GMA Network is a leader when it comes to documentaries for its hard-hitting, quality, and top-notch shows. Which is why it has earned some of the most coveted awards in film, video, and broadcasting both locally and abroad. So step aside Netflix and K-dramas, it's time to enter the realm of investigative journalism and documentaries that made GMA world-class.
Sandra Aguinaldo's 2017 documentary for 'i-Witness' titled “War Zone ER” tells the tale of war medics found near the battleground of Marawi who immediately tends to the gunshot wounds of soldiers until they reach a tertiary hospital. This documentary earned a Certificate for Creative Excellence in the US International Film and Video Festivals the same year. Watch the eye-opening documentary here.
In line with the 45th anniversary of President Marcos's declaration of Martial Law, GMA Public Affairs created a special documentary which tells the journey of screenwriter Bonifacio Ilagan (played by Alden Richards). The hour-long show exemplifies Boni's life during Martial Law when he was captured and tortured under the hands of the Philippine Constabulary. This documentary earned a Silver World Medal at the 2018 New York Festivals. Watch it here.
In 2017, the US Department of State revealed that the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines have risen dramatically over the past few years. In this documentary, Howie Severino ventures into the dark world of vigilante killings and the havoc and horror it leaves behind to witnesses and victims alike. Be informed about it here.
In a small town of Capas, Tarlac a group of young Aetas recycle goods to make a living. But instead of plastics and hardware, the goods they recycle are pieces of bomb residues left by the Tarlac Military Testing Ground which is just a stone throws from their home. Know their story here.
“Yapak sa Pusod ng Dagat” follows the tale of siblings Dodong, Michelle, and Manilyn who walk at the floor bed of the sea to excavate pieces of gold which serves as their main source of living. Dive into their lives here.
Bronze World Medal award winner documentary “Combat Camera Team” by Marisol Abdurahman and Raffy Tima focuses on two members of 3rd Scout Ranger Batallion whose main task is to document the operations of the Philippine Army's combatant units. Watch as the 'Brigada' team captured their lives in the heart of the Marawi City in this documentary.
When it comes to serving the country, it's not just men who are risking their lives but also some dogs dubbed as “MWDs” or military working dogs. In this documentary, Kara David focuses on the brave K9-dogs Juvilon, Lotto, and Chika who are all about to retire after sustaining injuries from their service. Watch this heartwarming documentary here.
Kapuso journalist Atom Araullo travels to the capital of Bangladesh in Dhaka where he meets Filipinos preparing relief goods to be distributed for the Rohingya --- the largest refugee camp in the southernmost part of the country. In more than 18 hours to reach the camp, Atom together with his team experience a treacherous and unforgettable journey that changed his life forever. Watch Atom's first documentary in 'i-Witness' as he learns the story of the Rohingya people and why they're referred to as the “most persecuted minority in the world” here.
In the village of Daet, Camarines Norte, 'Reel Time' team learns the story of a woman named Nene who is kept in captivity by her own family because she suffers from psychological and mental problems. The episode explores cases of mental illness and other psychological disorders. Watch why this mini-documentary earned a gold medal at the 2018 New York Festival for Health and Medical Information Category here.
Watch Atom Araullo's very first GMA documentary since returning to the network with “Philippine Seas.” To create the documentary, Atom went on a rigorous ten-day expedition across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao where he experienced his many “firsts” in his career as a documentary maker. Get to know the many aspects of the Philippine marine biodiversity here.
Bagging the Gold Dolphin at the 2019 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, Reel Time's “Batang Maestro” tells the story of 12-year-old volunteer teacher “Dagul.” In the hour-long episode, it shows how Dagul braves the river of Donsol in Sorsogon province just to reach a mountain village where he teaches children to read. Watch his inspiring story here.
Howie Severino explores the ruins of Sitio Pariahan in Bulacan to learn more about how a once-thriving village lost all of it's land to a permanent flood. Deeply puzzled, Howie pursues all plausible reasons as to how the sea became one with the land. Explore the water world of Sitio Parahan here.
Showcased in 2014, the 20-episode Philippine television drama showcases the life of a young Jose Rizal. The drama features a star-studded cast which includes Alden Richards, Kylie Padilla, Eula Valdez, Solenn Heussaff, Jaclyn Jose, and so much more. Step inside the life of Pepe here.
“Bayan Ko” is a political drama series by GMA News TV which depicts the story of Lagros' newly elected mayor, Joseph Santiago, and his fight against corruption blocked by a political dynasty. This series, directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., earned a Quills Award for Excellence in 2013. Watch it here .
Kapuso journalist Pia Arcangel uncovers the truth about how the lack of proper sex education has attributed to the constant rise of population in the Philippines. Educate yourself in this mind-blowing documentary here.
Mariz Umali earned an Honorable Mention at the International Film Festival of Manhattan 2018 for her i-Witness documentary “Behind the Banquet.” In the 30-minute documentary, Mariz becomes an apprentice for a day in a luxury buffet restaurant and learns exactly what happens behind the scenes to feed hundreds of customers a day. Feast your eyes by watching the documentary here.
GMA Public Affairs bring mythical creatures, myths, and legends to life in this four-part anthology titled “Elemento.” The mini-feature, directed by Topel Lee and written by Zig Dulay, is not your typical horror program. Set your imaginations to an all-time high with this show here.
GMA Public Affairs' “Alamat” caters to Filipino children's love for animation in this animated series that celebrates Philippine folklore. The series features some of the country's beloved myths and legends like Langgam at Tipaklong, Ang Mahiwagang Singsin, Alamat ng Bayabas, and Mariang Sinukuan. Watch this child-friendly shows here.
Howie Severino dabbles into the age-old debate of same-sex marriage and relationships in this i-Witness documentary “Love Wins?” Watch as Howie follows members of the LGBT community who continue to go to mass in a tucked away chapel that is only for the brave. Catch it here.
Jay Taruc visits Quezon City jail which is known to be one of the most populous prison cells in the city. In this 30-minute documentary, he interviews prisoners and uncovers the reality tucked behind prison bars together with more than 4,000 people. Watch it here.
Kara David treks the rough roads and rushing waters of Mindoro Oriental to meet with the residents from a small sitio who compromises their needs especially in the health sector. In order to rush patients at a nearby hospital, the villagers use a hammock slung from a bamboo pole and carried by two men hence the name “ambulansiyang de paa.” Watch the Peabody award-winning documentary here.
GMA News and Public Affairs Pillar Jessica Soho visits a poor community called “Isla Maliit” and “Isla Malaki” that is located near Manila Bay. Here, she discovers that most of the residents sell their kidneys for a living due to poverty. Witness the very first Peabody documentary of the country here.