What if the Philippines was never colonized by the Spaniards, Americans, or Japanese? Imagine a history where our islands remained independent, with no foreign powers shaping our government, religion, culture, or beliefs.
Would we be united or divided, knowing that the Philippines is made up of thousands of diverse islands and ethnic groups? How would our identity as Filipinos evolve if we came from multiple sovereign kingdoms? Would loyalty to the nation stem from serving those in power or from how we treat one another? These intriguing questions lay the foundation for “The Kingdom,” one of the entries in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Directed by Michael Tuviera, the film takes us on a journey through alternate Philippine history, exploring a “what if” scenario that challenges our understanding of the country’s past and what could have been.In this reimagined world, “The Kingdom” directly engages with the social divisions that persist in the Philippines today. It explores the complex layers of society—from farmers and workers to the elite and noble classes—asking how these divisions would affect our roles and values in society. How do these social hierarchies shape how do we stand up for ourselves and assert our place in the world? Set in the Kingdom of Kalayaan, the nation is governed by a monarchy led by Lakan Makisig Nandula (Vic Sotto), a powerful and authoritarian ruler. The central conflict emerges as the Lakan struggles with deciding which of his three children—Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), or Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez)—will inherit the throne.The question is not just about who will rule, but what kind of future the country will face with each of them in charge. Especially, each of the royal children has a distinct personality, which is not immediately obvious in their portrayals that add depth and complexity to the unfolding drama
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