Name: Borromeo, Diana T. Luardo, Ellysa Anne C. Grade & Section: STEM 11 – F Date: November 22, 2023 Nick Joaquin – A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1955) I. Plot Beginning There were two sisters, Paula and Candida, who owned a painting created by their father, Don Lorenzo which they treasured dearly. Due to their father’s condition, the Marasigans do not have any source of income and are in debt. Paula and Candida had no one to rely on but their older brother and sister, Manolo and Pepang. The Marasigans are visited by an old-time friend family headed by Senator Perico. During the visit, the elder Marasigans, Manolo and Pepang, are also there. They all want the sisters to donate the painting to the government, the two to live with their elder siblings while getting pension money from the government, and Don Lorenzo to be taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, the sisters disagreed. Middle Tony offered Paula and Candida 10,000 dollars in exchange for the painting, which would help their financial problems. There, Candida made Paula decide which resulted in a misunderstanding. So as convinced and flirted by Tony, Paula leaves the house with the portrait. Soon, the media people learned that the portrait and Paula were missing. The watchman, detective, and cops mistakenly suspected Candida as a spy. Candida blames herself for why Paula was missing and that selfishness destroys other people's lives. Tony suddenly arrived at the Marasigan’s house and looked for Paula. When Paula arrived, she announced that she destroyed the portrait, torn it, and burned it. She expected Candida to get mad but instead, they both found their faith, freedom, and courage again. End As they celebrated their last feast of La Naval, Manolo and Pepang interrupted once again forcing Candida and Paula to leave the house and live with them. And finally, Don Lorenzo came out of his room. In the end, World War II happened and Candida, Paula, and Don Lorenzo died in the house. II. Character/s Candida Marasigan: The older unmarried daughter of Don Lorenzo Marasigan Paula Marasigan: The younger unmarried daughter of Don Lorenzo Marasigan Pepang Marasigan: The second eldest daughter of Don Lorenzo Marasigan Manolo Marasigan: The eldest son of Don Lorenzo Marasigan Don Lorenzo Marasigan: The father of Paula and Candida, and the hardships faced by the sisters are made more difficult by his reputation as a painter Tony Javier: The tenant who rented a room in the Marasigan’s House Bitoy Camacho: He is a news reporter and the son of Don Lorenzo’s friend. III. Thought Two sisters face desperate times as their artist father falls ill. His final masterpiece may be the answer to their troubles - or the source of more. IV. Language or Diction Nick Joaquin's play "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino" has a formal, lyrical language style that showcases the author's literary skill. To accurately convey the cultural backdrop of the Philippines, he used a combination of Spanish and Filipino vocabulary in a carefully constructed conversation. Joaquin uses metaphor, symbolism, and cultural references to give the play's issues and characters a greater depth. The language is elevated and theatrical, designed for dramatic interpretation on the stage. V. Song or Music Ryan Cayabyab's musical composition for "Ang Larawan: The Musical" improves the adaptation of Nick Joaquin's play "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino." With emotional melodies and cultural influences, Cayabyab's music effectively conveys the complexities of the Marasigan family's struggles and relationships. Collaborating with lyricist Rolando Tinio, the musical score effortlessly weaves into the narrative, offering a varied blend of styles that enhance the overall atmosphere of the production. The music becomes an integral part of the theatrical experience, vividly bringing to life the themes, emotions, and cultural richness. VI. Spectacle In productions like "Ang Larawan," visual elements heighten the stage experience and convey the story. These include movement, lighting, settings, costumes, and props. The motions/ actions are directed through blocking and choreography, adding dynamic. Lighting establishes mood, emphasizing key moments. Set design, portraying locations like the Marasigan house, defines the play's environment. Costumes reflect period styles, distinguishing characters and conveying social status. Props, from painting tools to family heirlooms, add realism and symbolism. VII. Director Rolando S. Tinio (1937–1997) was a distinguished figure in Philippine literature and the arts, recognized for his significant contributions as a poet, playwright, director, and actor. Some of his notable achievements include his partnership with composer Ryan Cayabyab on "Ang Larawan: The Musical," his tenure as an educator at the University of the Philippines, and his impactful role in shaping Filipino culture. Tinio garnered multiple awards, and his enduring legacy endures through his written works, directorial endeavors, and lasting influence on the art of the Philippines. VIII. Playwright Nick Joaquin (1917–2004) was a highly regarded Filipino writer, historian, and journalist. Considered one of the most famous literary figures in the Philippines, Joaquin's various works, including novels, short stories, and essays, explored themes of Filipino identity, history, and culture. His acclaimed play, "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino," showcases his linguistic mastery and insight into the complexities of Filipino society. Joaquin received numerous literary awards and was named a National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in 1976. IX. Theater Space Proscenium Stage – Cultural Center of the Philippines Reflection “Sometimes letting things go is an act of greater power hanging on.” This quote was something that stuck in my mind in the process of watching the play. At first, Candida and Paula have always fought for the painting done by their father Don Lorenzo, and treasured this dearly. Even though they were in debt and the painting could help them, they still never gave this painting up. Lots of people forced them to donate and sell it, worse is that they were forced by their older siblings to leave the house they loved dearly and live with them, which led to problems. It reached the point that even the two sisters who were inseparable fought over selling it. Candida agreed to sell it for 10,000 dollars and told Paula to make the final decision and left her hanging. Paula left the house with the painting together with Tony. Candida expected Paula to have sold this, but Paula did the best thing ever, which made them regain their freedom and courage. She destroyed the portrait, tore it, and burned it. They may have let go of the portrait, but this made them attain freedom, which they have longed for. In the real world, we always have something that has been a burden to us but is very difficult to let go of, know that letting go of something doesn’t make you any less of a person, it doesn’t make you weak, but instead, it makes you better. - Luardo, Ellysa Anne C. In the movie/play, Candida and Paula represent the struggles between sticking to old ways and dealing with necessary changes. The painting their dad, Don Lorenzo Marasigan, left behind was like a mystery, showing there is more to explore and understand about their family's past. Candida and her sisters understand how crucial their dad's art is for Filipino culture. Even though they're facing money problems, they're trying to figure out if they should sell their dad's painting because they know it's essential for the culture and history of their country. They're thinking hard about it, considering how much it means beyond just money. The movie reminds us to love and understand our cultural history and that art is more than just looking nice or having a clear meaning. It has more in-depth importance and purpose. - Borromeo, Diana T.
