The Tale of a Storyteller

It was a journey back home after 37 years. The short sequence of how Dexter Macaraeg redefined the image of Abra—the province where he commenced his life and vowed to serve and love through his craft.

In 1979, their family left the Province of Abra while in the depth of grieving for his dead brother. Dexter was just ten when they settled for good in Metro Manila. He definitely found a life in the city and had gone into several places, but the picture of his childhood in that distinguished province had always lingered on his mind.

Young Dexter had been indulged into theater after College. It was his passion and his first love. He was born to be an actor. If only his passion could feed him, he might still be in theater.

“Nagsimula ako sa teatro 1980’s. Nagworkshop ako and then inisip ko na hanggang saan ba itong pagsali-sali ko ng workshop na ito? Kailangan ko talaga ng totoong trabaho.” (I began joining theater in the 1980’s. I joined several workshops until I realized that I need to have a real job.”)

Even though he worked for a government office and was assigned in several countries, Dexter seemed just sailing on the same boat as he did not completely leave the field that he desired.

“I was basically involved with the Philippine community and bringing all the Filipino Arts and Culture into the community.”

Those pragmatic stories of people he met had enlighten his thought to reinvent his artistic side. He knew he was an actor, yet for him there is something larger than life, interesting or could be much satisfying.

A Call to Film Making

He was doubtless to try another leap. Dexter did not rest after his government service. Instead, he showed thirst and seek for an expert in the field of film making. He was taught and been guided by one of the Philippines’ premier Director, Brillante Mendoza.

Dexter said it was Mendoza who pushed him to focus on film making.

“Dumating sa punto na ang sabi ni Director Brillante Mendoza, ‘wag ka nang kumuha ng acting courses, i-try mo na ang film making kasi meron ka ng experiences, nakakausap mo na ‘yung mga tao. So, I said yes.” (“There was a point that Director Brillante Mendoza told me not to take acting courses but to start trying film making because of my experiences and good relationship with the people. So, I said yes.”)

Dexter did not feel bothered where to find cultural and societal relevant stories that he would present. His feet have been directly heading him to his origin, where his roots and pillar began. He came back to Abra.

“Pagkatapos ng workshop, meron kaming tinatawag na parang output. Umuwi ako ng probinsya ng mother ko kung saan ako lumaki, sa probinsya ng Abra at nagresearch ako.” (“We are required to submit an output after the workshop. So, I went back to my mother’s province, Abra, and I started researching.”)

Dexter was surprised, seeing the ruined mountains. It was a worsening and depressing mining situation in a remote area of Abra. His goal to make a film ignited even more. There was an urge to show the real picture, to teach people and rally for the environment.

In 2016, despite all the odds, he put everything into action. The film was entitled “Balitok”, the Ilocano term for Gold.

“Isang araw lang kaming nag-shoot. Kaya ba natin ito? Magugustuhan ba ng tao? So, ang daming tanong.” (“We shoot everything in just a day. Can we make it? Will people like it? There were lots of questions.”)

These questions were turned into achievements when his film, “Balitok”, is recognized at the NYC Indie Film Awards in 2016. Macaraeg won the Bronze Award for Best Screenplay and Kristofer King took the Gold Award for Best Actor.

Redeeming Abra

Director Macaraeg’s success was not simply a collection of trophy or medal. It was a success and a huge chance for the province to somehow diminish the negative impression brought by several political issues. Dexter has known that Abra is a province with rich culture and history, and breathtaking landscapes and resources. Thus, he wanted to make it known the way it was before.

“Masakit man tanggapain na hindi siya kilala bilang isang makasaysayang bayan, pero tinutulungan ko para mabisita sya ng mga turista.” (“It’s a bit disappointing that our province is not known as a historical site, but I’m trying to help in showing and promoting its potential to be a tourist spot.”)

In 2018, he made “Am-Amma” or Heirloom. It portrays the distinct embroidery of Abel cloth, the fibers of Tingguian culture, strength, and resilience of Abreño weavers. It garnered an Independent Achievement award in Manhattan, USA in the same year it was produced.

Another cinematic short film he directed was in 2019 entitled, “Tata Pilo” in honor for Teofilo Garcia, an expert artisan from San Quintin, Abra and a National Living Treasure for his undying dedication to the traditional craft of making “Katukong” or “Tabungaw hat weaving” out of gourd.

Fulfillment

“If you are talking about the life of an independent film maker, it is struggle to survive, sometimes, it does not give you the guarantee to become successful.”

Since the beginning of his walk as a Regional Independent Film maker, Director Macaraeg has never expected a life of luxury. As a matter of fact, his focus was nailed on giving his town the opportunity to be seen and be heard again. His best shots are not due to self-fulfillment. Macaraeg is just starting.

Portion of his humble start was the creation of Sine Abreño where students and teachers are trained and given the chance to produce short films. This further inculcates the importance of film in their society. It explains that filming is not an art alone, but a way to preserve and manifest their hidden tradition.

The warmest welcome and acknowledgement on his craft and him was surely the best citation he ever got. In four years as an Indie Film Director, Dexter Macaraeg could say that everything he had done was all worthwhile.

“Tinanggap ko na na isa na akong film maker na tubong Abra, taga Cordillera. At bilang isang Regional film maker, gusto kong ipakita, ipamalas ang mga istorya na meron din kaming kayang ihatid na mensahe.” (“I already accepted that I’m a film maker from Abra, Cordillera. And as a Regional Film maker, I want to show and prove that we also have our own stories that could convey relevant message.”)

Watch the short documentary, “Pelikula” (Film) that features the journey of Dexter Macaraeg as a Documentary Film maker: