PULBOSA, Clarisse Joy P.

Arts Appreciation
ABELS 1-5 September 8, 2019

“Birdshot: Midst of the Nest”

by Clarisse Joy Pulbosa

The society evolved from organic society into a modern one. Since the environment and
the circumstances is far different from the old society, why the struggles in terms of the nature of
labor in relation to socioeconomic classes remains? The problems, the capitalist, the oppressors,
or the elites still exists. I remember the illustration I heard from my professor in Philosophy in
Senior High School, the professor said that the end-goal of Marxism when it comes to work is a
world order where everyone is free to work on whatever he or she wishes to work on,
independently and creatively using his/her full potential as a human being.
Each of us had been trapped or still trap inside our own sanctuary. We are sheltered by
different belief systems imposed by the society we belong. Some taught us how to go with the flow
and maintain the system, as our mind processes if this is right or wrong. But how can we say that
this is right if our set of values is this different from others? What side of the story must be heard?
This aesthetic film, Birdshot shows us symbolisms by its striking visuals; the characters are
representations and the frames are illustrations of the reality we have.
Mikhail Red served two different dishes on the table. One is the experiences of Maya
learning how to use a gun from his father. Starting from targeting the prey, finding the right angle,
breathing together with how the target breathes, and finally, pulling the trigger smoothly. On the
other side, Mendoza shaping Domingo to be a wild animal. Different tastes of life and wisdom but
one society.
Maya (Mary Joy Apostol) who’s one of the main spotlight in the film shows us the position
of women in the society. Her grandmother who’s cultured by traditions and norms lectures Maya
“how to be woman”. She wants Maya to act like a traditional lady, the idea of what a normal
woman should act. Her father used to underestimate her ability to fight and protect herself. So,
Maya live her life proving herself to his father to exceed his expectations. She is driven by her
anger and endeavour. She didn’t know anything. Maya shot the eagle without hesitations not
knowing that this is an endangered species and national bird. In the point of view of a feminist,
when Maya wanted to know what’s outside the isolated area, it is like a woman seeking to be free
from the stigma. In fact, Maya wants to be different, to explore, and to go beyond the limitations
settled by the society. Thus, the struggle of women is also the class struggle.
All the basic needs of humans—food, shelter, clothing—can only be provided for by
working, by transforming our environment. Since the dawn of humans, we have been working for
food: gathering plants and fruits from the forests, hunting beasts and birds, planting seeds and
harvesting crops. In conclusion, we society needs the working class. Diego Mariano (Manuel
Aquino) father of Maya and a caretaker of the land besides the sanctuary. A really interesting
character. The moment when Maya wants to leave the isolated place, he thinks that Maya can’t
protect herself. I can barely see his lame and lifeless eyes. Despite of taking care the land for so
many years, he became unrewarded for his labor, he remained proletariat. His daughter shot the
eagle but Diego buries the shotgun in hopes of shielding his daughter from the consequences of
her action.
On the other hand, a new idealistic police Domingo (Arnold Reyes) really strive to find
truth behind the missing passengers of a bus. These passengers are farmers from a hacienda. While
PULBOSA, Clarisse Joy P. Arts Appreciation
ABELS 1-5 September 8, 2019
uncovering the evidences of the mysterious case of the farmers, his superior veteran police
Mendoza (John Arcilla) warns him to stop the investigation. It signifies tere is something wrong
with the justice system in the area. Domingo and Mendoza are reassigned in the haribon case and
their superior officer told them to forget about the bus. However, Domingo knows the farmers
needs him, he is more willing to help and solve the case, even the consequence of this is to risk his
own life. Thus, Mendoza knows the system, despite of knowing his real duty as police he became
alienated from his work.
Domingo’s moral has been tested, he tried to reach his full potential as a human being. His
consciousness is telling him not to give up and fight for the truth. His values cast aside, people are
left scrambling in the search for victims and perpetrators. Though, Mendoza is convinced that this
idealism won’t last perhaps because he saw himself in his young colleague. He’s right, eventually
Domingo set aside his beliefs and integrity, he became wild and heartless animal. An unknown
man threatened him after burning his backyard. He fell asleep in the couch facing the window
leaving scratches like a bear in the couch. A symbolism that a man can lose everything even his
humanity when his weakness was touched.

