"You cannot legislate taste.
Freedom must be enjoyed even by people who do not have taste."
(A note made in memory of Armida Siguion Reyna)
Anyway, to keep this note short, this writer is ought to say that despite her passing yesterday at the age of 88, her memories will continue to last, that her contributions in the field of culture overcome her physical death, thus making her immortal and youthful to those who remember, be it because of music, of her acting, and even in civil rights especially those of defending freedom of speech, press, and of course, expression.
And admittingly speaking, this person may hath heard few of her songs; and most of which were quite reflect of her era as those times Filipino music was poetic to the ears; but in the field of cinema in which some of her movies this person watched, she was remembered in her variety of roles, especially villainous ones that capture the attention of every audience during those days.
But, what this person really remembers much was her days taking part in the protests defending civil rights particularly those of expression, especially the time she criticised the former Censor Czar Manoling Morato due to the latter's censorship procedures whose basis was on "preserving public morals" to the extent of attacking good quality films particularly those of controversial character thus affecting Filipino cinema and culture in general.
In an old article, she once described the board of censors (which Manoling Morato was involved) as arrogant and terrible claiming to be as guardians of morals and thus they can tell their children what to do, what to see, and what to read.
"But the ones who make the final decisions are the parents." Armida said. "You cannot relegate that to the church or the school or the government. Eh kung gusto ko ba papanoorin ang anak ko ng 'In the realm of the senses' kahit 12 years old siya, anong pakealam mo? (If I want my kids to watch 'In the realm of the senses' even they're in 12 why bother?) Nowhere in PD 1986 does it say that this board as a guardian of public morals."
And with that statement shows how she defend artistic freedom from those attempting to negate it, especially those who use morality as its basis. "You cannot legislate taste. Freedom must be enjoyed even by people who do not have taste."
From this, no wonder why there are those who appreciate artistic freedom even in this era of repression. For sure in the otherworld she would hath exchanged pleasantries with her colleagues Bernal, Brocka, and Cervantes, laughing if not worrying over a cup of coffee or a glass of beer as they talk about the status not just of Filipino movies, but also of culture.
Need not to explain further tho, but for sure to rekindle some memories, for sure there are those, if not everyone will end settled listening to Jon Santos as he imitates the late Chanteuse with humour especially during his stand-up comedy shows. Sorry for the thought tho, but with all her actions, Armida Siguion Reyna shows how culture, expression should be cherished.