Love, Maria Clara
This comic book tells us the essence of today’s Filipina
Who is the modern Filipina? Marian Hukom had this question in mind when she made her comic Nagmamahal, Maria Clara, a reimagining of the mestiza heroine in Noli Me Tángere in a story about family, community, and what it means to be a Filipina in the 21st century.
The concept by Marian and her classmate Riza Malolos was born from a thesis film requirement for their Multimedia Arts degree in the School of Design and Arts of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The story revolves around Maria Clara, the representation of the traditional dalagang Filipina, brought to the present world (pre-Covid), lost in the chaotic city of Manila swarming with liberal values alien to her.
“She has always been the ultimate model for us despite present-day norms becoming more liberal. Thus, it leaves women stumbling through modern society,” explains the author.
A unique narrative of self-discovery, Maria Clara is led to the world of showbiz, and finds herself rising to stardom in this slice-oflife, comedy, fantasy.
“I wanted to show the readers that anybody can change for the better. The past doesn’t have to hinder you,” says the 23-year-old graphic artist.
A line from the comic goes:
Si Maria Clara ay isang muntingbinibini,
Na hindi hahayaang maapi ang sarili, Ano man ang mangyari,
Sugod binibini.
(Maria Clara is a lady, who, whatever happens, will not be oppressed. Charge, woman)
The protagonist transforms into a person who dictates her own fate, learns from mistakes, draws strength from her rich heritage, and takes inspiration from other heroes throughout the annals of history.
“We can leave the hurtful or irrational traditions in the past. But we can honor it as a stepping stone in our growth,” Marian says. “We shouldn’t follow in her footsteps because she was a product of her time. We have evolved from that. Times have changed and our model should, too. Instead, we can leave her in history and take her devotion and pure heart with us moving forward.”
As the thesis partners progressed with the development of the comic book, they consulted with Grrrl Gang Manila, a group that aims to create a safe space for women. Marian and Riza also immersed themselves in the advocacy works of independent feminist platforms Hella Pinay, Kababae Mong Tao, and Gantala Press. A full-time graphic artist, Marian also does volunteer designs for the socially relevant programs of local-to-global network that supports Lumad communities in Mindanao Liyang Network, a Filipino nonprofit organization promoting women empowerment The Lakambini, and Philippine-based independent research and publishing laboratory Kwago.
Currently with five issues, Nagmamahal, Maria Clara is available on view on local online comic hub penlab.ink.
It may not be Marvel or DC, but Nagmamahal, Maria Clara is a must-read graphic art that is proudly Filipino.