Lapu One: An American Backslider in the Philippines

Robert Dwayne Walker is organizing this fundraiser.

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I have been to the Philippines four times, but the last two times I went back have been a combination of enjoyment and occasional sadness. Enjoyment from the people and locale, but sadness at the poverty and circumstances that have resulted from superstition and misinformation.

Just to give you an example. On my third visit, the local news reported the following:

A young girl found herself pregnant, and the family took her to a witch doctor instead of an actual medical doctor. This was primarily due to poverty and tradition, but the witch doctor said she was suffering from a tumor. It was later revealed that she was pregnant. The girl eventually gave birth and says she wants to be a medical doctor so she can better serve her people.

This is just one example of how a combination of superstition and poverty can ruin countless lives. I will be working with a variety of freethinker and humanist groups in the Philippines to help educate people in the sciences, health, and other rational methods to bring healing and success to their lives.

This docu-drama is titled 'Lapu One: An American Backslider in the Philippines'. The title is inspired by a think tank which labeled America as a 'backslidden democracy'. It's also a play on the titles of Mark Twain books like 'A Vagabond Abroad' or 'The Innocents Abroad'.

It concerns freethought movements in a predominantly Roman Catholic country that has separation of church and state written into their constitution. I would like for it to showcase a variety of humanist and freethought groups, and the few celebrities that have come out as non-believers.

This will be a unique documentary and a moment of action. It will be a docu-drama that centers on a dramatic plot, but will have documentary footage that intertwines with the plot.

THE PLOT: Aadarshini, a Humanist teacher, addresses a class of children. She tells of her brother Lapu, a Filipino astronaut on the brink of a historic space mission. As he prepares to become the first Filipino in space, his rocket—aptly named Lapu One—carries the weight of Filipino history and ambition. Lapu, a devout Christian, is deeply skeptical of Aadarshini’s secular values. Her parents gave her up for adoption before Lapu was born. She was raised in America, so he constantly calls her “an American backslider.” She is only now reconnecting with her cultural roots in the Philippines.

Aadarshini's method of reconnecting is by becoming a citizen journalist. She videotapes interviews with indigenous people, artists, politicians, and other movers and shakers in her community. Her brother, slated to be the first Filipino in space, must maintain an appearance of propriety and keeps pushing her camera away. She worries that Lapu’s decision to bring a rosary into space symbolizes a lingering attachment to colonial legacies and anti-scientific thinking.

Lapu and Aadarshini have extended zoom, and in person, conversations that are grounded in family bonds and their differing perspectives on faith and science. Aadarshini’s Humanist views challenge her brother's Christian faith, sparking a dialogue on the complexities of Filipino identity shaped by colonization. We are taken on a series of flashbacks that trace Philippine history, illustrating the cultural tensions woven into the siblings' relationship.

I want to work hand in hand with Filipino freethought groups and need to raise money for this endeavor. Ultimately, I want to see this documentary streaming on mainstream channels, like my previous documentary 'Wrestling Then and Now', which is currently on Tubi, Plex, and a variety of channels I haven't even heard of! I take pride in that.

When I was there the last time, I realized I would have to do some island hopping if I wanted to get interviews. That will cost money. I would like to hire local crew and talent because I plan on dramatic recreations of myths, legends, and history. I also plan on working with local Humanist and Freethought groups to capture their stories, and also to support their educational efforts in their communities.

If I were religious, there would be many churches and missionary groups willing to partner with me—people are always ready to fund efforts to spread the gospel. However, providing something the community truly needs, like essential medical care and education without religious strings attached, can be a much harder sell. That’s why I’m launching this GoFundMe.

The money will compensate those being interviewed, as well as the crew and transportation, equipment rentals and anything else that might come up during the production (see pie chart below). If you have a desire to help people, as I do, please consider giving. Every body who donates will receive a 'Special Thanks' credit at the end of the movie. I will be sending regular updates to keep you informed of my activities and the fruit of your generosity.

Feel free to send me any questions.

I'm including some sample videos of past work. These movies are referenced in the LAPU ONE trailer.

WRESTLING THEN AND NOW, which is available on a few streaming channels:

BIBLE MADNESS:

Budget: Seasoned filmmakers advised that whatever your budget, it should be tripled because there are always situations that occur during production that will raise the cost. I have since gone through every aspect of the production and the pie chart below illustrates how I arrived at the figure of $95,000 and how the monies will be spent.