Maria Clara at Ibarra

For several months after its showing, “Maria Clara at Ibarra” had been the talk of the town, and even the online world.

This GMA Network television series was based on the two provocative novels of Jose Rizal: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

The story’s plot went about a young woman who is hopeless for the Philippines, then time-traveled to 1880s Manila after reading the magical novels of Rizal.

Despite portraying the dark past of the Philippines during the Spanish colonization, citizens of different ages were hooked by the series because its approach was non-didactic. It showed a modern twist and presented various elements of romance, comedy, drama, and patriotism, along with a lean implementation of film technicalities.

The director and screenwriter must have rigorously studied and understood those novels of Rizal. Zig Dulay, as the director, was surely acquainted with his job in securing the accuracy of the series, as seen by how smoothly the scenes went since its premiere. Moreover, Suzette Doctolero, the screenwriter, had extensive knowledge of the Filipino language, especially during the series’ period, as perceived by the actors’ beautiful delivery of the lines Subsequently, one of the most acclaimed elements in the show was the costume and styling, which was integral in driving the narrative. As seen in the actors’ specific costumes, it could be inferred that the designers and stylists had been true to the garments used during the novel’s era, such as Klay’s silhouette and ballshaped skirt, and all those fits and accessories of the other actors.

With the show’s way of presenting history, many youth and students may already have learned so much about Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

The youth must have learned to stand for what is right and just for the majority, and have been reminded of the sacrifices of Filipino heroes for the country to have the independence that it has obtained at the present time.

Anito: Defend a Land

Little did everyone know, a group of Filipino web developers had already released a video game in the early 2000s.

Being the first Filipino-published video game in 2003, Anito: Defend a Land Enraged is a role-playing video game where the players are challenged to build and manage their base and units in the battle. It was created by a Manila-based group of web developers called Anino Entertainment.

Like any other video game, it focuses on combat and exploration, with the player’s use of ranged weapons that originated in the Philippines. The enemies do not only range from humans but also Filipino mythical creatures such as the “tikbalang,” a half-human and half-horse hybrid that is believed to play pranks on travelers in the wild until they get insane.

A player needs the mouse and keyboard to control their characters in their battles.

The video game is played single-player, which means the player does not have party mates in the game.

One great thing about it is that the characters’ names are purely Filipino, as they are identified as Agila (current Philippine national bird), Maya (Philippine national bird until 1995), and Bantay (a nickname for guard dogs). The players have the chance to choose their characters according to their strength, agility, health, and chakra.