"Bona," story of obsession - tragedy of the fan turned fanatic

"There's always a 'Bona' in all of us!"


That's what I said to myself after watching the modernized adaptation of great Pinoy classic film "Bona" starring Nora Aunor. The new 'Bona' is portrayed by Eugene Domingo, now transposed onto stage, brought to us by The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).


Bona” is a story of obsession, the tragedy of the fan turned fanatic. It delves into what causes an otherwise sensible girl to throw discretion and self-respect to the wind to serve her beloved. In the fan-atical context of Philippine entertainment, it is a story that needs to be told. Bona is a die-hard fan of Gino Sanchez, played by Edgar Allan Guzman, a contestant on a television talent search show titled "Star of Tomorrow."

I started second-guessing myself as to my behavior around celebrities, and I have to say that, short of an actual meet-and-greet situation, I don't even go anywhere near them unless there's a one-on-one interview or press cons. People I admire I might think about approaching, and have--I always encourage my friends to go up and say something to the people they really admire--but I rarely do. I'm a choosy and lousy fan!


The word "fan," as applied to a person who is an admirer of an entertainer, sports team, author or anyone in the public eye. The term is an abbreviation of the word "fanatic" and since it is related to that word, often has a negative connotation.

I'd guess celebrities are (must be) cordial because, while they may be naturally friendly, they are also have to be keenly aware that their without fans they'd be their without careers. And it used to be that many entertainers would welcome fans backstage for a brief chat, an autograph and a grip-and-grin photo.


Fanaticism (for me) offers escape, cheap thrills, and idealized plus perfection, and the trapped, bored, and nondescript citizen laps them up as though they were the perfect alternative to the grossly imperfect reality of his life. In truth, the movies/TV/entertainment offer no alternative at all, since alternatives must be first real and accessible in order to be viable. The illusion proffered by our movies/teleseryes is ultimately nothing more than sad delusion. But the diehard fan agrees to be deluded. He is happy to believe the beautiful lies of the cinema/teleseryes, because, by his gnomic standards, a beautiful lie is better than ugly truth of existence. For most fans, this delusion is just a lark, a temporary psychic vacation from the hard facts of living, a pleasant daydream from which he can awaken with no serious hangovers.

For a few, however, the delusion becomes their new reality, and their lives are wrecked by it. They become so totally wrapped up in their film idols that they lose their own sense of self, and self-worth. The idol becomes everything, the fan is reduced to nothing. The name of the psychological game of is obsession.

Bona” was originally written as a teleplay by Cenen Ramones featuring Laurice Guillen (Bona) and Ruel Vernal (Gardo). PETA is showing "Bona" from August 24, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until September 23. For more information contact 725-6244, 0917-5765400, petatheater@gmail.com, or www.petatheater.com.

Will “Bona’s” tragic story open the eyes of our movie/teleserye fans and teach them to be less obsessive?

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2 comments:

c uge swerte tlga khit sino sino na nahahalikan mga actors

August 27, 2012 at 6:03 AM comment-delete

This is a very good analysis of the stage play. There are so many people out there who are just like "Bona", and I agree with you that this is a good eye opener for them.

August 27, 2012 at 5:04 PM comment-delete