BAGUIO CITY, Philippines?Movie treatments (detailed, sequenced summaries) inspired by Igorot culture?legends, a contemporary hero, even Igorot mysticism?are popping out of the woodwork, thanks in part to the attention drawn to the Cordilleras by the late young star Marky Cielo.

Some of the film ideas are from maverick filmmaker Celso Ad Castillo, who?s mulling a movie about slain Macli-ing Dulag, the Kalinga chieftain killed by soldiers when he objected to a government plan to dam the Chico River in the 1980s. Dulag has become an icon among Cordillera activists.

Other film treatments are fruits of cult support generated by ?Ay-Ayeng,? a movie that starred Jao Mapa, Heart Evangelista and Igorot actors.

Common factor

Director Nick Lizaso has reportedly discussed plans for a film about a battle over a child among mambunong (ritual healers in Benguet and Mt. Province), mumbaki (native priests), witches and Born Again Christians.

Linking these projects is aspiring 22-year-old actor Aliguyon, who?s been in demand for movie material about the Cordilleras. Aliguyon is Michael Lent Dadat, one of the supporting actors in ?Ay-Ayeng.?

His 44-year-old mother, Evangeline Marrero-Dadat, is an Igorot ?chanter? recognized by the Department of Tourism. She performs the chants recited by her elders during huddles in front of community ritual fires.

Mario Rosete, founder of Arte Kordilyera, said actors like Aliguyon have become valuable because of the rich and authentic history they are able to share.

Rosete said Aliguyon (whom he mentors) and many other Igorot talents are looking forward to the film projects, which they believe were re-ignited on account of the attention given to Cielo.

Back to their roots

A GMA 7 talent, Cielo died suddenly last Dec. 7, but not before making his mark. He was reportedly ?outed? as Igorot by disgruntled fans of his competitors in GMA 7?s ?StarStruck? talent search.

As a result, online and text support poured in from Cordillerans, ensuring Cielo?s victory in that competition as well as in succeeding film and TV projects.

Aliguyon said he and his mother frequently post online notes to explain, or correct, Igorot references used in some of the movie treatments. He admitted that he started dwelling on his Cordilleran roots only when he started filming ?Ay Ayeng.?

He explains, ?I grew up in Baguio City and did not experience [racial stereotyping and] harassment that my parents went through. Those were never brought up at home.?

Rosete noted that Igorot actors had been inspired to study their roots because of newfound respect for the culture that was surfacing among filmmakers.