WATCH: Why ‘2 Valid IDs’ is personal to Pokwang
MANILA, Philippines – Before becoming a comedian, Pokwang experienced the struggles of seeking financial assistance for her son’s brain tumor. Sadly, he passed away before receiving any help. Thus, for Pokwang, her critically acclaimed film “2 Valid IDs” is deeply personal.
In 1998, Pokwang, whose real name is Marietta Subong, was an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) when she learned that her five-year-old son had been diagnosed with the disease. He family sought financial assistance to help cover his needs.
More than two decades later, the pain remains evident whenever Pokwang recounts the experience.
“Ako, bilang Marietta Subong sa totoong buhay, hindi pa ako artista, naranasan ko na po ‘yung mga pagpila-pila, pag-lapit sa government, paghingi ng tulong kasi nung nagka-brain tumor ‘yung anak kong lalake…” Pokwang said, with her voice trailing off.
She followed it with a little painful laugh before proceeding, “Well, ahaha. Pumila kami pero namatay at namatay ang anak ko pero hindi rin namin na ano ‘yung tulong. Ganon talaga."
“Kaya malaking [hugot] din sa akin itong pelikulang ito. Ang dami kong… ‘Ho, sandali naranasan ko ito a. Teka lang.’ Pumila kami noon pero hindi namin nakuha ‘yung tulong hanggang sa namatay na lang ‘yung bata,” she said.
The helplessness brought about by a broken system that continues to fail ordinary Filipinos has turned “2Valid IDs” into a personal mission for Pokwang.
In her Cinemalaya 2026 entry, Pokwang plays Sylvia, a middle-aged farmer who travels to the city to seek financial assistance for her ailing husband’s hospitalization.
The film highlights the inefficiency of seeking government aid, with red tape and bureaucracy remaining persistent obstacles, as its title suggests.
Pokwang used her real name, Marietta Subong, in the film to distinguish it from her usual comedy projects. Through the role, she makes an appeal that Filipinos have been making for generations, one that seemingly continues to fall on deaf ears.
“Sana mapagaan na po 'yung kung papaano tayo kumukuha ng ID. Kasi kung binasa mo 'yung mga nakapag-comment nung mga dating nakapanood, iisa e. 'Hay naku, dapat ganito... Ang hirap. Naranasan namin 'yan.' Wala bang gagawin ang mga ano para naman mapagaan ang pagkuha ng ID? Sana mapanood nung mga nasa pwesto,” Pokwang said.
As an OFW, she also had to endure long lines just to secure her passport.
“Sana mas mapagaan, mapabilis. Minsan 'yung iba galing pa ng probinsya, pumipila, pinagkakasya lang talaga nila ‘yung pera nila. Nakakaawa lang talaga sila. Sana, sana may maisip silang paraan na mas mabilis, ‘yung hindi na gagastos ng ganyang kalaki,” she added.
“2 Valid IDs” was one of the entries at this year’s Cinemalaya and opened in cinemas nationwide on October 14. The film earned nearly P15 million during its wide theatrical release.
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