Small Voices/ Mga Munting Tinig

I handled the Social Awareness class with the third year HS during our Summer Enhancement Program 2011 in Assumption Development Foundation. Film review of Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices) was included as the introductory part of the subject of which goals were met during the small group discussion. Philippine issues in its own context from an array of aspects were also discussed.

Confronting the most disturbing educational, social and political issues of the Philippines makes the film truly incomparable and praiseworthy. The story started with an internal conflict of the main character, Melissa Santiago (Alessandra de Rossi), narrator and teacher in the film, as she was assigned to the far-flung area of Malawig. Fresh out of city college, of course, she found it hard to live her life in the rural setting. As she decided not to go with her mom in the states, she learned and realized her real mission, the true calling of service of a teacher. Her idealism brought her towards an indisputable passionate character one can barely see in typical movies.

It’s a story of struggle; struggle as Melissa tried to resolve a deep-rooted issue of apathy, disdain, corruption (local education system). Not mentioning the mounting political climate recruiting the fathers and sons of the barrio. Cultural obstacles were all before her eyes.

Characters:

Mrs. Pantalan- the Principal who became passive of the educational system in the Philippines. With this, she stuffed her pockets with extra earnings by selling ice candy to her students.

Ma’am Fe- the incompetent English teacher with “tomatos”, “potatos” and “fee and ep”;

Ma’am Solita- the plump teacher who practiced authority with her students in appropriate ways;

Apathetic Parents who have resigned to the bitter fate of poverty;

Insurgents (Taong-Labas) who put their lives at stake for some kind of change (violent way); and

Ma’am Melissa who by all means, amidst all adversaries from teachers’ incompetence to the parents’ dispiritedness, from ever-failing government support to the menacing monsoon rains, addressed the problems she herself never thought would bring about the start of change.

It’s not simply a moving and heart-warming movie. The messages it conveyed, the characters portrayed, and the issues discoursed are exemplary. The power of change in outlooks and perspectives in life indeed turns the world upside down. Whenever struggles get on our ways, never lose hope and strive to resolve the issues it covers.

The Small Voices actually referred to the insights and idealistic spirit of the children of Malawig. In the midst of war dangers, corrupt school personnel and hopeless parents, these students project positive attitude towards life, dreams and future.

The following are some of my students’ comments:

"Nowadays, our country is facing different societal issues. Education system is the most alarming."
-Wendy Arceo

"The film gives me a glimpse of the children’s experiences living in a rural community. Simple yet full of hardships."
-Vella Gamata

"We can’t deny that our country faces Poverty."
-Roma Jean Bulan

"The movie was not produced for profit alone but to reveal the reality- that the diseases of this country are getting worse."
“Poverty is not an obstacle in pursuing our dreams”
-Patricia Ann Divino

"The movie serves as an inspiration to me and a source of hope; that I can also help in solving social problems."
-Julyn Roselle Formaran

John Mark Katindig Torres

Discovery Channel’s The Real Eve: An Inquiry to the Eerie Trail of Our Ancestors

Have you ever wondered who the first human beings (scientific perspective) were? And who were the first group of people to conquer the drastic environments of the old world?

This is not the usual paleoanthropological inquiry into the origin of our species but more of an inquest on how they have survived and took the first steps across continents and eventually establishing what we now refer as modern human beings.

The Real Eve traces the evolutionary path of the fully-evolved human beings (which seemed to be fairly the same as the modern ones). It’s a journey to the past taking into consideration not only the physical changes of the body but also the advancements in the way of thinking manifested in their actions.

Mitochondrial Genes

Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, also contain DNA of its own independent of those in the nucleus. It therefore carries genes which may somehow have distinct functions for development. During fertilization, the mitochondria of the sperm located only in the tail (to initiate movement) are left outside the ovum. Only the head of the male gamete can penetrate the egg and hence its mt genes can’t partake in the genetic contents of their soon-to-be offspring. Therefore, only the mother can contribute mitochondrial DNA and genes to their offsprings hence we have Mitochondrial Eve. Scientists have been mapping out our matrilineal lineage from a single female ancestor who, research shows, came from Africa.

Evolutionary Events and Advancements

Evolution works along multiple paths but for now, let me consider some points raised in the film.

1. Complexity of Human Brain

2. Bipedalism

Bipedalism is the capability to roam around with two legs as the primary form of locomotion. Walking upright on two feet served to be the defining characteristics of the first humans as opposed to moving on all four limbs as in those of lower primates. Accompanied by this is the development of opposable thumbs which allowed early humans to grasp earthly objects and utilize them as tools eventually.

3. Base Camping/ Groups-formation

Early humans showed potentials of forming small interactive societies as the settle in one place and stop wandering at some point. When there’s an abundant vegetation or place to hunt, they dwell as a group with male as hunters and the women taking good care of the children. Division of labor among primary units was evidently shown in paleoanthropological researches.

