The film Ded na si Lolo is a depiction of the Filipino

culture, emphasizing on the way of living of the urban

poor. For one point, it was able to showcase the strong
family and relationship ties that keep hold of the core
values that bind each member of the community. It was
shown that the death of one member of the community
will ultimately affect each of the other members, may it
be directly as in the case of the family who were brought
together and had to deal with one anothers personalities
for the sake of their father, or indirectly as in the case of
the other people who would want to involve themselves
(that is to help and pay respect to the family and to the
dead) or at least know more about the event (to gossip).
In terms of family relationships, the mother, holding the
responsibility towards the children and the household,
was seen very demanding and kind of irritating in
nagging almost about everything. The father, on the
other hand, was seen more calm and understanding. The
children were then expected to be obedient and
submissive to everything that their parents order. The
eldest sibling was seen to have this dominating
personality in criticizing her other siblings and in wanting
to lead the discussion especially one that involves making
important decisions. The youngest was seen to be more
sensitive and takes things very personally especially
towards her older sisters constant critique of her
husband. The whole community was seen to be very
helpful and demonstrated bayanihan in helping to carry
the casket, as well as in showing concern towards the

family. The rest of the family members were then seen to

showcase their unique personalities that mix up with their
individual logic and belief (mostly superstitious) regarding
traditional ways and methods for setting up a wake.
These superstitions included the most intricate details
such as not having soup during the wake, cutting the
rosary to end the cycle of death within the family, putting
money on the hand of the dead for luck, positioning the
foot of the dead away from the door, not cleaning during
the wake, not saying thank you, not wearing red, and
others. One tradition included gambling set up near the
place, where each player is expected to pay his or her
respect towards the dead by giving an amount everytime
that he plays.
The family members were also seen to value
individualistic characteristics that relate them with one
another, may it be through small and superficial things
pertaining to the same liking and interests. Although the
superficiality
of
this
characteristic
was
also
demonstrated, it somehow evokes the positive and joyful
outlook of the characters in the film. Emphasize on drama
and form was also shown as the gay son extravagantly
went to the wake wearing a daring red long gown,
wanting to naturally faint for show. This was also shown
with the siblings constant fainting with the news,
delivering an issue that make it a hot topic outside of
their doors. Lastly, lack of discipline was demonstrated by
the gay son as well in deliberately flirting with some guys
during the wake while the rest are praying.