It's back to business for the celebrities who won in the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.
After all is said and done, quo vadis capitans and capitanas, youth chairs and councilmen and councilwomen?
What do we expect (or on behalf of their constituents) from these winning movie, television, music, live entertainment and multimedia stars to better the lives of their constituents?
A lot.
It's not enough that they work on the most common village concerns and problems such as widening and fixing rough roads or constructing pathways, settling feuds among warring residents, holding Binibini and Ginoong Barangay (SK) or Ms. Gay contests, providing burial needs such as sponsored or discounted prices or rental of caskets, procuring meds and other health benefits from the Municipal or City health centers or direct from the DoH and distributing them to recipients, etc.
It's not enough that they are holding regular meetings among officers and members of the council, its committee chairs, associates, staff and other figure heads, special sessions on emergency matters etc.
It’s not enough that they are accounting on expenses and other budget leeways and constraints, monitor the funds allocated to projects, priority and otherwise.
It's not enough that they are maintaining peace and order, cleanliness or/and orderliness, segregation of waste materials or proper disposal of garbage and other environment friendly activities and issues.
It is also their duties and responsibilities to teach their constituents the fundamentals of civil liberties including human rights.
The films, TV shows, musical pieces, stage performances and other multimedia and socmed appearances that they do especially initiated by progressive and freedom loving directors, writers and producers--please refer to some of the winners in various categories of the past and the nominees in the forthcoming 46th Gawad Urian of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP), the thirteen editions of the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts also known as Gawad Buhay, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) catalogue of award-winning music of all genres, AnakTV etc.--mostly express values of human life and therefore it is inherent that they echo these to the citizens.
One of the most effective ways of orienting and reorienting the residents of a barangay and youth sector about movies, tube programs, music, theater and the likes is through consultation with well-meaning advocates of justice, equality etc., brave and bold storytellers, independent-minded artists etc.
Since art can interpret especially if done in the right perspective all aspects of human experiences they can articulate what farming, homelife, workplace, science, technology, romance, poverty, power, fortune etc. are all about to inspire a member of the barangay or youth population to reflect, analyze, move and act on things based on these narratives that affect them directly or indirectly.
Teaching barangay residents and young people about critical thinking based on logic, principles, common sense etc. is one approach to developing independence and highly assertive individuals.
For instance, movies are popular entertainment which can function as a launching pad of meaningful discussions to draw interest among community residents.
Films of Kathryn Bernardo with Daniel Padilla or Alden Richards, for instance, could illuminate issues about teenage love in many of their teamups, migration or working abroad as in "Hello, Love, Goodbye" (starring Kathryn and Alden), human relationships etc.
If the barangay or SK chapters can't easily organize film showings because of budget limitations and other obstacles, they can coordinate with movie outfits like Star Cinema, GMA Films etc. for arrangements. There are also film productions that are available for free in YouTube and other apps
Encouraging analytical acumen or talkback on pop culture can help enlighten minds.
Or screening of advocacy or simply non-formulaic films like Lav Diaz's "Kapag Wala Nang Mga Alon," Carl Manatad's "Kung Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether the Weather is Fine)," Karl Malakunos' "Delikado," She Andes' "Maria," Keith Sicat's "Alimuom," Alyx Arumpac's "Aswang" etc. These films were exhibited at the recent Active Vista Human Rights Festival (AVHRF) organized by Dakila, a group of socially committed individuals whose leadership objectives are akin to the vision of barangays and SK.
Barangays and SK command centers, headquarters in the rural as well as urban areas can avail of free satellite festivals with AVHRF however annually.
Start coordinating with Dakila and other orgs' arts platforms for outreach programs.
Winning chairman of Barangay Bayang Luma II in Imus, Cavite Reuben Bautista Revilla can lecture on political patronage during seminars as he was proclaimed by his half-brother Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. Reuben is one of the nine children of the late actor and senator Ramon Revilla, Sr. with former young star Genelyn Magsaysay, daughter of veteran actress Lynn Madrigal with the late senator Genaro Magsaysay.
Meanwhile, Bong is one of the sons of Ramon, Sr. with Azucena Mortel.
Alma Moreno won a council seat in Barangay Tambo in Paranaque City--while her daughter-in-law Jenny Quizon (wife of Vandolph Quizon, one of the councilors of the Sangguniang Panlunsod of the city--can lecture on political dynasty.
Santolan Pasig City Chairman Gab Bayan, a PTV Channel 4 newscaster who wants to implement change in his village can do it by getting rid of traditional political shenanigans. If he is true to his word, Gab should maintain independence from debts of gratitude from tradpols.
Jeremy and Paolo Marquez, Chair and Councilman of Barangay BF Homes in Paranaque City can lecture on volatile brotherhood in politics. Jeremy and Paolo are actor Joey Marquez's sons.
Asia's Sentimental Songstress Imelda Papin and her winning kagawad brother Bobby Papin of Barangay North Fairview can share their loyalists' strategies with a twist.
Indeed, there are many topics showbiz people in barangay and SK can tackle in public talks in various occasions.
They will be good examples of education in the grassroots.
Shorts: Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos celebrated her seventieth year with a simple yet meaningful birthday party in Lipa City with family members, kith and kin, colleagues in the provincial public service like Batangas Vice-Governor Mark Leviste and special guests. Vilma's birthday wish is to hit her film "When I Met You in Tokyo" with perennial screen love partner Christopher de Leon at the box-office the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival on December 25 to January 7 next year...Superstar Nora Aunor missed her award at the World Excellence Japan Award last month given by singer Emma Cordero with the assistance of movie writer Obette Serrano. Nora's closest friend, rapper and actor John Rendez, an awardee himself, accepted the award on her behalf...How true that Bea Alonzo and Dennis Trillo's TV drama series "Love Before Sunrise" being aired in GMA Network was surpassed by ABS-CBN's newest teleserye "Can't Buy Me Love" at the ratings game?...Zsa Zsa Padilla paid the late love of her life Dolphy a visit at his resting place in Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City during All Saints Day. Ditto with Lorna Tolentino who brought prayers and flowers to the graveyard of her husband Rudy Fernandez in the same park and on the same occasion.
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