I handled the Social Awareness class with the third year HS during our Summer Enhancement Program 2011 in Assumption Development Foundation. Film review of Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices) was included as the introductory part of the subject of which goals were met during the small group discussion. Philippine issues in its own context from an array of aspects were also discussed.
Confronting the most disturbing educational, social and political issues of the Philippines makes the film truly incomparable and praiseworthy. The story started with an internal conflict of the main character, Melissa Santiago (Alessandra de Rossi), narrator and teacher in the film, as she was assigned to the far-flung area of Malawig. Fresh out of city college, of course, she found it hard to live her life in the rural setting. As she decided not to go with her mom in the states, she learned and realized her real mission, the true calling of service of a teacher. Her idealism brought her towards an indisputable passionate character one can barely see in typical movies.
It’s a story of struggle; struggle as Melissa tried to resolve a deep-rooted issue of apathy, disdain, corruption (local education system). Not mentioning the mounting political climate recruiting the fathers and sons of the barrio. Cultural obstacles were all before her eyes.
Characters:
Mrs. Pantalan- the Principal who became passive of the educational system in the Philippines. With this, she stuffed her pockets with extra earnings by selling ice candy to her students.
Ma’am Fe- the incompetent English teacher with “tomatos”, “potatos” and “fee and ep”;
Ma’am Solita- the plump teacher who practiced authority with her students in appropriate ways;
Apathetic Parents who have resigned to the bitter fate of poverty;
Insurgents (Taong-Labas) who put their lives at stake for some kind of change (violent way); and
Ma’am Melissa who by all means, amidst all adversaries from teachers’ incompetence to the parents’ dispiritedness, from ever-failing government support to the menacing monsoon rains, addressed the problems she herself never thought would bring about the start of change.
It’s not simply a moving and heart-warming movie. The messages it conveyed, the characters portrayed, and the issues discoursed are exemplary. The power of change in outlooks and perspectives in life indeed turns the world upside down. Whenever struggles get on our ways, never lose hope and strive to resolve the issues it covers.
The Small Voices actually referred to the insights and idealistic spirit of the children of Malawig. In the midst of war dangers, corrupt school personnel and hopeless parents, these students project positive attitude towards life, dreams and future.
The following are some of my students’ comments:
"Nowadays, our country is facing different societal issues. Education system is the most alarming."
-Wendy Arceo
"The film gives me a glimpse of the children’s experiences living in a rural community. Simple yet full of hardships."
-Vella Gamata
"We can’t deny that our country faces Poverty."
-Roma Jean Bulan
"The movie was not produced for profit alone but to reveal the reality- that the diseases of this country are getting worse."
“Poverty is not an obstacle in pursuing our dreams”
-Patricia Ann Divino
"The movie serves as an inspiration to me and a source of hope; that I can also help in solving social problems."
-Julyn Roselle Formaran
John Mark Katindig Torres
