Underlying Representations in Black Manila and All for Juan, Juan for All
In the documentary of Howie Severino, poor people in Tondo were represented in a way that the audience sees them as wrestling against the claws of life. Their ways, their daily routine, and current situation were documented by the reporter – the latter personally going to the poverty stricken environment to acquire all the details necessary to capture the the struggles of the poor. The place called “smokey mountain” was also associated with destitution. The audience questions their perception of the social class divide, wherein they may begin to check their privilege and enter a deep introspection. The documentary’s title was also appropriate to the picture that the producers wanted to capture and describe – black Manila was black because of people were trying to survive in the world with unequal opportunities by making a living out of charcoals and compromising their health.
On the other side of the coin, poverty was defined as an “eye-opener” for others, and development as at odds with the poor. Demolition of homes were a part of the development plan of the upper class without consideration to those who are impoverished. The music, script, and sound were appropriate for each frame of the documentary giving the viewer more than a glimpse of what was being illuminated about the societal issue.
In the September 19, 2019 episode of All for Juan, Juan for all, the ideal family is the family that eats, laughs, and stays together despite hardships. It is the family that remains hopeful every passing day, and grateful for the blessing that comes their way when fate allows it, however, complete families are not always the case for all households in the Philippines – some make a family of themselves and be independent due to other circumstances.
References
Smokey Mountain. (2015). [Online Image]. Mio Cade. https://www.adventureinyou.com/philippines/the-wandergive-project-feed-a-child-campaign/
Eat Bulaga title card. (2014). [Online Image]. Jemboy2016. https://makeagif.com/gif/eat-bulaga-2005-titlecard-rfJYgp
