Philippine Speculative Fiction by Andrew Drilon Read Free Book Online Page B

indiscretions of fictional elite families in Manila,
The Fifteen Mansions of Death
, was
longlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize last year. “Nor was it written for people. If this little experiment of Bulan’s catches on, who knows—
baka mawalan nang trabaho ang
lahat ng mga alagad ng sining
(artists may not have jobs)!”
    “And what do you think Bulan is paying his…cast? Money?” added Monsanto. “For all you know, Bulan could have agreed to pay those mythics in human souls! Down with this
production!”
    Ironically, Monsanto admitted to not having watched a single rehearsal. Neither had Derije, although he claims to have read the entire script and the epic itself.
    “This trend better not catch on,” said Fr. Noel Saavedra, when told of Derije’s remarks. Saavedra, the host of prominent Catholic radio show “Radyo Chi-Ro,” watched
three rehearsals at the Sherwood-Fuller Theater last year and deemed it inappropriate enough for him and his fellow priests to take a stand.
    “This play will promulgate sexual immorality among our youth, especially among the young women,” he explained.
“Hindi gaya ni
Secretary Pilapil-Quiroz,
di kami
papayag na mangyari ito
(We won’t allow this to happen like Secretary Pilapil-Quiroz did)!”
    Pilapil-Quiroz herself has confirmed attendance for opening night. In a statement to the press on Thursday, she emphasized that she would watch
Noladi
not just for her son Nathan, but
also to gauge the play’s allegedly exploitative nature in addition to investigations conducted by her department since
Noladi’
s cast began rehearsing.
    “I have received a copy of the script and a copy of the original epic, as well as watched a few rehearsals and interviewed as much of the cast as was permissible with the help of a team of
translators,” read the statement.
    “Initially, I did not find any evidence pertaining to the production’s exploitative nature, nor the historical and textual inaccuracies that some members of the academe claim to
exist in lieu of Director Bulan’s addition of forty-five songs. However, this does not mean I already know how the entire production will hang together. Rest assured, if the alleged
exploitation reveals itself in any manner during the performance proper, I will see that it is put a stop.”
    Meanwhile, mythic rights activist Mary Christine Cruz does not share the sentiments of the two writers or the priest. However, she and the Association for the Protection of Mythic Rights (APMR)
demonstrated just as loudly as they.
    “Plain and simple,
ine-
exploit
nang produksyong ito ang mga rights ng mga hiwaga,
(the production exploits the rights of mythics),” explained Cruz, who has also not
watched a rehearsal. “Specifically, their right to freedom and silence.
Para lang siyang
capturing wild animals and making them perform at circuses and water park shows and casino
magic shows for the rich.”
    She added, “Bulan may think that he is helping give mythics a leg up to equality,
pero
all this is is sheer tokenism and proof that this madman is suffering from Intelligentsia
Complex!”
    Intelligentsia Complex, as certain psychiatrists and members of the academe have coined it, occurs when a highly-educated human being takes it upon himself or herself to champion the cause of
mythics in the name of freedom and equality, often for their own personal gain and to disastrous results.
    Deus ex machina
    DESPITE ALL THIS, the evening’s surprises were just beginning.
    A cement mixer and a 10-wheeler truck loaded with gallons upon gallons of water—presumably for the Giant Squid’s vast aquarium—also helped stall traffic along Roxas Boulevard
for a few hours. According to subsequent police reports, at 5:43 p.m., the top of the cement mixer cracked and a jet of salt water sprayed everyone in the vicinity.
    For several frightening moments, it seemed as if a tsunami had travelled far inland, for the water formed a wave that gave a whole