Written by Aundrea Joy Levanza
Art by Jayvee Fulgencio
Disney UK presents a simple but heartwarming short animation of a Lola and her granddaughter for their Christmas advert. It starts with a scene of Lola at a young age in 1940, capturing the unique tradition of pagmamano. Captured in the first scenes is her father returning and handing her a classic Mickey Mouse stuffed toy as a pasalubong. A few years have passed to 2005, and the animation presents Lola having a granddaughter. They shared the fascination of handcrafting parols every Christmas. Lola has also passed down the Mickey Mouse stuffed toy to her granddaughter.
A montage is shown as the granddaughter grows up to become a young adult. She has slowly lost interest in their bond of making parols to light up their home. Her Lola is disheartened. She leaves the living room cold and undecorated. The young woman comes home to a deserted house. She notices the worn out Mickey Mouse plush. The camera pans to pictures of her Lola through the years, and there is a sudden realization that her Lola was there throughout all she's been through.
The way the granddaughter resolves this conflict is touching. As usual, Disney crafts a stirring and magical ending that hits too close to home. The symbolism is quite obvious, too, as it will be revealed that the Mickey Mouse stuffed toy represents the close and familial bond between the granddaughter and Lola. It reminds us that the times may change and people grow up, but a bond between family members will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s a reminder to go back to our roots and to show our loved ones appreciation.
What made this animation catch so much attention on the internet is the touching story behind a non-dialog animation. The story had a narrative that was simple but well-presented; it had the universal appeal. A lot of families have already lost an elderly family member, especially during the time of a pandemic. People can’t immediately go back home and reunite with families due to the lack of transportation either. It reminded themselves of their own Lolas and Lolos back home. The animation was timely, in that way, as it made the viewers resonate with the story. It also suggested cultural diversity as it presented the little details such as the kayumanggi-colored skin of the characters, pagmamano, parol-making, and the craft materials kept inside a tin can. These were the small details that made it so Filipino in its own ways.
The advert was so keen to the details that they didn’t just simply present a tear-jerking Christmas story; it also showcased how different family traditions are innate in Filipino Christmas culture. The advert itself is a tribute well-thought of to the rich Filipino heritage. ‘This is the first time I’ve felt so represented,’ Filipinos remarked on Twitter. Cultural representation and diversity have always been one of the strong points in any form of media, and Disney pulled it off exceptionally.
If there was a word to associate with this ad, it would be ‘nostalgia’ as it reminded a lot of people of their close relations with their Lolas back home. Disney really made it clear what the ad was all about as it reminded the viewers of the importance of family togetherness, close relations, and keeping traditions which is especially needed in the time of a pandemic.
If you haven’t seen the advert, you can check it out here.
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