15 internationally acclaimed Kapuso documentaries you can binge-watch online

Many people continue to remain indoors as Metro Manila and other high-risk areas are put under modified enhanced quarantine until May 30.

Fortunately, several internationally acclaimed Kapuso documentaries have been made available online to educate and to entertain us as we spend more time at home.

Aside from the other "I-Witness"' documentaries, here are some Kapuso documentaries you can binge-watch online:

1. i-Witness: War Zone ER

Sandra Aguinaldo’s documentary brings us near the battleground of Marawi where we find war medics tending to the wounded soldiers just until they can reach a tertiary hospital.

This documentary earned a Certificate for Creative Excellence in the US International Film and Video Festivals in 2017.

2. Alaala: A Martial Law Special

For the 45th anniversary of former dictator Ferdinan Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law, GMA Public Affairs told the story of screenwriter Bonifacio Ilagan, who was captured and tortured during the dictator’s reign.

This documentary, which features Alden Richards as Ilagan, won a Silver World Medal at the 2018 New York Festivals.

3. i-Witness: Huling Gabi

Earning a Certificate for Creative Excellence in the US International Film and Video Festivals in 2017,  Howie Severino’s documentary reveals the truth behind vigilante killings and the trauma it leaves behind to its witnesses and victims.

4. Front Row: Batang Bomba

In the small town of Capas, Tarlac, a group of young Aetas are found recycling bomb residues for a living. These residues were left by the Tarlac Military Testing Ground, just a few feet away from their very homes.

The documentary won the bronze medal at the New York Festivals back in 2018.

5. Reporter's Notebook: Yapak sa Pusod ng Dagat

Following the story of siblings Dodong, Michelle and Manilyn, this documentary shows individuals who walk at the floor bed of the sea to excavate pieces of gold as their main source of income.

Just like “Batang Bomba”, this documentary won the bronze medal in the New York Festivals in 2018.

6. Brigada: Combat Camera Team

Marisol Abdurahman and Raffy Tima’s documentary follows two members of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Marawi City whose main task is to document the operations of the Philippine Army’s combatant units.

The documentary earned itself a Bronze World Medal.

7. i-Witness: Sundalong Aso

Kara David’s documentary, a finalist at the New York Festival, follows the story of three military working dogs, Juvilon, Lotto, and Chika who are all about to retire after sustaining injuries from their service.

8. Reel Time: Hawla

This mini-documentary tells the story of a woman named Nene who is kept in captivity by her own family because she is said to suffer from psychological and mental health problems. As this Reel Time episode explores Nene’s condition, it also delves into other cases of mental illnesses and other psychological disorders.

This documentary earned a gold medal at the 2018 New York Festival for Health and Medical Information Category.

9. Philippine Seas

Atom Araullo’s documentary travels across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to show different aspects of the Philippine marine biodiversity. It brought home a gold medal from the 2018 U.S. International FIlm & Video Festival.

10. Reel Time: Batang Maestro

This documentary tells the extraordinary story of 12-year old volunteer teacher “Dagul” who swims the river of Donsol in Sorsogon province just to reach a mountain village and teach the children there how to read.

“Batang Maestro” won the Gold Dolphin at the 2019 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards.

11. i-Witness: The Island without Land

Sitio, Pariahan, Bulacan was once a thriving village before a permanent flood swept in and drove the people out.

Shedding light to the events that led to the flood, Howie Severino’s documentary bagged the Silver Screen Award in the U.S. International Film and Video Festival.

12. Ilustrado

A young Jose Rizal is put on the spotlight in this 20-episode drama.

Featuring Alden Richards, Eula Valdez, Solenn Heussaff among others, this series won the Silver Award for the Best Program Opening Sequence in the PromaxBDA Asia Awards 2015 and a Certificate of Creative Excellence from the US International FIlm and Video Festival.

13. Bayan Ko

Recipient of the Quills Award for Excellence in 2013, this 6-part political drama series explores the story of Joseph Santiago, Lagros’ newly elected mayor at the time, as his fight against corruption is blocked by a political dynasty.

14. i-Witness: Behind the Banquet

Earning an Honorable Mention at the International Film Festival of Manhattan 2018, Mariz Umali’s documentary gives the world a glimpse of what it’s like to be the people behind luxury buffets who feed hundreds of customers a day.

To make the experience more hands on, even journalist Mariz herself became an apprentice for a day in a luxury buffet restaurant.

15. Alamat

Catering to Filipino children, “Alamat” is an animated anthology series that delves into Philippine folklore.

This animated series brought home the country’s first ever “Best of Festival Award” from the 2016 U.S. International Film & Video Festival.

— Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News