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Plot / Synopsis:

Filipinas tells the story of a family separated by rifts and conflicts. Flor Filipinas summons her children in an
effort to unite the family once more. The plan unfortunately backfired, for her children still holds resentment against
each other. Past hurts and grievances then surface, a tense
atmosphere of conflict hangs in the household. Things get worse when the Flors health fails and
she slips in a coma. The siblings become one in praying for health.
Setting: The setting is recent.
Characterization:
Yolanda - played by Maricel Soriano. She is the eldest among the siblings. She manages the household and takes care
of the needs of widowed and aging mother.
Flor - played by Armida Siguion Reyna, the mother who was trying to keep the family together
Clara - played by Dawn Zulueta, is an OFW. Went back home to the Philippines and finds herself estranged from her
child
Eman - played by Victor Neri is an activist, advocating himself to his cause or issue vigorously.
Samuel - played by Richard Gomez, is a U.S. immigrant.
Vicky - played by Aiko Melendez. A business woman whose business barely copes with the country's economic
instability.
Narciso - played by Wendell Ramos, is a military officer. He squeals on corruption within the military. He gets
assigned to Basilan and is killed in action

Did the film made you cry because of the telenovela- like drama or the bitter reality bite you?
Symbolically, Filipinas the movie title seemed to be derived from the characters surname yet I see it as Filipinas,
our country. The movie filled with deep meaning, is the mirror for each and every one of us. The reflection shows us
the current phase of our country which serves as a stimulus for us to think if we have plans to move forward or to be
part of the same old story.
The setting itself is undeniably the true Philippines- filled with cultural and societal activities and scenarios
seen in performing our daily living. On the other hand, the characters represented the majority of Filipinos of the past,
of today and of the future. They represent different facets of Philippine society.
Samuel (Richard Gomez), U.S immigrant demonstrates our fellow Filipinos who believe in Estados Unidos as
the answer in every problems of our country. Clara (Dawn Zulueta), is an Overseas Filipino Worker o OFW that
represents a million of the so- called bagong bayani who sacrifice a lot to give a living for their families. Both of
them left their families and the land where they sprout, which, indeed, is a total contradict in my outlook in life. In my
opinion, we dont have to seek for greener pastures because the true happiness is not just found in the things brought
by money. As shown in the film, both of them brought conflict in terms of family relation, especially to the children
they did not have during the days they are needed the most.
Eman (Victor Neri), an activist and laborers leader who still fought for equal rights. He is Filipino who still
believes in the thought of democracy and expressing it through rallies to achieve justice. The role of Eman in the story
is a healthy illustration that there are still concerned citizen but unfortunately just like other similar stories in reality,
their greatness is like digging their own grave.
Narciso (Wendell Ramos), is a military officer and one of a kind for being idealistic, honest and handsome. He
squeals corruption within the military, which made me think that his image is more likely, Senator Trillianes. But sad
to say, due to bad elements living in this world, as he gets assigned to Basilan, he is killed in action. Another sad story
linked to it, is the consequence for her wife (Tanya Garcia) to be an early widow and the child that she carries in her
womb died because of her frustration.
Vicky (Aiko Melendez), shows a typical businesswoman who works hard but still fails because of the
competence brought by low priced imported products. Our country is flooded by imported products which kills us in
different ways. You will realize it if you think about this topic critically. On the other side of her story, is her marriage
to an Indian and how their cultural differences made their relationship hard.
A shocking symbol that this story gave us is the mother Filipinas (Arminda Siguion Reyna), as our country
that shows how dire is our state yet we should not lose it and have hope that it will still live through our love- we can
save her. After being literally dropped in the ground because of the fight between Americanized Samuel and activist
Eman, the doctor diagnosed her state as irreversible and left the family to decide on whether to pull the respirator, the
only thing keeping her alive. This can be interpreted as staking the future to destiny, the Bahala na attitude. But, to
see it in the positive side, trust in the will of God can be one of the strength that they are holding to.
As of the moment, we are like grains of sand tossed and fro by the uncertain future. The only heroic task that
we can do is to have faith in ourselves, faith to our fellow Filipinos and faith in our Maker.
Meanwhile, another shocking but complex symbol is Yolanda (Maricel Soriano), the narrator, eldest, fledging
spinster that manages the household and takes care of the needs of their widowed aging mother. Yolanda, hopefully, is
also the symbol for next generation that will took the initiative by taking over the helm. Though, in the earlier part of
the story, she is just a typical Filipina who dedicate her life for her family to stay intact.
Samuel opted to return to the U.S., Eman chose to join the struggle for the transformation of society in the
countryside. The rest of the family, showing delight upon reading Emans letter, implied their support for his cause.
Some supporting stories that added color in the movie as a whole. One of these are the story
of Diane (Sunshine Dizon), a talented girl devoted in singing and dancing but her father is against with the career
path she wanted to pursue that brought quarrel to their family. Another is the victim story of Yolandas lover who
suffered in jail for years by a crime he did not fully commit. But there are still big issues brought my the movie which
is not fully emphasized, first is the dirty politics present in the society- vote buying, sweet talks of tremendous greed
icons that still revolves in the world of some foolish Filipinos.
Second, is the heavy idea that hit us as a Christian nation, when the priest that mother Filipinas seeks tranquil
repose in church and the calming words of the priest that later revealed that he was leaving the vocation to take care
of his son. The revelation of her wall where she used to get her strength is undeniably weak, weaker than her.
Ang krus ng nakaraan ay hindi pinapansan kundi ginagawa itong tuntungan upang maabot ang Taas.
The story is open- ended, if the word HOPE popped up in your mind, youll end this reaction paper same as
mine. And if not, I will bravely face you and say this, Are you tired of being Juan Dela Cruz? Kapatid, there is no
place for self- pity and there is no escape to reality, wake up!
Not tomorrow but today, today is the start of seeing the real challenge of life, a life of aiming high, aim high Pinoy
SURPASS THE PAST AND FULFILL THE FUTURE!

