it was violent. Around 8 were arrested and are now facing assault charges.
Image from inquirer.net.
My question is, are they really entitled to do this? I mean occupying others' property and claiming it as your own? It might look valiant and brave but really, this for me is barbaric and arrogant. Then they blame the government for not providing for them and not solving poverty. They have been given a deadline. They have been given relocation sites. But still they complain about it being too far and not having any source of livelihood. They chose to fight back with stones, rocks, bottles and basically anything that can be thrown. Resist, counter and destroy.
I watched a documentary a few years back. One of the reasons why they go to Manila is to search for a "better life." Yes, life is hard in the province. I remember me and my brothers had to chop wood, fetch water, cut the grasses growing in the backyard, dry dozens of sack of rice under the sun and at times when we don't have anything to eat, we hunt for frogs. There is always a source, something that can provide what you need. We're not talking about tribes and villages in very remote areas of course. That is an entirely different discussion. What I'm saying is that we just need to be more patient. Use whatever resources you have. Take pride in what you do and always do your best. It's just that some of use wants an easy way out. I watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation and he was with this welder. He doesn't have much but he loves what he does. He's proud of it. I thought and hoped that we should be like that guy, content and happy. We should dream and dream big, yes. But as with the case like these informal settlers, risking it in hopes that Manila will give them a better life seems not worth it.
I can understand that when you have close to nothing, you become desperate. You try to hang on to that something that gives you strength and hope. You try to fight for it if it's being taken away from you. But using violence to fight for something that is not yours is wrong. It's not correct in the first place. It will never be correct.
I was looking at some of Annicka Dolonius' pictures when I saw an update on Ang Nawawala's Facebook page. It was a tumblr blog, a review about their film. It was a good review. The details of the film are well explained.
A few days back, prior to watching the film, I was wondering about the title. Why Ang Nawawala (What Isn't There)? I already read the synopsis so I pretty much have an idea of what it was. Or do I?
Initially, I thought it was his "voice". But no, I said to myself. It's got to be something deeper than that. Judging from the trailer itself, one can say that this film is deep. One that goes beyond a "missing voice." We were about to watch the film so I stopped pondering and the thought got lost somewhere.
But then this line from the said blog made me think again. "as he becomes almost like his dead brother – the one who isn’t there."
I said to myself, "yeah, that makes sense." But then images from the film's last few seconds came rushing into my head like MRT passengers during rush hour. I remember Esme with her eyes closed, saying "Sino ka? Wes, ikaw ba yan?" Gibson then said, with his tears falling, "Mom. Si Gibson po." I immediately then realized (or considered) that it is HE that was missing. Some might say it is obvious, some might agree, some might disagree. I haven't read any other reviews nor know what the true meaning of the title is. Albeit the title (What Isn't There), I consider Gibson to be the one that's missing.
He chose not to speak because he thought that after he saw his twin brother die, there's nothing important to say anymore. Plus, the trauma caused by witnessing his death right in front of his eyes must be very horrible. 10 years then has passed since Jamie died. 10 years has passed since he last spoke. 10 years has passed and Gibson is still searching for himself, that one lost soul. The one that should've been dead. The one that isn't there.
Ang Nawawala is a tale of tragedy, hope, love, second chances and rediscovering one's self served in a retro-ish backdrop with a dash of indie music.
I was watching Patrol ng Pilipino last night about the approval of the new Kasambahay Bill and how it will benefit maidservants.
It showed one particular case that has been in the news the past week, the abuse of Bonita Baran. She said that she was tortured and abused to the point that she's now blind in one eye. Following this, the accused couple surrendered to NBI and was sent on trial. But they pleaded not guilty to said charges. Why? Because they said the "prosecution evidence was not strong". WTF!?
Yeah, what the eff? Is this not strong enough? Her face was disfigured because of torture and she went blind in one eye because they pressed a hot flat iron on her face. Jebus Cries!
But Lady Justice is still with us. The couple is now in the city jail! And oh, how I love the trolls there. According to the news, "Some female jailbirds were heard yelling, “handa na mga plantsa namin! (our flat irons are ready!)". EL OH EL!
