Sometimes the Problem is the Solution
Image Source: Ang Nawawala (What Isn’t There) Cinemalaya Trailer. [Online Image]. Retrieved from URL (https://vimeo.com/45476006).
Most people who are having a hard time in their life will usually say that life is unfair. However, the problem is not that life is unfair-it is your broken idea of fairness (Emberton, 2014). Problems is the reason why life is challenging. However, problems are not always a bad thing. Sometimes, these problems are the solution people are needing. In fact, this is seen in the 2012 indie film “Ang Nawawala” by Marie Jamora. There are examples of significant problems that benefitted the characters in “Ang Nawawala” instead of being a dilemma to them.
Image Source: Ang Nawawala (Marie Jamora, Cinemalaya 2012 New Breed Finalist) . [Online Image]. Retrieved from URL (http://sinepatrol.blogspot.com /2012/08/ang-nawawala-marie-jamora-cinemalaya.html).
The most notable example of a problem that helped a character in the 2012 indie film is when the main protagonist, Gibson Bonifacio, experienced a heartbreak from the girl that he loves, Enid Del Mundo. This heartbreak helped him realize that he needs to move on from his trauma of losing his brother at a very young age and accept that he cannot do anything anymore to bring him back. Another example of a problem helping a character is when Enid became interested in Gibson, because of Gibson’s problem in speaking. Due to the problem of his trauma, Gibson was unable to speak to cope with what he has experienced but because of his inability to speak, Enid found him attractive making her interested in Gibson. Another problem that helped a character is when the mom is being authoritative to Promise, the little sister of Gibson, in her studies. The strict attitude of the mom was because of the loss of her son, Jaime, the brother of Gibson, thus this made Promise focus on her studies and help her get high grades. One last example of a problem being beneficial is when Gibson’s trauma helped him enhance his skills in filming and editing videos. Video shooting and editing has been a hobby of the Bonifacio family, and Gibson’s skill in this was enhanced when he shoots a video every time he experiences something as an act to forget his problems.
Image Source: Ang Nawawala: A Breath of Awesome Sauce. [Online Image]. Retrieved from URL (http://rheagulin.blogspot.com/2013/04/ang-nawawala-breath-of-awesome-sauce.html).
“Ang Nawawala” is one of the many films that would help people realize that problems can be beneficial for them. Gibson, and his family may have experienced significantly many problems in their lives, but at least they learn from these problems and these problems as something beneficial for them than a disturbance. Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines (Schuller, 1926-2015).
References:
Jamora, M. (Producer), & Jamora, M. (Director). (2012). Ang Nawawala [Motion Picture]. Philippines: Cinemalaya
Aguila, R. (2012, July 12). Ang Nawawala: a curated glimpse of the local indie music scene. Retrieved November 15, 2017, from URL: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/265173/ang-nawawala-a-curated-glimpse-of-the-local-indie-music-scene/story/
Emberton, O. (2014) The problem isn’t that life is unfair-it’s your broken idea of fairness. Retrieved November 15, 2017, from URL: https://oliveremberton.com/2014/the-problem-isnt-that-life-is-unfair-its-your-broken-idea-of-fairness/
Sarmiento, A. (2015). What isn’t in What isn’t there. Retrieved November 15, 2017, from URL: http://themanilareview.com/issues/view/what-isnt-in-what-isnt-there