You can now watch these ABS-CBN documentaries in full on YouTube
For the first time ever, ABS-CBN News has made some of their documentary films available for full streaming on YouTube.
Documentaries are one of the easiest ways to learn history, culture, and major events that helped shape society. Not only is it informative, but being able to see events unfold via recorded and unseen footage helps viewers absorb better their intended message.
If you’re looking for something to watch other than your favorite TV shows, add these award-winning documentaries by journalist Jeff Canoy to your watchlist.
Ang Babae ng Balangiga (The Woman of Balangiga)
In case you didn’t know, the historic Balangiga bells were taken from San Lorenzo de Martir church in Eastern Samar by the United States Army. After finally returning to the church in 2018, the documentary looks back and searches for the lost chapter of the Philippine-American war with a focus on Casiana Nacionales who played a significant role during the uprising in 1901.
This documentary was among the finalists at the 2020 New York TV and Film Festivals. Watch the full film here.
Ang Pagbabalik Ng Ibong Adarna (The Return of the Ibong Adarna)
In celebration of 100 Years of Philippine Cinema in 2020, the documentary puts the spotlight on Ibong Adarna being one of six surviving pre-war Filipino films. The film explored the history of making the 1941 classic that starred Mila Del Sol and was produced by LVN Productions. It also tackled Filipino films that are missing, destroyed, and neglected, how the industry keeps up with archiving, and the importance of restoring such films as Ibong Adarna.
Watch the full documentary here.
Paglayang Minamahal (Beloved Freedom)
The 2017 documentary Paglagyang Minamahal looks back on the tragic Marawi Siege in 2017 which resulted in hundreds of deaths of civilians and armed forces.
Produced by Canoy, Kori Quintos and Raphael Bosano, the film is a “collection of stories at the end of the months-long Marawi siege: a soldier who put everything second, including his own life, to save others; a mother who was held hostage for five months but never gave up hope for her children; an evacuee who lost her child to the squalor of the evacuation center; and brave stories of soldiers that gave up their lives to free Marawi as told by those who lived,” the description read.
The documentary, which also showed how Maranaos rebuilt their lives and the city after the catastrophic war, won the Best Documentary Special at the 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television and the 2018 Lopez Achievement Award. Watch it here.
'Di Ka Pasisiil (Never Shall Be Conquered)
Also about the Marawi Siege, Canoy and Chiara Zambrano shared the on-ground scenes during the war. It also features recovered footage of the Maute group planning the attack and how they grew over the years, the life of the soldiers in the barracks, civilians’ escape, as well as Canoy’s hiding from stray bullets while filming.
This documentary won the Philippines’ first Gold Dolphin Award for Best Documentary at the 2018 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards and the Gold World Medal for Best Documentary at the 2018 New York TV and Film Festivals. Watch the full film here.