Making a short film about one’s rainbow-colored life, with one of the most powerful and popular mass communications mediums used to press your message across for public consumption, is a tricky undertaking.
The well-meaning women and men behind Liwanag: The Life and Legacy of Dra. Minguita Padilla were obviously an excited lot with their “baby film venture.” They forgot that it is imperative for a motion picture to present not only the essence of the personality, but her truths, demons, flaws, warts, and all.
Almost two weeks old on YouTube, Liwanag, directed by Rember Galera, produced and written by Rosanna Hwang, has less than 2,000 views. On Facebook, the digits posted are also not that impressive.
So, what seems to be the reason for the lackluster support and watching? According to its official press release: “The inspiring story of ophthalmologist-turned-health advocate, Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” Padilla, starring GMA 7 actress Valeen Montenegro.
Produced by Kapitana Media Entertainment—the company behind the comedy The Women of TONTA Club that is now streaming on KTX and Upstream PH—Liwanag: The Life and Legacy of Dra. Minguita Padilla shows the renowned eye doctor’s journey from an unassuming medical student to a public health crusader, who is now one of the country’s most active medical advocates in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.”
As a short film, its main objective was: “To present a medical drama, with touches of humor, hat sheds light on what she has done for our country and how she had been helping the sick, especially those afflicted with eye ailments.”
The answer to the question, sitting and watching the finished product, the Padilla portrayed in it was almost bordering on being a “living saint.” Not sure if they wanted to show all of us that Padilla can be a Mother Teresa or the modern-day version of Assumption College’s patroness, St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus.
In the short film, the individual acting and breathing in it was “too good to be true.” Aside from harping how “beautiful” Mingita was, excelled academically, and even if the handful of “actors” in some of the scenes lauded that her beauty transcended the physical, because of her innate character that is more than ready to be of service to the downtrodden, and to sleep on a bench was the filmmaker’s way of telling that she is “one of us,” the person in the short film was devoid of “realness.” She did not seem “human.”
The givens in Padilla’s life, to be born a “beauty” and that “affluence” opened doors and opportunities, was not her fault. What was out of commission was the fact that the life of hers in the short film, had no crises and conflicts. No major upheavals, just the demise of her father. No mind-altering and emotionally shattering events that made her question and doubt her many gifts and privileges.
What was showcased, “perfection” at its most annoying and “saccharine” that we all know is adverse to one’s well-being when taken too much.
On the matter of Montenegro acting as Padilla, to be fair, she sounded like a colegiala who studied in an all-girl exclusive school. However, everything was crystal, she was no Meryl Streep, and yes, being Mingita, she did not give justice.
Padilla, especially during the tete-a-tete after the film showing, was a natural charmer, gracious and seasoned conversationalist. The manner of her speaking and the soothing timbre of her voice, was all woman and sincere. Knowledgeable, and explained her stands and opinions that are easily digested and understood. Most of all, she was more than aware of the “tasks” and “responsibilities” and her solutions are not band-aids but come from experience and expertise. All of these sterling qualities, sadly are not in the short film.
Who is Dr. Mengita Padilla then? Aside from being the Founder and President of Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, Inc., relevant information and achievements are on your favorite search engines and her social media pages.
Dr. Minguita has a “higher calling” nowadays. May destiny and luck grant her the post she wants to become a reality. “Liwanag: The Life and Legacy of Dra. Minguita Padilla,” is viewable on the following Facebook pages: @DraMinguita, @HeSaidSheSaidPH, @PadayonTaPage, and @Kapitana Entertainment Media, as well as on the Minguita Padilla YouTube and the Kapitana Entertainment Media YouTube channels.
