Maid in Malacañang

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Maid in Malacañang
Maid in Malacañang.jpeg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDarryl Yap
Written byDarryl Yap
Produced by
  • Vincent del Rosario III
  • Veronique del Rosario-Corpus
Starring
CinematographyRain Yamson II
Edited byVincent L. Asis
Production
companies
VinCentiments
Viva Films
Distributed byViva Films
Release date
  • 3 August 2022 (2022-08-03)
Running time
114 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Box office₱700 million[1][2]
(US$12.3 million)

Maid in Malacañang is a 2022 Filipino family drama film about the fictionalized retelling[3] of the Marcos family's last three days in Malacañang Palace before they were forced to flee to Hawaii during the People Power Revolution in 1986.[4] Written and directed by Darryl Yap and produced by Viva Films,[5] the film stars Cesar Montano, Cristine Reyes, Diego Loyzaga, Ella Cruz and Ruffa Gutierrez, alongside Karla Estrada, Elizabeth Oropesa and Beverly Salviejo as the titular maids of Malacañang Palace.

Marketed by Viva Films as "the most controversial film of the year",[6] Maid in Malacañang has been met with numerous controversies surrounding the film's subject matter since it was first announced, which critics assert as a potential to distort the history of the Marcos regime and the People Power Revolution. The filmmakers, however, defended their film, arguing that the film only intends to highlight the Marcoses' perspective without negating established facts. The film premiered at SM North EDSA on July 29, 2022, and was released nationwide on August 3, 2022, followed by a limited worldwide release. The film is intended to be the first in a trilogy about the Marcos family,[7] with a sequel, Martyr or Murderer, slated for a February 2023 release, and will revolve around the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983.[8]

Upon release, the film received a generally negative reception, mostly criticizing Yap's direction and screenplay, production, acting, cinematography, and pacing. Despite this, the film became the third highest grossing Filipino film in Philippine cinema, with a combined local and worldwide gross of over ₱700 million (US$12.3 million).

Plot[]

Narrative acts
Chapter 1: Rebelde
Chapter 2: Ilocos o Leyte
Chapter 3: Tigre
Chapter 4: Awit at Ahas
Chapter 5: Bunso
Chapter 6: Oyayi
Chapter 7: Palamunin
Chapter 8: Maid in Malacañang
Chapter 9: Ang Huling SONA
Chapter 10: Retaso

Imee Marcos flew back to the Philippines from Singapore at the request of her father, President Ferdinand Marcos. When Imee arrives at the Malacañang Palace, she learned that her brother Bongbong foiled a plot to assassinate the first family. The family struggles at the betrayal of several high-ranking officials, including several Palace staffs, while the revolution at EDSA is growing.

A snap election was held last February 7 in which Marcos won to allay fears that he is losing control of the government, but the results were widely regarded as fraudulent by NAMFREL. The inauguration of Corazon Aquino and Ferdinand Marcos were held concurrently, but TV and radio media halted the broadcasts for Marcos’ inauguration. Food supplies to the Palace were cutoff by the rebels while the Marcos siblings are trying to convince their parents, Ferdinand and Imelda to leave. Both of their parents are hesitant to leave, however, Irene pleads with her father through Imee, while Bongbong assures his mother that someday they will come back.

The Marcoses gathered together with all of the Palace staff, and Ferdinand bids a final farewell. Imee ordered the staffs to put on a yellow bands made from the cutouts of her mother’s gowns in order to save them from an angry mob. As the Marcoses leaves, people stormed the Palace, looting and destroying its premises.

The Marcos family wants to head to Ilocos but revolutionary-figure and incoming President Aquino demands that the family leaves the Philippines, starting their exile in Hawaii. The final scene shows the real-life Palace staffs, including the Presidential Security Command, as well as the three maids, as an honor to those people who served during the Marcos family.

Cast[]

Additionally, Lana Puda portrays Aimee Marcos, The adopted daughter of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.[11] Karla Estrada, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Beverly Salviejo portrays the titular maids of Malacañang Palace portraying Santa, Lucy, and Biday respectively.[12] Giselle Sanchez portrays Corazon Aquino, The figurehead of the People Power Revolution and widow of assassinated politician Benigno Aquino Jr.[13][14] Kiko Estrada portrays Tommy Manotoc; Kyle Velino portrays Greggy Araneta; and Robin Padilla portrays Gen. Fabian Ver[15][16]

Release[]

Maid in Malacañang held its premiere at SM North EDSA in Quezon City on July 29, 2022.[15] The film was released under Viva Films in cinemas nationwide on August 3, 2022.[10] To combat the film's release, Vince Tañada intentionally set a re-release of Katips, a movie about the Marcos' martial law era, on the same day.[17]

Reception[]

Box office[]

