Katips

The central action takes place in the 1970s when martial law is in effect and student groups challenge the government. The story covers arrests, disappearances, and brutal crackdowns by state forces, shaping a culture of resistance. It culminates in the later years of the Marcos regime and is re-framed in present-day memory during the Bantayog inauguration.

The story unfolds across Manila and its campuses during the martial law era, weaving protests, shelters for dissidents, and sites of political action. Key locations include the Katips house where student organizers seek safety, the La Disilleria distillery where labor actions occur, and the University of the Philippines as a hub of debate and planning. The narrative also travels from streets and rallies to the modern Bantayog ng mga Bayani museum, framing past events as living memory.

✊ Resistance

The film frames a continuous struggle against a repressive state, anchored by student activism and organized labor. Protests, clandestine meetings, and underground networks push back against curfews and raids. The Katips shelter and the journalists' voices highlight how ordinary people become agents of change. The arc shows that resistance is both political action and personal resolve.

🕯️ Memory

Memory anchors the narrative as a museum tour and curator’s retrospective. Through Ka Manding’s death, Alet’s fate, and the disappearances of Art and Estong, the film shows how victims are remembered and memorialized. Bantayog ng mga Bayani stands as a symbol of accountability and collective healing. Present-day visitors connect their identities to the era’s history.

💔 Violence

Violence exacts a heavy toll: arrests, beatings, torture, and killings by state forces. The violence intrudes on families and friends, shaping degrees of fear, resistance, and memory. The film presents brutality as a consequence of political power, not sensational spectacle. Its consequences linger across decades, informing justice and remembrance.