Todo Todo Teros (2006)

I won’t pretend that I completely understand every piece that was placed in the bewildering puzzle that is John Torres’ “Todo Todo Teros”, but my inability to fully grasp this beguiling Filipino film doesn’t mean that I don’t have the right to say that I enjoyed it. Although I would have to admit that my mind was initially drifting as I was hypnotized by its melancholic voiceover and its mesmeric score, I know I loved every minute of it as I truly felt I was taken into its heart – and yes it is most notable that the film truly has one. Beyond comprehending its socio-political statements (which I’d rather not tap into, to avoid the risk of simply speaking bullshit), what I value most about this film is the emotional experience it gave me while seeing it. Accompanied by lyrical poetry and intriguing passages, the film is intimate as it is spellbinding. The raw lines and how they were delivered are so sincere and evocative, every spoken word lingers. John Torres definitely knows how to tell a story and he does so almost effortlessly through the use of seemingly random but gorgeously-shot images, brilliantly assembled in the most thought-provoking scenes and sequences; unquestionably, it is guerilla filmmaking at its finest. And just when you think it’s simply going around in circles, Torres masterfully makes a full turn tying up all the elements in its haunting conclusion - you really just have to see it to believe it because frankly, there is no other film like it. As one of the scenes in the film had characters talking about how beautiful Filipino culture was before the Spaniards arrived - this film is something Filipinos that can truly be proud of because of its honesty, beauty and originality. Simply put, “Todo Todo Teros” stands out as one of, if not, the best Filipino film I’ve seen.

PS: I got my copy of the film through a film market sponsored by a student organization here in the Philippines, probably a year and a half ago. I’m not sure if the screenings are over but I know it’s also recently featured in the UP Film Institute’s line-up for early this year. Nonetheless I’m certain there will be more opportunities to see this film and I oblige anyone who can appreciate a good film to catch this rare gem.