BRUTUS

This is an all-too-familiar tale that still never fails to move me every time I hear about it. Sayang, i failed to see this film at the Cinemalaya Film Festival. But then I don't have to see the movie to know what the characters of this film---the Mangyans of Mindoro---are struggling with day to day. I spent all my summer vacations in this place. They used to knock on our door, selling their wares and asking for just one more cup of rice and a can of sardines. I even had the chance to visit their dwelling place once. If you think you've seen poverty, wait 'til you see their living condition.

Because of physical distance, the Mangyans of Mindoro are probably the most neglected group of indigenous people in this country. So I thank the creators of this film for bringing to fore the plight of my kababayans. I hope to watch this film soon...