Isang Harding Papel tells the story of what it was like during the time of Martial Law, where blind obedience was discipline, and discipline meant progress. But mostly, it is a story about hope—in a country grasped by an authoritarian rule—between a mother who was detained for standing up for her beliefs and her young daughter who longs to be with her, learning and understanding the world in the midst of distress.

Bannering the slogan “Sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan, Disiplina ang Kailangan,” violation of rights were rampant during Marcos’ Martial Law. The assembly of two or more people was illegal, freedom of expression was repressed, and critics were either ilegally detained, tortured, or killed.

Bannering the slogan “Sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan, Disiplina ang Kailangan,” violation of rights were rampant during Marcos’ Martial Law. The assembly of two or more people was illegal, freedom of expression was repressed, and critics were either ilegally detained, tortured, or killed. 

After years of struggle and Ninoy’s assassination, Filipinos gathered on the streets of EDSA and ousted the Marcos dictatorship.