In the world of movies, the plot is often built around coincidence, loss and unexpected obstacles. Characters find themselves in difficult situations because they cannot reach each other, are lost in an unknown place, or do not know who to trust. But what if they were able to use modern technology?
Today, if someone is missing, all you need to do is track a phone by the number to find out their location. By the way, modern apps may help people to track loved ones, protect data, find lost items, and even prevent disasters. But just imagine how the plots of iconic Filipino movies could change if the characters could use such solutions.
So let us get a little imaginative and take a look at some famous Filipino movies as examples of how and what technologies could have changed their outcomes and how these same technologies can help in real life.
“On the Job” (2013) - Technology to Avoid Kidnapping
This crime thriller is based on true events and reveals a shocking scheme: criminals are temporarily released from prison to carry out contract killings. The victims find themselves in complete isolation, and investigations into such crimes last for years.
By the way, according to the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation, more than 35,000 people go missing in the country every year, and 40% of cases go unsolved. If more people used geolocation technology, this percentage could be significantly reduced.
So, what solution would help both the characters in the movie and be useful in reality? The answer is the Number Tracker app. Geolocation technology and real-time location tracking could have played a key role in saving the victims. Had they had a location tracking app installed, the situation could have unfolded differently:
Alerting loved ones: If victims had the app installed, they could have sent their location to family or friends in advance.
Real-time surveillance and notifications: Relatives would be able to see the real-time movements of loved ones on a map, receive notifications when they have arrived at a certain location (or not receive them and notice something wrong in time).
Assist the investigation: Even after the disappearance, the last recorded coordination would help the investigation to solve the case faster.
“Four Sisters and a Wedding” (2013) - Preventing Family Conflicts
Family relationships are always a complex and delicate matter, especially when it comes to major changes in the lives of loved ones. In the movie Four Sisters and a Wedding, four sisters are convinced that their younger brother is making a fatal mistake by going to marry the wrong woman. Instead of supporting him, they try to prevent the wedding (which leads to more tension and reveals old family resentments). However, people will be able to avoid many of the conflicts in case the characters had used modern technology to improve their communication and understanding of each other.
How could technology have helped? Amidst the emotional heat, the sisters would benefit from an objective mediator - and this is where artificial intelligence, or more specifically an AI family counselor, comes to the rescue. Modern neural networks can analyze a person's emotional state, suggest strategies for constructive dialogue and help smooth out sharp edges in conflicts. For example, chatbots based on cognitive psychology can offer sisters to look at the situation through their brother's eyes and even model possible scenarios of events. In addition, family chatbots with voice and video messaging would be a great solution. Group chats such as FamilyWall or Between would allow siblings to discuss the situation ahead of time, sharing their concerns in a more comfortable format, without yelling or pressure.
Tip: If arguments often arise in your family, try using family discussion apps to be able to communicate, plan important events, and minimize conflict.
“Siargao” (2017) - No More Navigation Problems
The movie “Siargao” is not only a love story, but also an immersion into the culture of island life. However, even the most beautiful places can be a challenge if travelers are unprepared. In an unfamiliar area without a stable cell phone signal, the characters in the movie face difficulties that can be avoided by using modern technology.
Autonomous navigation apps could be the solution:
GPS maps that work without the internet (such as Maps.me) would have helped the characters not get lost on the island.
Satellite technologies such as Garmin inReach would allow heroes to connect with the outside world even in remote locations.
Useful technologies for traveling
Technology | How does it help? | Apps Examples |
Offline maps | Allows you to navigate without internet | Maps.me, Google Maps (offline) |
Satellite communication | Helps you call for help in areas without a network | Garmin inReach, Spot X |
Translators | Simplify communication abroad | Google Translate, SayHi |
Baggage tracking | Allows you to find a lost suitcase | Tile, Apple AirTag |
“Aurora” (2018) - Find People Faster
The movie “Aurora” combines mysticism and the horror of shipwrecks. According to the plot, passengers disappear without a trace, and the search for survivors turns into a hopeless struggle with the unknown. However, in real life, rescue technology is constantly evolving, and many tragedies actually could be prevented.
Technology for rescue: thermal imaging drones and waterproof GPS beacons.
After a shipwreck, it is especially important to quickly locate survivors, especially if they are in the water. Drones with thermal imaging cameras can find people even when it is dark or visibility is poor, greatly increasing the chances of rescue. In addition, if GPS beacons were installed on board the ship, they would give rescuers the exact coordinates of the disaster, which would shorten the search time. Systems such as Ocean Signal or ACR ResQLink are used in maritime navigation and help to quickly locate a ship in distress.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), about 2,000 people go missing every year as a result of maritime accidents. The use of thermal imaging drones increases the chances of rescue by 40%, while GPS beacons can reduce search time by an average of 60%.
“Barcelona: A Love Untold” (2016) - The Solution for Couples
Long-distance love is one of the most difficult challenges for a relationship. In the movie “Barcelona: A Love Untold” the main characters are forced to live in different countries, overcoming not only the physical distance, but also the emotional barriers arising from the separation. Lack of live communication, longing for a loved one and difficulties in keeping in touch - all this makes long-distance relationships especially vulnerable. However, modern technology could ease their situation by making the distance less tangible.
The solution here is virtual reality for couples. VR-technology would enable the heroes to feel close to each other, even when they are thousands of kilometers away from each other. Instead of standard video calls, heroes could “meet” in virtual space - walk together through the streets of Barcelona, watch movies in a virtual theater or even have dinner at the same table, despite the thousands of kilometers between them. VR apps like VRChat and Spatial already allow users to interact in the digital world as if they were side by side.
Tip for long-distance couples: Try joint VR activities - like virtual walks or games - that can help create a sense of shared leisure time. Moreover, plan regular online meetings in an unusual format - i.e. it should not just be a call, but a fully-fledged virtual date.
The Future Is Already Here - Take Advantage of It
We are used to seeing movie characters face dramatic twists of fate, but what if technology changed their stories? Smartphones, GPS, AI and VR are already helping millions of people avoid loss, stay safe and even strengthen relationships. Maybe it is time to stop waiting for the scriptwriters and start using these solutions in our own lives? After all, sometimes one app can be a lifesaver - in movies and in reality.