Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the perilous journeys children in the Zamboanga peninsula, Philippines, face to get to school. Deep in the rainforest mountains, some walk alone through the jungle for hours, while others risk their lives climbing 'Bambang,' a steep, moss-covered rock face, all for the hope of a better future.
The documentary focuses on Ivy Processo, an 11-year-old girl in the fishing settlement of Madiba who must trek uphill through the jungle to school daily. Her family, like 86% of Filipinos, lives in poverty, and education is seen as her only chance for a better life. Her mother, a former teacher, is concerned about her safety.
High on the summit, 12-year-old Ryan lives with his grandmother. He helps with chores, including fetching water, before embarking on a two-hour walk through nature to school. Ryan's parents live in Manila, and his dream is to become an engineer to earn enough money to visit them. He often gets lost in thought about his family during his long walk.
Ivy and other children from Madiba face 'Bambang,' a steep, 90-degree rock face covered in slippery moss and roots. This shortcut is extremely dangerous, with many having fallen and seriously injured themselves. Ivy, now the oldest, is responsible for guiding younger children like Shema V and Chanel up the treacherous climb. Her mother worries constantly.
Frederick, the principal of the school, is a testament to the power of education. He also came from a fisherman's family and climbed Bambang daily. He has officially prohibited its use due to the dangers but understands that for some, there is no other choice. He sees himself as a role model, showing children that the path to a better future is worth taking.
Ryan's long walk often causes him to be late for school, missing the flag ceremony and first class. He frequently daydreams and takes breaks, such as climbing coconut trees. Despite his intelligence, his inability to concentrate and frequent lateness due to the arduous journey affect his academic performance. He dreams of visiting his parents in Manila.
Ivy, Shema V, and Chanel tackle the steepest and most accident-prone part of Bambang. They must constantly find new paths and rely on roots, following a three-point rule for safety. Ivy, as the eldest, climbs last to guide and potentially catch the younger children. The exhausting climb takes them over half an hour.
The children finally reach school, often late. The principal, Frederick, understands their challenges and offers extra support. While Ivy excels, other children who undertake long journeys, like Ryan, struggle with concentration and frequently miss early classes, impacting their learning.
After school, Ivy must descend Bambang, a more difficult task than climbing up, especially when it rains. Her mother's anxiety intensifies, recalling a past accident. Rain makes the already slippery path even more treacherous. Meanwhile, Ryan occasionally gets a lift, saving him time on his long trek home, but a storm looms making the journey even more dangerous for Ivy.
Despite the daily dangers, Ivy and Ryan remain dedicated to their education. Ivy dreams of becoming a police officer, while Ryan still hopes to earn enough to visit his parents in Manila. Exhausted, they go to bed early, knowing that with dawn, they must once again embark on their dangerous journey to school, fueled by their hopes for a better future.