So yesterday: Sex and Pornography

“There is an irony implicit in our lives. What is deemed immoral by the law is mostly lived and practiced freely by normal people; hence immorality has become a way of life as dictated or demanded by our need to survive.” (Mendoza, 2009)

Brillante Mendoza is one of those artists who are striving to create films that depict stories showing the reality of the society, regardless of the age, gender and status. One of his creations, “Serbis” has been included in the 2008 Cannes International Film Festival in France. The film had won several awards during the 32nd Gawad Urian of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino here in the country.

The story is about the Pineda family who runs an old movie house that shows pornographic films. Business is everywhere inside the theater and the noticeable businessmen are the “serbis boys” or the male prostitutes who are being frequent by gay patrons.

Despite the popularity and recognition of the said independent film, it has not been totally accepted in the country. In the news article of Boy Villasanta on ABS-CBN News Online (2008) the film was first rated by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board as X or not for public viewing which through the appeal of the director and production crew became R-18 or for adults only. The regulating body pointed out three scenes which led them to their first decision; the pumping scene of lead star Coco Martin (Allan, billboard painter) with Mercedes Cabral (Merly the pregnant girlfriend of Allan), and two scenes portraying oral sex one which was performed by Kristofer King (Ronald, also a painter and operator of the movie projector). According to the director, theses scenes are important given the context of the story. He was just being realistic about the life of the poor people with no other option but to make sex as a profession.

Is being realistic equated to being pornographic? Why is independent film stereotyped by the Philippine mass media to be sexual in nature although it is about the society? How come that there are independent films that can touch different issues concerning the general public without being sexual?

Media always think that sex sells. This is the reason why themes with sexual content or sexual in nature are present in almost every medium. Sex and pornography are being feed to the public without them even knowing it.

There is a thin line between art and pornography, and the distinction is subjective to every person. However, given the definition of the MTRCB under Presidential Decree, Section 7 of 1986 that states, “Material and/or Scenes not Suited for Public Exhibition, applying to contemporary Filipino cultural values and standard, be objectionable for being immoral, indecent or contrary to the law and customs”.“Serbis” , therefore qualifies for being pornographic.

The part where Allan and Merley are doing the bed scene should appear that they are really having sex. If they wanted the seen to be realistic, it does not necessarily mean that they should capture the whole scene as it is or focused on private parts of the actor and actress. There are many ways of deceiving the viewers and making them believe that indeed the characters are doing sexual act that are acceptable and which could not corrupt one’s mind even if the he belongs to intended audience who are above 18 years of age.

The part where a gay is performing oral sex to Ronald can also be considered as pornographic. The focus shot of the gay doing the act was unnecessary. They could establish the scene without being too vulgar. This also applies on the parts where gays and male prostitutes are doing sexual acts inside the movie house.

Even if the MTRCB had rated the movie as R-18 therefore allowing it to be shown on the intended group of audience, still, there is no assurance of viewer regulation. It is because anyone could actually get a copy from stores that sell pirated CDs and DVDs regardless of age. Monitoring and controlling the mass production of the film is hard to do especially nowadays where media believes that sex sells.

The Philippines being a Christian country abide strictly on the teachings of the church. Morality is equated to one’s dignity as a person and as a member of the society. Although the country’s face is slowly evolving from being traditional and conservative to being bold and liberal, the Philippine mass media should not forget their role as catalysts on the rapid changes that every Filipino undergoes because of them being an influential tool.

Film makers should be sensitive in choosing what to show, how to show and where to show their piece of art. If their aim is to promote realism, they are free to do so, as long as they carry with them the social responsibility of being a media practitioner.

One can be realistic without being indecent and immoral. One can deviate without being offensive to one’s culture and belief. One can be a showstopper without being controversial.