A film that is beyond superficiality and challenges the kitsches is what I consider deserving to be labelled as ''movie'' that is worth watching and worth recommending regardless of its total running time. As long as it grasps a meaning that extends beyond what the eyes meet, that film is indeed, an excellent art.
The Cinefilipino 2013 short film finalist Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, directed by Bor Ocampo has left tracks of leitmotif for the viewers to ruminate about, that is, wherein the moment when one realizes what the film tries to portray, the only thing that is left to say is, "*insert a big time compliment here*."
The film is indeed a masterpiece that can only be materialized from a critical mind. The concept, perhaps, mirrors the director's love for the country, which sadly, languishes little by little. Within the story manifests the bitter reality that is very relevant to most of the Filipinos today.
Reading what is shown
Looking at it on the surface would seem that the entire story revolves around the parting romance of the couple, specifically, when the man's departure to Australia comes near. Maika, whose character was portrayed by Japo Parcero, is being tacitly forlorn about the leaving of her partner, whose character was played by Bor Ocampo himself, for she knows that there is no turning back for him. She then decides to go back to the spot where they used to hang out, perhaps, to refresh the good memories of their sweet past. Eventually, the man left her for what he thought of a 'good life' abroad.
Besides of this conspicuous romance, there are mordant symbolism to decipher here.
Deciphering the metaphors
Maika is the kind of a hopeless romantic woman. She longs for love and hopes that she will be left alone. She constantly tries to refresh the good memories despite that she cannot do anything else to make her lover stay. She herself is the depiction of the Philippines who will always be left broken by the Filipinos.
The other main character is the unnamed guy, who is also Mika's lover, represents the metaphor of the Filipinos as a whole. He technically fools Maika for having her believed to a promise he cannot keep.
Digging deeper
Detaching from the literality of the film, it has something to do between the relationship of the Filipinos and their mother country.
Remembering the part where he makes a promise in front of the camera while wearing a full-face of sincerity, he utters the words which Maika believes to be true. In the parallel world of reality, Filipinos make a pact about never leaving the country, but eventually they tend to betray that oath in exchange for the greener pasture they imagine abroad.
This goes the same in reality: the case of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). To go abroad and be far away from their families is, perhaps, the only option they have. The high hopes of having a better life overseas further press the stigma that life here in the Philippines is directionless.
There is a shot right before the rolling of the credits that certainly catches the viewer's attention: The signage of Philippine's tourism slogan situated at the airport, It's more fun in the Philippines. The slogan can be an unspoken message that there is a tiny glint of hope in this country. However, that tiny bit of hope seems to flutter away with the wind as the plane departs. The signage is left ignored many times as much as many Filipinos fly away from their mainland country.
The short film ends with a comedic epilogue. It perfectly portrays the 'expectation versus the reality; scenario of an OFW. The same man holds his camera and seems to be catching his breath while making his v-log, "As you can see, I'm just relaxing. Enjoying life. This is the life..." Eventually, his employer, an Australian man, approaches and the main character immediately puts down the camera as he begins hoisting up the huge couch.
This, I think, signifies the struggle of the OFWs. That people may think they achieve the 'good life' but it all goes down to the truth that it is not what they think it is and neither easy as it seems.
The title, Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas (Long Live Philippines), is bluntly satirical. It may seem to be a positive point but it actually connotes the opposite. It speaks about the irony of the entire film. To get this straight, consider this question: Does the salutation 'Long Live Philippines' still apply today despite of its people constantly betraying her?
Reel Pinoy
What makes this film a real good thing is that it is very Pinoy. The director was able to connect with the audience, which marks the big break of Director Bor Ocampo. He was able to relate with the people as he himself experienced working abroad when he studied in Australia three years ago.
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