KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The life story of Mayor Marcos Mamay of Nunungan town has inspired more than 3,000 students of Kapatagan National High School, following the screening of his biopic, “Mamay: A Journey to Greatness.”
The film, which chronicles Mamay’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful public servant, aims to inspire the youth to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams, despite the challenges posed by poverty.
“This is my story—my life story since childhood until becoming a public servant. Na-highlight that poverty is not a hindrance to success. Kailangan na may perseverance, determination at sacrifices para sa mga struggles na darating sa atin,” Mamay said in an interview.
(It highlights that poverty is not a hindrance to success. There must be perseverance, determination, and sacrifices to overcome the struggles that come our way.)
Directed and written by award-winning filmmaker Neal “Buboy” Tan, the biographical film highlights Mamay’s perseverance, determination, and sacrifices throughout his life.
The cast includes artists: Jeric Raval, Ara Mina, Victor Neri, Ali Forbes, Julio Diaz, Dennis Coronel, Devon Seron, Teejay Marquez, Ron Angeles, Shiela Delgado, and Toni Co. They filmed scenes in Nunungan, Kapatagan, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Metro Manila, Baguio City, and Dubai.
The film also aims to raise awareness about the Maranao culture, particularly the issue of rido (family feud). Mamay also shared that the Department of the Interior and Local Government endorsed the film with the Department of Education and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos for screening in schools, particularly to inspire Muslim students.
The film’s message deeply moved the students, many of whom share similar struggles. One of them was Edelberto Bahala, who realized that, despite the financial challenges, one can find ways to continue their education.
“Grabe maka-inspire ang istorya ni Mayor Mamay, grabe ang struggles sa kinabuhi, bisan sa mga hamon sa iyang life, grabe nga ma-success siya sa iyang dream. Na-realize nako nga same mi niya kaagi bitaw nga niagi pud sila’g kapobrehon,” he said.
(Mayor Mamay’s story is incredibly inspiring. He went through so many struggles in life, but despite the challenges, he successfully achieved his dream. I realized that we went through similar experiences, especially in facing poverty.)
He also aspires to become a teacher to help educate younger generations, and he hopes to support his family financially.
Moreover, Cleff Joshua Dequina, a Grade 12 student, emphasized the importance of not surrendering to challenges and pushing oneself, as the future is uncertain. The scene where the main character’s father passed away deeply touched him. Despite their poverty, the main character in the film remained determined to pursue his dreams and find solutions to their problems. He shared that his family faced the same financial hardships and recalled difficult times in 2015 when food was scarce.
“Gi-push jud niya iyang dreams while his father passed away while naglisod sila. Iya gi-push ilang self para masolusyan ang problema. Pobre kaayo sila. Grabe kaayo ang iyang pagsikap sa iyang pamilya, positive thinking kaayo siya. Dapat ana jud,” he said.
(He really pushed for his dreams while his father passed away during their struggles. He committed himself to finding solutions to their problems. They were very poor. His perseverance for his family was remarkable; he had a very positive mindset. That’s how it should be.)
Meanwhile, Angelo De-Asser from Barangay Dongoan, Kapatagan town, learned to never stop dreaming, regardless of the struggles in life. He related to a scene that depicted hardship, noting that his family sometimes only had one meal a day.
He also encouraged others to keep moving forward and reminded them that difficult times are just temporary. He aspires to be a nurse to help both his family and neighbors. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
