“Maratabat” is about shoddy politics in Mindanao where an abusive warlord, Gov. Abubakar (played by Julio Diaz). Although it echoes the infamous Maguindanao Massacre, is not about that tragedy cause by the Ampatuans.
“Malayong-malayo ito roon,” she says. “This purely fiction, based on my experiences as a journalist in Mindanao for the past 25 years. Bago pa ang Maguindanao massacre, many other violent incidents similar to that one had already occurred. But they’re not reported and not given the same kind of media attention. The lead character in my film is Ronwaldo Maharlika, played by Ping Medina. His politician dad was killed several decades ago so his family, led by his mom Elizabeth Oropesa, shied away from politics after that. But because of the abuses of the corrupt Gov. Abubakar, he is forced by the people who clamor for a new leader to run in the next elections.”
Also in the cast are Chanel La Torre as Ping’s wife, Kristoffer King as Chanel’s rapist, Richard Quan, Shyr Valdez and Alvin Fortuna. “Maratabat” was shot on actual locations in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.
Does “Maratabat” signal her departure from journalism? “No, I’m not leaving broadcasting. I’m just a journalist who has many stories to tell and share through the medium of film. I dream of being able to do commercial films in the future, like a romantic-comedy. Meron nga akong storyline ba babagay as a comeback vehicle for a Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion reunion.”
“Maratabat” will be screened, along with the other four entries at MMFF New Wave section, at SM Megamall and Glorietta 4 Cinemas from December 17 to 24.
