On its 14th anniversary, ‘I-Witness’ asks: What is worth risking your life?

“Buwis-buhay” is perhaps one of the most-used expressions this 2013, but how far are some people willing to go? For its 14th anniversary, GMA-7’s flagship documentary program “I-Witness” tells stories of extreme sacrifice, asking: For what would you risk your life?

The month-long series begins on October 28 with Kara David’s “Buwis Buhay, Bagong Buhay”. The documentary tells the story of Marina Catanao, who has given birth to four children despite her rural barangay being far away from healthcare facilities.

Without regular medical attention, pregnancy puts the mother as well as the baby in life-threatening danger. Now on her fifth high-risk pregnancy, Marina decides to move into town, where she hopes it will be safer for her and her child.

On November 4, Howie Severino takes viewers to Bohol, which was hardest hit by the magnitude 7.2 quake. He visits Jessa, a member of the Loboc Children’s Choir whom he met ten years ago. With the Loboc Church in ruins and many Boholanos living in tents, Jessa is now a nurse helping the victims.

Severino’s 2003 documentary followed the Loboc Children’s Choir to Barcelona, where they won a gold medal and became heroes of their hometown. Now, he discovers stories of heroism and how Boholanos risked their lives to save each other.

Heroes are all around us. On November 11, Sandra Aguinaldo journeys to Pegalongan Elementary School in a remote area of Davao. There, eight male teachers serve the 210 members of the Matigsalog Tribe. The school is so remote that every week, teachers can only reach the place by taking two-hour drive from the city, a 30-minute motorcycle ride, and a six-hour trek that involves crossing two major rivers.

Finally, Jay Taruc uncovers how danger and entertainment come hand in hand. Himself an avid motorcyclist, Taruc meets men who perform motorcycle stunts in small carnivals or “perya.” The so-called “wall of death” is a sideshow attraction where brothers Dexter and Darryl ride upon wooden walls placed at a 90-degree angle from the ground; if they fall, they die. On November 18, we share the story of the brothers who face death each day to support their family.

For what — or whom — would you risk your life?

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To celebrate our 14th anniversary, we are giving away four signed DVDs from Howie Severino, Kara David, Sandra Aguinaldo and Jay Taruc. Each week, a question will be aired at the end of the documentary. Leave your answer on our Facebook and get a chance to win: http://facebook.com/IWitnessGMA

For live updates on our anniversary series, follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/IWitnessGMA

Watch exclusive videos and excerpts from “I-Witness” documentaries: http://gmanetwork.com/IWitness