Makata (Poet) (2015)

MAKATA is a 90-minute digital film about a term tagged to a Filipino who speaks and writes poetically of his love and life expressively. The narrative flow of the story depicts the evolution of Philippine literature and poetry that centers in a life of a 68 year-old former poet or 'Lakandiwa ng Tondo'-LOLO KANOR. He became mute in 2011 due to a mild stroke, but his 21 year-old grandson KIKO, a high school dropout supports themselves through street food vending since Kiko's OFW parents got separated. KIKO joins the 'Modernong Panitikan' through 'Fliprap Events-Sunugan' rap-battle whenever he closes his kiosks and after attending to his grandpa's needs. Like his 'Lolo Kanor', Kiko voices out his angst in life through poetic rap by joining rap battles. His childhood friend JOSE, boosts him up whenever he joins 'Sunugan' rap battle. Jose is the 'Prinsipe ng Bigkasan' in his senior year and he frequents Kiko's shanty to consult and borrow written poems from Lolo Kanor. Jose and Lolo Kanor acquaints each other on the same interest about 'Balagtasan' and negates Kiko's flip-rap. Thus, Kiko develops envious feeling in their relationships. Lolo Kanor strives hard to explain the revolution of oral poetry despite his condition. Jose provides profundity on this art. Kiko continues to hone his rap skill. Until a tragedy gives meaning to what the real 'MAKATA' is all about.