Sa Mata ng Dokumentarista
The I-Witness Yearend Report

Episode aired on Jan. 1, 2007 I-Witness hosts Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo, Jay Taruc, and Kara David recall the stories they told, the people they met, and the lessons they learned in the past year’s about 50 documentaries in the yearender episode, "Sa Mata ng Dokumentarista" (In the eyes of the documentarist). Since they joined I-Witness, hosts Howie, Sandra, Jay, and Kara have been producing documentaries that reflect the lives, struggles, and hopes of ordinary Filipinos. In most episodes, they told the stories of some remarkable people. Howie introduced us to Mang Sergio in his documentary “Best Friend". Growing up poor, Mang Sergio never got the chance to go to school, and so has never learned how to read and write. After his wife left with their children, he has been living alone. He, however, has Habagat, a dog that Mang Sergio has taught more than a few tricks. Together, they venture into the streets and make a living. “This documentary reminds us that we need to use whatever it is that God has given us", Howie says. After raising enough money, Mang Sergio traveled to Isabela to see his family again. There were also stories of struggle from which one may derive some of life’s most important realizations. Of the children in “Boy Pusit" (Squid catcher) who work hard everyday to make a living for their families in Masbate, Sandra relates “I’ve learned from talking to them that they weren’t sure if they could go to high school. They have dreams, but when you ask them, you’ll realize they’ve also accepted the fact that they may not be able to pursue those at all". For his part, Jay came face to face with the helplessness millions of poor Filipinos struggle with everyday, in his documentary “Gutom" (Hunger): “The day just began and the father is yet to figure out where he’ll get food for his family. The children are crying. The father is crying too for he’s utterly confused…he has no idea where he could get food to feed his children with." Yet in the midst of sharing stories of some of society’s harsh realities, I-Witness shows that in every story, one may find happiness, triumph, and hope. Kara also met Maureen and Rachelle, both suffering from progeria, a disorder characterized by the rapid aging of one’s body, in her documentary “Mga Anghel sa Dapit-hapon" (Angels in the Twilight). But instead of shedding tears, as she had expected, Kara finished doing the story with a lighter heart and raised spirits. “They taught me that no matter what happens; life is beautiful. It was ironic that I learned that from children who will soon be facing death. I am thankful to Maureen and Rachelle, for they reminded me that life is beautiful and it’s good to be alive", Kara relates.