A certified raketero from Davao del Norte who recently bagged awards, including Best Film at Asia Pacific Media’s (APM) Likha 2025, is a living testimony to God’s provision—far beyond his 10-minute film.

Michael Compoc, 24, of Panabo City, is the second of six siblings. His father is currently detained for the fourth time on drug charges, while his mother, a housewife, lives with his stepfather and younger siblings. Like many working students, Compoc’s circumstances forced him to push through hardships, juggling his communication degree with multiple side jobs: wedding photographer, cinematographer, event host, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and even factory worker. He now lives separately from his family, staying at their community church with the pastor’s household.

Filmmaking by faith

Compoc’s passion for filmmaking led him to establish Inato Pictures with his churchmates. “Kalipay lang gyud nako pud (it's really just my happiness)," he told DAILY TRIBUNE, referring to the joy he finds in his craft and in working alongside fellow believers.

Despite limited equipment, which made it difficult to filter out background rooster noises, and working with only one camera, Compoc could barely mention any difficulties in the production, saying, “Walay away kay Christohanon man tanan (there’s no fighting because everyone is Christian), he said. The statement reflects how love among peers can completely overcome the challenges in the process.

He shared that even the camera he uses was bought on credit. But that investment has paid off as he continues to use the equipment in his filmmaking journey, which has now brought him multiple awards.

His Likha 2025 entry, PahulA.I., plays on the Bisaya word pahulay, which means "rest," and the acronym AI, presenting a thought-provoking look at how technology can gradually replace both human relationships and spiritual connection with God.

Produced on a budget of just P1,500 for food, the film won Best Film, Best Director, Best Editing, and the People’s Choice Award. It also earned a Best Actor award during the Awards Night on 21 November. The story explores the use of artificial intelligence in a pastoral setting, attempting to address the spiritual thirst of the family’s matriarch, which stems from the eldest son’s anger and disobedience of faith.

Compoc has also produced Kontrata, currently competing at the Sumendang Film Festival 2025 in Indonesia, and Panamkon, which will compete at the Cinegoma Film Festival in Quezon City from 24 to 29 November.

Delivering good news amid internet negativity

APM’s Likha program is a six-week training and film exhibit consisting of four weeks of workshops and two weeks for production. This year’s theme, “Cross and Cloud,” focuses on amplifying God’s Word through technology.

Film instructors included Hollywood writer Layne McDonald, director Stephen Cadd, and previous Likha scholars and freelancers Matthew Delda and Patrick Buenaobra. Each team also had a dedicated coach who guided the scholars through the process.

APM Director Pastor Keith Garner said the program aims to counter the prevailing stigma among churches and Christian parents regarding social media.

“People say the internet is evil, that there’s a lot of bad stuff, so don’t go there. But that’s just not realistic in today’s world. Everything revolves around the internet,” Garner said.

He added that Filipino conservativeness often influences how audiences respond to Biblical messages, citing the deep-seated feelings of “guilt and shame” that are rooted in the country’s religious culture.

Patrick Tan, team leader for social media and promotions, emphasized the value of integrating social issues into the theme. “It's like a bridge. It gives people common ground to talk about,” he said.

Video productions team leader Jay-r Manalo added that online films carry unpredictable influence. “You’ll never know where it will end up… May mga nagsabi na naiyak sila sa film na ito (Some people said they cried during this film). You can’t quantify how effective tools like these can be,” he said.

Michael Compoc’s journey from a working student to an award-winning filmmaker is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. He said he is deeply grateful for the training and recognition, but even without the awards, the experience would have still been fulfilling. He is set to graduate soon and continues to serve in their church’s media ministry, worship team and youth leadership.