Landlords/
Haciendero
Gov Officers
Mendoza
Domingo

Farmers/ Marginalized
Maya, Diego

As shown in the figure above, the famers who are in the lower class of the society are
marginalized. The issue of the landlords expropriating the farmers became a usual setup in the
ground. The local government and the officials didn’t care if these happens, why? The system of
the capitalist supports at least one institution in order to succeed. The media can raise awareness
about the missing farmers, but they didn’t. This explains the power of manipulation. Instead of
focusing to the unsolved case of the farmers, the government officials put their attentions to the
haribon. The extinction of Philippine eagles is not just because of the irrational and unconscious
action of an innocent girl, it is both environment problem and a social issue. Thus, the bourgeoise
abuses the forest and turn it into profit such as illegal logging (shown in the film), but Mendoza
and other colleagues let this happen.
The government officers became quiet about the issue of the farmers but they eagerly want
to find the one who killed the haribon. The grievance of the proletariats and marginalized was set
aside from the main table. The farmers became unheard while the greedy activities of the landlords
remained.

Kayang tignan ng bayan at akalaing ligtas ang mga tinatanging hayop para ikubli ang
hustisyang hinding-hindi makikitang malaya at mataas ang lipad.
PULBOSA, Clarisse Joy P. Arts Appreciation
ABELS 1-5 September 8, 2019
SCRIPT/ OUTLINE:

 30 secs vid clips with voice over

Speaker 1: Many of man’s activities have caused disturbance to the Earth and its
environment. Many natural systems that sustain life on Earth have been affected in the
process. Global warming and climate change are a consequence of such disturbances.
 Actual with vid
Speaker 2: Saving the environment is not just an issue anymore. It is a survival truth.
Individuals, organizations and governments need to come together and join hands to
protect what is left of our planet.
Speaker 3: So, as a student, let’s start from our own little ways.
One: The three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle – all help to cut down on the amount of
waste we throw away. They conserve natural resources, landfill space and energy. Plus,
the three R’s save land and money communities must use to dispose of waste in landfills.
Speaker 1: Two: Segregate the biodegradable, nonbiodegradable, and recyclable
wastes.
Here in PUP you can see this red, green, blue trash bins so let’s use them according to
their designated wastes. (clips of throwing wastes)
Speaker 2: Three: We should try and conserve electricity by turning off the lights, TV, or
other electrical appliances when not in use. Sometimes it’s even great to enjoy the natural
light and air. Saving energy reduces air pollution and greenhouse gases. The less we
pollute our environment, the more we prevent global warming.
Speaker 4: Four: Save trees to save our environment. Deforestation, building of dams
across rivers, clearing of natural habitats of wildlife, as also air and water pollution have
all adversely affected the natural equilibrium on Earth.

Speaker 3: But we should be prepared always because natural disaster can occur at any
time.
Speaker 1: The best way to cope with a natural disaster is to prepare by having a plan
before it strikes.
Speaker 2: It is important to protect your family, home, business and assets from such
events.
So, know the hazards that are present in your area. Make sure everyone has a list of
emergency contact numbers they can phone
Speaker 4: Prepare a disaster plan. Your plan should start with having somewhere safe
to go. In some cases when you need to evacuate, there may not be a lot of time. Plan how
to evacuate your home quickly and make sure everyone knows the evacuation plan.
 Ending
Speaker 1: But, as we know, big things start from small things, and this is exactly where
we need to start from – changing ourselves. We need to start from changing our own
behaviour in order to save ourselves and our planet.
Speaker 2: Stand and do something,
Speaker 4: Save our future.