A FEW days ago I got the chance to watch “Citizen Jake”, Atom Araullo’s debut film in the movie business.
I must say this movie deserves more ratings and hype. Aside from the superb cinematography and acting it serves as a satirical eye-opener about the Philippines, a modern “Noli Me Tangere” that reminds us of the malignant social cancer that is feeding off this country:
1) guns, goons and gold – a reminder of the existence of the mafia group we call the Philippine government
We are reminded of why the “strong men” are always on top, men who have the family background and firepower to rule over their little towns and barangays. If you get in their way then expect a bullet in your head.
2) alcoholism – every Filipino’s Achilles’ heel
We always make it a point to have a bottle of beer (or wine for the better off) in our stash, even if it means cutting down on our rice. Alcohol is like the comfort of a mother’s hug to most of us. We give it our all, even to the point of sacrificing our lives for it.
3) “modernization” – the inevitable fate of every portion of land in this country
Once beautiful places with rich culture, we have slowly become overpopulated, polluted and dangerous. Why is this so? To keep up with the modern technological era? Is it really necessary for us to rot in our own cesspool to keep up with other developing countries?
4) women as instruments – It’s a fact that is true everywhere. Young girls who need money find that the easiest way to earn is through their bodies. That’s what men seem to look for anyway. They don’t seem to care about women’s skills or intellect, just how willing they are to spread their legs.
5) an unspoken caste system – master and servant
You still see it with the “elite” families that rule our little towns. Hacienderos, doctors, lawyers, and politicians loyally served by maids and houseboys whose forefathers served them since the time of dons and doñas. They seem contented by this somehow, almost as if they don’t expect to rise up from where they are.
6) eagerness to leave – The younger generation though seem to dream bigger; they dream of the day they leave this ticking time-bomb of a country. They dream of earning a lot, even if it means menial work which seems to have more prestige than any job you could get here.
These are the points that made an impact on me while watching “Citizen Jake”. It’s painful to accept but if you open your eyes and look around you see that it’s all true.
Will we ever be able to cure this social cancer of ours? Or will we end up crippled and broken because we allowed it to grow? (angelica.panaynews@gmail.com/PN)