Their individual stories do not unfold in a straight line. The scriptwriter and director craftily interweave their lives, revealing it part
by part, little by little, giving it telenovela suspense. But, unlike the usual telenovelas, the lives of the characters did not move
according to chance, success or failure based solely on individual perseverance or talent. Their lives are moved too by the nature and
events of society of which they are a part.

The different persuasions and orientations of the siblings are enough reasons for disquiet. Mother Filipinas seeks tranquil repose in
church and the calming words of the priest. When the priest revealed that he was leaving his vocation to take care of his son (a funky
hiphopster, to emphasize the satire), she was dumb-founded. But what really knocked Mother Filipinas out was the fight between
Americanized Samuel and activist Eman. In the melee, she literally got the fist and dropped to the ground unconscious.

The doctor diagnosed her state as irreversible and left the family to decide on whether or not to pull the respirator, the only thing
keeping her alive. For a while, the family stood still; until Yolanda asserted that the family should not lose hope and do everything to
keep mother alive. That is staking the future on fate. This is the weak point of the story.

Symbolically, however, it sends the message that no matter how dire the state of affairs of Filipinas, our country, we should not lose
hope and do what we can to save it. Yolanda, representing the next generation, took the initiative by taking over the helm. Samuel
opted to return to the U.S. Eman chose to join the struggle for the transformation of society in the countryside. The rest of the family,
showing delight upon reading Eman's letter, implied their support for his cause. The film, as well as reality, presents these options.

The actors are shoo-ins for best awards. The crying scene during the burial of Narciso was a bit extended; but, overall, pacing was
fast. Sex was nil (if an intimate scene of a bare breasted male and a lacey night-gowned female is "sexy," then it's almost nil.) There
were sprinklings of contrived dialogues. Drama was abundant. All considered, to quote Bien Lumbera, film critic and Magsaysay
Awardee for Literature, "Seldom does a movie refer to current events and allows audience to understand society." Watch "Filipinas,"
there is reason to hope.