4. Language , Art and Mysticism

First signs of cooperation and communication skills were observed in lower groups of animals but were more evidently exhibited by early humans. They used different sounds and arbitrary names they had agreed among themselves. Language played a very significant role in the development of what we now refer to as culture.

The evolution of our behaviours could actually be attributed on the complexity of the brain’s processes. Early humans thousands of years ago, utilized wall of caves to express probably the real scenarios of their daily subsistence. Hunting and some sort of rituals were discernibly drawn with texture on stones and walls. Scientists said that some figures were not animals of their time at all; it could have been part of the mysticism that has prevailed in groups in time. There could be the dawn of religiously-inclined rituals.

5. Sexual Evolution and Mutual Dependency

Through time, monogamous type of relationship has emerged. Bonding between partners as they strive to live amidst harsh environment remained strong. In the film, one could see affection and concern among members of a group when someone died (which of course, our sociobiologists have ascertained to be true). On mutual dependency, children have established long-term dependence on their parents and so did all other members of the society to their kind.

Indeed, a lot advancements have occurred in the course of time. In our case, our ancestors unknowingly did and performed a wide array of actions that lead us to what we enjoy today. Of course, there are far more sufficient and convincing inquiries to this concern other than those I have mentioned above. One may include today’s parental care and other cultural behaviours we can actually relate to that of our ancestor’s.

On Survival

The first humans derived their sources of nutrition mainly from surrounding plants and animal resources (eggs, insects and creeping animals) within reach. With the production of stone tools, early humans learned hunting of much bigger animals. Bones from butchered animals were eventually used for hunting also. The change in human diet distinguished us to some extent to our close relatives. Also, intellectual capabilities made its way in the course of time. Gathering into groups and sharing of foods among members even suggested how we deviate from other primates.

However, our ancestors were not just confined with hunting of land animals. They have already explored interior bodies of water in search for fishes and the like. Beach combing as shown in the film was fairly done when seas were way below the coastal.

When available resources depleted, the mysteries of our species even grew bigger as early human beings ventured on what we refer today as agriculture. Cultivation of fertile lands led to the propagation of today’s staple crops and vegetables. They have also learned which among the plants are edible or dangerous for humanity. Domestication of important animals followed fairly after (or probably at the same time).

Prior to some of these, they took risks of exploring places beyond their imagination. They have conquered different regions of the old world from Africa to the Middle East, through the mountains and the seas not known to them the dangers of wilderness. Soaring into the great unknown, they waited thousands of years to take the next moves. They have surmounted the Indian subcontinents, Malay Peninsula and freezing environment of early China. They have seized the ocean waters to ancient Australia and the beasts it concealed. From the striking heat and deserted areas in Africa to the hills and caves, temperate and tropical regions of early Europe, Asia and Australia, they all have established first diversification of the modern humans.

Relative Points

• “Our survival is at the mercy of the CLIMATE”- sounds familiar? Yes, of course. The finely tuned Earth’s atmosphere is now upset. Theories on the natural ability of Earth to destruct itself and the like may explain this but in the advent of our destructive activities, what seemed to be plausibly applicable to our ancestors’ time (where there’s inconceivable harsh environment) is now evident as in today. We may not have anything to do to stop the natural phenomena, but we can do things that won’t aggravate matters.

• Human Impacts- As early humans conquered pristine regions of Earth, they have inadvertently affected other life forms. Some even caught in genetic ends. Extinction and threats to species’ survival increased as humans struggle to survive as well. You see, as early as their time, our undertakings caused tremendously worse effects to the planet.

• Apartheid and other kinds of Discrimination – Africa is the cradle of human origin and subsistence. The Real Eve , the mother of today’s modern humans, was actually an African woman. What we deem today as lesser people because of their color and stature actually came from the lineage which gave us a reason to survive and persist. If we only realize how related we are to each other, regardless of color, physique, economic status and other Earthly concerns, we can definitely make this world the best place to live in.

• The Real Eve- Does the Real Eve coincide with the Biblical Eve? Whatever the answer may be, this empowers our women to strive for their rights in all aspects of the society we know.

• Cherish Life!!! - You see, it took thousands of years for our ancestors to develop a series of advancements in their physical beings and intellectual capabilities not known to them the rewarding benefit they can provide for today’s people. So live our lives to the fullest as we strive to extend the years of our planet.

