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| Jay 2008 Film Still. Dir Francis Xavier Pasion |
pisngi at tiyan
silang dapat!
na mga nabubundat
nabubural na pusod
sa labis na paglamon sa
mga mamahaling restawran.”
An excerpt from Bienvenido Lumbera.
The current condition of the popular media is flawed, tolerating the sensational through broadcast oblivion— so flashy, controlling the public’s point of view.
Jay felt like a mockumentary that ridicules journalism in our country today. But how is it relevant? How does it reflect the media to me?
It
is evident in most local independent films to execute such a weary and solitary cinematic aesthetic—trying to capture the intimacy of everyday life—which is actually appealing. I
find the prologue of the film really convincing, for the
videography features a rehearsed recording about a family losing their homosexual child, and then exposing other unrelated angles.
Throughout the story, characters were passively playing the dictated scenarios as if
replaying the incident, yet it becomes more ironic—by appearing sensible
to our reality—as it tries to incorporate the story to a news report and to
the reporter himself. Jay has
portrayed how the media can literally manipulate the prevailing thought. It is
just amusing how the film consciously overlapped to different angles of
reality, representing the deception of what is shown to us, the general
spectators.
The
narrative sinks deep into me for I can merely relate to the issues narrated. It
feels depressing despite the beautiful and artless qualities of gay identities. Queer people are still stereotyped
and subjected to social discrimination. Obviously, most people are embarrassed about how gay people behave and present themselves to society. Although Baron Geisler gave an appalling performance as the leading actor, I hope they cast someone more familiar with the experiences of the queer folks.
I understand how the dominating environment can easily touch or influence the majority, like stories that are designed for publicity. It can be realized through the film, that not all actions performed in front of the camera and the spotlights are as true as they show us. Some stories we read or we see through media could be both exaggerated and condensed. We may be yearning for a genuine story, but it always appears biased. With this implication, I'd also submit to the fact that we, as major consumers of different information, shall always be aware to at least investigate and judge a featured story. Its impact on our reception and our response will significantly affect our mutual understanding.
“Huwag kami ang inyong matyagan
na umulan man at umaraw
ay walang masilungan
silang dapat!
na may magarang
tahanan
na hindi kasama sa
mga pahayag na yaman.”
It's been natural in the Philippine PRESS to be controlled by the dominating interests of those considered powerful. Journalism is a dangerous profession in the country. Although they are nominal, the ruling class has always been aggressive in “setting the trend or the dialogue”. Contemplating and deciphering the role of the media in our society today is certainly relevant for we are the sole recipient of anything that happens in our community.
Media has always
been an instrument used not only to inform but also to persuade. From prints to television, the role of journalism has always been trivialized and trampled for the sake of a political image, putting the fact of the matter at risk. Jay has left a message to double-check everything we take from any news source. As we ceaselessly surrendered our lives in the cities, building more infrastructures and polished streets, all these artificial, flickering lights have blinded the wandering insects who are only trying to find their direction.
The terrors against our ordinary and oppressed fellowmen shall serve as a lesson on how we engage with mass media— to uphold our rights, armored with the Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution— for we have a privilege to protect and be protected with the truth and justice.
“Huwag kami…”
