Magnifico, also known to his family as "Ikoy, is the beacon of hope in his family and the rural

town he resides in. As he navigates through life's challenges, Magnifico's kindness inspires those around
him and brings out the best in people. The film beautifully captures the power of compassion. It reminds
us of the profound impact one person can have on others.

Upon analyzing the symbolic components of the film, it becomes evident that the director
employs a variety of symbols and motifs to enhance the story and convey more profound meanings. Two
noteworthy symbols are Gerry's Rubik's cube and Edna's embroideries, which, interestingly, both
represent a similar concept. Although these objects are associated with different characters, they both
symbolize the idea of excessive self-reliance. Throughout the film, we witness Gerry and Edna diligently
working on their respective items, notably refusing help from other family members. Edna rejects Lola
Magda's assistance, and Gerry rebuffs Magnifico's attempts to help his father. This refusal to accept help
can be interpreted as their strong desire to be the sole providers for their family, even though a
collective effort might have been more effective from the outset. Furthermore, this dynamic can also be
interpreted as a foreshadowing of the challenges that Gerry and Edna would face. Edna's self-inflicted
injury while embroidering and Gerry's explosive outburst resulting in the cube's destruction are
examples of the consequences of their stubborn self-reliance. These events symbolize the potential
pitfalls of their individualistic approach and the harm it could inflict on both themselves and their family
as a whole.

Another noteworthy symbolism would be the wheelchair previously used by Mang Domeng's
late mother. The wheelchair in the film symbolizes Mang Domeng's profound grief over the loss of his
mother. He clings to it as a tangible connection to her memory, even though it is clearly causing him
emotional pain. His reluctance to lend the wheelchair to Magnifico is a testament to his unwillingness to
let go of his grief. It's not a matter of being unable to release it; instead, he refuses to do so.
Furthermore, when Mang Domeng tells Magnifico to pay for the wheelchair, or as Magnifico counter
offers, rent the wheelchair, it appears as though he is searching for something to fill the void left by his
grief. The wheelchair, in this context, becomes a physical embodiment of his emotional attachment and
his struggle to find a suitable replacement for the profound loss he feels.

Lastly, I believe that the most prominent symbolism in the film can be found in Magnifico
himself. The character of Magnifico in the film serves as a poignant symbol of love, and this symbolism is
manifested in various ways throughout the story. His character embodies the concept of compassion in
its purest form, which is evident in his countless acts of service. Magnifico is a loving and diligent son to
his parents, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being. His actions extend to caring for his little
sister, taking her to the perya to show her wonders she had never seen before. He also exemplifies love
through his continuous kindness and respect towards Ka Doring despite her constant attempts to push
him away.

Moreover, Magnifico's character has a profound impact on others in the community. He brings
out the dormant ability to care in Mang Domeng, who, after witnessing Magnifico carrying his little sister
on his back and showing her wonders, begins to open up to the idea of love and care once again. But
perhaps most prominently, Magnifico's love is epitomized through his time spent with Lola Magda. He
goes to great lengths to ease her pain and make her last moments filled with love and care. These
instances collectively showcase Magnifico's character as a symbol of love and illustrate the film's central
theme of the enduring power of love and kindness even in the face of adversity.
 In summary, the symbolisms present in Magnifico are all masterfully incorporated into the
narrative and served to enhance the already moving story. These symbols breathe life into all the
characters, granting them unique identities, distinct struggles, and genuine purposes. The film
authentically captures life in a simple Philippine town, rendering it with authenticity and heartfelt
sincerity. Every character, not just Magnifico and his lola, is meticulously developed and their personal
journeys are thoughtfully explored. The film does justice to their stories, allowing us to empathize with
their joys and sorrows. As a result, "Magnifico" emerges as an emotionally resonant and evocative
cinematic masterpiece that portrays the profound complexities of human existence within the context of
a tight-knit community. It invites us to witness the beauty and challenges of ordinary lives, leaving a
lasting impression of the enduring power of love, resilience, and the human spirit.

Rubik’s cube and embroidery

- Both Gerry and Edna’s struggle and obsession as a parent trying to provide for their family, but
without asking others for help
- Lola Magda offered to help Edna with her embroideries but she refused
- Magnifico offered to help Gerry to solve the cube, but he refused.

Wheelchair

- The wheelchair represents Mang Domeng’s grief for his late mother.
- He cannot let it go and holds on to it despite the apparent pain it is causing him.
- His refusal to lend it to Magnifico shows his reluctance to relinquish his grief. Not that he can’t
let go, but he won’t
- Mang Domeng asking Magnifico for money feels like he is searching for something to replace his
grief.

Magnifico

- The character itself is a symbol of love.

- Seen in his countless acts of unconditional love.
- Being a loving and diligent son to his parents
- Carrying his little sister to the perya, showing her wonders that she had never seen before
- Continuing to be kind and respectful to Ka Doring despite her constant attempts to drive her
away
- Bringing out Mang Domeng’s ability to care once again, after witnessing Magnifico carrying his
little sister on his back and showing her wonders.
- Most prominently, spending time with Lola Magda, doing everything he can to ease her pain and
make her last moments alive as full of love and care as possible.