A challenge to Filipinos.
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
November 11, 2019 1:36am CST
Much hullabaloo over Elcano & Magellan's circumnavigation of the world cartoon. Caught my ire, too. Lapu-lapu, our macho of a hero, was portrayed villainous. Grrrr.
It took me my daughter's very challenging viewpoint on CNN Life to understand that there's not much use to fussing over somebody else's artwork and perception. If we Filipinos vehemently do not agree with it, create your own work and prove that story wrong.
Indeed, the Filipinos are the brains and artists behind Marvel's cinematic movies. Even Marvel rendered us a heroine called "Wave."
All the Filipinos has to do is to research and write our history, so the world will also know the gallantry of Lapu-lapu. Tell the world of our rajahs and our balangays - beautiful, brown kingdoms that made our archipelago a paradise.
To my daughter, I am humbled by your contention. Thank you.
Upon seeing the film's trailer and poster, many Filipinos feel deeply offended, refusing to accept Magellan as a hero, and more so angrily countering the characterisation of Lapu-Lapu as the villain.
7 people like this
5 responses
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
It is so saddening that they presented Lapu-Lapu as a villain, yet he is our hero! Such things are comparable to people who try to "twist" historical facts of some very important events in our country; comparable also to fake news being spread by people with dark political agenda.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
Such is the current state of the world - fake news are like grapnels that were thrown to us, and inevitably grappled us.
Hang on, brother, this phenomenon will dissipate soon enough, so long as there are courageous people who can discern the truth and stand for it.
That is a setback but you know how Filipinos fight back with a vengeance. Ha ha (kidding now because Spain knew us, and they tried this!) Tsk tsk.
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
11 Nov 19
Thank you for keeping us informed about your country.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
From my theological perspective, I surmise that that colonialism happened for a purpose. We Filipinos are devout Catholics. Our poverty in our own country has brought us out into the world. Our overseas workers have now brought the faith as medical practitioners or nannies, or chefs even to royalty. Somewhere in the Mideast, a young prince is being lulled to slumber with a Pater Noster.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40946)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
Oh are they trying to show the movie worldwide. I thought it was only for their country's viewing only. I can understand if it will be shown locally in their country. Since it is their countrymen so they might as well perceived that to be their hero. But if this will be shown internationally then it should be protested and contested since there will always two points of view on this one depends on whose side are you in and that should be respected by both.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
Am afraid the animation is for international release. Signatures are being gathered online to van the release in our country. Our people are disgusted about Elcano's love affair with a native called Samar (?), and the Lapu-lapu as the villain.
Toink.
Sigh.
@lillywriter (1143)
• Lithuania
11 Nov 19
I know very little about your country, and nothing about Lapu-lapu. It;s great that Marvel are creating such movies we can learn from.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
My country is the Pearl of the Orient Seas. Our aborigines were the dark-skinned, stocky, curly top Aetas, the brown Malays, and the straight-haired, fair complexioned Indonesians. Our ancestors were spread out in three main islands of our archipelago. Our 16th century gallant of a hero named Lapu-lapu was himself once a voyager, and he settled in Mactan. When the invaders arrived in his isle, he stood the line, with bolos, against the cannons of the Spanish conquistadores. Magellan, a Portuguese serving under Spain, was killed.
How could a native defending the island be called a villain? That is what infuriated my people now.
Marvel has recognized the genius of the Filipino. In fact, the actors who portrayed superhero roles have expressed much gratitude to us as a country and as a people.
I do not know why this Elcano & Magellan is provoking us. Sigh.
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
11 Nov 19
Yes, I am telling the world about my paradise southeast of the Pacific, and the hospitable, kind, and musical brown people, voyagers initially, repressed colonially, and are once again voyagers around the world, that we have the genius to be proud of, if only we can get our act together.
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