Batac beckons: A tribute through film

The call to Batac came with a resonance deeper than mere geography. This northern city in Ilocos Norte is not just a destination; it is a return to roots, a place where family stories breathe in the air and history lingers in the soil. Soon, I will journey there to take part in a film project led by a team of young artists. The invitation came through the recommendation of filmmaker Zig Dulay, whose trust and artistry I have long admired. To be remembered by him, and to be asked to lend my presence to this endeavor, is a reminder of the relationship that sustains our creative industry.

Director Zig Dulay’s works have carved a distinct place in Philippine cinema. His “Paglipay” (2016), which won him Best Director at the ToFarm Film Festival, is a stirring exploration of love and tradition among the Aeta community. “Bagahe” (2017), a harrowing yet compassionate look at human trafficking, earned international recognition for its courage and depth. “Bambanti” (2015), which won Best Film at the CineFilipino Film Festival, tackled poverty and prejudice with unflinching honesty. These films, along with his contributions to television and other independent projects, mark Dulay as a significant force in our cultural landscape. His recommendation was not simply professional courtesy --it was a recognition of shared values and good working relationships forged in sincerity.

This project in Batac carries a special weight. The young director, Zechri Jacob Alvarez, has written a story close to his heart --a tribute to his beloved lola. The role I am to play is not incidental; it is central to the emotional core of the film. To embody a figure so deeply tied to the director’s own life is both a challenge and a privilege. It is a reminder that cinema, at its best, is not just about spectacle but about memory, love, and the preservation of personal histories. I look forward to stepping into this role, knowing it is born of affection and reverence.

What excites me most is the chance to work with young artists who are brimming with energy and vision. Their daring, their hunger to tell stories, their willingness to labor for art --all of these remind me of my own students back in UP Cebu. In their passion, I see the future of Philippine cinema. And in Batac, where my own family roots lie, this collaboration feels doubly meaningful: it is both a return and a renewal.

In this industry, introductions are warmed by memory. You are known not only by your résumé but by the way you worked --with integrity, generosity, and passion. That is why Zig’s recommendation carried weight, and why Zechri’s invitation feels like kinship. We are bound not only by projects but by relationships, by the trust that art demands and sustains.

I have always believed that wherever art calls, I must go. Whether in Cebu, in Bohol, or in Batac, I am willing to give my time, my energy, and my heart. Retirement from the academe has not dimmed this fire; it has only freed me to answer more calls, to stand beside more artists, to nurture more voices. Soon, Batac will open its doors to me, and I will step into its light with gratitude and resolve. For in the end, it is not the miles that matter, but the kinship of souls bound by the love of culture. That, to me, is the true promise of this journey.