Reflection on Ded Na Si Lolo

The film “Ded na si Lolo” is a depiction of the Filipino culture, emphasizing on the way of living of the urban poor. For one point, it was able to showcase the strong family and relationship ties that keep hold of the core values that bind each member of the community. It was shown that the death of one member of the community will ultimately affect each of the other members, may it be directly as in the case of the family who were brought together and had to deal with one another’s personalities for the sake of their father, or indirectly as in the case of the other people who would want to involve themselves (that is to help and pay respect to the family and to the dead) or at least know more about the event (to gossip). In terms of family relationships, the mother, holding the responsibility towards the children and the household, was seen very demanding and kind of irritating in nagging almost about everything. The father, on the other hand, was seen more calm and understanding. The children were then expected to be obedient and submissive to everything that their parents order. The eldest sibling was seen to have this dominating personality in criticizing her other siblings and in wanting to lead the discussion especially one that involves making important decisions. The youngest was seen to be more sensitive and takes things very personally especially towards her older sister’s constant critique of her husband. The whole community was seen to be very helpful and demonstrated bayanihan in helping to carry the casket, as well as in showing concern towards the

family. The rest of the family members were then seen to showcase their unique personalities that mix up with their individual logic and belief (mostly superstitious) regarding traditional ways and methods for setting up a wake. These superstitions included the most intricate details such as not having soup during the wake, cutting the rosary to end the cycle of death within the family, putting money on the hand of the dead for luck, positioning the foot of the dead away from the door, not cleaning during the wake, not saying thank you, not wearing red, and others. One tradition included gambling set up near the place, where each player is expected to pay his or her respect towards the dead by giving an amount everytime that he plays. The family members were also seen to value individualistic characteristics that relate them with one another, may it be through small and superficial things pertaining to the same liking and interests. Although the superficiality of this characteristic was also demonstrated, it somehow evokes the positive and joyful outlook of the characters in the film. Emphasize on drama and form was also shown as the gay son extravagantly went to the wake wearing a daring red long gown, wanting to naturally faint for show. This was also shown with the siblings’ constant fainting with the news, delivering an issue that make it a hot topic outside of their doors. Lastly, lack of discipline was demonstrated by the gay son as well in deliberately flirting with some guys during the wake while the rest are praying.