Duterte’s first Sona draws cheers, jeers from netizens

PRESIDENT Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona) drew praises and criticisms from netizens, who particularly noticed the directing style of Cannes award-winning filmmaker Brillante Mendoza.

They pointed out the varying camera angles during Duterte’s more-than-an-hour speech, which included worm’s eye view shots.

Some called it “classy” and “artsy,” while others said some angles were unnecessary.

“Very classy ang shots ni Brillante Mendoza. Nasanay lang tayo sa static shots ng mga previous SONA. Change is coming nga e,” wrote one Nathaniel de Castro (@NathanielJVC).

“May mga bagay talagang di mo agad ma-gets tulad ng angled shots ni Mr. Brillante Mendoza sa SONA ni Pres. Duterte,” said Ed Salamera.

“Nakakahilo ung camera work sa Sona! Goal ba ni Brillante Mendoza makita natin ung buhok sa ilong ni Du30????” Boy Lemonade tweeted.

Some netizens were left wondering if the unconventional shots had “greater meaning,” while others said they were “confused.”

“Sec. Andanar said the Sona will be an emotional and [a moving] one, how come the people inside Batasan kept laughing?  Anyare Brillante Mendoza?” @YvesRomFlores tweeted.

“Sabagay, it does feel like a Brillante Mendoza film–watered down–pero same effect in the end. You exit slightly confused and upset. Pwede,” said Nash Tysmans.

“Dahil Brillante Mendoza ito, may deeper meaning ba yung shots na focused sa kamay? Our future is in his hands? His hands carry his words?” Audry Domasian tweeted. YG

Here’s what other netizens have to say:

Very classy ang shots ni Brillante Mendoza. Nasanay lang tayo sa static shots ng mga previous SONA. Change is coming nga e. #SONA2016

— Nathaniel Castro (@NathanielJVC) July 25, 2016

May Rotten Tomatoes at IMDb reviews na kaya ang SONA 2016 directed by Brillante Mendoza???

— Rocky Zafranco (@rocksadoodles) July 25, 2016

Sec. Andanar said the SONA will be an emotional and movig one, how come the people inside Batasan kept laughing? anyare Brillante Mendoza?

— PaBibo (@YvesRomFlores) July 25, 2016

First live indie film: SONA 2016. Directed by Brillante Mendoza.

— Peter Jerome Reyes (@peterjamesjohn) July 25, 2016

May mga bagay talagang di mo agad ma-gets tulad ng angled shots ni Mr. Brillante Mendoza sa SONA ni Pres. Duterte. #SONA2016

— Edel Salamera (@incrEDELble) July 25, 2016

Wow Brillante Mendoza pala naghahandle ng SONA. No wonder the camera angles are artsy.

— owl (@OwlWillRead) July 25, 2016

If what Brillante Mendoza meant by “we will see the real Duterte” is seeing the President’s brain through his nostrils, well… #DuterteSONA

— Renzo Blanco (@RenzoEnrico_) July 25, 2016

“West. Philippine. Sea.”
Camera focuses on Chinese delegates.
We see what you did there Brillante Mendoza.#SONA2016

— Mikee Nazal (@mikeenazaltoday) July 25, 2016

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