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The word syota is commonly understood as girlfriend/boyfriend but may also mean someone
with whom one has a short time relationship—a one-night-stand. "Syota ng bayan" connotes a loose woman (pakawala) whom anyone may bed, but in "Syota ng
Bayan" it takes on a positive meaning as "Darling of the People." Syota ng Bayan is Tanya Marquez (Priscilla Almeda), a bold star who quits showbiz and goes back to
her hometown. Finding out that a cement factory is causing a lot of havoc in the environment and in the lives of her town mates, she challenges the incumbent of Mayor Golano
(Eddie Garcia) to have it closed. When denied, Tanya rallies the people in protest but is silenced. The mayor's opponents prevail upon Tnays to run for mayor in the coming
elections against Golano's son, Peter Lee (Tonton Gutierrez). During the campaign period Tanya and Peter Lee meet and fall in love. Will this mark the end of Golano's
political dynasty?
The bold star turned environmentalist theme sounds like Erin Brokovich but Lualhati
Bautista's story and screenplay makes it Filipino all the way through. Pseudo spiritual leaders, government officials and showbiz personalities entice the gullible public to
support and thrust them to power with all its trappings. Very Filipino and very recent, don't you think? Priscilla Almeda dubbed as the Princess of Desire (Prinsesa
ng Pagnanasa) does not only disrobe but also tries to sing (she goes off key at times) and act (she surprisingly succeeds at some points). At least she shows some promise.
Eddie Garcia's role does not require much from the award-winning actor and Tonton Gutierrez looks stagy in some scenes. Cinematography is average but editing is below average,
making some dialogue incoherent.
Syota ng Bayan enacts the kind of politics in the country as described by the CBCP, in its Pastoral Exhortation: Philippine Politics: "… many a politician looks at public office as a means of enrichment and a source of influence and power for self and family-interests…Prospective candidates make sure they get plenty of media exposure… prospective voters are bribed in order to win their votes … Dirty tricks, black propaganda, mudslinging – anything to weaken or destroy the opposition (e.g. blackmail and assassination) – are liberally resorted to…" The film also shows the penchant of showbiz personalities (who are not qualified nor competent) to enter the world of politics, and the people's lack of discernment in choosing their leaders. Filipinos have to learn fast what the CBCP reiterates: "There will be no radical change in our political situation unless we all undergo a change of heart in our priorities, in our values."
For all the movies attempts to be relevant and to present values, CINEMA questions the
deliberate effort of the filmmakers to market Syota ng Bayan
as a sex film as seen in the choice of title, trailer, advertisements and billboards. Priscilla Almeda's physical assets are exploited in sex scenes which could have been deleted without affecting the development of the story. Are the producers after presenting truth and values in the film or only after commercial success?
(Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001)
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