‘However, this collective pride also sparked a conversation about the recognition – or lack thereof – for achievements in other fields.’
When gymnast Carlos Yulo returned to the Philippines last week after his victorious performance, the entire nation celebrated his achievement, alongside the triumphs of our other Olympians. However, this collective pride also sparked a conversation about the recognition – or lack thereof, for achievements in other fields. Respected actor Michael de Mesa’s post captured this sentiment, gaining a lot of attention and reaction. Michael de Mesa wrote on Facebook, “When Jaclyn Jose won Best Actress in France and John Arcilla won Best Actor in Italy, nobody gave a hoot! Didn’t they bring honor to our country as well? Why? Because they’re ‘just actors?’”
This statement resonated with many in the industry, including Cherry Pie Picache, Janice de Belen, Ayen and Franco Laurel, Maritess Gutierrez, Michael Flores, Sheila Francisco, Richard Merk, Butch Miraflor, Jay Gonzaga and others.
Award-winning cinematographer Odyssey Flores further emphasized the point by reminding the public of Brillante Mendoza, who won Best Director in Cannes in 2009 for the movie “Kinatay.”
Direk Brillante’s reaction was telling. “Sabi sa Senado may 1M (cash prize) , don’t know kung nangyari ang OPM (Oh Promise Me),” the director wrote.
Nanding Josef, head of Tanghalang Pilipino and an acclaimed actor himself, reminded the group that filmmaker Lav Diaz has also won international honors at A-list film festivals such as Venice, Berlin, and Locarno, yet received little recognition or rewards.
Tata Nanding added, “Lav Diaz is internationally acclaimed as a brilliant Filipino film director, but, is completely ignored by our national leaders only because his films expose the dark truths about corruption in our country. So much like when Lino Brocka was getting international awards and was not only ignored, but condemned by the Marcos administration and Imelda Marcos.”
Award-winning producer Coreen “Monster” Jimenez noted, “Minsan naman may mga Senate Resolutions for winning this and that, but I don’t even know ano ‘yung impact nun.
Sana nga may pa cash at condo rin.”
Acclaimed producer Alemberg Ang expressed hope that honors would not be limited to stars or filmmakers but would also recognize the excellent technical people involved in award-winning projects, as film is a highly collaborative medium.
Actor Bojo Molina raised an important point when he asked, “How many senators-actors do we have now in the Senate? How many elected government officials are from or still active in the industry?”
In addition to the aforementioned filmmakers, Michael de Mesa also named Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon as actors who deserve major honors and tributes for their contributions to the arts. John Mojica added, “Same with Philippine choirs who have been bringing home grand prizes from competitions abroad. And there are a lot!”
Filmmaker Malou Maniquis pointed out that funds may not be a problem if there is political will. To which Nor Domingo said, “Walang kasing nakasabit na politico sa kanila.”
Singer Bituin Escalante sums the whole issue up beautifully: “It’s because artists are truth tellers. We are their (the politicians’) natural adversary.”
Throughout history, arts, culture and entertainment of various kinds and forms have been part of the evolution of our societies. The artists and entertainers bring stories that shape a nation’s future. Artists impact the formation and development of countries and their people, and the potential to perform and convey messages, ideas, expressions where words fall short. Artists and entertainers can connect directly to people’s hearts, minds and bodies, effectively shifting mindsets in a more profound way than other forms of communication.
Beyond merely serving as tools for politicians to secure electoral positions, shouldn’t we advocate for our artists and entertainers?
The overall social impact of artists and entertainers is essential to be able to understand why there is a need to recognize and reward them better, as they truly deserve.
