Truth through Fiction: A Whistleblower Review

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To say that the Filipino people is bound to forget history is either a misplaced comment or simply an inevitable phobia of a nation that has been enduring a chronic crisis for centuries. Somewhere between that, the “Whistleblower” tries to articulate a narrative of a country traumatized, never got justice, and is doomed to forget. 

A few weeks before the most anticipated, if not the closest fight for the presidency, the national elections in the Philipines is reeking with promises and “big words” of change. And, here comes a film about the fête of reactionaries and a nation continued to be plundered, duped. Zeny Roblado, brought to life by Nora Aunor herself, is a timid, obedient accountant who learned the workings of the system, brushed elbows with the politicians themselves, and might even have turned into the monsters she serves.

“Whistleblower” is about these three heroines– Zeny, Lorna Valera (played by Cherry Pie Pacache who gives an unparalleled performance)and Teresa Saicon, the feisty journalist brought to the screen by Angelica Panganiban. With strong characters like these, adding Ms. Laurice Guillen as an unrepentant politician makes it even more real. I often gauge a film’s ability to communicate the narrative by asking viewers if they see themselves in the characters or if they despise them enough that they’ll come out of the cinema wishing these despicable personas remain in their nightmares. And with Ms. Guillen’s performance, I was revolted, not annoyed – in fact she was able to take the veil of pretense off from these two-faced politicians, humanizing them only to find out that they are monsters. The same monsters that woo your vote every elections.

Part of Whistleblower’s appeal to the Filipino audience may come from its relatability – given that it can’t be denied that the premise mirrors current events and scandals in Philippine politics. At some point you may be able to relate some characters and situations with real-life counterparts, especially that the film brilliantly weaves through the storyline in a way that feels so close to home yet without breaking the illusion of being a work of fiction.
The film’s progression to the climax is greatly executed, the journey is rewarding, and the message is empowering.  It had a fast-paced, non-linear plot, which in spite of the quick development of events, was still easy to understand and keep track of.

And for starters, these are not just what make this film remarkable. It took the Filipino thriller as a genre to a level in which it can communicate history, sacrifice, and corruption in 1 and half hours without being a cliché.
In the end, it is what it is: a film about the truth. And, sometimes the best way to tell the truth is through fiction.


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  1. True Nora Aunor is Nora Aunor! Nobody can steal the thunder from her: proof? her numerous awards in foreign films giving body! Thank you for the review enjoyed reading, no funfare unlike the politicians!

  2. I don"t think so. Nora's silent but powerful execution of her character made it even more intense. It is more suave and free flowing. On the other hand, Ms. Picache's role is different. It entails more angst and you will always be drawn to her because of that, attention grabbing if I may use the right word. Both have delivered a very powerful performance, however, I still am awe by Nora's quiet but riveting delivery of her role.

  3. I really hope that Ms. Nora Aunor gets to play a central-character role that is also anti-heroine in nature; so that she stops being stereo-typed for martyr roles.

  4. With Nora's patented subtle acting with a pair of eyes that convey powerful emotions it would be so hard for someone to out do her in an acting duel. You must have the same set of eyes to level with her or else she will eat you in an instant.

    That pair of eyes is intimidating i must say……

    Yes Nora Aunor is Nora Aunor. She wont be the Grand Dame of Philippine cinema for nothing !

  5. With Nora's patented subtle acting with a pair of eyes that convey powerful emotions, over powering her is hard to do. That eyes so powerful will kill the cat in her attempt to outdo her.

  6. With Nora's patented subtle acting with a pair of eyes that convey powerful emotions, over powering her is hard to do. That eyes so powerful will kill the cat in her attempt to outdo her.

  7. But she does it so well, no great. =) From Elsa to Flor, and even Zeny in Whistleblower will go down as iconic characters in Philippine cinema. But yeah, I'm she can be very versatile, a taste of this is her cameo role in Barber's Tales. Wink* Hail the Best Actress of all time

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