Digital Outlier | Orly Ballesteros

Today is Christmas. 

We we went to the Cinema. Just like our family always do. It's a tradition. 

Last year, we had a blast. The indie movies were given a chance to be showcased. We almost watched all of the movies last year. Too bad, all of them pale in comparison to the formulaic movies when it comes to sales.

This paved the way for bringing back the overly commercialized but lacking content and depth movies. But there are one to three movies worth watching this year.

One of the movies that is worth your money is Ang Larawan - an adaptation from the most popular play of our National Artists for Literature, Nick Joaquin. The play is  "Portrait of the Artist as Filipino".

Before anything else, this is not a literary critique. I am not an expert. I know just wanted to share my two cents about the movie.

The movie was a musical. A great presentation. It brought me back to the Old Manila. Shots are mostly done I inside Intramuros near Casa Manila and San Agustin Church. I should know, I studied in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). I walked the cobblestone streets of Real and General Luna everyday.

To be honest, I have not read "Portrait of the Artist as Filipino", but the movie is sufficient to convey the message - Contra Mundum, the Old Manila Against the World. 

The Marasigan House is the symbol of the Old Manila resisting and standing strong against the rush of the new world ideas Americans are bringing to the country before World War II hits.

I don't know if this will strike a chord to Millennials but my Daughter and two of my Sons enjoyed the movie.

For me the lesson of Ang Larawan is still timely. The lesson of giving value to your beliefs and principles against materialism.

Nowadays, it is a hard thing to do.

Materialism is widespread. The values and culture that we hold dear that belong to our great past is eroded. Most of them, gone in the trash bin of History.

Still, I believe that as a Nation, collectively we can still preserve or revive some of the values that are dear to us and at the core of our being a Filipino.

Let me end by saying, you have to watch Ang Larawan - a movie that presents a social commentary on a great part of our history.

Honesty is not for cheap people. This is what Warren Buffet said in one of his speeches. I agree. I have experienced how to be back stabbed by people. But then again, keeping Buffet's words of wisdom the pain that you will feel for those that you trusted but didn't take care of it, will simply be gone.

Bottom line, be at peace because you trusted someone. It is never your fault if they threw that trust away.

Life is a challenge.

It is like climbing Mt. Pulag - one of the highest peaks in the Philippines,  the trail is winding, there are ups and downs while you are trying to reach the peak. There are even instances that you will doubt yourself if you can reach the top. The cold winds are not helping to boost your confidence during this moment of doubt.

However, the doubts are just temporary. Upon reaching and resting at Camp 1, your spirit will be buoyed. Alas, Camp 2 is there, and it is time to rest. Your bones, maybe tired, but your heart and mind is so excited looking forward in reaching the top when daybreak comes.

When daybreak comes, and you reached the top, the sea of clouds will welcome you.

The ultimate reward for all your doubts and hardships.

Life is a challenge. It should be. Pain is temporary. After experiencing that pain, your sea of clouds awaits you.