Mae EscartinHow are Mothers Portrayed in the Philippine Cinema
A lot of Filipino movies depicting a journey of a mother were mostly launched in time for the Mother’s Day. With this year’s ‘Our Mighty Yaya’ starring Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas and Miss World 2013 Megan Young, mothers will surely enjoy almost two hours of laughter and heartbreaking moments.
Though not all movies were centered in “mother roles,” these characters have really given justice to what defines a Mom. And most of the time, these roles were portrayed by actors who have earned their place in the Philippine cinema like Ms. Gina Pareño, Ms. Gloria Romero, Ms. Cherry Pie Picache, Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, Ms. Sharon Cuneta, Ms. Nora Aunor and Ms. Maricel Soriano among others.
Classic Filipino Movies and its “Mother Roles”
1. Madrasta, 1996
Those who haven’t watched “Madrasta” missed their chance to witness Mega Star Sharon Cuneta’s (as Mariel) outstanding portrayal of a stepmom who struggled to be accepted by the children (Claudine Barretto, Camille Prats and Patrick Garcia) of her husband (Christopher de Leon). Contrary to the “Cinderella-like” story of most Filipino films where stepmoms were seen as an evil and heartless mothers who always brought misfortune to their step-children, Raymond Lee (writer) and Olivia Lamasan (director) has put the spotlight to the caring and loving side of a stepmom.
In “Madrasta” they have shown that stepmothers, which were mostly seen as people who took advantage of a father’s loneliness and/or sufferings, can also be a mom who would give their time, dedication and love to children who doesn’t even came from them.
