Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim

A Review by Thony Archer T. Tan

“Hindi mo ba nakita dinudugo na!” -Turing, Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1984)

Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1984) is an unpretentious drama film directed by the
National Artist for Film Lino Brocka starring Philip Salvador (Turing), Gina Alajar (Luz),
Venchito Galvez (Ka Ador), Ariosto Reyes Jr. (Willie), Paquito Diaz (Hugo), Raoul
Aragon (Lando), and Renz Cortez (Boy Echas). It is a film produced by Véra Belmont
and written by Jose F. Lacaba. It is a film portraying the labor conditions during the
Marcos regime. The movie focus on the narrative of an industrious Minerva operator,
Turing, and how he struggled with impaired labor rights and financial pitfalls.

The movie commenced by displaying a labor rights demonstration. Turing, the

protagonist, saw and apologized for an untold reason to his former co-worker Willie. A
flashback of months before follows. The friction arose when Luz, Turing's wife, carried a
sensitive pregnancy. Luz, being a casual worker, is deprived of maternity benefits. So,
Turing has to work overtime, but still, it is insufficient. Then, Ka Ador formed a labor
union against the labor maltreatment of Mr. Lim, the owner of the printing business, and
Hugo, the supervisor. With the desperation to provide for his family, what role will Lando
and Boy Echas play in Turing's life?

Compared to his preceding masterpiece Insiang (1976), director Lino Brocka

employed a different approach in this movie. The shots are more focused on the
subjects throwing dialogues, and there is less noise in the background during
conversations. It demonstrates the difference in neighborhood population between the
two movies. The camera techniques are masterfully employed. There are shots where
the characters are in the middle ground, for instance, the discussions during lunch
breaks. The foreground conveys a sensation that the viewer is one of the workers.

The pieces of music are emotionally stirring. It expressed the outcries of laborers
during that time. The clothing and make-up are logical. For instance, Turing looked
messed up with a sweaty shirt during overtime at work. There are also metaphors like
the overworked Minerva machines and laborers. Laborers are like the continuously
functioning printing equipment that dysfunctions because of mishandling.
 Philip Salvador played Turing emotively. The tone of his voice expresses his
emotions clearly. His use of pauses and eclectic actions convey more than the dialogue
itself. He is empathetic about his character. It is fascinating how the movie reenacts the
labor demonstrations and unclad scenes. Professionalism is evident.

Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim is a triumph. Without a doubt, parents, laborers, and
those with mature hearts will relate to the dilemmas featured in the film. It presents a
paradox deeply embedded in the history of labor.

1. Can we justify Turing’s burglary attempt?

(Considering his financial situation)
● Can we justify criminal acts?
(Considering there is a valid reason)

2. Can we consider the unempathetic actions of nurses and doctors unethical?

(Considering the hospital policies)
● Can we pardon unethical behaviors because of established policies?

3. Can we justify the policies of the private hospitals?

(Considering the lack of government support)
● Which should we blame for our poor healthcare system? The government or the
hospital policies?

4. Can we blame Mr. Lim for not providing maternity benefits for Luz?
(Considering Luz is a casual worker)
● Can we blame business owners?
(Considering they are not obliged by the law)

5. Who is right? The demonstrating laborers or the business owners?

● Which is more relevant? Human rights or written laws?

6. Is it rape if a husband forces her wife to have sexual intercourse without permission?
● Considering the couple is married, can we accuse a husband/wife of sexual
abuse?