OTJ: Foreshadowing of pork barrel scam

MANILA, Philippines - Anyone who missed the movie On the Job (OTJ) had missed three-fourths of his movie life. In 1975, when I watched the movie Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, I immediately told myself that lead star Bembol Roco, who was then making his film debut, would easily bag the Famas Best Actor Award. And he did. I made the same prediction after watching Joel Torre play the major role in OTJ — he certainly deserves the Best Actor Famas Award for this year. And I am looking forward to the realization of this prediction.

But more than that, OTJ foreshadowed the highly-publicized pork barrel controversy where our lawmakers are embroiled today. It’s practically the same scandal faced by certain lawmakers depicted in OTJ. And the complete denial stage made by the families of the lawmakers in OTJ and the lawmakers in the present-day pork barrel scam.  Thus, OTJ is a must-watch movie for those who want to be in-the-know of the current political, social and legal stages of our country today.

Superb acting not only by Torre (what with his meaningful role). And not a single smile from him to make a perfect portrayal of his pang-Famas performance. It was made more colorful by the supporting emotions displayed by Gerald Anderson, as well as the almost tailor-made role for Joey Marquez. And, not to be outdone, Piolo Pascual was at his best not as a lover boy but somebody else.

Obviously, I do not want to reveal the roles that each of them played in the movie. For those who have already seen it, they know what I mean. No explanation is necessary. The suspense is intended for those who have not yet seen the film. I will be doing an injustice to OTJ if I disclose the character each of these great thespians portrayed in this film that makes me proud as a Filipino. No amount of imaginary description could capture the entire message conveyed by the author and director of OTJ.

Thus, I say that to those who have not yet seen it, you are missing three-fourths of your movie life.  And you know what to do now.

What I only found unnecessary in OTJ are the love scenes of three leading actors and actresses. The producer of this film should reconsider deleting them. It somehow degraded the quality of the movie which could strongly stand on its own without such needless and unwanted part of what should have been a wholesome movie production.

But as a whole, I salute OTJ and its actors, actresses, producers, writer and director as they justly deserve the accolade of the entire Filipino people.