When and how did the early Ifugaos make the Banaue Rice Terraces? A new documentary from Stories of the Road aims to answer this question by asking some locals in the Ifugao Province about the history of this agricultural landmark ingrained in Philippine history and culture.
The documentary features impressive drone shots of the rice terraces and its surrounding area. Moreover, the team behind Stories of the Road, composed of its director, Eric Gamorot, producer, Rhett Paul Bolivar, production assistant, John Paul Bolivar, and writer, Marky Ramone Go, immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of the locals as they tried to uncover the truth behind the origins of the rice terraces.
“We aimed to convey a more precise, if not more authentic, origin story of the Banaue Rice Terraces, contrasting with the conventional school teachings. Many have conducted additional research since our childhood, and when combined with the oral histories of the locals passed down from generation to generation, we could create a more accurate narrative,” Gamorot said.
Gamorot and the team placed various residents from the Ifugao Province under the spotlight so they could tell their stories about the origins of the Banaue Rice Terraces. During the interviews, they realized that these individuals had a colorful history living in the area and had their version behind the creation of the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Stories of the Road began as a passion project between avid travelers and passionate filmmakers who also charted a career in visual storytelling. They decided to tell stories about the places they visited and the people the team met on the road to show the current generation the stories that needed retelling and the ones that were previously untold.
They pride themselves in researching and fact-checking their stories to create something culturally significant to promote travel destinations in the Philippines and their heritage.
The team envisions Stories of the Road as a travel documentary channel and a resource for current and future students, balikbayans, and local and foreign travelers regarding the history and culture of various areas in the Philippines.
“It will serve as a platform for them to learn more about our country and inspire them to travel here, allowing them to experience and discover their own stories of the road,” Gamorot said.
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Banaue Rice Terraces are a perfect example of harmony between humans and nature. The terraces are shaped so beautifully that they almost feel like part of the mountains themselves.