John Arcilla calls out public’s way of turning national issues into memes, jokes
John Arcilla criticized the public’s tendency to turn national issues and crimes into memes and jokes, saying this could make people lose sight of the weight of the wrongdoing.
Arcilla made the remarks during the red carpet premiere of his new film “HB2ME” on Monday, Aug. 10, where he was asked about being politically outspoken as a public personality.
The actor said he has continued speaking out despite sometimes feeling that his posts do not always create the impact he hopes for.
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“We have to be more creative in trying to reach out to our kababayans, kasi whether we like it or not, iba-iba kasi ang level ng understanding,” he told reporters.
Arcilla then pointed out how serious crimes and issues are sometimes reduced to sources of entertainment online.
“Pero minsan masyado na nating ginagawang meme, ginagawa na nating trivial ‘yung mga crime,” he said. “Kaya lumalabnaw ‘yung crime ng mga nagkakasala, kasi pinagtatawanan na natin, ginagawa nating comedy.”
“I mean we can always rationalize satire. Pero ang mas maraming audience at mamamayan, hindi naman nila na-appreciate ‘yung satire,” he added.
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Turning down projects
Arcilla also revealed that he has turned down projects that did not align with his personal values. Among these was an offer from a politician to portray his life story.
“Kasi whether we like it or not, campaign ‘yun eh. At magagamit na ‘yun habang buhay,” he said, adding that he deliberately quoted a very high fee because he did not want to take on the project.
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“Kung hindi mo kapareho nung value yung gagawin mong kwento, hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na para lang akong lawyer na kung sino ‘yung kliyente tatanggapin ko,” he said. “Pwede ko rin gawin ‘yun, kaya lang hindi ko kaya eh. Hindi ko kaya.”/edv
Why he speaks out
Arcilla said his decision to speak about political and social issues is not because of his personal economic interests.
“Kasi honestly speaking, hindi naman tayo affected economically speaking bakit tayo nagsasalita,” he said. “Gusto natin ang ating binabayaran na tax ay napupunta sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap.”
The veteran actor pointed to disasters such as flooding that affects less fortunate communities because they have fewer resources.
“So, akala nila nagsasalita kami dahil sa politika, para sa amin hindi. Para sa mga kababayan natin,” Arcilla emphasized.
‘HB2ME’
Meanwhile, Arcilla currently stars in the dark comedy-thriller-drama “HB2ME,” where he plays Del Ramirez, the father of Jonathan Ramirez, portrayed by Elijah Canlas.
The film follows Jonathan, a young man traumatized by his father’s cruel birthday pranks. Determined to get back at his father, Jonathan stages a fake kidnapping, only for the plan to uncover a dangerous secret involving his family.
Other cast members include Carmi Martin, Alexa Miro, Criza Taa, Archie Alemania, and Matt Lozano, among others.
Arcilla said one of the film’s lessons centers on the relationship between parents and their children, particularly when their values clash.
“May mga values kasi ‘yung magulang na parang, in contrast with the values of the kid,” he said. “Ang lesson is, kahit gaano mo kamahal ang anak mo, pag mali ang resources mo, mali ka pa rin.”
“HB2ME” is set to premiere in cinemas on Aug. 19.