Second thought: Goyo, the movie
DURING these times of sorrow, particularly with the numerous reported deaths and destruction wrought by Typhoon Ompong, we commiserate with our kababayans who may have lost a loved one(s). Although, maybe, fairly unpopular, we also sympathize and condole with those who may have lost their pets because of the storm. I did lose a very dear friend, Zavannah, early last Wednesday morning (Seotember 19). She would have turned 5 next month, October 18. I penned this letter for her with the hope that, as she watches over me and her brother Zheamus from the rainbow bridge, we will muster the courage to move on from this tragedy knowing that she is no longer in pain and safely tucked in the wonderful and loving arms of our Creator.
My dearest little angel,
I have so much to be thankful for the moment you came into my life - your unconditional love, the happiness that you gave to mommy and the priceless meaning of life! You let mommy experience how to be loved unconditionally without asking anything in return and expressing your love with all your heart
in your countless unique ways! You taught mommy how to love the voiceless living beings in this world! You taught mommy to give without expecting anything back. You taught mommy to have a soft heart for everyone!
But now, God has decided to take you back in heaven, my little angel... Mommy is missing you so much! It is so hard for me now, my baby girl the pain and sadness is almost killing me, my Zavannah! But then, I know that you will not be happy seeing mommy like this. That is why I have to fight this sadness and believe in my heart that you are with God now! Knowing this will allow mommy to breathe because I know that God will always take good care of you, my baby girl! I know that God has a special purpose in letting this happen, my little angel, and I know that God will always love you! I will surely miss and cherish the memories that we've shared together - the laughter and happiness that you gave my life!
Please help me, anak, to tell God that I want to see you in my dreams; that I just want to kiss you, belly rub, cuddle and hug you tight! Mahal na mahal kita, anak! You will always and forever be here in my heart, my baby girl, and no one can replace you in my life! You are my only one Zavannah! Iloveyousomuch, my little angel, and I miss you so, so much!
I love you always and forever, Mommy
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France
"One day we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all of God's creatures." ~ Pope Francis MELANIE E. DE MESA
ISAW “Goyo” on September 14. On that day, the Filipinos were worried about the coming in of Typhoon Ompong. The movie is well directed by Jerrold Tarog. Paulo Avelino played well as Gregorio del Pilar.
The battle scene at the narrow and perilous Tirad Pass was convincing. At the opening of the movie, it was made clear that what we are about to see is based on history coupled with fiction. History is based on research. Fiction is there to sweeten the drama and more or less to add color and to challenge the sanity of the viewers.
Students can view the movie for only P150. I did not see many students at the cinema. That is expected because in the other movie house there was a Pinoy love story with a disclaimer, “this is not a love story.”
The valiant hero of Tirad Pass used to be my idol in my history class at Saint Joseph Academy. Wherever he is, the beautiful women cannot be far away. I always consider Goyo my idol in my vicarious experiences with ravishing women.
I read Goyo and somehow I disagree with the movie when in the earlier scenes he was pictured out with a man having day and night nightmares. He was haunted by his conscience for his bully attitude and demonic instinct to harm fellow soldier who defied the dictatorship of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the El Presidente. As a leader, Goyo was fighting other demons on the battlefield but he is also confronting his own demons.
Gregorio del Pilar was one of the youngest generals to serve the Philippines Revolution. He was Emilio Aguinaldo’s confidante and right-hand man. I would like to share what I have known about him so that other people who saw the movie might have a point of comparison when it comes to his personality. It will give them a chance not just to take ‘hook, line and sinker’ that was presented in the film.
His father was the brother of Marcelo H. del Pilar, a propagandist with a pen name “Plaridel.” Goyo descended from the Gatmaitan clan of Bulacan. His family could be categorized as among the “poor relations.” The young Goyo was a “bibingka” vendor and served as a houseboy for his aunt, Hilaria del Pilar Arellano, so that he could continue his studies at Ateneo.