Contagion

The best movie that I saw about a pandemic was the 2011 film Contagion which stars Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Laurence Fishburn as Dr. Ellis Cheever. Well, frankly I never really expected to be facing the situation nine years later. 

All the elements were there…Uh, well not everything. Anyways, there's how fast the virus will spread in the community. I think they call it the R-nought - the reproductive rate of the virus. It also tackles the issues on how the virus mutates in time, the process to create the vaccine against the virus, how fast the government (CDC) will act and what measures will it take. 

The movie focuses on a new disease from a virus that came from bats that were transferred to a pig. This fictional virus (called MIV-1) affects the lungs and the brain which causes death to the affected. In the movie, it took only few days for the virus to spread and for casualties to rise. And guess what? The virus came from China. Coincidence right? 

The villain was this Blogger named Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law) who was spreading false news and conspiracy theories about the disease from his blog. He was also spreading false information about the vaccine. Well, that gave bloggers a bad rep. I really like the conversation between Krumwiede and Dr.Ian Sussman (Elliot Gould) when Dr. Sussman told Krumwiede that blogging is not writing. It's graffiti with punctuation. Krumwiede's bad journalism caused panic and death to a lot of misinformed public.

Nine years later, we now face the real thing. Covid-19 also started from bats in China and the virus spread fast all over the world. A lot of people got infected and died. There were panic buying, short supplies of necessary things like face masks, alcohol. The whole world's economy went to a halt. Prices of common commodities sky rocketed. Business closed and a lot of people were out of jobs. But instead of a blogger, misinformation and conspiracy theories about the virus came from posts on social media like Facebook and Twitter. Another thing that the movie didn't tackle was government corruption and how some government officials use the pandemic to keep on stealing money. There is also the slow action of government officials and incompetence. I guess those are reserved for a new movie but at least the movie Contagion is a good example of how the movie imitates real life.

From Quiapo, Ongpin to Divisoria,

First, some trivia

1. Quiapo was named after the water cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) that floated out of the Pasig River. 

2. The world’s oldest Chinatown is Binondo in Manila. It was established in 1594. 

3. Divisoria is a term of Spanish origin, which translates as "divide" or "division."

Goodbye Voltes V

"Voltes V Legacy," the much-anticipated adaptation of the beloved Japanese animation from the 70s, has generated mixed reactions among fans. Some are excited to relive the story of camaraderie and sacrifice that touched their hearts decades ago. However, others express concerns about the potential commercialization of the show and the fear of losing the essence of the original story. In this article, we'll explore both sides and discuss the importance of preserving the legacy of Voltes V while adapting it for a new generation.

 

Acknowledging the Original Legacy:

Voltes V holds a significant place in the hearts of fans who experienced its original broadcast in 1978. The show's banned status in 1979 added to its legendary status, making it a symbol of resilience and resistance. The article appreciates the impact of the story's themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the strength of family bonds that left a lasting impression on viewers.

 

Emphasizing Storytelling Over Flashy Effects:

One of the aspects that captivated audiences about Voltes V was its storytelling. The article highlights that the essence of the show lies not merely in robot fights and flashy lights, but in the meaningful narrative that emphasized teamwork, family, and selflessness. By focusing on these core elements, the new adaptation can pay homage to the original and attract a broader audience.

 

Concerns About Commercialization and Character Development:

The article addresses valid concerns regarding the risk of commercialization and the portrayal of characters. It expresses the hope that the adaptation will stay true to the characters' personalities and relationships without resorting to shallow clichés or pandering to ratings. By preserving the essence of the show, it can appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.

 

Balancing Adaptation with Cultural Sensitivity:

While acknowledging the challenges of adapting a Japanese classic for a Filipino audience, the article emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity. It suggests that a collaborative effort between Filipino and Japanese creators could strike a balance between keeping the Japanese culture embedded in the show while making it relatable to Filipino viewers.

 

Addressing Fears of Misrepresentation:

The article acknowledges the apprehension that GMA, the TV station responsible for the adaptation, might not fully grasp the essence of Voltes V. However, it encourages giving the show a chance while also expressing the desire for the network to respect the original material and create a faithful and respectful adaptation.

 

Conclusion:

The legacy of Voltes V is a treasured part of many fans' childhoods. "Voltes V Legacy" presents an opportunity to introduce this iconic series to a new generation while paying homage to the themes and values that made it so special. By combining cultural sensitivity, genuine storytelling, and respect for the original characters, the adaptation has the potential to become a worthy addition to the Voltes V legacy. As fans, let's remain hopeful that the show will stay true to its roots and honor the enduring impact of this beloved Japanese animation.

さようなら 超電磁マシーン ボルテスVファイブ