Philippine and American forces practice gunning down enemy targets and reclaiming hostile territory as part of the yearly military exercises called Balikatan. The games happen to coincide with rising tensions in the Scarsborough shoal where Chinese and Philippine ships refuse to withdraw. While it may be just symbolic, Balikatan – which means standing shoulder to shoulder – suggests a willingness to join forces in a tense global climate. (Reporting, videography and editing by Katherine Visconti)
Katherine Visconti
Screenwriter | Producer | Development Consultant