Viva Films announced that the film earned ₱21 million on its opening day and ₱63 million three days after its release.[18] As of September 5, 2022, the film already hit the ₱650 million mark.[2] Millions of pesos worth of free tickets were given out with Francis Zamora giving tickets to all government employees in San Juan, and claims that Imee Marcos was giving tickets to schools.[19][20]

Critical reception[]

The film received a generally negative reception from critics. Writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, historian Ambeth Ocampo criticized the acting, especially Ella Cruz's potrayal of Irene Marcos, saying that 'her whining and mock tears will not win her a FAMAS Award and that is not tsismis [gossip]'. He also criticized Cesar Montano's acting as well, saying that his performance is 'wooden and colorless as the grainy archival footage of Marcos declaring martial law in 1972.' However, he noted that the film is a fiction, and should be treated as such.[21] The Flame, the student publication of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters, called the film 'a bid for public sympathy', criticizing the cinematography and the use of chapters to present the film, while praising the film's humor and wit. Marion Aunor's rendition of "Nosi Balasi" was also praised, describing it as 'haunting', and 'sets a chilling atmosphere as it accompanies the audience to focus more on the one-act play of “simplicity.”'.[22] The Philippine Star also criticized the cinematography and the use of chapters as well, arguing that it is 'quite one-sided and doesn't allow for the many characters to shine on their own'. Additionally, they also criticized the acting, its propagandistic themes, and the 'snooze-fest' pacing, noting that 'the effort just appears lazy yet expects to elicit a response.' However, they praised Ruffa Gutierrez's portrayal of Imelda Marcos, arguing that Gutierrez's performance could earn her a Best Actress award 'if award-giving bodies would only not be biased in giving awards even to a pro-Marcos film.'[23]

Writing for Rappler, Catholic priest Joaquin Ferrer Jr. strongly criticized the film for its historical distortion and the narrative, asking if it was 'made with malice'. He particularly criticized director Darryl Yap for the inclusion of the scene showing Cory Aquino and the Carmelite nuns playing mahjong, saying that if it is just included for entertainment, then 'that is poor taste, ridiculous, and offensive.'[24] Writing in his blog, film critic Fred Hawson reviewed both Maid in Malacañang and Katips, praising the latter while giving the former a neutral reception. He argued that the film is a 'self-serving haigography [sic] probably; an appeal for public sympathy possibly', adding that contrary to the reception online, the film 'did not feel confrontational' for the most part until the mahjong scene near the end.[25]

Stephanie Mayo of The Daily Tribune gave a somewhat positive review. She remarks that the film is 'flawed and superficial', but it is 'surprisingly gentle', a 'straightforward, somber drama' by Yap. She also noted that the production 'is a bit rough around the edges', citing a scene where one of the maids was obviously trying to remember her line.[26] Patricia Taculao of the Manila Standard gave the film a positive review as well, especially praising Cristine Reyes' performance, and noting that the film's ending 'is true to Yap’s reputation as a controversial director'.[27] Columnist Antonio Contreras of The Manila Times likewise gave the film a generally positive review, and argues that the film 'is not about revising history but about humanizing the Marcoses at their most vulnerable and weakest'. However, he finds the film's stereotypical typecasting as being 'problematic', criticizing the use of maids as comic relief.[28]

Controversies[]

Gossip remark[]

Actress Ella Cruz was criticized by many historians and educators on her remark during a press conference: "history is like tsismis (lit. 'gossip')."[29]

Public historian Ambeth Ocampo became the target of online attacks following his response to the actress' remarks: “Don’t confuse history and chismis. History may have bias but it is based on fact, not opinion. Real history is about truth, not lies, not fiction”. In separate statements, Tanggol Kasaysayan and the Network in Defense of Historical Truth and Academic Freedom said they stood with Ocampo. Tanggol Kasaysayan said: “[We] stand by his critique of recent efforts to trivialize and discredit History as a discipline, and to disauthorize professional historians in their socially important work of producing veridical knowledges about our past”. The Network in Defense of Historical Truth and Academic Freedom questioned: “Is this how we treat and repay our teachers? Our historians? Subject them to vile and discriminatory, unprincipled and unjust attacks?”, “Historians like Ambeth Ocampo deserve this respect, and if a writer and scholar of Ocampo's stature is vilified like this, then what can others expect, when they stand up for truth and history?”, “We condemn these ad hominem attacks on the character of a well-regarded and highly professional historian of the Philippines”, adding that they would remain “vigilant in the defense for historical truth and integrity”. The Ateneo de Manila University also condemned attacks against Ocampo, who is one of its faculty members: “We condemn these attacks, not just because it maligns Dr. Ocampo, but because it severely undermines our battle against historical distortion and disinformation”.[30]

Portrayal of Corazon Aquino[]

