Four Values

in Filipino Drama and Film

Nicanor Tiongson
 Traditional
Filipino Drama and Film
• Mainly for
entertainment

• To foster social
awareness
 DRAMA VS THEATER
• The script or the • The production or
printed text of a play stage version of a play

• Direct interaction • Interaction is

between the author conducted through
and the reader intermediaries

• Interpretation of the • Interpretation of the

text is dependent on piece depends on the
the reader artists involved
 CINEMA VS FILM
• “Cinematographe”— • The material in which
meaning movement the film is recorded on

• The art form • The process

• Often denotes • Also refers to the

abstract concepts and technical aspects in
related media studies film production
 Influences on the narrative
1. Awit / Korido
– Adaptation of
European metrical
romances

– Star-crossed lovers
archetype, rewards
 Influences on the narrative
2. Bodabil
– Adapted from
American variety
stage shows

– To steer people
away from sadness
 Influences on the narrative
3. Sarswela
– Spanish genre,
alternating between
sung and spoken
scenes, later dances

– Combines themes of
love and present
social situations
 Influences on the narrative
4. Sinakulo / Pasyon
– Presentation of the
life and death of
Christ

– Depicts injustice
and justice
 Influences on the narrative
5. Komedya / Moro-Moro
– Depicts Christian and Muslim conflicts
– Good vs Evil, allows audience participation
 1.) Maganda ang Maputi
[White is Beautiful]
• Destructive notion

• Deterrent to
national pride

• Dependent on
foreign economy
 2.) Masaya ang may Palabas
[Shows are the best]

1. Bakbakan
2. Sayawan
3. Kantahan
4. Tawanan
5. Iyakan
 2.) Masaya ang may Palabas
[Shows are the best]
• To forget one’s realities
• Shy away from truths
• Hinders change
 3.) Mabuti ang Inaapi
[Hurrah for the underdog]
• Self-flagellation

• Superficial and
escapist

• Robs one of dignity

 4.) Maganda pa ang Daigdig
[All is right with the world]
• Oversimplifies problems
• Waits for a deus-ex-machina
• Projects false hope
FOUR COUNTERPOINTS
1. Maganda ang 2. Masaya ang Palabas
Kayumanggi na May Laman
[Brown is [Shows with
Beautiful] substance are the best]
3. Mabuti ang May 4. Gaganda pa ang
Sariling Isip at Gulugod Daigdig
[It’s good to think and [The world can be
decide for oneself] more beautiful]
 Contemporary
Filipino Drama and Film
1) Question the traditions

2) Re-shape outdated values

3) Communicate progressive ideas

4) Strive for economic liberation