The first full production of the stage play “The Court Martial of Almirante Montojo” written by Filipino author Dennis Posadas will happen this 2018.
The film version has won several international awards last 2017, namely: 1st Place (Historical), Los Angeles Screenplay Contest; Special Jury Prize (First Time Screenwriter), Barcelona International Film Festival, Official Finalist, New York Screenplay Contest; and Finalist, Hollywood Screenplay Contest.
The fully produced stage play that is partly based on the 120-year old Battle of Manila Bay will debut off-Broadway in New York City on December 8, 2018 Saturday. There will be a matinee 3pm show and 6:30pm evening show.
The theater venue is at 17-19 West 45th Street #301, New York City.
“The Court Martial of Almirante Montojo” is about the Spanish naval commander who was brought to military trial in Madrid after his defeat by the Americans, led by Admiral George Dewey, during the Spanish-American War in the Philippines.
“I wanted to bring back a misunderstood and forgotten event in Philippine history and to narrate in a manner that would hold people’s interest,” Dennis said. He was inspired by films like “A Few Good Men” and “Twelve Angry Men” and chose to tell a story with the courtroom as a vehicle.
The theme revolves around compassion for one's enemies.
“It’s a moving legal drama with elements of a love story,” he quipped. “I hope the New York theater crowd will watch the show on December 8. It is something for them to enjoy.”
Michael Cacnio is a Filipino sculptor who is known for his brass masterpieces. His latest art exhibit is called "Abundance."
He says, "For this show, my simple wish is for all of us to be abundant as a nation together."
Perhaps Cacnio was referring to the Philippines and China because some of his art featured the Chinese currency as well. The above sculpture was a centerpiece in the exhibit.
This one using mixed media was called "Happy Rich Asian."
Found this brass "Peso Power" rendition at the back of the exhibit. With the peso depreciating as of this writing, it's hard to relate to this idea.
This lady is carrying Philippine money.
At first glance, it appears that Cacnio defines abundance with lots of cash. After perusing the whole exhibit, however, there is one sculptural rendition that seems to give a different definition of wealth.
The above diorama sculpted in brass is called "Our True Wealth" and depicts a family with many children at play.
The art exhibit is managed by Gallery Big. For more details, contact Sachi Morales 0977-826-5997.
Forget Crazy Rich Asians. Goyo is the quintessential Filipino lover and oh so Asian.
Of course, he was known as a playboy but the traditional Filipino courtship between him and his girlfriend was in full display, together with the grand parties of their era.
This was not shown in the movie but one of the historical accounts by The Manila Freedom narrated his death, as follows:
“When the American troops advanced they found the body of the general on the same spot where he had fallen and the expression on his face was of a command or a supreme desire abruptly interrupted. One of his hands, pressed to his heart, from which blood flowed, clutched a silk handkerchief embroidered with the name of his sweetheart.”
Other historical accounts question whether the handkerchief included the name of his girlfriend or her sister. In the movie, his lady got the handkerchief from her sister.
The following note was also reported as the last entry in his diary:
“The General has given me the pick of all the men that can be spared and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible task has been given me. And yet I felt that this is the most glorious moment of my life. What I do is done for my beloved country. No sacrifice can be too great.”
Gregorio del Pilar’s two great loves are masterfully woven in the movie. It was also executed as an art film where he is shown struggling with his conscience and mortality.
The movie displays the huge disconnect among Filipinos (some people call it crab mentality). Aguinaldo was shown as a poor leader who catered to his favorites. The reason the Americans were able to access Tirad Pass more easily was due to a Filipino local who betrayed the soldiers. In the movie, Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government was on the run and Gregorio del Pilar fought a war that was impossible to win.
The movie asks some deep questions like what defines a hero or whether Filipinos are ready to hear the truth without harboring resentment. It was hard to keep up with multiple thought provocations but they were good questions nevertheless.
For Filipinos who have never gone beyond the school textbook, this movie is a must-see as it gives an insight into the lives of people that we call heroes. It is also one of the few well-made Filipino films. Both the production and costume designs were excellent.
If I were to rate the movie from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), I would give this a 5 rating.
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While researching about the Goyo movie, I discovered a connection with his uncle, Marcelo H. Del Pilar...
https://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2018/08/finding-philippine-hero-marcelo-h-del.html
