Child Warriors of the Philippines featured in “Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa”

“Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa” is a Cinemalaya 2017 full length finalist. It is about child warriors of the Philippines. It literally means “My Teacher Who Doesn’t Know How to Read”. This written and directed by Perry Escaño. The film will be released on December 6, 2017 in cinemas nationwide. It was last screened in the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The director and some cast members went to Bacolod City for a short press conference. They promoted the movie at one of the sponsors’ venue – Mexicali Bacolod.

Movie Genre

“My Teacher Who Doesn’t Know How to Read” is an inspirational, action, and drama story. It is centered on child warriors of the Philippines. It is set in one of the far flung barrios of the country. It has some sense of history and current events. It also includes some fiction about a farmer’s life. It is produced by Cinemalaya Foundation, Alternative Vision Cinema and MPJ Entertainment Productions.

Plot

An extremist group trains children in combat to fight the government. Meanwhile, an illiterate farmer pretends that he knows how to read and plays teacher. He attempts to teach kids in order to maintain their faith in education. He also aims to keep them from joining the forces.

Direk Perry Escaño said he has heard about the child warriors back in his college days. He started writing the script many years ago, even before the Marawi crisis. The child warriors were popularized in this infamous event in our history.

Cast of Characters

Main characters

Alfred Vargas | Marc Justine Alvarez | Miggs Cuaderno | Micko Laurente | Lou Veloso | Mon Confiado | James Blanco | Loren Burgos | Kiko Matos | Joana Marie Tan | Marife Necesito | Alvin Barcelona | Ernie Garcia | Shyr Valdez | Paul Sy | Garie Concepcion | Lianne Valentino | Hazel Faith Dela Cruz

Tori Garcia, Richard Manabat, Kian Kirt Mejorada, Bon Andrew Lentejas, Dane Afuang, Bong Cabrera, Abel Napuran, Micah Musa, Leon Miguel, Cris Garrido, Rob Sy, Loraine Salvador, James Lomahan, Kim Llono, Jun Nayra, Jess Evardone, Vic Romano, Edmund Santiago, Hariette Damole, Angelo Estrada, Arrian Labios, Ronald Regala

Child Warriors

Meanwhile, the CHILD WARRIORS are:

Shierella Tianchon, John Carlitos Andre, John Anthony Ibagat, John Michael Samson, Ronnel Abanes, Jean Cristine Mangao, Cyjay Baldera, John Christopher Tolosa, Ricardo Reyes, Justine Abuan, Noel Velasco, Roxanne Escobata, Arayong Valbuesa.

Why the Film

There are many controversial stories included in the film.

Direk Perry wanted the title to be catchy, hence. But it does really portray an illiterate farmer (Cong. Alfred Vargas) who doesn’t know how to read and write. But despite that, he was able to teach the kids because of a particular technique. That, Direk Perry says, should be something to watch out for. It is one of the revelations in the film.

Furthermore, there is so much violence in the film. It first got an X rating from the MTRCB because of violence. But Direk Perry fought it out as necessary to show the reality of child warriors.

Another interesting thing to note is how child warriors are used by politicians. Direk Perry said that he was able to interview a former warrior. He said that politicians paid them to sow chaos and terror.

Watch Full trailer of Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa

Running Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Nationwide Screening

The “Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa“, a movie about child warriors, is showing on December 6, 2017. It will be simultaneous screened in major theaters nationwide.

Production Team

Writer and Director
Perry Escaño

Producers
Rodel Bugayong, Maria Tess Cancio, Mira Salvador, Celimar Zamora, GMC Yap, Arnold Ang, Suzanne and Lourdes Co, Meloudy F. Uy and Theodore Calaguas

Original Story
Perry Escaño

Line Producer
Maria Acris Tobias

Directors of Photography
Steven Flor
Randy Cura

Production Designer
Hai Balbuena

Edit
Chrisel Desuasido

Costume Designer
Steve Salvador

Production Manager
Lexter Favor Tarriela

Assistant Director
Aurel Ayson

Associate Assistant Director
Eugene Aleta

Assistant Editor
Daniel Anthony Donor

Visual Effects
Benjamin Tolentino
Edge Manila

Musical Scorer
Emerzon Texon

Make-Up and Hairstyling
Ronnie Martinez, Dina Padilla, Cookie Hmua

Sound Designer

Paolo Agudelo

Original Theme Song
Alvin Barcelona

Location Manager
Armand Samonte

Fight and Stunt Director
Banjo Romero

Auditor and Finnace
Noreen Espejon

English Subtitling
Amythyst Phoebe Pascual

Script Continuity
Posh Tabor

Talent Coordinators
Marilou Billiones
Marianne Billiones

Production Assistants
Lois Valdellon
Lei Echano
Ivy Inocencio
Kate Butch Weaver
Kathleen Maki
Sharleen Ballado