AYAT or Love is a short documentary by Royal Studio Production that explores the lives and culture of the Aetas, an indigenous community in Gonzaga. Through intimate storytelling, the film highlights their traditions, resilience, and connection to their homeland, portraying love not just as an emotion but as a sense of home and belonging. I directed and wrote the documentary in collaboration with Kim Asuncion, reflecting both the challenges and rewards of immersive fieldwork while capturing the richness of the Aetas’ daily life and advocating for the recognition and preservation of their stories within the broader history of Gonzaga. Ayat was awarded 1st place in the Dokyu Turismo Film Festival, organized by the Department of Tourism of the Philippines in 2021, recognizing its impact in promoting local culture and heritage through documentary filmmaking.