Beautiful "Ploning"

Perhaps the most beautiful Filipino film of 2008, "Ploning" opened in Philippine cinemas with the calm of Cuyo Island in Palawan during the summer. Hardly anyone noticed its opening. But for the fortunate ones who were able to see the film, it was a moment to behold and to be proud, for here at last is a Filipino film that does not wallow in self-pity and masochistic self-flagellation, nor mires itself in the social-realism of third-world cinema that is saturated with slum, grime and crime.

In many respects "Ploning" defies conventions in Philippine cinema by not resorting to melodrama or theatrics. There are no villains here of the vicious kind, no love-interest for the leading lady, no distracting musical score. Here is only cinematic artistry--from first-rate acting to cinematography that captures Philippine setting and sunlight so magnificently as an Amorsolo painting.

"Ploning" is a return to the barrio, to the good, old values of the country folks. It is a glimpse into the lives of people still connected to their community, neighbors, family and friends. Gentleness and kindness thrive here, as if time stood still in order to be seen, perhaps confronted, so that today's generation of Filipinos would know that they were once generous and full of heart for their fellowmen.

Yet, for all its seemingly ideal setting--in a seaside community yet to suffer from the assault of modernity--"Ploning" does not cater to escapism, nor does it cater to idealism. Simply, it is about the pains of everyday life and all the meaningful and beautiful little pieces that can be had from living through it.

Like the calm waters of the Cuyo seas, the lives of the characters ripple with tensions and suppressed emotions. Beneath their strong countenance are their losses, frustrations, anguish and hopes that are so palpable one cannot help but be crushed as the story begins to rush towards a most poignant end.