Fans of actress Kris Aquino debunked a scene from the trailer of the film involving her mother, the late Corazon Aquino. In the trailer, a woman in a yellow dress, whose face is not seen but can be presumed to be Cory Aquino, says on a telephone: "Get them out of the Philippines". The fan site posted an excerpt from the book People Power: An Eyewitness History, which showed that Cory was willing to give the Marcoses two more days in the country to spend in their hometown Paoay. On page 240 of the book, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma recalled what happened during Cory Aquino's phone call with US Ambassador Stephen W. Bosworth:

"On Tuesday evening, I was with Cory in the home of her sister, Josephine Reyes. There, Cory received a phone call from US Ambassador Bosworth, telling her that Marcos was ready to leave but was asking to stay for at least two days in Paoay, his home in the North. Cory's initial reaction was: 'Poor man, let us give him two days.' But we did not agree with that idea. We thought that given the chance, Marcos may regroup his forces or extend his stay indefinitely. Cory then called Ambassador Bosworth to say that she could not grant the request. Marcos should just leave the country. When Ambassador Bosworth called her back, it was to say that Marcos had left. Cool as always, Cory turned to us after she put the phone down. She said simply: 'Marcos has left.' She said it as if it was the most ordinary thing. We all shouted jubilantly. Cory did not".[4]

On August 1, 2022, an official of the Order of the Carmelites based in Mabolo, Cebu, who were featured in the film, reacted to the film's trailer and said "God forgive them. That's totally fake news,".[31][32] Gerardo Alminaza, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod, called for a boycott of the film due to its depiction of the Carmelites.[33]

Distribution of tickets to schools[]

A Facebook post claimed that 300 pieces of free movie passes complete with a letter detailing the contents of the envelope was sent by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, a Chinese Filipino organization, to Xavier School, a private Catholic Chinese school, but was allegedly rejected.[34][35][36][37] Yap, the director of the film, responded with the controversy by saying that the leaked tickets were for block screening organized by several groups. A Facebook page, Amor Powers, argued that the tickets, being all the same, was sourced from an unnamed single person it calls "Manggalina".[38][39]

18th Cinemalaya Film Festival[]

Yap was booed at the 18th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival after his name appeared on the screen, stating that he was unable to promote his new film due to his work on Maid in Malacañang.[40][41]

Future[]

