Katapusang Labok

Katapusang Labok

ABSTRACT

Alonso, A.E. (2012). Katapusang Labok. Unpublished Student Thesis, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication

Katapusang Labok is set in a quiet seaside town, north of Cebu, where fisher folks face the harsh reality of human-induced environmental conditions. Fueled by the consequences of dwindling marine resources, Randy, a late 20’s fisherman, has delved into the world of cockfighting. He wants to make his first try in the town’s derby. His mother tells him that he can find hope and luck if he participates in the city’s Solemn Procession for the feast of the Señor Santo Niño. At the same time, Tonyo, a fellow fisher folk, invites Randy to take part in their fight against the coral harvesters. Ultimately, Randy has to make a choice between the struggle and devotion to the Santo Niño.

Religious influences push the protagonist to employ metaphysical means i.e. superstitious and ceremonial activities to aid his gambling. This is how religion in this post-colonialist culture functions as an ideological state apparatus that reinforces the status quo. However, Katapusang Labok aims to adopt a materialist view. With this, it shows that understanding faith with its’ underlying socio-political and economic conditions, one can create and set his or her own conditions on religion. Katapusang Labok suggests that the resolution to the contradiction is derived from a conscious internal decision that is geared towards the struggle because; as long as there is oppression, there is resistance.

Key Words: Motion Picture, Post-colonialism, Sociology of Religion, Marxism, Fisher folks, Resistance

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