MMFF VS. SPIDERMAN

Did everyone saw Spiderman: No way Home? Unless you downloaded it illegally, you already did? But if you want to watch it, on cinemas, you can't. Because of the MMFF. Yet, despite not having such a competition, all of the entries tank in the box-office. Why did it happen?

The elephant in the room is, the COVID situation, that where we still are in. Even though you can watch on cinemas, it is still not on full capacity. Families who might watched the movies, might get separated watching certain movies. So why watch, if you can't bond. 

The other thing is, this might be a No Way Home Protest. We are the only country in the world, that can't watch the said movie. And all because of what? Of a certain eight films, that are below of quality?

Then a producer, expressed her frustations, at the awards night. Atty Joji Alonso said: “Para po sa nagsasabi na, "Sana hindi na natuloy ang MMFF at mauna na po si Spider-Man,’ pakihintay na lang po sa January 8, please in the meantime, tangkilikin naman po natin ang pelikulang Pilipino, Sobra-sobra po naming pinaghirapan lahat ang paggawa ng mga pelikulang ito. Sana naman po huwag niyo naman kaming pabayaan kasi this is for everybody. Paano na lang po tayo ‘pag wala nang gagawa ng pelikula? Please support Filipino films.”

Her statements, met a lot of bashings and criticism, like make quality films and don't beg for it. And, not because it is a Filipino film, we will just patronize it. For me the the criticisms was right. For so a long a time, MMFF are producing garbage movies, like the Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda movies. And I'm sure that the consuming public was fed up by the SOS, same old shit. Then the pandemic hit, and people, despite wanting to go out, will still not take the risk. I think the Filipino audience, is getting more intelligent in movies, and demands quality. But the local industry, is not evolving with it. That's why people are not patronizing local movies, and prefers international films. Not because they are not patriotic, but because it's just not quality, and worth the money and time.

But what is quality? Is it only the equipment used? Of course it is, but it's not only that. The most important is, the story. Like I said the stories are SOS. The titles are the only one that is changing, but the stories are the same. I don't like comparing our films to the Korean films, but yes. Koreans makes a lot of movies, that are not the same, there is always new to offer. Us, SOS. 

Another thing is the casting. Not because one is famous, he/she or they for the PC's of gender identity, is that they will be the lead to do a movie. I think only those who can really act should do a movie. And most importantly, those who can really direct and write scripts should do a movie, and not everyone. There was a director, in an interview saying that once they made a movie, with no script, and just let the lead do the flow, for he is a comedian. And she's proud saying it. That director should not make movies anymore. Be banned for eternity.

The only good thing about this MMFF is that there is no Vice Ganda, and Vic Sotto movies. But I think, once the restrictions further relaxed. They will come back. The summary is make quality films, and don't begged for sympathy something. That's all.

NOT THANKING IS NOT THINKING

Recently President Duterte and Secretary Tugade, unveil new wagons for MRT 7. Then I saw on Tiktok, a commentary from Vice Ganda on his show, Showtime. Because we are paying taxes, there is no need to thank officials, if they are erecting infrastracture like bridges, roads etc. Because it is their duty. Is the comment coincident? I think not. It's public knowledge, that there is no love lost, between ABS-CBN and the Dutertes. And Vice Ganda is a voluntary mouthpiece of ABS-CBN.

But is it right to not thank officials? Even President Duterte said. It is your money, don't thank us. Let's put President Duterte, out of the equation for a while. If you don't thank the person, who did you favor, render you services, you're a bad person. When you pay someone for services rendered, it's a form of thanks. If you don't pay someone, for services rendered, you're a bad person. And you might end up in prison. Duterte is not even asking, and he is rejecting the thanks and the praises. But he is the one who did, along with the people he instructed. So he has the right to reject thanks. But if you are in the receiving end of the projects done, and you're not thankful. Then you're an ingrate.

And imagine this. Imagine he had not done it. Which is not very hard to imagine. Some of the plans that they implement are of Marcos era, and is only implemented now. Now 2021. 1989, when he was ousted in power, how many years have passed? 30 plus effing years! And we are only about to connect the whole country by trains and roads, while other countries are destroying and repairing infrastracture, because of old age. Does President Duterte, deserved a little thanks? Of course, yes.

I know what ABS-CBN is doing. You are swaying the public to not support his candidate this election. But your efforts are in vain. He is not perfect. But he has done more, than the most Presidents, post Marcos, on infrastracture. Even in military weapon's upgrade. So a little thanks, he deserved. Not thanking is a deed done, by bad persons.