imposible
The story was based on a segment in the
noontime show Eat Bulaga dubbed “Pinoy Book of Records” and the
Super Pinoy television program which both feature the incredible and
inconceivable capabilities of its participants. It tackles the notion of
typical Pinoy one-upmanship that characterizes the ordinary people’s
struggle to impress in order to gain instant fame by doing extraordinary or
unimaginable things while establishing or breaking a record of sorts. The
acts come in various degree of incredulity and absurdity such as eating a
bowlful of hot chilis in one sitting, peeling several coconut husks using
one’s teeth, bending many bars of steel in one’s neck, smashing one’s head
through a couple of hollow blocks, or muzzling the blades of an electric fan
with one’s tongue.
In every risky showcase the audience are
treated to a load of cheap thrills that amusingly conceal some form of
exploitation and discomfort on the part of the ‘performers’. Unknown to
many, the pugilists belong to the lower strata of society whose sole
motivation in joining could be a redemption from extreme poverty which they
hope could be brought by their newfound celebrity status attained through
media exposure. Survival dictates that they master a unique ‘craft’ to get
noticed.
With the delight each exhibition brings,
the local viewers are (mis)led to believe that such is the Filipino’s
greatness and skillfulness. But what kind of talent and at what expense,
nobody dares to ask. This film is a disturbing yet funny exposition on the
emerging Pinoy culture and concept of frivolity in the guise of specialty.
Believe it… or not.
directed by:
Mes De Guzman
