Filipino writer and director Jun Robles Lana (Image: AP via INQUIRER.net)
If there is anyone who can speak about the realities—glossy and otherwise—of Philippine show business, perhaps it is Jun Robles Lana, who is no stranger to the entertainment industry and literary circles.
Lana is an 11-time Palanca Awardee, filmmaker and director of the international award-winning comedy-drama “Die Beautiful” and, recently, “Ang Dalawang Mrs Reyes.” On Wednesday, he took to his Instagram to lament the goings-on in local show biz, expressing his disappointment on managers, specifically those who treat films as just “rakets” or sidelines—a common trajectory, it seems, that pervades the glamorous world of celebrities and talent handlers alike.
“Eto ang kalakaran sa showbiz: pumayag ka na sa cut-off at working hours limit, hihiritan ka pa kung pwedeng irelease agad ang alaga nila sa shoot dahil may ibang raket pa sila,” said Lana.
According to Lana, if people had an ounce of professionalism left in them, they would be reluctant to say making films is just another raket or sideline. “Kaso ganito kagarapal ang showbiz,” said Lana, seemingly speaking from personal experience.
“Tapos nagtataka tayo kung bakit hindi kumikita ang mga pelikula natin ngayon? Mga pelikulang hindi naman talaga pinagbuhusan ng panahon at niraket lang?”
It is unknown who Lana was referring to in his post as he did not drop any names, but his dismay is apparent.
“Ang kakapal naman nating mag-demand sa audience na maglabas ng pera para sa mga pelikulang raket lang para sa atin.” /ra
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