Pia and Sabel milled along with the dozens of commuters making their way inside the LRT train, halting to pick up passengers at the Taft station.
The two were oblivious of the light crowd as they chatted heartily about the movie they’d just seen at Trinoma. Should anyone eavesdrop on them, they could easily conclude that the pair enjoyed the film as they openly discussed what they loved about its screenplay, direction, and cinematography.
“The characterization was awesome,” Sabel’s eyes lit up at the memory of it.
Pia bobbed her head in agreement. “I love it. The main lead especially. He embodied the character so well.”
An exchange of words continued even as the train began moving until they were satisfied that they’d discussed everything they loved about the movie, pretending to be more knowledgeable movie critics than they really were.
After a short silence, Pia sighed. “I wonder why we Filipinos haven’t been able to make such films.”
Sabel creased her brows. “There are a lot of good Filipino movies out there.”
“Yes, yes…” Pia agreed, “but when was the last time you watched a Filipino film without thinking, ‘I’m sure we, Filipinos, can do better than this’?”
Sabel thought hard. It’s been a while. She sighed and took a far-off glance at the city scenery that the train was passing by. “Somewhere in the slums of Manila or in the poverty-stricken recesses of our country’s provinces, there’s a hidden genius.”
Pia shot her a quizzical glance. “Okay?”
A slight smile curved up the corners of Sabel’s lips. “She has the potential to become a brilliant director, a compelling novelist, a master painter, a renowned scientist… the potential to make a difference… the potential to be great.”
“And your point is?”
“Instead of honing her craft, instead of being given the opportunity to develop her God-given talent, she is too busy trying to survive. She is too busy scavenging for a meal to fill her growling stomach, too preoccupied with scrimping up a few pesos to get through the day. Thus, she remains an unknown – a never-was. And we are forever deprived of her genius.”
“That’s depressing.” Pia frowned. “Someone should pluck the kid out of obscurity.”
“Yes, someone should.”
A pensive gaze crossed Pia’s light brown eyes. “How? And who will do it?”
Sabel shrugged. “You tell me.”
Note from Author: This was written years ago as a representation of my own musings about how a lot of talent and possible genius remain unrecognized for lack of opportunity in third world countries. It’s not meant to be criticism towards the Filipino movie industry, which I must say has improved by leaps and bounds since I wrote this vignette.