Summary

Alipato is a portrait of Luis Taruc, the iconic Socialist leader of the revolutionary movement in the Philippines. It explores the political life of Taruc, the collaboration between the Wha Chi (Chinese guerrillas during the Japanese Occupation) and the Hukbalahap, and the politics of the revolution, the in-fighting among the revolutionaries, and the conflict between non-violence and armed revolt. The documentary includes interviews with revolutionaries and well-known personalities like F. Sionil Jose and Fr. James Reuter, S.J. More importantly, the film has revealing footage of Taruc, talking about his principles and concept of peaceful revolution. The voice and ideas of Taruc are like embers or alipatothat can spark insights and enlighten our understanding of history.