Image from: zerochan.net
I may be late to the Encanto party but over a month since I first saw the movie, I still could not move on from the magic of La Casita and its dwellers.
Like most, I ache for Bruno – the family’s black sheep whose visions of the casita falling apart because of Mirabel drove him into hiding behind its walls – should get a better apology.
Image: geralt from PixabayImage from: zerochan.net
I resonate with Isabela and the many pressures a poster child must go through. Being perfect in every way, achieving all things that our older family members were not able to achieve, and carrying the family’s good reputation can be draining.
Excellent academics, good partner, great job, and perfect image, anyone?
However, if there is anyone in the family that I most resonate with, it is Luisa. The burly, strong, and affectionate character caught the attention of many.
If you come from a Filipino family you probably have this one sibling who takes care of everything and everyone. This is what endears Luisa to everyone.
While Luisa is the middle child, many eldest siblings identify with her character. Are we not always the ones to carry around the burdens of the family?
Image source: Wallpapercarve
A very common scenario is helping the family financially. When you are the Ate or Kuya you are obliged to work double or triple to help send your siblings to school and put food on the table. You are groomed to study well and land a good job in the future. Once you secure that job you will be obliged to give a part (if not all) of your salary to help with the expenses. You are often left with just a little allowance for your daily needs. Often, when you meet someone of the same age who already has travelled, bought a car or a house, or have savings you will feel insecure. But responsibilities over needs and wants, right?
Being the strong one in the family means you are not allowed to show your emotions. Whether you are tired, frustrated, or pained, you need to keep a poker face because, after all, everyone relies on you. Love life issues? Toxic work environments? Rocky friendships? Who has time for all of that?
Image: Mohammed_hassan from Pixabay
Like most, I feel for Luisa. It is never easy being the one that your parents depend upon to handle every drama and problem in the family. I know what it feels like to have just a hundred pesos in my wallet as an allowance for the day when I go to work. I know what it is like to bury my face on a pillow just to muffle the sound of my sobs just so not anyone in the family would know that I am already burdened.
If you ever feel that you are alone… I feel you.
Hopefully, like Luisa in the movie, we could call spade a spade. Let us admit that the pressure is already too much. Let us acknowledge that we can’t always be strong.
But for now, here's my virtual hug to all the Luisa Madrigals reading this.
