Mon Confiado and Jericho Rosales play Emilio Aguinaldo and Manuel Quezon, the Philippines’ first and second presidents, in TBA Studios’ upcoming movie “Quezon.”
However, given the chance, the two actors would not attempt to throw their names into the political arena.
At a press conference for “Quezon” last October 7 at the historic Manila Hotel, both Rosales and Confiado were asked if they would consider entering politics.
Both answered in the negative, with Confiado first saying he never had interest in politics nor did it ever cross his mind to become a politician, and to strike his point home he admitted being unable to handle the responsibility without knowledge on governance.
To explain his answer, Rosales shared about his recent trip to Tanzania and South Africa with his girlfriend Janine Gutierrez, and singled out a walking tour in Cape Town about the late Nelson Mandela.
The anti-apartheid activist Mandela previously served as president of South Africa and was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
“We just need leaders who really care, genuinely and sincerely care,” Rosales quoted what a guide said at the end of the tour.
Rosales said that everything can be learned – pointing out he bounced around schools, learned English from watching television and never finished college – including acting and the arts, but what separates individuals is a commitment to lead.
“‘Pag wala sa puso mo at hindi talaga genuine sa’yo ang pag-care at pagsilbi sa isang tao, hindi mangyayari ‘yun, ano pa ang isang bansa?” Rosales posited.
The actor stressed his craft is his biggest love, and rhetorically asked how could he set that aside for a position of power.
“Paano ko sasabayan ang isang bokasyon at ang pamumuno ng isang bansa,” Rosales ended. “Hindi biro maging presidente, so ang hinihiling namin ay ang puso mismo ng isang presidente.”
Starring with Rosales and Confiado in “Quezon” are Karylle, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Angeli Bayani, Bodjie Pascua, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Jake Macapagal, Therese Malvar and “Game of Thrones” star Iain Glen as Leonard Wood.
Benjamin Alves will reprise his role as a younger Quezon while Arron Villaflor and Cris Villanueva will once again play the fictional character Joven Hernando at different ages.
“Quezon” directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog will hit Philippine theaters nationwide beginning October 15.