By Dr. Juan “Jim” Sanchez

I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR — THE MOVIE

A Journey of Faith, Perseverance, and Gratitude

When we started making this film, I had no idea how challenging the journey would be. As the shooting progressed, I came to realize that it was not merely difficult; at times, certain scenes seemed almost impossible to accomplish because of the circumstances surrounding us—the people involved, the resources available, and the environment in which we had to work.

Yet, despite all the challenges and uncertainties, we persevered.

I do not consider myself a particularly religious person. But when the filming was finally completed, I could not help but realize that the Almighty had been with us all along, guiding us through the difficulties and helping us overcome obstacles that sometimes seemed insurmountable.

Although this marks the completion of the filming, it is only the beginning of another phase. Post-production, editing, cinematography, and many other important tasks still lie ahead. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped make this important milestone possible.

To Director Joel Lamangan and his dedicated production team, thank you for your talent, patience, commitment, and perseverance in bringing this story to life.

To our scriptwriter, Eric Ramos, thank you for helping shape and tell this story, which reflects not only my personal journey but also the values and mission that have inspired the Hospital On Wheels through the years.

To Cesar Vanta Acosta, a filmmaker from Norfolk, Virginia, thank you for your valuable contribution through the film footage you captured in Norfolk, Virginia, as well as during actual Hospital On Wheels missions in the Philippines. These include the mission conducted in 2025 among the Aeta community at the foot of Mount Barundo in Porac, Pampanga. Your footage has helped document the realities of our work and bring the story closer to its true-life roots.

To our wonderful cast, led by Allen Dizon and Sunshine Cruz, thank you for breathing life into the characters and helping share a story that is deeply meaningful to me.

To the Hospital On Wheels – HOW Team, our ever-reliable mission partners, and everyone who contributed their time, effort, resources, and support, thank you for believing in this project and standing with us throughout this challenging journey. Your contributions have helped turn what once seemed like a difficult dream into reality.

This film is more than just a movie. It tells a story of dreams, sacrifice, perseverance, compassion, and service to humanity. It is my hope that I Want to Be a Doctor will inspire people, especially the younger generation, to pursue their dreams, strive for excellence, uphold integrity, develop competence and moral character, and use their talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The journey is far from over. Much work remains before we can finally bring this film to the big screen. But today, as I look back on the challenges we have overcome and the people who have stood by us, my heart is filled with gratitude.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, maraming, maraming salamat po!

May the Almighty continue to guide us, strengthen us, and provide us with the wisdom and resources we need as we take the next steps toward completing this film and sharing its message with the world.

Together, we can change lives.

All for God’s glory.