*got a chance to join Madam's Philo Class (for the first time). http://potpourri-jmtorres.blogspot.com/2011/03/last-friday-i-attended-madams-philo.html

John Mark Katindig Torres

Julian Makabayan: The Filipinos Search For Social Justice

“History repeats itself”-a one-line reality to describe the film, Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan, as suggested by Mr. Nick Ocampo. It appears then that as the society, at least in the Philippine context, aims for a development in any aspects possible, one must always take a look and consider with what composes its populace, the events that had occurred and the whole condition of the country. It is while the past seems to reside in the textbooks, it also struggles to keep itself relevant, and may it still be of the same or a far different case and situation. Far from the usual themes we’ve been used to watch and enjoy, this film conscientiously affirmed a very serious topic that it may have touched most of its watchers who underwent cruelty during the 1930’s.

Committed to pronounce an issue of nationalism and prevailing oppression and marginalization among less-privileged (peasants), several issues including freedom of assembly, compelled servitude or slavery, gender biases, social stratification and roles of religion in direct exercising of political control in the practice of feudalism throughout the period were discussed as other impelling tendencies appeared to be more or less discernible.

First and foremost, the time period of the film seemed to be during the Spanish-era based on the political power held by the local priest however, Charo Santos’ role defied it the seemingly introduction of technology such as cars and new costume, signifying the American preoccupation of the Philippines, probably in the 1910’s to 1930’s. Whatever the period was what appeared to be of great significance here is a very apparent interminable cycle of poverty and oppression.

To practice the freedom of assembly was evidently deemed by the local government and the church unlawful. With the prevailing fear that the oppressed peasants will cause an act of rebellion against them, the leaders of the society not only in Nueva Ecija (the film’s setting) stringently disclaim any activities or gatherings by their subjects. This thus shows the beginning of the afflictions created by the dominating class, the government and the church alongside several other concerns. This act considered contrary to conventions established by the leaders became very evident when the town priest warned Julian Sr. from joining peasant group (kapisanan) and when he was actually arrested allegedly for joining the rebellion.

Another issue raised following the repression of expressing their wills, was the involuntary servitude most especially among women peasants. Due to an unpaid debt, Maria will serve Don Hilario, a local landlord, representing the dominating group of the society in those times. This event further established women as commodity for exchange and trade. One good thing here was when Julian Jr. went to and asked the local priest (Eddie Garcia) to absolve the family of the debt; that is, for a favor from a father and not just as a priest. Related to this, is an issue of gender bias wherein women were not allowed to exercise their right to vote, even when they can actually read or write.

While education and new political systems are together promoted by the Americans, the scene from an elite gathering introduced in the film the social classes, those reckoned as ruling and dominating ones; all cloaked with a goal to alleviate the problems of the society but were not actually making any move. The church represented by the local priest, Fr. Matias, the capitalist who held control of markets and supplies, the government lead by the captain, and the traitors of our society. Behind this beautiful occasion was the unprepossessing group of peasants, deprived from their own rights, repressed and subjugated. Unequipped with necessary power, they can’t pursue their rights and repel the dehumanizing acts by the upper class. Consequently, the social stratification established through time became much worse.

To my concern, the church also played big part in molding awareness among the people. Using religion and the concept of faith and blessed life, they took control over the peasants’ rights and their whole life in turn. Not only did these minorities abide with the government laws, they also followed what the church was preaching. In order to have his husband freed, the wife went to the priest who commanded an order to her favor but for something in exchange, one that will favor the obsessed priests.

All encompassing, after the Spanish colonization, the Philippines became a real estate for grabs. In the midst of a protracted war of national liberation against the Spanish, the Filipinos initially accepted the intervention of the U.S. military, not realizing that they have discovered a far worse colonial master in hand. Their overwhelming plans for the Philippines and alluring policies for development including that of trade, free education and political rights deceived the populace in general. While they stood great in their promises, the Filipinos pledged with the elimination of disparities between the elite and the peasants eventually lost their faith with the current system. While the farmlands were increasingly concentrated in the hands of powerful owners, hacienderos, most of the peasants became sharecroppers and farmers not for their own good. Landholding hierarchy prevailed more intensely, listening not to the needs of their workers but do their self-acclaimed interests.

With all of these suppressing events in their status, the farmers eventually became aware for an act to repel these forces, one that by rebellion, they believed they can succeed. The birth of Julian Makabayan resides in their hearts as they engage into this real life battle for rights and freedom. Even if the characters died, the insurgency among those remaining and the future groups will continue pursuing their goals for the benefit of the group. While others are scorned, some are still fighting for what they believed is legally right.

Unfortunately, the history repeats itself. Even though the story depicted the situations way back 1930’s, the story still reflects the continuously existing conditions most of us are experiencing. While the character of Julian remains a legend, may his ideals inspire us to strive for a brighter and better future for the country in general. It is unless we realize the need to resist the power of the dominating class, that we can only experience social justice and freedom.

This film so far is a great one to tackle a very grievous condition of the country, may it have been produced in 1979 or today, it will always apply effectively raising issues need to be addressed.

Image used fr http://123nonstop.com/pictures/Ang_Alamat_ni_Julian_Makabayan