ABS-CBN vs Indigenous Peoples On ‘Bagani’

ABS-CBN released a press statement clarifying the intentions of their show Bagani. This was brought about by the statement of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on the misuse of the term “Bagani.” Meanwhile, netizens on Twitter talk about how the show fared on its first episode and what they think about Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, the storyline and the rest of the cast.

Earlier this year, Liza Soberano was also in hot waters for defending her Filipino nationality on Twitter. This was after netizens criticized her for not being 100 percent Filipino for roles that actually portray real pinoy characters like Darna and Ganda.

Indigenous People asks ABS-CBN To rectify use of ‘Bagani’

The NCIP released an official statement asking ABS-CBN to clarify the use of the term “Bagani.” The statement reads, “The Bagani is real, not a fictional and not even a mythological group of warriors which the ABS-CBN TV series would like to portray.”

The group adds that the show “distorts, misleads, and confuses rather than educate,” because the show portrays Bagani as fictional and mythological. Check Facebook post below.

After a few hours, ABS-CBN took to the Internet and released a statement defending the intentions of the fantaserye. The statement reads, “The concept of ABS-CBN’s new fantaserye “Bagani” is to feature warriors, protectors, and heroes who espouse Filipino values and beliefs.”

According to ABS-CBN, the production team researched for a term that “embodies a champion who fights for the common good of his tribe or family.” They believe that the term “Bagani” best represents the traits the show wants to highlight.

They add that the show has no intention to disrespect the Indigenous Peoples, but they hope to spread values, morals, and ethics found in a ‘Bagani.”

LizQuen receive backlash for their roles in ‘Bagani’

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, who are mixed-raced Filipino, appear as darker as they are as brown-faced people in the trailer of the show before the premiere.

In an article by Inquirer, ABS-CBN Star Creatives head writer Mark Angos defends the show saying the script called for “desert people.” This meant sand and dirt stuck to their skin, making them brown.

In a Twitter post, Angos said, “‘Bagani’ is set in a fictional world called Sansinukob.” This meant that they are not trying to portray pre-colonial Filipinos.

Starring Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano, Matteo Guidicelli, Sofia Andres and Makisig Morales, “Bagani” is a fantasy teleserye on ABS-CBN. The show about the life and struggles of five groups in an alternate world called Sansinukob.

“Bagani” is part of ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida block, replacing “La Luna Sangre’s” in the timeslot.

With the show’s pilot’s official hashtag, #UnangSabakNgBagani, see what people think of the show with 449 thousand tweets so far.

Game of Thrones + Clash/Wrath of the Titans + Vikings + Apocalypto + the usual Filipino ‘inapi pero marangal’ story = Bagani. #UnangSabakNgBagani

— ToniTony (@iamtonitony) March 5, 2018

Say hi to those who criticized the story, characters and bashed this serye without even knowing the whole concept of the story and seeing the pilot ep. The solid production may have proved you all wrong. Hehe peace #UnangSabakNgBagani

— Kella Nicole (@AttyEllanice) March 5, 2018

ABS-CBN HD IS AWESOME!
AND I’M HOOKED ALREADY, ON A FANASERYE, THAT HASNT HAPPENED BEFORE. IT’S SUCH A VISUAL FEAST. RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTION DESIGNERS. #UnangSabakNgBagani

— pao (@paoacflores) March 5, 2018

NCIP’s statement regarding the misuse of the term ‘Bagani’

ABS-CBN’s official Press Statement