Director Darryl Yap intends for Maid in Malacañang to be the first installment of a trilogy if it succeeds at the box office, with the second film being titled Martyr or Murderer while the third film is titled Mabuhay Aloha Mabuhay.[7] He expressed, however, that he will step back from his directing role for the sequels and focus on writing their screenplays.[7] Imee Marcos confirmed that the film's sequel is in the works.[42]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Darryl Yap - TAYO ANG KASAYSAYAN. #MAIDinMALACAÑANG". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2022-09-13.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b Viva Films [@viva_films] (September 5, 2022). "Nakalapag na ang balita! 650 MILLION TOTAL GLOBAL GROSS TO DATE and counting na ang MAID IN MALACAÑANG!" – via Instagram.
  3. ^ Iglesias, Iza (3 August 2022). "Carmelite nuns cry foul over scene in 'Maid in Malacañang'". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Yong Ping, Teng (July 19, 2022). "Cory Aquino scene in Maid In Malacañang trailer shown to be inaccurate". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  5. ^ NEPLYCH (July 17, 2022). "Maid In Malacanang Movie (2022) Cast & Crew, Release Date, Story, Review, Poster, Trailer, Budget, Collection". Neplych. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  6. ^ VIVA Films (June 26, 2022). "Maid in Malacañang Digital Media Conference | July 20 In Cinemas Worldwide". Facebook. Facebook, Inc. Event occurs at 0:24. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b c Bernardino, Stephanie (August 1, 2022). "New 'Maid in Malacañang' teaser released". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on August 1, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  8. ^ Requintina, Robert (August 25, 2022). "'Martyr or Murderer,' sequel to 'Maid In Malacanang,' to be shown in February 2023". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b MJD (June 9, 2022). "Cesar, Diego gaganap na mag-amang Marcos sa 'Maid in Malacañang'". Abante. Prage Management Corporation. Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Taculao, Patricia (July 21, 2022). "Getting into character: How the cast of 'Maid in Malacañang' prepared for their roles". ManilaStandard.net. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  11. ^ Marfori, MJ (July 2, 2022). "Ella Cruz plays a member of the first family in film". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  12. ^ Bernardino, Stephanie (June 13, 2022). "Supporting cast of Darryl Yap's 'Maid in Malacañang' revealed". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  13. ^ Sanchez, Giselle (August 1, 2022). "GOSSIP GIRL: Why I accepted the most controversial role of 2022 in Philippine cinema". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022. For legal purposes, I will not mention any name but will refer to my role as "her character" [Corazon Aquino]...
  14. ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M. (August 2, 2022). "Cory Aquino Mahjong scene: Giselle Sanchez responds to backlash". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Archived from the original on August 2, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b Hilario, Abbygael (August 2, 2022). "LOOK: The cast of 'Maid in Malacañang' at the film's red carpet premiere". GMA News Online. GMA Network. Archived from the original on August 2, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  16. ^ Salterio, Leah C. (August 4, 2022). "Maid in Malacañang stars hit the red carpet for premiere". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  17. ^ Calderon, Ricky (2022-07-30). "Vince Tañada's 'Katips' battles 'Maid in Malacañang'". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on 2022-08-07. Retrieved 2022-08-07.
  18. ^ "Guanzon praises 'Katips,' 'Maid in Malacañang' claims box office success". The Philippine Star. August 5, 2022. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  19. ^ "Two films duel for last word on brutal Marcos Sr era in Philippines". The Guardian. August 3, 2022. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  20. ^ "Maid in Malacañang under fire again for free tickets". Yahoo! News. August 1, 2022. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  21. ^ Ocampo, Ambeth. "Maid in Malacañang: A Biased Review". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  22. ^ Labsan, Ghemarie C.; Loseriaga, Trixcy Anne B. "REVIEW | 'Maid in Malacañang': A bid for public sympathy". The Flame. Retrieved October 18, 2022 – via The Philippine Star.
  23. ^ "Review: Pros, cons of watching 'Maid in Malacañang'". The Philippine Star. August 4, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  24. ^ Ferrer Jr., Joaquin (August 8, 2022). "'Maid in Malacañang' – made with malice?". Rappler. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  25. ^ Hawson, Fred (August 3, 2022). "Movie review: 'Maid in Malacanang', 'Katips'". Fred Said. Retrieved October 18, 2022 – via ABS-CBN News.
  26. ^ Mayo, Stephanie (August 1, 2022). "'Maid in Malacañang': Flawed, superficial but engaging". The Daily Tribune. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  27. ^ Taculao, Patricia (August 4, 2022). "Cristine Reyes' powerful performance in 'Maid in Malacañang'". Manila Standard. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  28. ^ Contreras, Antonio (August 9, 2022). "The politics of 'Maid in Malacañang': A film review". The Manila Times. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  29. ^ MJD (July 4, 2022). "Historians, educators at iba pa, naalarma sa 'utak' ng aktres na si Ella Cruz". Pilipino Star Ngayon. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  30. ^ Bernardo, Jaehwa (July 11, 2022). "'History is not gossip:' Academics defend historian Ambeth Ocampo". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  31. ^ Staff, CNN Philippines (August 1, 2022). "Nuns with Cory during Edsa 'not amused' with 'Maid in Malacañang' trailer". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  32. ^ Vestil, Justin K. (2022-08-01). "Nuns with Cory during Edsa 'not amused' with 'Maid in Malacañang' trailer". SUNSTAR. Archived from the original on 2022-08-08. Retrieved 2022-08-06.
  33. ^ "San Carlos Bishop calls for boycott of 'Maid in Malacañang'". Rappler. August 4, 2022. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022.
  34. ^ "Biz group: We bought tickets to Marcos movie to support Nutribun program". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
  35. ^ Blink (2022-07-29). "Maid in Malacañang Tickets Given to a School for Free Gets Rejected?". Philippine Newspaper. Archived from the original on 2022-07-29. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
  36. ^ "Not interested: Xavier School returns free 'Maid in Malacañang' tickets sent by Fil-Chi biz group". bilyonaryo.com. 2022-07-31. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
  37. ^ "Maid in Malacañang supporters slammed for giving away millions worth of tickets". ph.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
  38. ^ "VinCentiments - • OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG •". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 2022-08-14. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
  39. ^ "Amor Powers - Ang sabi ni VinCentiments sa latest script niya, may iba't iba grupo raw na nag-organize ng block screening para sa "Maid In Malacangcang", at wala raw silang kamalay-malay dito. Kung iba't ibang grupo, dapat iba-iba rin ang hitsura ng block screening tickets. Bakit 'yung sangkaterbang tickets na pinamumudmod nila sa iba't ibang lugar, iisa lang ang hitsura at wala pang nakalagay na "block screening"? Halatang galing sa iisang tao lang. Kung sino, itago natin sa pangalang Manggalina. #HuwagKami | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.[dead link]
  40. ^ "Darryl Yap Gets Booed by Fellow Filmmakers at Cinemalaya". Newspapers.ph. August 17, 2022.
  41. ^ "Darryl Yap, na-boo NG mga filmmaker sa Cinemalaya". Philstar. August 19, 2022.
  42. ^ Villaruel, Jauhn Etienne (7 November 2022). "Imee Marcos confirms 'Maid in Malacañang' sequel: 'We waited 30 years to tell our story". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 8 November 2022.

External links[]

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