After watching Ice Idanan’s Sakaling Di Makarating last weekend, I was on the fence about it being a rip-off of “That Thing Called Tadhana” or perhaps just ‘a way better storytelling’ ala-Before Sunrise trilogy which ‘Tadhana” obviously tried to emulate. What I didn’t consider is the message within the film. Sakaling Di Makarating in comparison to the profanity-laden “Tadhana” has a much deeper message and obviously is more aesthetically pleasing.
What initially enticed me to watch the film is that it features the diverse beauty of the Philippines. Its beautiful landscapes being one of the focal points of the story should be a fantastic watch for a traveler like myself yeah? Then I found out that Alessandra de Rossi will star in it and I was absolutely sold! I knew I have to see this on the big screen.
A series of mysterious hand-illustrated postcards take a young woman on a journey throughout the Philippines in search of its anonymous writer.
The film didn’t disappoint with its aesthetic value. It felt like you’re traveling with Cielo (de Rossi) here – discovering the beauty of this tropical country whilst accompanying Cielo on her search for M.
Cielo’s journey is a way for her to alleviate her pain and find the answers to the many whys of her failed relationship. Cielo, for all her strength, is only human, though. She’s in the process of grieving and trying to decipher what her next move will be. Her journey to finding the postcard sender, M, is her journey to finding herself again. Some of us call it soul-searching, but more than anything else, I’d like to think that it’s finding a reason to live again. The places she’s been to, I’d like to think, have made her realize that there’s so much more to life.
The storyline, however, felt a bit disjointed for me. It’s like I’m watching a movie within a movie; rather, it felt like watching two films altogether. The connection between the first and latter parts of the film was startlingly obvious, but it felt forced. Good thing the kid who played Sol (Teri Malvar) is an absolute joy to watch! When the spotlight was focused on her, ‘girl, just kick some ass like no other.
I have to be honest, though. I actually enjoyed the latter part of the film more. The beginning, which I find a bit mechanical, was too reminiscent of ‘That Thing Called Tadhana.’ The dialogue was a bit off, and Paul’s character was unnecessary in my opinion. The short affair involving Manuel (JC Santos) was a rather welcome distraction from the bleak narrative of the first half of the film. The parallelism of their scenes in connection to M in the latter part was just too clever! I just loved how apt it was. I’m not sure if it’s just me who thought of it, but if you think about it, there’s a rather eerie similarity.
Overall, this film was able to deliver a solid ending. The story may or may not work for many, but I’d love for it to have a sequel! I want a storyline with more of Paul in it. Maybe I’m just not giving him a chance. The story could be everybody’s story about struggling not only with their love life but also with our daily struggles while looking for an escape. The film won’t fix your problems, but it will inspire you to go out there. Have the courage to search for what you’re looking for, and as corny as it may sound, you have to remember that you only live once.
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars
Directed by Ice Idanan
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, Teri Malvar, JC Santos, Pepe Herrera
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