Gumamelas Are Still Red

Diplomacy is only for those who can craft papers in the language of the ruling class. In our current era, marked by intense socio-political conflicts and disruptions, the future of every Filipino citizen hangs in the balance.

My story unfurls amidst this backdrop, nestled within the embrace of the Northern Philippines where mist-covered mountains touch the sky and whispers of both magic and menace dance on the wind. In a region painted by a tapestry of mysticism and shadows, I grew up wondering how magic and violence coexist at the same time. Raised predominantly by adults, I often felt like a lone wanderer. Yet, it was this very isolation that ignited a spark within me, an insatiable curiosity that would shape my destiny. Unbeknownst to me, this was the humble genesis of my enduring love for storytelling, an art that would allow me to venture into uncharted realms, crafting worlds where imagination knew no bounds.

Yet despite having witnessed such violent events growing up, there was happiness and contentment in my childhood because of how my family helped me look at life. I realized that truth has its time too.

As I gained my own social and political awakening, I began to understand that the issue goes much deeper – the powerful few create a world of hate to stay in power, and they manipulate the weak by creating division and deceit. Sadly, this has become a universal truth shared by all of humanity.

As a filmmaker who is granted certain protections and privileges— and granted access to influential platforms— I believe that it is my moral duty, as a cultural worker, to shift the focus of public attention to pressing matters such as politics.

I would be the first to admit that there is much for me to learn about the intricacies of political dissent and the concept of revolution often left me perplexed. However, I recognize an intrinsic commonality that binds us all now: anger. This film centers on that shared experience.

I hope that this film will inspire everyone to not fear the things we don’t understand but to have the bravery to see through their beauty and purity. It is by being a child again – with all that innocence and sense of wonder – that we find ourselves embracing the dignity and humanity in all of us.

"Ang Alamat Kung Bakit Kalabaw Lang Ang Tumatanda" (Gumamelas Are Still Red) draws from local folklore, using it as a metaphorical clash between oppressors and resistance. The film explores grief, serving as a contemplation and meditation on the suffering of an entire nation.

This is a reminder that all this anger we are exposed to comes from a sincere, but wounded place. It is my hope, as the writer and director of this film, that the acknowledgment of this pain can help us all heal.

The film immerses itself into a world of fiction, but within the delusional stories and blinding concepts of belief is the unspoken truth we yearn to hear, witness, and realize. The devotion I carry with me every day to break through the struggles of my community is not only my own. It is formed by the collective experiences of my father, neighbors, and childhood friends that I have left 130 miles away— Pangasinan, the home of my people.