Showbiz Periscope

THE MAKING OF JULLIE YAP DAZA'S 'ETIQUETTE FOR MISTRESSES'

By Pablo A. Tariman
Manila
September 26, 2015




        If there is one thing that Direk Chito Roño learned after doing “Etiquette for Mistresses,” it is the fact that he can’t judge people solely on the basis of how society perceives them.


        Indeed the subject is common knowledge among European monarchs the most famous of whom during the time of Louis XV was Madam de Pompadour. There is a Eugene  Delacroix 1825 painting entitled, “Louis d’Orléans Showing His Mistress.”

        Fact or fiction, some so-called mistresses in Philippine society reportedly wielded so much power. Their omnipresence in this predominantly Roman Catholic country resulted in a book called “”Etiquette for Mistresses” penned by newshen Jullie Yap Daza.

        The book  in fact inspired the latest Chito Roño film.

Among some Emily Post-like tips and pieces of advice in the Daza book:

        1. Remind The Husband to pay for everything in cash – dinner, flowers, perfume, champagne, pearls, diamonds, a microwave oven, etc….

        2. Mistresses should be ready to give up Valentine’s Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Holy Week and his birthday (that’s why mistresses are also called “holiday orphans” because of this).

         3. When the husband breaks a date, charge it to fate, not his fecklessness (Men will be boys. They will forget to call. They will break a date at the last minute. They will stand you up. They won’t explain and they won’t ask for forgiveness. But don’t cry nor throw a tantrum. Don’t break down because a mistress is supposed to understand a man more than his wife does).

        Direk Chito said he made sure that these so-called ‘other women’ are treated not just as subjects for social scandals but as victims of social circumstance.

        He points out: “Almost always, they figure in dramatic moments when they are caught by the wife. But the logic and nature of their existence are so different from others. I want to say in my film that they – being what they are – are still capable of empowering themselves. I refuse to see them as helpless human beings destined to be secretly ostracized by society.”

        The members of the cast know exactly what kind of acting  Direk Chito wants in this film.

        Iza Calzado says her role is difficult because it is hard to be really strong in real life. “Direk Chito says the character has to be strong and I have to avoid those soft expressions in my eyes that is a trademark of my romantic films. ‘Walang pabebe dito.’ My court scenes demand that I look businesslike. I am supposed to be the most logical thinker in the group so I have to make sure I don’t register unnecessary emotion.”

        For Kim Chiu, she realized that she had to get rid of her teleserye school of acting to be the strong character Direk Chito wants her to be. “It is hard of course because I am used to that kind of acting. But Direk Chito allowed me to work on something that is good for cinema. I am glad I did this picture because I realized there are other ways of approaching a role. After doing this film, I developed high respect for my character who happens to be a lounge entertainer. I will always remember Direk Chito for this eye-opener.”

        The director likes to think about his film as studies in relationships.  

With this blunt admission, one saw mild shock registering in the faces of Kim, Claudine and Iza.

As for Direk Chito, he is glad he wrapped up this project. “I would not have treated mistresses the way I perceived them say 15 years ago. I tell you this is a woman’s movie and wives can learn a lot from the characters.”

Agree or not, one left the presscon with the voice of  Lani Misalucha  reverberating in my mind and enunciating thus:

You don't own me, I'm not just one of your many toys         You don't own me, don't say I can't go with other boys

        "Etiquette for Mistresses" opens in all theaters September 30.