Burgos: Advocacy film from the heart of a mother

April 28 of this year marked the sixth anniversary of the tireless search for truth for Mrs. Edita Burgos. Her activist son Jonas Burgos was abducted six years ago and up to now, Mrs. Burgos is not losing hope that she will finally be reunited with her son. We had a chance to talk with Mrs. Burgos at the press preview of the movie “Burgos” which was held the other day. The movie, directed by Joel Lamangan and starring Lorna Tolentino as Mrs. Burgos, will be the closing film of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

“As a mother, I never lose hope that I will still my son alive. Nararamdaman ko na buhay pa siya,” said the soft-spoken but strong-willed lady who said she will never abandon her search for Jonas.

The Court of Appeals had issued a statement for the alleged involvement of the military on the forced disappearance, citing Major Major Harry Baliaga Jr., of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army. Coinciding with this development was the start of the filming of “Burgos” with Ricky Lee working on the script and Joel Lamangan on the director’s chair.

Heaven’s Best Entertainment, the production outfit of Harlene Bautista-Sarmenta and hubby Romnick Sarmenta, produced “BURGOS” which is termed ‘maindie’ (combination of ‘mainstream’ and ‘indie’ advocacy film which talks about respect for human rights. It is a family drama that takes a look at how trampling upon the human rights of a family member resulted to misery for his family.

“Burgos” will be shown in the Philippines and in other countries that espouse advocacy on human rights violations – in Filipino communities, non-government organizations, foreign advocates, educators and students.

Grandslam  award-winning actress Ms Lorna Tolentino plays Mrs. Edita Burgos while award-winning actor Tirso Cruz plays her husband, the fearless publisher of Malaya during the time of the Marcos regime. Playing their children are Allen Dizon (Sonny), Dimples Romana (Peachy), Bangs Garcia (Ann), Kerbie Zamora (JL) and Rocco Nacino (Jonas).  Ina Feleo plays Me Ann, the wife of Jonas.

Also doing featured roles in “Burgos” are Jaime Pebanco, Tony Mabesa, Raquel Villavicencio, Menggie Cobarrubias, Barbara Miguel, Ruby Ruiz, Joe Gruta, and Brian Arda among others.

The movie gives prominence to the highly dramatic situation that involves Mrs. Burgos -  a mother’s search for her long lost son. It is a futile search that has no redemption in sight. The movie takes off from the heart of Mrs. Burgos, her desire to see her missing son. It takes the pain gnawing in a mother’s heart into another dimension.

According to Ricky Lee, the script of “Burgos” is one of the most difficult that he has written. He said it was not easy for him to write a story that aims to ferret out the truth.

“The script has full of research because at first, we can’t do a make-believe story. We went through the full route of a thorough research and interviews with the Burgos family as well as with their friends. They are true people, true characters so we can’t invent a story and pass them off as the truth. Direk Joel and I liked the treatment we used in the script – quiet and subdued scenes, no melodrama. The scenes are quiet but forceful,” said Ricky.

For Mrs. Burgos, the sincere desire of Direk Joel Lamangan to make an advocacy about her life was what convinced her to agree that it be made into a movie.

“It was not an easy thing for me to make the decision in allowing my life story to be filmed. I had to discuss this matter with my family, with my children. And they all agreed and said yes, thinking that doing so might help in speeding up the process for us to find Jonas. If not, this film might serve as an instrument to espouse the cause against ‘enforced disappearance’” said the fearless woman.

“Burgos” will be shown on August 3 at the CCP Main Theatre at 9 p.m. as the closing film of the 2013 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.  It has a tentative play date for its regular run on August 28 although the film will have whole day screenings and a gala premiere on August 26 as a fund raising event for “Free Jonas Burgos Movement” and “Karapatan office”.

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Singing champion Mark Bautista brings his new album live onstage at the Music Museum. Titled The Sound of Love, the CD is a collection of beautiful standards with mellow melodies and romantic messages. These are the songs that Mark will perform in his solo show on August 9, Friday at the Music Museum.

The Sound of Love is a dream come true for the popular singer because it is made up of old songs he has always wanted to record. These are the standards When I Fall in Love, Strangers In the Night, All They Way, Love Story, That’s All, Till and What A Wonderful World and the Manila Sound classics Kailangan Kita, composed by George Canseco, Love Without Time by Willy Cruz and Bato sa Buhangin by Ernani Cuenco and Snaffu Rigor.

“I love old songs,” says Mark. “They were the first ones I learned while growing up. So during my shows, I would sometimes sing one or two. I noticed that people liked me doing the old songs so I started singing more of them. The reaction was really great so I asked Viva if I could do an album of standards. They said yes and this is it, The Sound of Love. Getting the chance to record those songs was truly a great experience.”

Tickets to The Sound of Love concert are available at ticketworld (891-9999), Music Museum (721-6726) and Viva Concerts (678-7236). Prices are Gold P2500, Silver P2000, and Bronze P1000.