Healing the nation (1): PARAISO

The CFC Home Office staff and full-time workers were recently treated to an advanced screening of the Gawad Kalinga-inspired film, PARAISO. The movie showing last Friday at the Promenade in Greenhills was made possible thanks to a special permit exempting it from the COMELEC ruling disallowing the exhibition of TV programs and films which star candidates running for office.



The movie is a composite of three tales of lives which made 180-degree turns thanks to Gawad Kalinga: rebuilding from the physical and emotional devastation of a calamity in Liloan, Southern Leyte; how a family becomes whole because of an uber-mischievous orphan, and; a husband’s healing process from the loss of his wife in the 9/11 attacks. The tales are woven together by the love and faith in action of devoted GK volunteers, resilient village residents, and generous partners, given life by a complement of superb actors, most notable of which are Maricel Soriano and Cesar Montano. (This movie is more than enough reason for me to campaign for Mr. Montano to STAY AWAY from politics and STAY IN show business: to me- he delivered the most credible acting in the movie.)

The movie speaks to the heart as well as to the mind. To those who have never heard of GK or are newly initiated to this great movement- it provides an overwhelming impetus for a deeper involvement. To those already in the GK loop like myself- this movie fortifies my resolve to keep the faith and continue working with those who are the least, the last and the lost among our fellow Filipinos.

Do watch the movie. PARAISO is already being shown in key U.S. cities while the Philippine premiere is on June 12th.