PISAY (2007)

Auraeus Solito
Comedy, Drama, Non-fiction

I. Introduction

From young freshman love, to the struggles of homesickness and pressure, up until to
political awareness and personal dreams and societal expectations, Solito’s Pisay is a
sentimental coming-of-age story that manifests the realities of many science high school
students. Based on real experiences, the film tackles the student life of the country’s
intelligentsia during the waning years of the Marcos Era.

The title of the film was coined from the official nickname of the government-funded
specialized training ground for the nation’s future scientists and mathematicians, Philippine
Science High School (PSHS). Established under Republic Act 3661, the PSHS was founded to
offer free scholarship to deserving math and science-oriented students. Through rigorous
examination, high academic standards and expectations, tremendous amount of workload and
healthy competition, PSHS produced a close-knit community that is ultimately known for its
own unique culture and identity.

The film is divided into four chapters, each with a different central character and story
to tell. Although it is based from real-life events, it maintains a relatable touch through tales of
love, courage, perseverance and determination. It also tackles important societal issues and
political themes, often imparted through academic terms, which reminded us of our
responsibility as citizens and students and what it truly means to be educated. PIsay was not
merely about high school students dealing with calculus problems, science experiments, and
biology exams. Pisay is a deviation from typical coming-of-age stories because it tackled
important social issues such as political activism and breaking barriers built by society.

II. Plot Synopsis

 In the midst of the tumult of the ending Martial Law in the Third World nation in the
beginning of 1980s, six adolescents in the top secondary school for the sciences find themselves
as they experience the delights and agonies of youthfulness. They were part of the main two
hundred understudies throughout the Philippines who passed the examination for the
Philippine Science High School, which was made with the end goal of giving an instruction
profoundly improved in the Sciences to particularly skilled Filipino youngsters. Chosen from the
best and brightest throughout the nation, they studied college-level courses in science and
mathematics. The individuals who can make it are hailed as the future science and innovation
pioneers of the New Republic, the individuals who don't are esteemed lamentable casualties of
normal determination. They all learn, however, that they are neither segregated from this
present reality, nor are they exempted from living genuine lives. They locate the world outside,
ejecting into the People Power upset in 1986 against the Marcos tyranny.

Minggoy, Rom, Mat, Euri, Daki, Wena, Andy, and Liway are among the two hundred
understudies who passed the examination for Pisay. Their first year tells the young love story of
Rom and Wena, united by the all-inclusive need to fit in despite the fact that they appear to be
completely different. The accounts of Mat were then narrated in their second year, a child from
the province who battles to prevail in his reviews against variables like bullying and
homesickness. The third year depicted the symbiotic story of Liway and Andy, whose
relationship transformed from outright indifference to a strong bond of friendship and
teamwork. Lastly, the inspiring story of Euri, a student with an intense passion for the creative
arts but caught in the cold realms of science. The film also related Minggoy’s battle with brain
tumor.

III. Themes

Aside from tackling the importance of education, Pisay also explored the unstable
realms of love. Probably its predominant theme, the film manifested that youthful passion is
not always greedy and immature, sometimes, it is also capable of something selfless. When
both Rom and Wena acknowledged that their relationship is not working for the both of them,
they made the decision to peacefully part to let each other grow and develop. Furthermore, it
showed that relationships should be “symbiotic,” and that it is all about compromise. For
something to work out, both parties must benefit through a give-and-take manner.

The importance of love for one’s self was also emphasized. When Euri Calo was torn
between his own dream and society’s expectations, he broke the barrier of conventionality that
is stopping him from pursuing his aspirations. He refused to conform to the mold other people
had set for him. Instead, he chose to be himself and was brave enough to cast his fears and
doubts aside. More than that, familial love was evident throughout the movie; Rom and
Mateo’s hard work stems from making their families proud.

Furthermore, the film’s claim of patriotism was substantiated by the political awareness
and activism present throughout the narration. It raised relevant social and political issues,
most of them not given enough attention, such as the struggles of indigenous people, lack of
free and affordable education, poverty and Martial Law.

IV. Visual Elements

The "Best Photography Award" that Pisay received is well-deserved. Even from the start,
the film really captured the audience's sense of beauty. The color blending used in the said film
really showed what year the character's are in. It emanates the 1970’s vibe through its popular
color palette of warm and earthy colors. In terms of background décor and props, they made
use of the Philippine Science building itself—a utilitarian and practical look that further
emphasizes the believability of the film. The overall get-up and wardrobe of the characters,
along with their facial expressions and body language also added to the visual elements.
Wena’s feminine and sophisticated gestures, Ms. Cansas’ confident gait up until to Liway’s
assertive stance— all aptly portrayed each of the character’s beliefs and personality.

V. Conclusion

Auraeus Solito’s Pisay talks about how the lives of a bunch of kids were changed as they
made their way through that part of life they will remember fondly as their “Pisay days,”
Though the film has its flaws, Pisay is quite the experience. Solito brought out simple truths of
life, or a memory of cherished days. It shows how the initial needs for romance and stipend are
gradually replaced by political awareness which inadvertently transforms to activism. These
students were portrayed as the brilliant and sensitive students of Pisay – and how the 80s
affected their lives on the time when President Ferdinand Marcos lifted Martial Law in 1981.

The film also presented important lessons, specifically on how it handled political themes
that make it more memorable and accessible and probably the definitive high school movie of
the era. The transformation of Solito’s characters is not only touching, it is also moving. They
had the search for their true selves and have something to offer – seeing where all their talents
end up. The film may not always have a point on its stories and satisfying conclusions but it is
still pretty compelling.

Unlike other films, Pisay managed to tell stories from different point of views. Each
character has their own story to tell, but all of them are grounded to the courageous and
striving spirit of the human person. We were particularly inspired by Euri’s dilemma. Euri’s
passion isn’t on discussing scientific theories and methods but rather, it lies on creative pursuits
like directing and writing plays. This is a problem since he is studying in a science high school,
where he is expected to take up science-related courses. Most of us can relate to his story
because just like him, we are under the dilemma of choosing between what we want and what
everyone expects us to do. However, like what Euri said, “pag-12 ka ba or 13, alam mo na kung
anong gusto mo?” Euri’s story left a mark in all of us and served as a reminder that we should
pursue what really love.

Pisay also manifested that a good education means a good investment. It changes the fact
that education is not only for improving the quality of life of one’s self, but to be able to
support and contribute to their society. Martial Law had already ended yet Pisay got its job
done – to simply inform that there are still human rights violation, poverty and lack of social
services. By offering something that most of teenage stories fail to bring, Pisay is definitely a
deviation from the norm, bringing into the table a fresh and compelling story that tackles the
harsh reality and the responsibilities attributed to growing up.