Literary Criticism
I. Summary
Florensia Filipinas (Armida Reyna), a mother of 3 daughters and 3 sons, faces a problem regarding her own
family. Florensia is living with her oldest daughter, Yolanda Filipinas (Maricel Soriano). Yolanda is a martyr and soft-
hearted daughter who devoted her time taking care for her mother. Yolanda drops her dreams and ambitions, even her
own life for her mother. The problem arises when Samuel Filipinas (Richard Gomez), the oldest son, together with his
son and daughter came back from America.
Samuel and Eman Filipinas (Victor Neri), a communist and acclaimed leader of Filipino revolutionist, always
quarrel regarding the current conflict of the Philippines. Problems pile-up, from the near bankruptcy of their business,
the death of Narciso Filipinas (Wendell Ramos), youngest son and a military official, and more conflict among family
members. Florensia, carrying all of the problems, got into comma. Conflict among family members, different idealism
and hatred towards each other are the problems to be solved by the Filipinas family.
The movie tells us that despite the failure in faith with our institutions like military and the church, theres one
left where we can lean on and trustthe institution of the family.
II. Characters
A. Yolanda Filipinas (Maricel Soriano)
Yolanda, the oldest of all siblings, is the martyr daughter. She thinks that her family weighs more than everything,
even to her own happiness. She chooses to sacrifice her own love to conceal a crime that leads to her broken life. She
finished Economics and managing a small family business.
B. Samuel Filipinas (Richard Gomez)
Samuel, being the oldest son, thinks that what he says is always right and everything must bow before his decisions.
He also represents the idealistic Filipino who believes that America is the answer to everything. Samuel is separated
from his wife and a father of two daughters and one son.
C. Vicky Filipinas (Aiko Melendez)
Vicky, one of the favorites of Florensia and the youngest daughter, is a typical Filipina who finds happiness with
foreign partners. She deals with the Filipinas onion business. She is married to Ramesh, a Bombay.
D. Eman Filipinas (Victor Neri)
Eman, younger than Samuel, is the communist of the family. He fights for what he thinks is right and stands his
ground as a Filipino. He doesnt want Americans to deal with our nations problem. With his idealism, Samuel and
Eman always fight for what is right.
E. Gloria Filipinas (Dawn Zullueta)
Gloria, younger than Yolanda and the favorite of Florensia, is an OFW caregiver. She left her daughter and her
husband just to earn money. She endures the loneliness. Ironic of this is that Gloria knows how to take care, a nurse,
and a good caregiver but she doesnt, even once, take care of their mother. Gloria is married to Greg, a househusband.
F. Narciso Filipinas (Wendell Ramos)
Narciso is a military official and the youngest in the family. He is secretly married to Dindi. He is the bridge between
Eman and Samuel. Narciso believes that the military must never take power over the Philippine government because
too much power makes people blind.
G. Florensia Filipinas (Armida Reyna)
Florensia is religious mother. She generally loves her siblings but it is also obvious that she has favoritism among her
offspring.
III. Conflict
The conflict of the story is the different idealism of the Filipinas Family. Due to this conflict, the family was torn apart
from inside. The rivalry between Samuel being the realistic-bossy-American Dreamer and Eman the communist who
fights for his country. The Grudge of Yolanda for Gloria for leaving her with her empty dreams. In the end, the
conflict was resolved with acceptance and forgiveness.
IV. Theme
The theme of the story is about the value of family in our society. The movie reflects the different idealism of every
Filipinos especially the great difference in handling our lives as individuals. The movie teaches us that despite all
failures in faith on our society, we always have one left to where we can lean on, our family.
V. Symbol
The title itself symbolizes the Filipino people. Filipinas family portrays the different idealism of Filipinos. The
Filipino nation is a family; we must unite and work as one. Another symbol used is the onion. The story used onion
as a figurative exposure for emotional attachments and secrecy of grudge and hatred.
VI. Association with present life situation
The move is generally associated with the Filipino nation. We can see that the Philippines is facing problems
regarding individuality and lack of unity. These problems are mainly due to different idealism. But on the bright side
of the story, we can say that despite all odds, the Filipino family is still the institution we can hold on.
The Role of the Family in the Society

SCENE 1
In the first part of the movie, you can see the different characteristics of a Filipino Family. That we are really
closely knit, and what we always follow is the seniors. We can also see here that we should attain a high value of
education because it's really a big deal for Filipino families the status when it comes to Education. You can also see
here that a Filipino Family always respects the seniors and the bond with each other is tight.

Effective Communication in the Community


In this scene, Kathlyn recieved a call from her father during a festival, there were bands performing, producing
loud noise. This is an example of a Communication barrier. Kathlyn cannot understand what her father is talking
about because of this Physical barrier or the distractions in the environment.

Developing leaders for Community Service


In this scene you can see that Florencia Filipinas was given a chance to give a speech during an event. You can
see here that Florencia is really an active leader and she contributed many things in her previous school that's why she
is chosen to be one of the guest speakers in that said event.

SCENE 3
Topic: Importance of Family
Effective Communication in the Community
Kathlyn longs for her father since she was little, she didn't experience the love of a family because since then
her mother and father together with her siblings went to US to live and to work. You can see that it is really important
to have a family as you grow up. Also, Alexis the daughter of Gloria who works also in abroad seems like she doesn't
know her mother at all because when she needs her mom the most she is not around. Not all happiness can be found
in money, it will always be with your family and your loved ones.

Topic: Effective Communication


The scene where Nanay Florenciana and Gloria talks is an example of an effective communication. They were
able to achieve the good communication process where Nanay Florenciana feels the problem of Gloria, she
understands what her daughter feels and she is able to give an advice that will surely help her child.

Developing Leaders for Community Service


Topic: Democratic Leadership
You can find the democratic leadership in the scene where Eman was with the reporters and talks about their
plan in the coming of President Bush. I can say that this is a democratic leadership because it keeps the followers
which is the people who watches the news informed about what they are going to do.

Scene 8
Topic: Family
Effective Communication in the Community

Topic: Do's and Don'ts in Communicating with Community People


Samuel was mad at Dylan because he joined his Tito Emman's group, Samuel doesn't like those kind of groups
because he is against terrorism. He shouts and uses foul words to his own son and own brother. He even points with
his forefinger which is a sign of degrading other people and uses offensive gestures. In my opinion, you don't have to
shout nor use foul words when talking to other people. Yes you don't like them but every person needs respect. You
can talk to them but not in a way you can hurt others especially in Samuel's case it's his own son and his own brother,
they should at least talk rather than shout with each other to the point it leads to hurting each other physically.

When the Filipinas Family knew what happened to Narciso you can see the true meaning of Family. They are
a large group, taking care of each other, even though some of them are not in good terms you can see how important
each of them to each other. Because in times of sorrows and pains, all you've got is each other.

Developing leaders for Community Service


Topic: Servant Leadership
Narciso is considered as a servant leader, he is a servant to his people and he is also a leader to his team. Whatever he
asks to his team, he himself will do it also. He is a hero for everyone.

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